In The Salvation Army USA Western Territory, we want ministry to women to flourish, grow, and thrive. Below are easy links to information on our website, that should answer questions you have about ministry to women and also offer other insights and helps to make sure ministry to women is flourishing in your local corps.
Ministry to Women Guidelines and Ideas
Our Fundamental Purpose explains the aim, purpose and expectations of ministry to women in your local corps.
If our ministry to women is to grow and flourish, we need our roots to go deep in Christ. Our purpose in programming, while it includes fun and fellowship, is ultimately to lead women into a deeper relationship with Christ. A program with deep roots is one with a rich spiritual focus. Your Roots, Your Strength
There are endless possibilities of what ministry to women can look like in your local corps. Below are guidelines for several programs.
Home League Guidelines will explain the aim, purpose, and all the details about Home League.
Junior Home League Guidelines will explain all the details of having a Junior Home League program, for girls ages 11-15.
Baby Song is an exciting Salvation Army outreach program for babies, toddlers and their parents.
Women’s Ministries Special Events highlights some extra possibilities for ministries to women: holding a Women’s Sunday, as well as Divisional Events and Leadership Institutes.
Leadership Development
As women of The Salvation Army, it is vital that we take the opportunity to assess our own emotional, physical, and spiritual health on a regular basis. Flourishing in life starts with caring for ourselves well so that we can care for others well. It is vital to assess where we are in these areas and make a reasonable plan for how to be a loving, wise, and mindful steward of ourselves and others. Healthy Work/Life Balance for Soul Care
Qualities of a Leader helps identify the qualities you should be looking for in women to develop them local leaders.
Revamping or Refreshing Ministry to Women
Is ministry to women feeling a little stale? Answer the questions on A Fresh Assessment to help you see new possibilities for ministry to women in your community. Defining What We Value will help you with a list of possibilities for new ministry to women opportunities.
All About the Numbers – Statistical Information and Financial Guidelines
If you ever have questions about how to report ministry to women on your monthly statistics be sure to check out the Statistical Quick Reference.
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Flourish-Logo-Full-Color.png11821390Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-06 10:55:092023-10-06 13:53:45A Guide for Ministry to Women
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory BABY SONG STATISTICAL REPORTING
Baby Song is an exciting Salvation Army outreach program for babies, toddlers and their parents. Baby Song provides an opportunity for: parents to assist their babies in language development and interaction through music; babies to experience developmentally appropriate songs, activities and games; parents to build relationships with other parents; parents to gain parenting tips and information; and to reach out into the community.
As Baby Song crosses over boundaries, not just applying to one age group, but to the whole family, it has been decided to record Baby Song attendance as stated below. It is important that there is consistency around the territory in recording the program, so please contact the Territorial Youth Department or Women’s Ministries Department, should you have any questions regarding this.
As a Baby Song session consists of two separate sections, it can be recorded as two meetings in the following way:
The Baby Song/Music Section
Count attendance in Cradle Roll line 3310. Include everybody – children, parents, leaders, helpers.
The Fellowship Section
Count parents (if majority are women) in Women’s Ministries line 3001–option code 33:
Any activity during the Baby Song/Music Section should be recorded under the Cradle Roll (line 3310). If the parents and children are together during the fellowship section, you will only count the parents in Women’s Ministries line 3001–option code 33, not the children.
It is important to note that there needs to be some spiritual aspect to record Baby Song as Women’s Outreach. It can be in the form of a prayer, a ‘thought for the day’, or a Scripture verse.
