Being a woman in ministry has its challenges.
There are seasons in ministry when I pour myself into others and quietly wonder if anyone sees me. The long hours, the unseen work, and the weight of caring for students can leave you feeling alone or underappreciated. In those moments, God reminds me that I am called, valued, and part of His plan.
Throughout scripture, we see Jesus interacting with women and giving them meaningful roles in His redemptive story. From the beginning of His ministry, women traveled with Him and supported Him out of their own means (Luke 8:3). He had transformed their lives, and they served Him faithfully, meeting His and supporting the ministry God had given Him.
Jesus Saw Mary Magdalene
One of these women was Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). My favorite part of her story takes place in a garden.
Jesus had just risen from the dead, but Mary didn't know it yet. Early in the morning, while it was still dark, she went to the tomb where His body had been laid (John 20:1).
When she arrived and saw that the stone had been removed, she ran to tell Peter and John. They came to the tomb, saw that it was empty, and returned home. But Mary stayed.
There, in her grief and confusion, Mary encountered the risen Jesus. He called her by name, and she recognized Him. Then, He commissioned her with the extraordinary news of His resurrection (John 20:1-18).
Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni" (which means, Teacher).
Jesus said to her, "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, My God and your God.'" (John 20:16-17)
In that garden, Jesus saw Mary, called her by name, and entrusted her with a vital role in sharing the news of His resurrection. She was not overlooked. She was part of His story.
He Sees You, Too
God chose Mary Magdalene and many other women in scripture to serve Him. And He has chosen you, too.
God values the role He has called you to in ministry. He sees you in the moments when you wonder whether anyone notices your efforts. He knows the long days, the difficult conversations, the prayers prayed in private, and the love you pour into your students.
Even when your work goes unnoticed by others, your faithfulness matters. Listen to His voice as He calls you by name. Let His Word remind you of who you are and whose you are.
You are called. You are valued. You are seen.
We See You
Thank you for the long days, late nights, and weekends you give so that your students know they are loved and valued. Thank you for your preparation and attention to detail that help create safe places where students can belong.
Thank you for showing up consistently, even when ministry is difficult, and for modeling what perseverance looks like. Thank you for teaching God's Word so students can know Christ as Savior and grow closer to Him.
Thank you for investing in the next generation so girls see that they, too, can lead, serve and play an important role in God's story.
Your work matters. Your presence matters. And you deserve encouragement and community, too.
You Don't Have to Serve Alone
We spend so much of our time creating spaces where students feel known, supported, and encouraged. But who creates that space for the women who lead them?
We need places where we can be honest about ministry, encourage one another, and grow together.
In Matthew 28, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were instructed to tell the disciples of Jesus' resurrection. Later, Jesus commissioned His followers to go and make disciples. From the resurrection onward, the message was meant to be shared. We are part of that same calling today, and we are not meant to carry it out alone.
We are better together! That is why we at NNYM are creating a space specifically for women serving in youth ministry. I want to personally join us for The Garden, a monthly virtual gathering for women who understand the unique joys and challenges of serving with students.
The Garden is a place for you to be seen, encouraged, and belong. It's a space for personal, professional, and spiritual growth, where women in student ministry can build meaningful relationships with others who understand their calling.
You spend so much time investing in others. Let us invest in you, too.
Come find your place in The Garden.
Meets: Second Thursday of the month, beginning January 14
Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST
Location: Online via Zoom