Recently, our culture has seen new hashtags and names swirling to the forefront concerning women in our society. The #MeToo movement and other current stories continue the debate on the needs and circumstances of women.

The pain, struggle, anger and bewilderment of many women today lead us to ask where we should go from here. We can all agree that women are hurting and confused.

We, as a Church, cannot discount or overlook the issues affecting the women of our congregations. Why should the church minister specifically to women? And how do we navigate ministering specifically to women?

God created women for relationship. Women are designed by God to fulfill a unique calling. When women understand how they are designed, they can begin to embrace the unique imprint God has placed on them, and they can begin to pursue the full life He offers.

Throughout history, the cultural role of women has changed greatly. However, the essence of how women respond to these changes has not. The call women have to relationship is a direct reflection of the Creator. His intentional design is what sets women apart. We see in Genesis 1:26 that God created man and woman. The text uses the pronoun “us” for God.

In her book What Women Tell Me, author Anita Lustrea writes, “It is our first clue that God exists in community: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We were made in the image of a Trinitarian God. We are created for — born for — relationship.”

We cannot discount or overlook the issues affecting the women of our congregations.

The creation account in Genesis reflects God’s intention to create humankind in His image, both male and female. As we understand the design of women, and some of the differences between men and women — besides the obvious biology and physiology — mentally, emotionally and relationally, we see that women are relational beings.

The women who come into our churches need specific intentional care from other women — healthy, relational ministry, which should include the following facets.

• Presence: Because relationships are so important to women, simply “being there” is extremely important. The ministry of presence can bring hope and healing.
• Understanding and compassion: The understanding one woman brings to another can be a catalyst for healing and strength. Because most women process emotions verbally, the need for a compassionate, listening ear is imperative.
• Meaningful conversation: This opens the door for biblical instruction and guidance; it is more effective than simply providing a step-by-step resolution.
• Example: Living godly lives and sharing lessons learned from our own experiences can make a lasting impact on one another.
• Appropriate, loving touch: Expressing healthy touch to women demonstrates care and affection. As women, we can provide safe expressions of touch that affirm women — such as taking their hand or offering a hug.

As leaders, we should strive to live in such a way that we can say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

In her book Shepherding a Woman’s Heart, author Beverly White Hislop writes, “Today, women have to be intentional about finding ways to enter community, to connect with one another. The need for input, care, and shepherding from other women is heightened even further because these kinds of relationships are not readily available. They are not built into the everyday life of most women.”

Because no one in society is as well-equipped to care for women as other women, those who have experienced the love of God should be ready to share that love with hurting, wounded women who walk through our church doors. We, as a church, need to create intentional, relational ministry to women seeking refuge from the world’s confused ideas of the role of women today.

Sunday, Feb. 25, is National Women’s Ministries Day in the Assemblies of God.