Introduction to

Women’s Ministries

Leader Certification – Level 1

Women’s
Ministries
Time Line

• 1844 Ellen Harmon

receives her first
vision.
• 1896 Mrs. S. M. I. Henry
joins the SDA Church
after attending Battle
Creek Sanitarium for
treatment.

• 1898 March 30, Mrs.

Henry given a ministerial
license by the General
Conference. She begins
work of Women’s
Ministries encouraged by
Ellen G. White.
• 1913 Dorcas Society
becomes part of the
Home Missionary
Department, later the
Lay Activities and then
the Personal Ministries
Department. It focuses
on helping the poor.
• 1915 Ellen White dies.
• 1996 - EAD, EUD,
and IAD establish a
Women’s Ministries
Department. First
Women’s Ministries
World Advisory held
in March.

• Dorothy Eaton
Watts chosen to
replace Rose Otis
who resigned to
become a Vice-
President for the
North American
Division. 
 Overview of Women’s
Ministries Programs and
Resources
• Scholarship Program
• International Women’s Day of Prayer in
March
• Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day in June
• Abuse Prevention Emphasis Day
• PALS Program
• Women’s Ministries Handbook
• Leadership Certification
• Resource Materials
• Seminars
• Newsletter
• Devotional Book
• So You Want to Begin a Literacy
Program
• Women’s Ministering Evangelism
Manual
• Women’s Ministries web site:
http://wm.gc.adventist.org
• Abuse Emphasis brochure
Conditions of Women in Bible
Times

Leadership Certification
Level 1
 Musical
Instruments
Principles of Effective
Leadership
Leadership Certification
Level 1
“Leadership is the presentation by a
person of some identifiable goal or
vision or future state that people can
desire; and the generation of
willingness within these people to
follow the leader along a socially
responsible and mutually beneficial
course of action, toward that goal.”
Effective Leadership Characteristics

• Commitment to God
• Leaders need to have a sense responsibility
for service and contribution to others.
• Strongly defined sense of vision and be able
to clearly articulate it.
• The vision has to be shared and it has to be
meaningful and make sense to the people
who are involved.
 Effective Leadership Characteristics (Cont) …

• To be effective leader you must be a

continual learner.
• Leaders must…be seen as trustworthy.

• They have to be open in their

communication.
• The work will be far more effective when
done by a team.
 Effective Leadership Characteristics (Cont) …

• The Leader will not overreact to negative behaviors,

criticism, and human weakness.
• Effective leaders constantly provide opportunities for
others to develop leadership skills
• Enthusiasm is a motivating behavior
 Effective Leadership Characteristics (Cont) …

• All leaders have to face problems at some

time.
•  Without problems there would have been
no improvements.
• The leader must be able to communicate
well and she must be able to listen just as
well.
 Effective Leadership Characteristics (Cont) …

• Leadership is always moving

toward a future goal.
• The effective leader needs to be an
efficient time manager and be
organized.
Leadership Certification
Level 1
Women’s Needs Assessment in the
Local Church
 Personal enrichment
 Education in life skills
 Spiritual growth
 Enjoyment of friendship
 Assistance in the healing process
 Better economic situation
 Outreach
 Nurture
 Financial Security
 Accessing Your Community

 Meet with your committee

 Begin with prayer

 Make love foremost

 Get to know your church

members
 Become acquainted with your

neighbours
 Surveys will identify leaders
“Let every individual member of the church ask himself
(herself), What part can I act to win souls to Jesus Christ?”
…
Welfare Ministry p. 166
 Challenge
Go forward in faith knowing that the Lord is with you and
will guide you