Getting into the Word…
by Deaconess Heidi Goehmann
Often times one of the most common struggles I hear from ministry wives is that they
have a hard time finding a safe place to gather around the Word with people. We should
definitely embrace Bible study opportunities in our congregations and share ourselves with
them. This is healthy for us and for our congregations, but when work, children and/or time
schedules prohibit this, or difficult relationships put a strain on sharing intimately, then
adding another means to gather around the Word, in a place of safety and refreshment is
vital for our spiritual health! Deuteronomy 18 invites us to constantly be looking at and
discussing the Word with one another – I promise you, this isn’t Law. God’s Word running
through every thread of our lives and thoughts flourishes us, which is all Gospel, my friend.
Some options to keep us in the Word with others regularly include:
 Coffee with a local friend over a Lifelight study or devotion book, once a week
or once every two weeks
 Grab a Seminary friend or another ministry wife who lives afar and text a
scripture verse to one another daily or a couple times a week. See where the
verse takes the conversation via texting.
 Read some Christian fiction with a family or group of friends that might not
otherwise read the Bible regularly. Find the jewels of Scripture tucked into the
book and discuss it casually or more formally in an email group or at your
house with dessert.
 Join an online Bible study! This may seems like a bit of an advertisement, but
below you can find the information for our Fall Women’s Bible Study starting
September 21st. The Theme is Philippians 4:8. You can read the study
independently, grab a local friend to do it with or join a Ministry Wives specific
Facebook discussion group.
Philippians 4:8 Online Bible Study…
This study is an 8 week study. You decide how much time you can commit to each
week. Every option is designed to get you into the Word and create community around the
Word! The study begins Monday, September 21st at www.ilovemyshepherd.blogspot.com.
Join by “following by email” in the top right hand corner of the blog.
If you have 10 minutes a day…
Do the study 5 days a week. Each day will take you about 10-15 minutes to complete.
Get behind? Catch up on the weekend or skip a day or two! You will not be “lost” in any way
if you miss a day or more.
If you have 30 minutes a week…
You choose – read 1, 2, or 3 posts during each week. Again, you will not be lost in any
way by choosing only realistically what you can do!
If you have 30 minutes a day…
Add community!
Join in the discussion by commenting on the blog posts or by joining a Facebook small
discussion group at the I Love My Shepherd Facebook Page. Posts will be available in the
discussion group each day, Monday-Friday, for ease of use. There are 12-20 participants per
small group.
Don’t forget your Scripture engagement tool! Use the Word of the week page to further
work out the Word in your heart and life. Color the page as you pray and contemplate. Write
notes regarding the passages; write the passage or citations within your page.
The study begins Monday, September 21st, or jump in anytime thereafter!
If you have any questions, or if there is any way I can help you get into the Word and
we can spur one another on, please do not hesitate to contact me at
[email protected]