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory STATISTICAL QUICK REFERENCE
Women’s Ministries is the umbrella term that covers all ministries offered to women in The Salvation Army, which includes Home League and Women’s Ministries Groups. Where Home League falls under WM group, International Headquarters requires special reporting as it is an international program. Statistics should be reported on NSS Corps form as follows:
Line 3001 Women’s Ministries Line 3001-31 Home League (meetings, attendance, volunteers, volunteer hours) Line 3001-33 Women’s Ministries Groups Participants (meetings, attendance, volunteers, volunteer hours) There is no membership for WM group. Please add non-Home League members, first-time participants, per program year. Line 3001-34 Women’s Ministries Corps Special Event (meeting, attendance, volunteers, volunteer hours)
Line 3003 Junior Home League Junior Home League – Junior Home League is a self-esteem development program for girls, ages 11-15 years old. It provides insight to personal improvement and skill building, and serves as a mode to encourage the four elements – Worship, Education, Service and Fellowship. The Junior HL will also provide a link to full acceptance as a Home League Member. A Junior Home League member may become a Home League Member when she reaches the age of 14 years, if desired, and membership may automatically be transferred. Meetings can be held weekly, bi-monthly or monthly according to need and local circumstances.
Record membership of Jr. Home League. Record meetings, attendance, volunteer, and volunteer hours. ** NOTE: Do NOT record girls attending HL meetings here. This line is for established Jr. HL groups **
A record must be kept of each group, with names, address and attendance. This register will be examined by the reviewing officer at the time of the Women’s Ministries Review and Revision, and a report will be sent to the Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. Home League meetings, attendance and volunteer hours may be counted and reported on the NSS form, line 3001—option code 31. Women’s Ministries Group meetings, attendance and volunteer hours may be counted and reported on NSS form, line 3001—option code 33.
DIVISIONAL SPONSORED EVENT
When special events are hosted by the Divisional Women’s Ministries Department such as: one day institutes, rallies, leadership training, divisional event planning, multiple day events including camps, retreats, conferences or similar events, the statistics are to be counted as follows:
Line 3002 Women’s Ministries Events. Record attendance, volunteers and hours. ** NOTE: No corps units should be using these lines.
Line 3002-601 Women’s Ministries Events – Camps. Record the number of meetings/sessions in Women’s Ministries camps for fellowship held, and the combined total attendance. Line 3002-602 Women’s Ministries Events – Rallies. Record the number of meetings/sessions in Women’s Ministries rallies held, and the combined total attendance. Rallies are gathering for Women’s Ministries; may include prayer meetings for a purpose. Line 3002-603 Women’s Ministries Events – Conventions. Record the number of meetings/sessions in Women’s Ministries conferences and gatherings for networking, and the combined total attendance. Line 3002-604 Women’s Ministries Events – Institutes. Record the number of meetings/sessions in Women’s Ministries and the combined total attendance. Institutes are gatherings for learning experience.
⦁ Divisional Headquarters Reporting. Every individual meeting/session is to be counted by the Division on a divisional line 3002.
Example: for a one-day event that includes three sessions with planned programming, the total number of meetings/sessions is to be (3). For a multiple day event every meeting/ session with planned programming is counted. For example, if there are two united sessions on Friday, four united sessions on Saturday, two united sessions on Sunday, the count for the event is 2+4+2=8. A meal with no program is not considered a session. If the meal is a banquet with programming, then it may be counted as a session. If the meal has only a prayer and song, it is not counted as a session. If a workshop time is scheduled with 6 individual workshops, the workshop period is counted as 1.
Every session/meeting will have an attendance recorded. Divisions are not to simply multiply their total registration by the number of sessions. A recorded individual attendance is combined for all sessions/meetings and then recorded on the attendance line. In the event of a workshop period, the combined total attendance of all the workshops is recorded. Divisions are asked not to submit the total registration for workshop periods with the assumption that every registered participant attends a workshop.
⦁ Corps Reporting. Number of days of event times number of delegates equals meetings/attendance recorded on line 3001-34. (3 days = 3 meetings)
COMBINED MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE
Several Corps may join together for a one-time area meeting for fellowship, leadership training, or special interests, etc. Every Women’s Ministries group from various corps will report its own figures on the corps NSS. The sponsoring Women’s Ministries group must not report the total figure. Each corps will count one meeting and the attendance of their corps ladies only.
