Women's ministry in FIEC churches is a vital part of the mission of the church.
Our desire is to see women growing in their knowing of God and his word; faithfully serving Christ as Lord, in the spheres of influence they are in and in the life of the church; sharing the gospel confidently in the communities where they are living. We also want those set apart to serve as women in ministry in our churches to be equipped for the responsibilities God has called them to.
If you would like to get in contact with our Directors for Women's Ministry, Elinor Magowan or Rachel Sloan, you can do so on our contact page.
Stay in touch
You can stay in touch with what's happening for women and be encouraged by signing up to our regular emails:
Our semi-regular email for women in ministry is titled For Women, including news, features, and book reviews. You can sign up to receive these emails yourself on our sign up page.
Ministry Wife Life is written by Elinor Magowan, one of our Directors for Women's Ministry, aiming to encourage women married to men in ministry, and to enable fellowship between them. If you are married to a man in ministry and would like to receive these emails, please contact Elinor via email.
Thrive Together is written by Rachel Sloan, another of our Directors for Women's Ministry, and aims to encourage women in word-based ministry. If you are a woman in ministry and would like to receive these emails, please contact Rachel via email.
Events for women in ministry
Women in ministry and women married to men in ministry are welcome at our events and conferences for church leaders. We sometimes also have events set aside specifically for women in ministry too.
Answers for Ministry Wives
These studies especially for ministry wives can be downloaded and printed for reflection, consideration, and response.
They could be discussed with other ministry wives, reflected on individually, or worked through by husbands and wives together.
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Can I Have Friends at Church?
Elinor Magowan
Some ministry wives are given the advice not to make friends at their church. But is that really the right way?
Read Now
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When Can I Say 'No' in Church Life?
Elinor Magowan
A good ministry wife is sacrificial and always willing to say "yes" in church life... aren't they?
Read Now
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How Should I Respond to Criticism?
Elinor Magowan
Ministry wives can be acutely aware of criticism of their husbands - and themselves - that may escalate into conflict. How should they respond?
Read Now
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How Can I Be Content as a Ministry Wife?
Elinor Magowan
There are many challenges that threaten our contentment as ministry wives. When we encounter difficulties, Paul directs us to Christ.
Read Now
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Is it Worth the Effort?
Elinor Magowan
During seasons when the pressure of ministry is keenly felt, the privileges of ministry can escape you. Considering your purpose can help you hold on.
Read Now
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Do I Have What It Takes to Be a Ministry Wife?
Elinor Magowan
Feelings of inadequacy and inability can cause huge pressure in the lives of ministry wives. Considering calling and character can help.
Read Now
Leadership Blind Spots : Women
At the Local Conferences in 2021, consideration was given to a potential blind spot in our churches: that of ministry by and to women.
Rachel Sloan recorded a video which addresses what should be considered.
Complementarianism
FIEC has a Women in Ministry ethos statement which all FIEC churches need to subscribe to.
We have the following resources which we trust are of benefit when thinking through complementarianism in our churches.
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What is Complementarianism?
What is Complementarianism?
Sarah Allen
As a Fellowship, we are keen to encourage the biblical ministry of women in our churches. So what does the Bible teach about women’s roles?
Read Now
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Why are we Complementarian?
Why are we Complementarian?
John Stevens
If FIEC doesn't take a stand on spiritual gifts or baptism, why do we make a fuss about the role of men and women in the church?
Read Now
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Training Women to use their Gifts
Training Women to use their Gifts
Linda Allcock
How does a complementarian perspective affect what Biblical women’s ministry can look like in our churches?
Read Now
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Is Complementarianism Abusive?
Is Complementarianism Abusive?
Adrian Reynolds, John Stevens
What is complementarianism? Is it inherently abusive?
Watch Now
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Embracing Complementarianism (Book Review)
Rachel Sloan
A welcome addition to the thinking on how complementarianism can be put into practice for the flourishing of the church.
Read Now
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Affirming Women in Ministry
Affirming Women in Ministry
John Stevens
How should complementarian churches enable gifted women to serve in ministry?
Listen Now
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Complementarianism in Practice
Complementarianism in Practice
Paul Rees, Rachel Sloan
There have been many seminars and books on complementarianism; but how should it work in practice? A seminar from the 2022 Leaders' Conference.
Listen Now
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Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women (Book Review)
Ele Hawkins
A book that shows how women are “not incidental characters but key figures in the unfolding of God’s plans”.
Read Now
Women’s ministry
Your church might have had a recognised women’s ministry for years, or you might be talking with your elders about how to grow women’s ministry.
Whether your church is larger or smaller, city centre or rural, ministry to and by women is a vital part of church life. Whether you are a woman in ministry, an elder of a church, or interested in and prayerful for women’s ministry, here are some resources to explore.
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Developing Women's Ministry in Your Church
Developing Women's Ministry in Your Church
Phil Topham, Kathleen Nielson
An interview with Kathleen Nielson about how churches can grow women's ministry.
Watch Now
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Distinctives for Women in Ministry
Distinctives for Women in Ministry
Elinor Magowan, Kathryn Jackson, Rachel Sloan
What is life like for women in church ministry? What are the joys and challenges that are faced, particularly for women in leadership roles?
Watch Now
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Training Women: A Priority for Pastors
Training Women: A Priority for Pastors
Johnny Prime
The elders at Christ Church Haywards Heath are seeking to provide ministry training for women in the church. Johnny Prime finds out what's involved.
Read Now
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Releasing Women for Ministry
Releasing Women for Ministry
Rachel Sloan
FIEC churches have long valued women serving in ministry. How can your church release, develop and champion this essential work?
