Orientation

BWD Committees

BCSA WOMEN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Presenter: Rev Mohanuoa Emma Mabidilala

05 October 2024
 BCSA organisational structure
Biblical role of women
Outline of Context of the Lordship of Christ
the
Unity of oneness
presentation
The role of a Pastor’s wife
BCSA organisational structure
 BCSA ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Governance structure
BCSA NEC
Office of the General BCSA
Officers, GS, Regional Reps, BWD, BMD,
Secretary Constitution
Youth, College, Minspo, Children
Support Staff

Across all structures

Regional Committee
BWD, BMD, MINSPO YOUTH, Children

Church Board, Elders,Dept, Ministries, Commissions

The BCSA is a Convention of Churches (all Constitutions should align

with the BCSA
Meets annually as the highest decision-making body
 BWD ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Governance structure
NATIONAL BWD NEC
Officers, Regional Reps
(President and Secretaries

Regional Region Region Region Region Region

BWD BWD BWD BWD BWD BWD

Church Church Church

Church Church Church
BWD BWD BWD
BWD BWD BWD
Committee Committee Committee
Committee Committee Committee

The BWD is a Convention of Churches

Meets annually as the highest decision making body
 LOCAL CHURCH BWD ORG STRUCTURE
Governance structure
Church Board
Deacons includes the Lead Pastor
Church Council
Local Church MINSPO/ Pastors (Pastor and Spouse, Deacons, Elders,
forum led by the Lead Pastor BWD, BMD. Youth, Ministries,
Commissions/Missions, Pastors Forum
Local Church BWD Committee
Elected members: President/Chairperson and Officers (Sec, Vice, Treasurer,
Organiser etc) adapted to the local church

Church Church Church

Church Church Church
BWD BWD BWD
BWD BWD BWD
Committee Committee Committee
Committee Committee Committee

The BWD Committee is constituted of church members in good standing.

The Christian Woman The Christian woman is a believer in Christ. She has submitted
her life to His authority, confessed and repented of her sins and seeks a deeper
personal relationship with her God (Jn. 3:36; 1 Jn. 1:9).
 What is the Role of the Pastor ?
Duties of a pastor – Leader of the Church Role of Pastor’s wife
• Biblical preaching & teaching (2 Timothy 4:2)
• Shepherding the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3)
• The Bible does not clearly define the role of a
pastor's wife in ministry, leaving it up to the
• Providing spiritual counseling (James 5:14)
Best Practices

denomination, church, and couple to decide.

• Leading & overseeing staff (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
• Her primary responsibility is to support her
• Prayer & intercession (1 Timothy 2:1-2) husband, according to Ephesians 5:22-24.
• Visitation & outreach (Matthew 25:35-40) However, a pastor’s call to ministry involves his
• Leading in ordinances & administering sacraments entire family, including his wife, who serves as a
(Matthew 28:19-20) helper in both home and church.
• Mentoring & discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2, 1 Corinthians • Although her role differs from the pastor's, many
11:1, Matthew 28:19) recognize her unique gifts that can benefit the
ministry. Balancing these perspectives while
• Stewardship & financial oversight (1 Corinthians 4:2) aiming to glorify God is essential.
• Practical ministry administration (Acts 20:28)
• Men and women, as equals, reflect God's image
and work together for His purposes.
• Some call her the Mother of the Church

The Pastor and his wife are Ex-Officio of all church structures
 Is the role of the Pastor’s wife clearly defined in the Bible?
• Scripture speaks in detail regarding the creation of the woman
(Gen. 1:26-27), her fundamental role as a wife (Gen. 2:18, Prov.
31:10-31) and her identity in Christ and responsibility as a
follower of God (Jn. 1:12-13). These three components should not
be separated as each is an integral part of a woman.
• Since there is no specific office of “pastor’s wife”, it is easy for a
pastor’s wife to inherit a set of (undefined) expectations from her
congregation, she feels duty bound to “just accept” all the roles
she thinks others expect her to play. BURNOUT???
• As a result, she labours under a burden too heavy for her to bear, and
forfeits the joy of serving Christ in the way He created her to serve.
Previously at BCSA, the wife of a student Pastor would also
attend classes that are meant to empower her in her role as
Pastor’s wife
 Role of women in the church?
She should minister in keeping with her God-given gifts.
• If a woman finds her identity in Christ, it will set her free from external
pressures to serve Him as He created her to do, that is, in keeping with her God-
given spiritual gifts.

• As she becomes aware and confident of her identity as a woman of God, she is
free to use the unique personality and special gifting.

• Every believer is called to the priesthood (Hybels 2004:24-25; 1 Pet. 2:9), a

priesthood which was ushered in by the events in Acts 2.

