Lacy tablecloths and flowery centerpieces. A light brunch and "special music." After a speaker
encourages everyone with uplifting words, attendees peek under their chair to look for a
sticker. Surprise! Those with a sticker get to take home a centerpiece.

Sound familiar? It should. I've just described a women's ministry "tea," and it's a staple at
most churches. But while many women enjoy these traditional gatherings, others seek
events that are more challenging, unconventional, or relevant to the life they lead.

This is an excerpt from Amy Nappa’s article, “Not Your Mother’s Church Social” on
www.kyria.com. When I read it, I screamed across the kitchen at Scott. “YES!!!”
Thank God there are other women out there who feel like I do.

I don’t have the time (or the stomach) for decorating with doilies, coloring pictures
about ‘what God’s love means to me,’ or planting a sunflower seed in a Dixie cup
and musing about how we are just like those poor little seedlings (Are you living
like a ‘SON-flower’?). Aaaahhh!!! Why are traditional Women’s Ministries so
cheesy?!?

OK. I understand many women truly enjoy this sort of stuff (perhaps you’re one of
them and you’re still contemplating how we’re like the poor sunflower…’yeah, we
should always point toward the Son!’) and I honestly do believe girly devotionals
and silly games have a place in Women’s Ministry. What disappoints me is that
most Women’s Ministries never get any deeper than that!!! (Their soil isn’t
deep enough to keep that poor little sunflower alive as it grows…sorry, I can’t help
it now.) Why can’t Women’s Ministry, at some point, move beyond cute devotions,
popcorn prayers, and secret sisters into ACTUAL DISCIPLESHIP—challenging each
other to think theologically—to consider viewpoints that may be uncomfortable or
controversial at times, holding each other accountable for behavior without judging
or gossiping, and for pushing each other beyond “daily devotions” into actually
falling in love with Jesus?

At Catalyst, we have a lot of women who feel like I do—they’re busy, educated,
successful women who don’t have time to play games. Their relationship with Jesus
Christ is of the utmost importance, and they’re ready to work on it. At the same
time, they love challenges, adventures, and meaningful relationships. While they
proudly and boldly follow the Son, I wouldn’t dare refer to them as sunflowers.

While I’ve spent that last year cringing every time someone mentioned starting
a “Women’s Ministry” (given my nauseating repressed memories), I am thrilled to
say that the Women’s Ministry at Catalyst Church is alive and well—AND we are
quite capable of meeting the needs of the sunflowers, as well as the…well, whatever
the rest of us are.