Starting a Mom to Mom Ministry
“The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng . . .” —Psalm 68:11
“teach the older women to . . . teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.” Titus 2:3–4
Begin with Prayer
As with any effective ministry, prayer is definitely “The Main Event” of Mom to Mom. In My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers says: “Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.” Careful and detailed planning must grow out of prayer if the ministry is to succeed.
We recommend that you gather a prayer team: a small group of dedicated women who have the conviction that a Mom-to-Mom-type ministry may be needed in your church. Suggested specific items to pray for are listed in the Mom to Mom Administrative Guide.
Put Together a Leadership Team
As you plan your Mom to Mom ministry, avoid placing the weight of responsibility on the shoulders of mothers of very young children as the viability and stability of the program could be jeopardized. However, it is equally important that the program be formulated with vital input from young mothers regarding what these women really need, what works and what doesn’t, and so forth. The ministry will not be any stronger than the quality of planning; therefore, putting together an outstanding leadership team is crucial.
You may be partnering with a group of churches, or you may be hoping to start a neighborhood program in your home. No matter the potential size of your undertaking, the Mom to Mom Administrative Guide has a comprehensive list of the resources you'll need to think about, as well as a description of the key roles in a strong leadership team.
The Titus 2 Leaders (Mentor Moms)
The Titus 2 Leaders who serve as group facilitators are the heartbeat of Mom to Mom. Therefore choose them prayerfully and carefully and see that they are well equipped for their responsibilities. In our fast-paced society with its ever-expanding expectations of women, these leaders may at first appear difficult—if not impossible—to find. But never underestimate the power of prayer and perseverance. Pray that God will impress on some of the older women in your church and community a heart for younger mothers and the challenges they face. In turn, these “older (more experienced) moms” may find that they are learning as much at Mom to Mom as their younger counterparts. For specific guidelines for selecting and training these women, see the Mom to Mom Administrative Guide.