• This priesthood consists of all Christ’s disciples living in submission to Him,

giving their bodies as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1), and being indwelt by the Holy
Spirit, so that each can minister and serve others (1 Pet. 4:7-11).
 What is the biblical role of a Woman?
Fulfilment and effectiveness result, in part, from ministering in
accordance with their gifts. The New Testament abounds with
examples of women serving according to their spiritual gifts, such
as:
• Anna: “prophetess … fasting and praying” (Luke 2:36-37)
• Dorcas: “doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:36)
• Lydia: showing hospitality (Acts 16:15)
• Priscilla: teaching “the way of God” (Acts 18:26)
• Philip’s daughters: “prophesied” (Acts 21:9)
• Phoebe: “a servant of the church” (Rom. 16:1)
• Widows: serving and interceding (1 Tim. 5:3-10)
 Who do we elect into the BWD Committee?
• When electing members to serve in the Women’s Church Committee, it's essential to consider individuals
who demonstrate spiritual maturity, leadership abilities, and a strong commitment to the church's vision
and mission. Below are key qualities and criteria to consider when electing committee members:
1. Spiritual Maturity
• Criteria: Candidates should demonstrate a deep personal relationship with Christ, a strong prayer life, and
a commitment to studying the Word of God.
• Why: Members must be spiritually grounded to provide wise guidance, lead in prayer, and nurture other
women in the church.

2. Active Church Participation

• Criteria: Elect women who are actively involved in various church ministries, attending services regularly,
and contributing to church activities.
• Why: Active members understand the church’s needs and are more likely to be dedicated and enthusiastic
about advancing its mission.

• 3. Leadership Skills
• Criteria: Identify women with proven leadership skills or those who have led in other capacities, such as in
small groups, ministries, or community projects.
• Why: Leadership experience ensures they can organize, motivate, and lead effectively within the
committee.
 Who do we elect into the BWDCommittee?
4. Strong Communication Skills
• Criteria: Choose individuals who can clearly articulate ideas, listen well to others, and facilitate
discussions.
• Why: Effective communication is crucial for collaboration within the committee and with other
church leaders.
5. Commitment to the Vision and Mission of the Church
• Criteria: Ensure the women understand and align with the church’s vision, mission, and goals.
• Why: They will be responsible for organizing and leading women’s ministries that further the
church’s overall vision.
6. Diversity of Skills and Talents
• Criteria: Consider individuals with different gifts and talents, such as teaching, event
organization, counseling, or mentoring.
• Why: A variety of skills ensures the committee can handle a wide range of responsibilities and
minister to different needs within the church.
 Who do we elect into the BWD Committee?
• 7. Teamwork and Collaboration
• Criteria: Elect women who work well in a team, respect differing opinions, and demonstrate a
cooperative spirit.
• Why: The ability to collaborate ensures the committee will function smoothly, avoiding
unnecessary conflict.
• 8. Reputation and Character
• Criteria: Select women who have a good reputation both within the church and the broader
community. Their character should be above reproach (1 Timothy 3:11).
• Why: Their influence and example will set the tone for other women in the church, so integrity
and trustworthiness are key.
• 9. Mentoring and Discipleship Heart
• Criteria: Look for women who have a heart for mentoring and discipling other women, especially
younger or newer believers.
• Why: A focus on discipleship ensures that the committee contributes to spiritual growth and
fosters a nurturing community for women.
• 10. Commitment to Serve
• Criteria: Candidates should express a willingness to commit time and energy to the committee
and its activities.
• Why: This is a service role, and commitment ensures that the committee will be productive and
effective.
 Positions Within the Women’s Church Committee
• Chairperson: Leads the committee and ensures alignment with the
church’s vision.
• Secretary: Handles meeting agendas, minutes, and communication.
• Vise/Deputy Secretary: handles all matters relating to coordination of
feedback and shares responsibilities with the Secretary.
• Treasurer: Manages the financial aspects of women’s ministry activities.
• Events Coordinator: Organizes women’s conferences, retreats, and
outreach programs.
• Spiritual Leader: Oversees Bible study groups, prayer circles, and spiritual
development initiatives.
NB:The election process should involve prayerful consideration,
discussion, and, if necessary, nominations from within the church body.
Voting or consensus can be used to affirm the chosen individuals.
 What are the key objectives of women’s department?
• Spiritual Growth and Discipleship: Spiritual Growth and Discipleship focuses on deepening women’s relationship
with God through Bible study, prayer, worship, and spiritual disciplines. It emphasizes the importance of growing
in faith and understanding of God’s Word.
• Foster Spiritual Growth: Encourage women to deepen their relationship with God through study, prayer,
and practising spiritual disciplines.
• Promote Biblical Literacy: Equip women with the tools and knowledge to understand and apply Scripture
daily.
• Encourage Active Service: Inspire women to use their gifts and talents to serve the church and the broader
community, highlighting the importance of active faith.
• Facilitate Personal Development: Offer resources and opportunities for personal growth, including
leadership training, educational workshops, and seminars on topics relevant to women.
• Provide Care and Counseling: Offer pastoral care, counseling, and support groups for women facing grief,
illness, or marital and family issues.
• Cultivate Inter-generational Relationships: Encourage relationships between women of different ages
and life stages, fostering mentorship and wisdom-sharing.
• Address Social Justice Issues: Advocate for and address issues affecting women locally and globally,
such as poverty, unemployment, inequality and injustice.
• Enhance Family and Marital Health: Provide resources and programs that strengthen marriages and family
relationships, supporting women in their roles as spouses and parents. Inclusivity of all women i.e. married,
Single widowed, single divorced, and single never married.
• Fellowship and Community: Building solid and supportive networks among women, fostering a sense of
belonging and mutual support. It includes creating opportunities for women to connect, share their lives, and
build friendships within a safe and nurturing environment.
 The church: Interconnectedness to Christ?
Lordship of Jesus
Pastor/Shepherd

