Leadership Development Resources
One of the main focuses of the Leadership Development Committee
is to provide ideas and resources for Member Development.
Leadership Development Chairman.....................Cheri Jones
Leadership Development Assistant.......................Christa Vandervort
Check out the multiple resources available on the LWML website (links highlighted below)
Leadership Development Resources - One of the purposes of the Leader Development Committee is to offer resources to women to discover, develop, and strengthen their unique God-given gifts and therefore participate in a meaningful and encouraging way as a servant leader.
Leadership Development Newsletter - Monthly articles - Growing Your Group & Servant Leader Chat
Articles posted below are from LWML National 2023-2025 Group Development Committee:
Julie Hatesohl, Cinda Poppe, Jennifer Gierke (Chairman), Arlene Naasz (Vice President of Organizational Resources)
Joy in Service
(Posted January 22,2026)
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:1–2).
A servant leader takes joy in serving the Lord. Christian leaders understand that joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit gifted to us by God through faith — a part of our daily lives that we share with people around us. Lutheran Women in Mission sing with the Psalmist these heartfelt words: Serve the LORD with gladness!
Unfortunately, the hard fact is that there are days when leaders feel robbed of joy. Servant leaders might feel guilty because they do not joyfully serve, but feel obliged to fulfill their duties. A wise servant leader will realize that her team members might have the very same feelings. A wise leader remembers that joy and happiness are two different things. While happiness comes and goes, depending on external circumstances, joy continues on, even when not felt, because it is based on what Jesus did for her.
How do servant leaders tap into their joy again? How do they help others around them rediscover joy? They pray for God to reveal His truth about joy to themselves and others in need. They immerse themselves in the Word, finding solace in the promise of Baptism uniting them with Christ’s saving grace. They seek out Christian friends and family to walk with them through difficult, joy-robbing times and share with them the peace and joy that comes at the end of those trials.
The renewed knowledge of being a forgiven child of God in all circumstances — happy or sad, easy or difficult, feeling joyful or not — will bring His peace and that peace will guard all hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, nothing in the world can take that joy away!
Use the opening devotion, Living in the Spirit … Gives Me Joy, to open a team meeting or do the multi-session Bible study, Experience the Joy — Then Share It, together as a team.
Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader
Be the Light of Christ
(Posted 12/19/2025)
Advent is a season of anticipation, of quiet waiting, and of preparation for the coming of Christ. Advent also calls to mind the unique way we, as Lutheran Women in Mission, embody hope, nurture life, and carry light into a world longing for peace.
From Mary, the mother of Jesus, we draw a powerful image of Advent living. In her, we see the first bearer of Christ’s light. Her journey reminds us that waiting is not passive; it is active, intentional, and often courageous.
As Lutheran Women in Mission, we have an opportunity – or perhaps an obligation – to carry on that legacy. We reflect the light of Christ through acts of service, compassion, and quiet strength. Whether it is through giving gifts, offering a helping hand, or giving encouragement to those in darkness, we carry the flame of faith forward, one small spark at a time.
As Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). During this Christmas season, let us remember our call to shine brightly in every place we dwell.
What Does This Mean?
(Posted 10/27/2025)
In a recent visit to another country, I struggled to communicate when I needed to ask for directions. There was a language barrier that was frustrating at first, but eventually, with the help of a translation app, I was able to get to where I was going.
It makes me wonder how frustrating it can be for someone who wants to become a Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML) member. We have our own “language”, including abbreviations in how we speak and our written announcements.
Making sure we know our audience and not assuinge they know all the terms and phrases we typically use in LWML is a way to help grow our groups by being inviting and encouraging to others.
- The LWML App (lwml.org/app) provides tools for communicating within your congregation as well as between your group, zone, and district.
- You can also check out the New Group Welcome Packet for an overview of LWML basics.
- The Lutheran Women in Mission FOCUS on Jesus videos are also a great way to learn more about the LWML.
At Pentecost, the Apostles were able to speak different languages to communicate with everyone. Three thousand people converted that day after Peter spoke and shared God’s Word. Paul states in his letter to the Corinthians: but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me (1 Corinthians 14:11).
By using Lutheran Women in Mission resources, you’ll be able to help others understand our “language” and Serve the Lord with gladness! (Psalm 100:2).
Team Challenges
(Posted 9/13/2025)
Dear Servant Leaders,
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).
