No man is an island, but it’s possible that in ministry we might feel like we’re isolated on one sometimes. The New England reality we all know is that our churches and ministries are typically not very large. The role that you are serving in most likely has some element of solitariness to it. Especially in the particular responsibilities you carry. Especially in leadership.
Women in leadership in ministry and beyond tend to be at a crossroads of expectations. They are often expected to be both meek and strong, in charge but not bossy, compassionate but not too emotional, in control but not heavy-handed, etc. This can create pressure to be perfect, to put on a facade, or to be “on” all the time. This becomes exhausting.
Online workshops always sounded like a good idea. It made sense for by design to share the training and resources that had previously only been available to women in New England, and we loved the idea of being able to expand our ministry around the world. But oh boy, it sure felt like a daunting task. With our staff already working crazy hours and our resources stretched to the limit, it just didn’t feel possible. So we put it off. For years. And then the pandemic hit.
“The shop is closed temporarily” read the sign. Immediately I suspected a case of the virus. Was I being judgmental?
When I first heard about by design ministries I wasn’t sure who they were or what they were all about. I just knew that I had a friendship with a woman named Kristi Stoughton who is on staff and I had a desire to hear about what she poured so much of her heart and time into.
This year’s Summer Sampler Series answers the question “What does by design do?” Each post will address an aspect of our ministry, as told by women who have been positively impacted. We hope that their stories encourage you and inspire … Continued
By Mary Donnelly When I was 16 and got my license, my stepdad made sure that before I was allowed to drive on my own, I had to learn how to change a flat tire and check and fill the … Continued
by Sarah Cox I spent many of my early years as a Christian being inconsistent in the discipline of reading and studying the Bible, and I so wish I could go back in time and change this. I grew up … Continued
by Rebecca Velez “I think your daughter was nearly trafficked,” the social worker said. “The police got to her in time.” My stomach dropped to my toes in pure terror. The child we had raised from a toddler and adopted … Continued
by Krisie Brown Let’s face it, life is NOT safe. From risking your heart in loving someone to stepping out to try something new, anything really worth doing is NOT safe. And let’s face it, life would be boring if it was … Continued