If it is a combined Women’s Ministries meeting, each local corps will record their attendees on the NSS report line 300I–option code 31 for regular meetings. If it is a combined Women’s Ministries program, each local corps will record their attendees on the NSS report line 3001—option code 33.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES CORPS SPECIAL EVENT
A Women’s Ministries Group Event is a program for women only with the purpose of evangelism and outreach, such as: a corps women’s retreat, a mother daughter banquet, a community hosted Women’s Ministry meal (breakfast), Local Leadership training, Bike-A-Thon, Walk-A-Thon, Prayer Walk. There is no membership for a Women’s Ministries Group Event. This is not a family event, please see Other adult groups/family activities. Attendance for a Women’s Ministries Group Event is recorded on the NSS form line 3001-34 titled Women’s Ministries Corps Special Events.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES FUND-RAISING EVENT
When a Women’s Ministry fund-raising event is held on a day other than the regular meeting, it would be counted and recorded on line 3220 — Other Adult Group/Family Activities, and the total attendance recorded.
When the fund-raising event is on a regular Women’s Ministries meeting day, the pre-event time (time needed to set up, give instruction, etc.) should be counted as the regular meeting. The Women’s Ministries members there and others attending would be recorded under Other Adult Group/Family Activities — line 3220. These will be recorded in NSS as follows:
Home League Regular (line 3001-31) or Women’s Ministries Group Participants (line 3001-33) 1 Attendance of the group (in pre-event time) 20 Other Adult Group/Family Activities (line 3220) 1 Attendance (during the fund-raising event) 35
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Women’s Ministries Local Officers are considered to be volunteers, and their time at Women’s meetings should be counted as volunteer service.
If a Women’s Ministries Group is purely spiritual in nature (for example, a weekly Bible study or Home League worship service) no volunteer hours may be counted.
When Women’s Ministries Group participants are involved in community or corps projects, their hours may be counted as volunteer hours as a WM Group/HL.
The Corps Officers are never considered volunteers in any WM activities.
SOLDIERS & ADHERENTS MADE THROUGH PROGRAMS
Line 1510 Soldiers Made Through Programs. Record the number of soldiers added to the roll as a direct result of Women’s Ministries.
Line 1515 Adherents Made Through Programs. Record the number of adherents added to the roll as a direct result of Women’s Ministries.
SEEKERS
The statistical count of seekers or converts in Women’s Ministries should represent the number of women indicating a definite decision or response for conversion, holiness or consecration. This decision could be demonstrated by kneeling at the altar but could also include other expressions of intent such as raising of hands, standing at one’s seat, decisions in home, office, or elsewhere should be counted as seekers.
Line 2405 Adults Seekers Section 1. Record the number of seekers 14 years of age and over, not entered in the Seekers’ Register, and not listed on the Recruits’ or Soldiers’ Roll of any Salvation Army Corps. (First time seeker in TSA)
Line 2410 Adult Seekers Section 2. Adult Seekers Section 2 – Record the number of seekers 14 years of age and over, previously entered in the Seekers’ Register, or listed on the Recruits’ or Soldiers’ Roll.
FAMILIES LINKED TO CORPS THROUGH WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
Line 3005 Record the number of new families linked to the corps as a direct result of a women’s ministry program.
BABY SONG Baby Song is an exciting Salvation Army outreach program for babies, toddlers and their parents. Baby Song provides an opportunity for: parents to assist their babies in language development and interaction through music; babies to experience developmentally appropriate songs, activities and games; parents to build relationships with other parents; parents to gain parenting tips and information; and to reach out into the community.
As Baby Song crosses over boundaries, not just applying to one age group, but to the whole family, it has been decided to record Baby Song attendance as stated below. It is important that there is consistency around the territory in recording the program, so please contact the Territorial Youth Department or Women’s Ministries Department, should you have any questions regarding this.
As a Baby Song session consists of two separate sections, it can be recorded as two meetings in the following way:
The Baby Song/Music Section
Count attendance in Cradle Roll line 3310. Include everybody – children, parents, leaders, helpers.
