LM-A Women of Faith
LM-A Women of Faith Groups
Lutheran Mission - Australia earnestly seeks to enrich women’s daily walk with God by nurturing Women of Faith Groups for women of all ages. LM-A wants to encourage a coming together of women in their congregations, nurturing relationships, fostering a deep sense of belonging, and cultivating connectedness as members of the body of Christ Romans 12:4-5 . God created us to be in relationship with Him and each other; what a blessing this is!
Women play a vital role in our Church as carers and nurturers who positively influence their families, live out their God-given vocations, and serve the wider community with compassion.
We value and affirm the many roles women hold - as wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and colleagues - and recognise the unique contributions they make in each sphere of life. We are committed to supporting and encouraging women as they participate and serve across their families, workplaces, and educational settings 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Starting a Women of Faith Group in your congregation
When can we begin? How many women do we need to start a group? LM-A Women of Faith Groups can begin now, noting there is no minimum number of women Matthew 18:20.
Where can we meet? Anywhere that facilitates the studying of God’s word and prayer, including homes.
Who can be involved? Congregations may support the establishment of one or more Women of Faith Groups to accommodate women with various commitments and responsibilities including but not limited to mothers with young children, tertiary students, working women, and women of wisdom in the senior years. No matter their vocation, LM-A seeks to foster opportunities for women to meet together.
If a congregation has multiple groups, the groups are encouraged to work on joint projects and look for opportunities to serve and celebrate together.
Faith Group priorities
Under the spiritual care and oversight of the Pastor*, women are encouraged to meet and
engage deeply in the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), ask questions, seek understanding, encourage one another and share testimonies of God’s goodness
pray with and for each other (Colossians 1:9)
extend Christ’s love across local, national and global contexts (Philippians 2:4) by supporting mission projects and serving the wider church.
Program Outline and Resources
A detailed program with accompanying resources is available now. It includes two years’ worth of Bible Study resources checked and vetted by pastors. In the absence of a pastor, written answers to all sections of the Bible Study are provided for the leader. A prayer toolbox is offered as a support for leaders. An upcoming LM-A Women of Faith Induction Forum will provide further information and resource details.
We recognise women come from all contexts and walks of life. Some women will have been involved in a women’s group for many years, while other women may have never been involved in a group. While using the prepared program outline is encouraged, the details are not intended to be prescriptive; rather to provide comprehensive resourcing as women establish groups.
Structure
LM-A Women of Faith Groups will operate under the banner of the local congregation and its governing structure (constitution). Individual women’s group constitutions are not required. Congregations who are not yet formally constituted, may register their interest to begin a group through their LM-A Pastoral Contact*.
Steps to starting your Women of Faith group
1. Discuss your desire to start a new group with your Pastor *
2. Pastor* appoints Women of Faith Group leader/s. Leader/s are appointed annually by the Pastor.
3. Email your intent to begin a group, including the name of your group leader, and your pastor* to
womenoffaith@lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au
4. Complete a Women of Faith Group Induction Forum: in-person or online.
5. Download resources from Circle and begin. Please note: you need to be a member of Circle to access the resources.
Current and future development
An overarching Strategic Plan has been prepared to ensure scripture is embedded throughout all planning and development. This document creates national consistency as groups are established all over Australia. It also prepares the way for future conversations about the development of state and nation-wide engagement and mission.
During 2027, LM-A will bring together a group of women to review the need for national coordination through a Registered Services Organisation (RSO).
Keeping in touch
LM-A Women of Faith information is now available on the LM-A website. Further updates will be shared in future LM-A newsletters and on social media. If you have any questions or want to talk through the possibilities, please email: womenoffaith@lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au
May the Lord bless the men and women of the Church as they support and establish Women of Faith groups across the country that do life together, study the Word of God, pray with and for each other, and shine Jesus’ love to the world.
Grace and peace,
Helen Vonow
Leader, LM-A Women of Faith
* Congregations without a pastor please email womenoffaith@lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au LM-A will provide guidance in this matter.