Women's Ministry
Women’s ministry at Uptown exists as a specific means to care for and enfold the women of Uptown into the life of the church. This ministry involves women caring for one another through prayer, discipleship, training, teaching, outreach, retreats, service opportunities, social gatherings and supporting one another’s physical needs. Our goal in all things is to point women to our chief and best end: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Women’s ministry is divided into three formal ministry teams, but also includes more intimate groups such as prayer triads and discipleship groups. In addition, each year we offer leadership training geared specifically towards women, as well as Sunday School classes for women in order to grow in fellowship with one another as we study God’s word together. These ministries are explained in greater detail below, with a contact person for each section if you have questions about how to get involved. We hope you will join us in these endeavors and grow in your enjoyment of the full life that is ours in Christ.
Women’s Care Team (WCT)
The Women’s Care Team (formerly the Women’s Prayer Team) is a group of women appointed by the session of Uptown Church. Their ministry is to assist the elders in praying, shepherding and caring for the needs of women at Uptown. They are presently supervised by Pastor Tom Hawkes. Their primary means of caring for the women of Uptown is to meet monthly for a time of prayer. These monthly meetings include general prayer for the life of the church, as well as prayer for specific women who come and share their requests. Women who come are prayed over by the team and all requests are kept confidential. Each woman on the care team also has a group of women that she prays for specifically, with the goal being that every female member of our church is prayed for by name over the course of the year.
The WCT members also assist the elders when a woman needs care in a crisis and participate in relational ministry with women in the church. The WCT wants to encourage all women at Uptown to care for one another, to be involved in mentoring/discipling relationships and especially to pray for one another. If you are interested in coming for prayer or desire more information about the Women’s Care Team please contact Angela Boyd 704.641.1319.
The Women’s Program Team (WPT)
The Women’s Program Team is a group of women who plan and implement programs to serve the women in the church. They are an arm of the Women’s Care Team as they often put hands to work to meet the real needs of women, whether it is an informational meeting about prayer triads or a church wide women’s retreat. If you are interested in serving on the Women’s Program Team contact Taryn Mecia 704.364.4053 or Kate Lanier 704.989.7663.
The Meals Ministry Team
The Meals Ministry is a serving arm of women’s ministry as well and organizes men and women at Uptown Church to bring meals to those who have had a baby, an illness or have experienced a death in their family. If you would like to serve by bringing a meal on occasion, or if your family needs meals provided for a time contact Sunny Green (704.523.2530) who presently heads up this ministry.
Prayer Triads
A Prayer Triad is a group of three believers who meet on a regular basis to pray together. Uptown Church encourages those in a prayer triad to confess sin to one another, to lift each other up in prayer focusing on specific personal needs and to pray for friends and family who do not know Christ. A prayer triad is a wonderful place for spiritual growth and accountability. As you meet women at Uptown you may meet others who are not in a triad with whom you could initiate this meaningful time together. You could also inquire of the Women’s Care Team who may be able to point you to other women looking for a triad. If you would like more details on prayer triads or some thought provoking questions for your current prayer triad, please contact Melissa Kruger. For further information on Prayer Triads, please review the Prayer Triad Guidelines.
Discipleship Opportunities
Discipleship groups and mentoring relationships are formed in similar ways to prayer triads, with the purpose to meet for a set time period (usually six months to a year) in order to have a women encourage another woman’s growth in the Lord. These can be one on one mentoring relationships, or small groups of 2 or 3 ladies that meet with one woman to be mentored together. A good place to start a discipleship group would be to ask a woman to mentor your prayer triad for a season. If you need resources or counsel concerning discipleship/mentoring you may contact Connice Dyar 704.845.2315.
Other Training Opportunities
Three other ways that women at Uptown Church can grow in their faith are through Sunday School classes, Leadership Training Seminars and Women’s Bible studies. Typically there are two Sunday School sessions specifically designed for women during the year. However, all of our Sunday School classes are beneficial for growth in faith, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. In February 2010, we will begin offering Leadership Training seminars once a quarter for women, geared towards helping them lead and mentor other women. These will include such topics as, “How to mentor”, “How to Teach the Bible”, “How to Confront and Counsel” in order to equip women to love and encourage one another well. We also offer a Women’s Bible study on Tuesday mornings at the church. If you are interested in helping with Sunday Schools, Leadership Training events or Women’s Bible studies, please feel free to contact Melissa Kruger.
Infertility Prayer Chain
The Infertility Prayer Chain is made up of believing couples who have experienced infertility. They are eager to pray for others who are struggling as they have. If you are experiencing infertility and would like to have these couples come along side you confidentially in prayer please call Laura Garrison 704.362.4793.
Women’s Ministry Coordinator
The Women’s Ministry Coordinator role at Uptown Church is a part-time staff position (10-15 hours). Part of her role is to serve on the Women’s Care Team, Program Team and Staff team in order to facilitate communication between women’s ministry and the other ministries of the church. She also works with the Adult Ed Pastor to develop discipleship in the church, as well as the Life Group Pastor to help with the care of women who are assisting in leading Life Groups. In general she is working with a variety of ministries in order to coordinate support for women, with a specific focus (in her personal ministry) towards caring for and developing women leaders in the church. Melissa Kruger currently serves as our Women’s Ministry Coordinator. Please feel free to contact her at melissakruger@uptownchurch.org or 704.996.6271.
Women's Ministry Resources
John Wesley's Holy Club Questions