The Fellowship Section
Count parents (if majority are women) in Women’s Ministries line 3001–option code 33:
Any activity during the Baby Song/Music Section should be recorded under the Cradle Roll (line 3310). If the parents and children are together during the fellowship section, you will only count the parents in Women’s Ministries line 3001–option code 33, not the children.
It is important to note that there needs to be some spiritual aspect to record Baby Song as Women’s Outreach. It can be in the form of a prayer, a ‘thought for the day’, or a Scripture verse.
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory HOME LEAGUE
While Home League is a Women’s Ministries program, it is an international fellowship with specific required guidelines.
MOTTO “I will live a pure life in my house…” (Psalm 101:2b, Good News Bible).
FOUR-FOLD AIM
The four-fold aim is central to the Home League. In order to reach the objectives of the Home League program successfully, the programs must be varied and interesting, thus maintaining the attention of the members and attracting new women. To ensure balance, variety and interest, the program must include these four elements:
Worship – to encourage spiritual growth and give opportunity to receive Christ (that we might know more of God and His will concerning us)
Education – to enhance personal and family life skills, and inform of social and moral issues affecting the community, the nation, and the world (that we might improve our skills and develop our powers of thought)
Fellowship – to nurture wholesome relationships and foster meaningful fellowship (that we might share in happy Christian comradeship)
Service – to produce active participation in giving and doing for others in the corps, community, nation and the world (that we might learn to know the joy of giving and doing for others)
PURPOSE
The fundamental purpose of the Home League is:
To win women for Christ, encourage spiritual growth, and provide Christian fellowship
To promote a purposeful life
To work toward the betterment of the home, the community, the nation, and the world
To recruit soldiers and link families to the fellowship of believers
HOME LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP
Person Eligible
After attending Home League meetings for a minimum of four weeks, not necessarily consecutively, women fourteen years of age and over, whether married or single, saved or unsaved, are eligible for membership in the Home League.
Recruitment of new members should be ongoing by all members of the Home League.
Membership Card & Pin
Upon enrollment each member receives a membership card and is eligible to wear either the Home League or Women’s Ministries pin, not both at the same time. Either pin should be presented to each member at the time of her enrollment. The membership card, duly signed and supplied by the Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary, should also be given at this time. Membership cards and pins may be available from the Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary office or through Tradewest.
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
Members are encouraged to attend Home League meetings and activities regularly.
A woman who attends Home League meetings in two corps should be recorded as a member of one Home league and a visitor of the other.
Men who attend Home League meetings should not be recorded on the Home League roll but their attendance may be counted.
WEEKLY DUES
Each member and prospective member is encouraged to pay weekly dues determined by the Corps Home League. This is a contribution only. When any member is unable to make the usual contribution, this must not prevent her from being welcomed at and participating in the meetings.
ROLLS
An official Home League members’ roll should be kept by the Home League Recorder, always available to the Home League Secretary and Corps Officer or other authorized person and brought up-to-date annually at a meeting of the Women’s Ministries review and revision team. Upon enrollment the names, addresses and enrollment dates of the women must be entered into the database.
It is important to have a record of the address and phone numbers of every member. Birthdates and other important data are helpful so that cards may be sent and special days acknowledged. When working with groups, it is important to have emergency contact names and numbers. Some HL groups have their members and regular attendees fill out forms requesting this information. The forms are kept in a binder and available whenever the group meets. It is updated on a yearly basis or as changes occur.
REVISIONS OF CORPS HOME LEAGUE ROLLS
The Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary, or her representative, will review the records of every Home League annually, in the presence of the corps officer/officer-in-charge/corps administrator, the Home League Secretary and other local officers as available. The Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries will ensure that this review takes place in accordance with territorial policy. (See Procedures for Removal of Home League Members under this section).