I thoroughly enjoy interacting within a team. I’ve learned that teamwork is essential in many areas of everyday life and work. Teamwork allows individuals to pool their skills, knowledge, and efforts to achieve goals that might be unachievable solo.
However, even the most efficient teams experience challenges. Typical challenges within a team include poor communication and lack of trust among members.
Communication can break down in a team due to many reasons. Simple misunderstandings and the lack of clear direction can hinder collaboration and lead to frustration within the team. It is helpful to identify one member of the team who can facilitate the team getting back on track and finding common ground.
Trust is a key building block of all relationships and is especially important in teams. When team members don't trust each other, it can impede cooperation and open communication. To build trust, team members should be willing to share their gifts and intentionally make room for others to share theirs.
A strong team provides a mutually supportive network, offering encouragement and assistance during challenging times. Team members strive to follow Christ’s example, listening with love and speaking with wisdom.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the opportunity to listen and understand members within the team. May our openness reflect Your love and grace. Strengthen us, guide us, and empower us to lead with wisdom and compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For another reminder on overcoming challenges, read the devotion, Struggles and Challenges — Oh, My!
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Listening
(Posted 7/13/2025)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand (John 10:27–28).
During worship service, I look forward to speaking my confession of sins and hearing the forgiving words of absolution. It’s at the moment of absolution, I close my eyes, bow my head, and listen to the words, “You are forgiven all your sins.” What wonderful words of life to hear! What joy we have when we listen! When I hear those words of forgiveness, I rejoice that God has forgiven all my sins.
The power of listening extends also into our daily lives. In a spiritual context, listening to God’s Word is crucial for discerning God’s will. We hear the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit guides us by that Word and molds us to be more Christ-like.
Listening is an act of compassion with one another. It allows us to be present for others in their times of need, offering support and comfort. This mirrors the compassion of Christ, who listened to those around Him, providing solace and guidance.
Listening shows respect and empathy, making others feel valued and understood. Listening can foster trust and deepen connections. When people feel heard, they are more likely to open and share their thoughts and feelings. This openness can lead to greater collaboration and problem-solving, as well as a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Holy Spirit, we thank You for the reminder of listening to Your Word and to each other. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For another reminder on listening, I encourage you to listen to the Mustard Seed devotion, The Word: Wisdom for Living: Listen Up!
Your sister in Christ,
Lucy,
Lucy Servant Leader
Brought to you by the 2023–2025 LWML Leader Development Committee Shari Miller, Chairman; Nicole Dowdell; Lois Teinert; and Arlene Naasz, Vice President of Organizational Resources, Advisory
Are you finding it difficult to keep your local LWML Societies active?
(Posted February - 2024)
CHECK THIS OUT!!!
Our District LWML Board is hoping to help the societies and congregations of our district to enhance and supplement meetings and activities. We especially hope these ideas might encourage you to keep your LWML going even if you can't do a regular formal business meeting.
- Collect mites. Put a mite collection box in a prominent place, make sure everyone has a mite box! Ladies, gentlemen, kids! Once per quarter ask for loose change from folks at the end of the Sunday service to send to mites.
- Host a once a month/week ladies Bible study using LWML resources, Quarterly, Mustard Seeds, etc.
- Get together at Starbucks or other Cafe casually once a month/week. Do a short devotion and just chat.
- For younger gals, maybe a Moms & Tots kind of day. A Bible study, snack & kid friendly activity at church or maybe a library meeting room.
Here are some more ideas from National LWML:
- Throw your church a kitchen shower to replenish kitchen supplies.
- Host a baby shower for a local pregnancy center. Have cake & punch, and invite ladies in your church to bring a baby gift.
- Take an interest poll in your group and invite a guest speaker to come speak to your group.
- Have a baking party and take cookies to the shut-ins/elderly members of your church. Include Bible study in your visit.
- Host a Pinterest Night! Start with a devotion. Take turns selecting a project to complete. Bring snacks and the recipes to share!
- Have a group dinner, either pot-luck or at a restaurant.
- Collect items for Health Care Kits/School Kits/etc., and have a meeting where all you do is construct the kits.
- For a fun summer meeting, go to a snow cone or ice cream parlor for a sweet treat and devotion.
- Book a party at a canvas or ceramic painting place.
We hope this will give you some good thoughts/ideas on how to preserve and
reinvigorate your LWML society.
