On leading well…
As we continue our conversations on some of the key things that hinder women in ministry, this month’s topic is one that I’m sure every leader has experienced (or will experience) at some point in their ministry life.
“How do you lead well when you lack the support you need?”
Whether it’s an unsupportive family member, unsupportive leadership, or an unsupportive volunteer team/congregation – there are dozens of ways we can encounter this challenge.
As usual, I have so much to say on this topic, but here are a few specific questions we’ll discuss:
Can you name what you’re in need of?
Can you separate support from affirmation?
Can you create a rhythm that doesn’t depend on feelings?
Can you regularly make an investment in yourself?
I can’t wait to hear your individual insights and questions on this topic as well, so get ready to turn on your microphones and cameras for this discussion. It’s going to be powerful!
Sharon Hodde Miller
This past month, we were delighted to welcome my dear friend and colleague, Sharon Hodde Miller to a special gathering with all three of our Ministry Strong Cohorts. In addition to our usual monthly meet-ups, this was a great opportunity to get Sharon’s perspective on ministry life, personal growth, and how to navigate each new season of life. Whether or not you were able to join live, we hope you’ll click below to watch the replay of this powerful conversation and Q&A session!
Circling the Rim
I recently shared this on social media, but I think it’s worth repeating here…
I heard about an experiment done by a scientist in the early 1900s where he placed a group of caterpillars called "processionary caterpillars" in a circle around the rim of a flowerpot, each one's head following the one in front.
For days, the caterpillars kept marching in a circle, until they died of exhaustion-though food was nearby. Why?
2026 Ministry Strong Retreat
From my very first discussion with the LWM team about offering Ministry Strong Cohorts – I knew I wanted the experience to include an in-person retreat. While online meet-ups can be a powerful tool for uniting women across all different time zones and geographic regions, there is something truly special about an in-person gathering!
That said, I’m truly excited to invite every single member of our three cohorts to a 2026 Ministry Strong Retreat held at my event venue, The Barn at Levi Oaks. This will be a unique opportunity to finally meet your cohort members in person, spend time connecting, and celebrate all that God has done (and will do) through these groups.
Below are a few important details to help you plan and prepare, and while we realize not everyone will be able to attend, we hope you’ll make every effort to join us!
Let’s get started…
It is with great excitement that I can officially say, Welcome to the very first Ministry Strong Cohort!
As I’m sure you already can tell, a great deal of prayer, planning and coordination has gone into creating this cohort. All the applications, surveys, emails, and confidentiality agreements have finally brought us to this place – a place that I’m hoping will become a very special and sacred community for you to grow, inspire and encourage one another in a deeply meaningful way.