Home League Records
The official membership and visitors record book is kept by the Record Sergeant (Home League Recorder if warranted). This should include those members who are interested in the Home League but unable to attend meetings because of ill health, infirmity or personal reasons.
Home League funds are kept in the corps custodial account, in accordance with Salvation Army policy.
A minute book should be kept by the Record Sergeant.
Where necessary, a history book should be kept by the Record Sergeant.
Membership cards are issued by Divisional Headquarters.
An up-to-date inventory of Home League equipment should be kept.
Procedures of Removal of Home League Members
According to USA National and Territorial guidelines for the Home League, names may be removed from the Home League rolls of members who have:
Passed away
Moved away
Transferred to another League
Requested removal
Been absent for at least twelve (12) months, provided the member has been visited and every effort has been made for her return
In cases other than death or transfer, every effort must be made to contact the member being proposed for removal through one of the following ways:
Telephone call
Letter
Personal visit
HOME LEAGUE MEETINGS
Meeting Content
The Home League Secretary is responsible for meetings as planned by the Quarterly Planning Council. Meetings will include worship, education, service and fellowship, in accordance with the fundamental purpose and national objectives of Women’s Ministries. Regular meetings should include:
A devotional period
Announcements of the corps
Invitation to members and their families to attend corps activities Meetings may include:
Enrollment service
Worship programs that encourage spiritual growth and give opportunity for the women to receive Christ
Educational programs dealing with such concerns as social, moral or ethical issues; information on practical matters, such as health and family issues; crafts and home management
Fellowship programs that include informal celebrations of birthdays, holiday observances, etc.
Service programs that give members opportunity for active participation in helpful projects for the corps, community, nation and the world
Suggested meeting procedure (the format is flexible; variety is the key)
A warm welcome
Introduction of visitors
Devotions
Business
Recording of attendance and dues – weekly
Finance report – monthly or quarterly
Committee reports as necessary
Announcements
Program feature
Courtesies
Refreshments
Benediction
The format used for meetings in many leagues is to rotate the four program emphases (worship, education, fellowship, service) on a weekly basis. In other leagues the four elements are carried out in each meeting. There is no set pattern. It is important to remember that the four elements should be implemented in program planning.
DISCONTINUING A HOME LEAGUE
Discontinuation of an established Home League will need approval from THQ. Corps Officers contact the DWMS for the proper guidelines.
What if what we traditionally think of as a “program” is actually just a community?
Flourishing in life doesn’t always come naturally, but it has a greater chance to when a place is created for a gathering, where women come together, and find just what they need for life: connection, belonging and community.
What does gathering look like if you focus on building community around needs, interests, or seasons of life?
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/linkedin-sales-solutions-IjkIOe-2fF4-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg17072560Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-03 11:31:282023-10-03 11:31:33Defining What We Value
A new and fresh design for a ministry to women has to begin with an assessment of what has been done in the past – whether it is working well and bearing incredible fruit for the Lord or needing a new and fresh start. We need to ask the question of what is working or not working in reaching the women in our communities.
Gather your ministry to women leaders and work through these questions together. This is a key time to assess what already exists for women in your corps and what needs a fresh and innovative approach to ministry.
Dream BIG! What does a vibrant and flourishing ministry look like to you? If you had all the resources you need, what would you do with them to attract and meet the needs of women in your communities?
What ministry does your corps offer women? Who are the women that come? What are their interests? Why are they coming? What needs do you meet for them?
Who are the women that do not come anymore? Is there anyone in the corps that is still in contact with them? Has anyone visited them or sent them an invitation to a ministry to women event or meeting?
Who are the women that come to other corps activities, but not to a ministry to women event or meeting? Be honest, why haven’t they come? What unmet needs might they have?
Who are the women who surround The Salvation Army in your communities? Is there a shelter, an apartment complex nearby with moms, or older adults? What are the unmet needs of female clients that visit our social services? Who are the moms with kids that come to youth activities? What are their unique needs?
What are the age demographics of your city? Is it primarily retirees, young people, working moms, others?
