Below you will find links to resources that guide and encourage women engaged in all kinds of ministry.

What is the mission of by design ministries?

by design ministries is dedicated to the equipping and development of women for ministry that will advance the kingdom of God with a special emphasis on the needs related to New England.

Our mission is to equip and encourage women to influence and serve others for Christ. We accomplish this through events, educational tools and classes, ministry resources and developing relationships that encourage and equip women to grow in Christ and increase their competency to minister to others. Women, properly trained and confident of their God-given abilities, are positioned to make an eternal difference. We are committed to the discovery, development and deployment of women and their God-given design for kingdom service. Here is a sampling of what the Lord has done during the past 20 years:
  • Over 7,000 women attended our Women in the Word conferences.
  • Over 6,000 women participated in our Leadership Training initiative.
  • Over 10,000 women are in touch with our ministry.
  • Over 120 leaders have been involved in our Together group ministry.
  • Our first two educational kits on designing women’s ministries have been printed.
  • Our ministry has impacted women from over 400 churches, representing 25 denominations, plus scores of non-denominational churches.
  • Our website and an electronic Woman to Woman newsletter reaches thousands of women.
What we believe the Lord is leading us to do in the future:
  • We will make available by mail and the Internet more of our Leadership Educational Kits of our Leadership Training classes.
  • We continue to increase the number of our regional Together support groups for women leaders throughout New England.
  • We are expanding the use of electronic and technological avenues to maximize learning opportunities for women.
  • We are partnering with New England churches, organizations, and women's ministries to maximize our effectiveness.

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What is the significance of the name?

Because of their strategic involvement in the home, workplace and community, women are uniquely designed to be able to contribute significantly to reaching our world for Christ. God has created us for a purpose. Through our various roles, giftedness and callings, we can make an eternal difference in the lives of those around us. This ministry is committed to assisting women in the discovery, development and deployment of their God-given design for their lives.

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Staff, Acting Board of Directors, Leadership Team

The Lord has provided a committed and gifted staff from various churches and organizations to work in this ministry. Ours is truly a team effort!

Staff, volunteers and consultants:

Sarah Bartley from Beverly, MA is the Graphic Designer and manages the website and eNewsletter.
Susan Moody from Middleton, MA is a Graphic Designer for special projects.
Linda Moore from Chelmsford, MA is the Director.
Betty Nicoletta from Westford, MA is the Financial Affairs Administrator.
Stephen Rodman from Lampert, Hausler and Rodman, in Chelmsford, MA provide legal counsel.
Shirley Whiddon from Simsbury, CT writes for and edits various projects.
Scott Wilson from Acton, MA is the Database Trainer and Advisor.

Instructors, Directors of Women’s Ministries and hundreds of volunteers across New England.

Acting Board of Directors:

Diane Averill - Diane is employed by her denomination, The Christian Reformed Church, as a small group trainer and consultant. She is the author of several Bible studies and has served in a variety of capacities with both Vision New England Women’s Ministries and by design ministries. She has also been involved in pastoral ministry for thirty-five years with her husband, Brent.

Phyllis Bennett – Phyllis has extensive ministry experience; serving as a Director of Women’s Ministries, published author, and adjunct seminary professor. She and her husband, David, have been involved in pastoral ministry for over 30 years; serving in a variety of churches as well as teaming up on short-term assignments to teach overseas.

Gigi Busa – Gigi serves with The Navigators, an interdenominational and international mission. For 20 years she served as Director of Women’s Ministries at her church, while also ministering regionally and nationally as a speaker and on leadership teams. She is also one of three authors of a newly published Discipleship Series. Gigi will serve as Clerk for by design ministries.

Nancy Frick – For eighteen years, Nancy has provided leadership and direction to the Women’s Retreat at Camp Berea. This ministry has reached thousands of women across New England. She has also served as Linda's assistant under Vision New England’s Women’s Ministries, serving in various capacities for several years. Nancy has an extensive business and management background.

Janna Hoiberg – Janna owns her own business and is a Certified Business Coach with ActionCoach Colorado Springs. She hosts her own live weekly radio program. A former New England resident, Janna worked as General Manager of AXIS in Marlboro, MA. Janna makes it back to New England at least twice a year and will serve as Vice-President of our by design ministries board.

Linda Moore - Linda served as Director of Vision New England Women's Ministries for over eight years before founding by design ministries in July 2007. Currently, she serves as Executive Director for this ministry. Besides serving as a  women's ministry director and worship leader for several congregations, she also is a former ICU nurse, speaker, recording and concert artist, and women’s ministry consultant. Linda and her husband, Gary, have been involved in church ministry for over 30 years.

Betty Nicoletta – Betty has served as Administrative and Ministry Assistant for by design ministries and is a former Director of Joy Bible Study in Acton, MA. In many ways, she is a “product” of our ministry; having been further equipped through our Women’s Leadership Training classes. Betty will serve as Treasurer for by design ministries.

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How does ministry happen?

Although the Acting Board of Directors does give input about ministry direction and strategy, they are not always involved in the day to day particulars of planning the ministry; we rely on another team of leaders from across New England to help in this process. These women are on the front lines of ministry, many of who are, or have, served in the area of women’s ministries in their churches and denominations. Our effective and dynamic partnership has been developed over the course of many years.

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Financial concerns

How is by design ministries supported?
Our ministry continues to be supported by contributions from individuals, women’s ministries and churches. As a non-profit ministry we raise all funds for salaries and ministry expenses.

Will donations be tax-deductible?
We have applied for 501 c 3 status and are awaiting recognition.

How can I join the financial support team of by design ministries?
Individuals or organizations wishing to support by design ministries financially may send their gifts to: by design ministries, P.O. Box 571, Carlisle, MA 01741. Checks should be made out to “by design ministries.”

Can I support you through electronic bank transfer?
Yes! Those who wish to donate electronically may do so with Enterprise Bank in Chelmsford, MA by design ministries’ account number is 430298. The bank’s routing number is 011302742. You will need to direct (or re-direct) your donations by speaking to a representative at your bank.

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Leadership training ministries

I have been working on the VNE/WM certificate program for Leadership Training (LT). Will this program continue?

Yes, this program continues. See the Leadership page for more information. The homework should now be directed, either by email or regular mail, to by design ministries. Go to contact info to find out how.

What are Leadership Training Kits?

Our leadership training initiative consists of 24 classes that are currently being offered across New England at various conferences and venues. (More information about these classes is available on our website.) Our goal is to make these resources available to women who cannot attend classes on site. The Kits include a class outline, handouts and a recording of an actual class.

When and how can I obtain the by design ministries Leadership Training Kits?

Two of our Leadership Training Kits are currently available: Designing a Women’s Ministries Part One: Laying the Foundation and Designing a Women’s Ministries Part Two, Planning the Program.  These kits are available for $90.00 if you purchase both.
Individually they sell for $59.95. The cost includes shipping and handling. You may contact our office if you have question or if you wish to purchase these kits.

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Resources

Will the Speakers' Directory continue to be available?

Yes, the Speakers’ Directory is a by design ministries publication and is available for free on this website. If you desire a hard copy, there is a small fee for postage and handling.

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Other questions

Do you need volunteers to help either on an on-going basis or for special projects?

Yes! Administrative assistance is always appreciated. Additionally, we need more facilitators for our Together groups.

How can I pray for this ministry?

In particular, pray for the Acting Board of Directors, the Leadership Team that oversees our Together group ministry, and the staff as we seek the Lord’s direction for this ministry. Pray that the Lord would continue to provide for our financial needs. This is His work supported by His people.

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