Continued from the home page... 2010 offers us a fresh beginning, a new calendar with clean pages and uncharted time. Let's commit our hearts and minds to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's determine to be whole and holy through the power of His Spirit and the direction of His Word. Let's pray that the Lord will help us, individually and collectively, to make a difference. To use a phrase coined by Lynne Hybels in her book, Nice Girls Don't Change the World, let's be "dangerous women!"
Lynne explains, “Dangerous women are college students and empty-nesters, young moms and grandmothers, women crossing lines of age, race and culture; women mentoring one another and sharpening skills; women volunteering time, raising money, thinking creatively, taking risks, reinventing their lives, following their God-given dreams.
Dangerous women; world changing women. That’s what I want to be and that’s what I hope you will be. All of us. Together. May we be dangerous women. May we be women who acknowledge our power to change and grow and be radically alive for God. May we be healers of wounds and righters of wrongs.
May we weep with those who weep and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. May we cherish children, embrace the elderly and empower the poor. May we pray deeply and teach wisely. May we be strong and gentle leaders.
May we never hesitate to let passion push us, conviction compel us and righteous anger energize us. May we strike fear into all that is unjust and evil in the world. May we dismantle abusive systems and silence lies with truth.
May we shine like stars in a darkened generation. May we overflow with goodness in the name of God and by the power of Jesus. And in that name, and by that power, may we change the world. Dear God, please make us dangerous women.”
This past December David (Hoppie) and I (Grammy) had the awesome opportunity to spend a little time with 4 year old Bryce, 20 month old Joshua and little Addie Lynn who was born December 15, 2009. Oh, what joy! Through the exhaustion of the holidays, one evening while traveling to yet another Christmas gathering, we were energized and refocused as Joshua lifted his little light to sing to the top of voice "won't let Satan blow it out."
Let's let our lights shine. Pray, fast and claim God's promises as you determine to reach the lost and strengthen the believers. Let's be ablaze for God's glory ... on fire and filled with faith ... let's be "dangerous" and light up our world for the cause of Christ! Lynne Hybels encourages us. "Never doubt that a community of thoughtful, committed women, filled with the power and love of God, using gifts they have identified and developed, and pursuing passions planted in them by God—never doubt that these women can change the world.”
We hope that you will join us on a regular basis, share your ideas and gain insights from others. We would love to hear from you. If you would like to find out more about the Church of the Nazarene, click here. Please feel free to contact me, Cheryl D. Roland, cdroland@juno.com or contact the Northeastern Indiana District Church of the Nazarene Office, District Superintendent David G. Roland, neids1@juno.com, (765) 644-8950.
| xxxxxxxx xxxxxx In an interview with Cheryl Roland, Cheryl answered some relevant questions:
How did you become involved with Women’s Ministries? How did this involvement affect you personally? Your ministry?
It was the fall of 1988 when the invitation came; life was already full of challenges. My husband pastored a growing church, we had two active little girls, and I was suffering from crippling phobias that made travel, eating in restaurants, and sleeping in hotels almost impossible. However, as the Lord led, I accepted the invitation to serve as the Dallas District Church of the Nazarene Women’s Ministries Director. Little did I know God would use that assignment as a catalyst to peel off layers of fear, doubt, and anxiety. Through the power of His Holy Spirit, I was set free from bondage and filled with a love for God and others that propelled me to serve! From then until now I have been planning and preparing District Women’s Ministries Retreats, traveling all over the country, and eating and sleeping in heavenly peace! My mission? Women all over the world need to know that Jesus saves, heals, and delivers!
If a church is reconstructing its Women’s Ministries, what advice would you give? In other words, what are the key elements of Women’s Ministries?
Gather a group of willing workers together and seek God’s direction through prayer. Establish purpose and mission statements and goals. What does God desire to do through your group to meet the needs of your congregation and of your community? Organize. Consult resources such as The Women’s Ministries Handbook for Leaders, Women Mentoring Women by Vicki Kraft, and Women’s Ministry Handbook by Carol Porter, among others. Determine to offer Bible studies and discipleship as well as fellowship.
Plan carefully and prayerfully so every meeting counts for Christ! Take a survey and specifically tailor events to the needs of women in your congregation and community. Blend the generations (Titus 2:4-5) and evaluate every gathering in light of your mission. Women need to know God’s Word is relevant and with God’s help they can love their husbands, raise Christian children, work outside the home, balance their finances, cook, shop, and do laundry for His glory!
Recently you’ve been involved in the development of PoWeR—Pastors’ Wives Resources? Why do you believe this ministry is important?
A pastor’s wife is an ordinary person in an extraordinary role where the expectations of others can be unattainable. Anger, loneliness, a sense of inadequacy, and lack of spiritual fervor are temptations that breed despair. The need for pastor wife resources is great. It is my prayer PWR will be instrumental in empowering and equipping this special group of women and that we will point them to the Source of strength and wisdom – JESUS!
| xxxxxxxxx | About Us 
Northeastern Indiana District
Church of the Nazarene
District Superintendent David G. Roland,
(765) 664-8950, neids1@juno.com
Women's Ministry Director Cheryl D. Roland, cdroland@juno.com
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
www.nazarene.org
The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, tracing its roots to an anniversary date of 1908. It was founded to spread the message of scriptural holiness (Christlike living) across the lands. Today the Church of the Nazarene is located in 151 world areas. The Church of the Nazarene is a Great Commissionchurch.We believe that God offers to everyone forgiveness, peace, joy, purpose, love, meaning in life, and the promise of heaven when life is over by entering and experiencing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are called to take this message to people everywhere. The Church of the Nazarene is also a holiness church. We believe that Christians can experience a deeper level of life in which there is victory over sin, power to witness and serve, and a richer fellowship with God, all through the infilling of the Holy Spirit. With almost 23,000 congregations, our vision and mission embraces the entire world. Each local congregation of the Church of the Nazarene is a faith community ready to greet you in Jesus' name. There you will discover opportunities not only to encounter Jesus as your Savior and Lord but also to grow as a follower of Christ. Local churches offer worship, opportunities for serving others, fellowship, and training. We invite you to experience the unique fellowship of your nearby Church of the Nazarene. CLICK HERE
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