Elders
Christ Board

Departments e.g. BWD

Missions
Priesthood of all believers Ministries etc
 What are the challenges facing the BWD?
1. What are the clearly defined roles and responsibilities between the pastor’s wife and the
Chairperson of BWD?
2. How should activities be aligned with the church’s authority to achieve the vision of the lead
pastor?
3. What is the accountability structure of BWD, and to whom does it report at local, regional, and
national levels?
4. Should the pastor and his wife be aware of the intention and credentials of invited speakers, and
how does this relate to respect and submission to their office?
5. How should BWD align with the vision, mission, and strategic goals of BCSA at regional and
national levels? Theme: Intentional Church Growth still maintain the Vision and Mission of
BCSA
6. How should the Constitution of BWD align with the constitution of the BCSA as the mother
body?
7. How should the perception of women pastors regarding their roles relative to the lead pastor be
addressed?
8. What does submitting under the Lordship of Christ entail in the context of ministry leadership?
 Here are some potential solutions to the questions:
1. Clearly Defined Roles and Responsibilities:
- Develop a formal agreement or guideline outlining the specific roles and responsibilities of both the
pastor’s wife and the Chairperson of the BWD. This can ensure mutual understanding and avoid role
conflicts.
- Conduct regular meetings between the pastor’s wife and the BWD Chairperson to foster
communication and collaboration.

2. Aligning with the Church’s Vision:

- Establish clear communication channels between the BWD and the lead pastor to ensure that all
activities and initiatives support the church's broader mission and vision.
- Regularly review BWD plans and activities to ensure alignment with the church’s goals, and adjust
them as necessary.

3. Accountability Structure of BWD:

- Clarify the reporting structure in writing, ensuring that BWD understands its accountability to the
local pastor, church board, regional committees, and national NEC.
- Implement regular reporting mechanisms, such as quarterly meetings or reports, to keep all levels
informed and engaged with BWD activities.
 Here are some potential solutions to the questions:
4. Speaker Invitations and Submissions:
- Establish a policy for inviting guest speakers, ensuring that the pastor and his wife
approve all invitations. This will promote unity and respect for their leadership.
- Require background checks or validation of credentials for guest speakers to maintain
the integrity of the church’s teachings.
5. Alignment with BCSA Goals:
- Create a strategic plan that aligns BWD activities with the vision, mission, and
strategic goals of the BCSA, and ensure this plan is reviewed annually.
- Organize regional and national BWD workshops to align local efforts with broader
BCSA objectives, fostering unity and strategic collaboration.

6. Alignment with BCSA Constitution:

- Ensure all BWD leaders are familiar with the BCSA Constitution through mandatory
training or workshops.
- Regularly review the Constitution in leadership meetings to make sure BWD
practices and policies comply with its guidelines.
 What are the challenges facing the BWD?
7. Perception of Women Pastors’ Roles:
- Offer leadership development programs for women pastors that emphasize their unique roles
and responsibilities, while also reinforcing the structure of church leadership.
- Facilitate open dialogue between women pastors and lead pastors to clarify roles and foster
mutual respect.

8. Submitting Under the Lordship of Christ:

- Encourage spiritual formation and discipleship programs that emphasize submission to Christ
in all areas of leadership, ensuring that all leaders, including the pastor’s wife and BWD members,
model servant leadership.
- Hold regular prayer and reflection sessions, focusing on humility, unity, and Christ-centered
leadership in ministry.

These solutions aim to promote harmony, alignment, and effective leadership within the
church and BWD.