We don’t usually “ooh” and “awe” over the beautiful look of tree roots. We don’t always see them and even when we do, they’re not always beautiful but boy are they essential to growth and flourishing! Without deep roots, the plant dies. Roots need space to expand and that’s why sometimes if a plant is left in a small pot, it can get root bound. The growth is stunted, and you never see the real beauty because it’s not given room to grow. However, transplanting the plant to a larger pot can work wonders! It’s amazing the growth and beauty that can happen as a result!
As we engage in ministry to women, there is a good lesson here for us. If our ministry to women is to grow and flourish, we need our roots to go deep in Christ. Our purpose in programming, while it includes fun and fellowship, is ultimately to lead women into a deeper relationship with Christ. A program with deep roots is one with a rich spiritual focus.
As women of The Salvation Army, it is vital that we take the opportunity to assess our own emotional, physical, and spiritual health on a regular basis. Flourishing in life starts with caring for ourselves well so that we can care for others well. It is vital to assess where we are in these areas and make a reasonable plan for how to be a loving, wise, and mindful steward of ourselves and others.
Healthy Work/Life Balance:
Be honest with where you think you’re at emotionally, spiritually & physically. Are there any of these areas in need of nurturing, rethinking, and refreshing?
Do you have a healthy work & life balance? If not, how can you adjust your daily life to be more balanced?
Does your time with God feel balanced and spiritually filling for you?
Can you set (and keep) boundaries that are healthy and reasonable?
Do you have time for rest and renewal?
In what ways do you take time to refresh and restore your soul on a regular basis? Is this enough or do you need to add something else that’s life giving?
Daily time with God that isn’t rushed and feels like a relationship, not a daily duty
Spiritual retreats (one day or weekends)
Sharing a meal with family & friends
Time to journal your thoughts & feeling
Walks, hiking, the beach or being out in nature
Play music & dancing, worship
Prayer walks just with you and God
Exercising in ways that you enjoy
Down time with your spouse or close friend
Do you have a mentor or close friend to support you when:
Heavy emotions are weighing you down
Life throws you a curve ball and stress is running high
You’re losing your joy for life and ministry
You need accountability to maintain a balanced life
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Women’s Ministries is the umbrella term that covers all ministries offered to women in The Salvation Army, which includes Home League and Women’s Ministries Outreach Groups.
Fundamental Purpose – Women’s Ministries Mission
To win women for Christ, encourage spiritual growth, and provide Christian fellowship
To promote a purposeful life
To work toward the betterment of the home, the community, the nation and the world
To recruit soldiers and link families to the fellowship of believers
Aim Women play a vital and definitive role in shaping society through their influence in the home and family. The aim of any Women’s Ministries program is to provide Christian fellowship and practical help that will benefit not only the individual and her family, but also the nation.
Programming of meetings and activities should be varied and informative and include the four-fold purpose of:
Worship Education Fellowship Service
Expectation A variety of Corps programs can be used to win women (and their families) for Christ, to minister to their needs, and to encourage their spiritual development. Among these: the Home League is unique in that common requirements must be followed to ensure its international unity and maintain the worldwide fellowship.
Minimum Standards – 24 combined Home League and Women’s Ministries meetings Observance of Women’s Sunday, Annual Meetings and World Day of Prayer Involvement – Corps, World Services, Territorial, Divisional, Corps Projects (financial/in-kind)
Where there are several women’s group leaders, one should be appointed as the corps Women’s Ministries Secretary.
Spiritual: Intimate relationship with God Sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit Jealous for God’s honor, not her own Devoted to prayer & Bible study Committed to God and His Word Committed to personal growth
Working: Regular Attendance & Support of Corps Team Player Wears Salvation Army uniform (if soldier) Faces and deals with issues Thinks before acting (…or speaking!) Serves, motivates, and can delegate to others
“Truly, the best thing any of us have to bring to leadership is our own transforming selves.” Ruth Haley Barton ~ Strengthening The Soul of Your Leadership
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