Read Now
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Women's Ministry and Depending on God
Women's Ministry and Depending on God
Rachel Sloan, Catherine Heath, Elinor Magowan
What are the joys and challenges of working with women in church ministry? What lessons have been most helpful to learn?
Watch Now
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Women's Ministry in Smaller Churches
Women's Ministry in Smaller Churches
Rachel Sloan, Elinor Magowan, Dawn Thomson, Emily Fenning
Serving women in smaller churches comes with its distinctive challenges and blessings. Two women from smaller churches share more.
Watch Now
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Unexceptional (Book Review)
Caroline Davies
Seven stories, collated by Sharon Dickens, show how ‘unexceptional’ women can do extraordinary things when empowered by God.
Read Now
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Barbie Girl, Barbie World
Barbie Girl, Barbie World
Linda Allcock
The Bible teaches us about the importance of godly women as role models. But society usually peddles a different type of role model.
Read Now
Ministry Wives
There is no job description for a ministry wife but, if you are married to a man in ministry, you are alongside your husband supporting him prayerfully and serving in the church as you are able. There are many privileges but there are also challenges.
Do look at the Answers for Ministry Wives studies. In addition, there are the following resources to help you.
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Support For and From Ministry Wives
Support For and From Ministry Wives
Caroline Haley
The role of a ministry wife can be incredibly lonely at times. Getting together with other women who understand what it’s like can be a great support.
Read Now
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Pray for Your Pastor’s Wife
Pray for Your Pastor’s Wife
Elinor Magowan
In such a demanding season for a pastor’s wife, your prayers for her are valuable and will bless the whole church.
Read Now
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Help! I’m Married to my Pastor (Book Review)
Elinor Magowan
Jani Ortlund shares her experiences and reflections as a pastor’s wife to encourage those who follow in her footsteps.
Read Now
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Moving the Family
Moving the Family
Carolyn Lacey
One of the realities of ministry is that God’s call might move you to pastures new. What effect can such a calling can have on your family?
Read Now
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Giving Thanks
Giving Thanks
Elinor Magowan
It’s important to give thanks and avoid grumbling as we serve Christ. But how can we always be thankful in our work and ministry?
Read Now
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Changing Times
Changing Times
Elinor Magowan
Elinor Magowan reflects on the assurances we’re given by God when we experience changing seasons in our own lives.
Read Now
Book reviews
Here are suggestions for personal reading or for reading as part of a book group. In addition, the For Women newsletter contains book reviews in every issue.
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Priscilla, Where Are You? (Book Review)
Elinor Magowan
Natalie Brand’s book is a timely and helpful challenge to women in our churches to commit to joyful theology.
Read Now
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Busy (Book Review)
Rachel Sloan
In a world of being busy, Ian Carmichael helps us understand what God’s plan is for our busyness and our rest.
Read Now
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If Only (Book Review)
Rachel Sloan
For those who have experienced life’s disappointments, Jennie Pollock helps cultivate godly contentment.
Read Now
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Help! I’m Married to my Pastor (Book Review)
Elinor Magowan
Jani Ortlund shares her experiences and reflections as a pastor’s wife to encourage those who follow in her footsteps.
Read Now
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Held (Book Review)
Elinor Magowan
In this book Abbey Wedgeworth reflects on God’s comfort and care in the sorrow of miscarriage.
Read Now
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Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women (Book Review)
Ele Hawkins
A book that shows how women are “not incidental characters but key figures in the unfolding of God’s plans”.
Read Now
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The Envy of Eve (Book Review)
Elinor Magowan
Melissa Kruger offers insight and challenge for Christians looking for contentment in a covetous world.
Read Now
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Unexceptional (Book Review)
Caroline Davies
Seven stories, collated by Sharon Dickens, show how ‘unexceptional’ women can do extraordinary things when empowered by God.
Read Now
Latest resources
Our most recent podcast episodes, studies, articles, and more especially relevant for women in ministry.
We hope you find our resources for women in ministry helpful. If there is anything else you need help or advice with, please get in touch.
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Different, Yet the Same: Is Complementarianism Unjust?
Different, Yet the Same: Is Complementarianism Unjust?
Linda Allcock, Johnny Prime
How can we pursue gender justice whilst distinguishing between those who equally share God’s image? A seminar from the 2023 Leaders' Conference.
Watch Now
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Discipling Women in Church Life
Discipling Women in Church Life
Joel Murray, Pete Gower, Janette McCool
Why is it important to have a focus on reaching and discipling women in the life of the church?
Watch Now
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Can I Have Friends at Church?
Elinor Magowan
Some ministry wives are given the advice not to make friends at their church. But is that really the right way?
Read Now
-
Embracing Complementarianism (Book Review)
Rachel Sloan
A welcome addition to the thinking on how complementarianism can be put into practice for the flourishing of the church.
Read Now
-
Support For and From Ministry Wives
Support For and From Ministry Wives
Caroline Haley
The role of a ministry wife can be incredibly lonely at times. Getting together with other women who understand what it’s like can be a great support.
Read Now
-
When Can I Say 'No' in Church Life?
Elinor Magowan
A good ministry wife is sacrificial and always willing to say "yes" in church life... aren't they?
Read Now
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Offering Hope to Domestic Abuse Victims
Offering Hope to Domestic Abuse Victims
Elinor Magowan, Rachel Sloan, Helen Thorne
What do churches need to consider when it comes to domestic abuse, and how can they walk alongside and help victims best?
Watch Now
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Releasing Women for Ministry
Releasing Women for Ministry
Rachel Sloan
FIEC churches have long valued women serving in ministry. How can your church release, develop and champion this essential work?
Read Now
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Caring for Anxiety Sufferers
Caring for Anxiety Sufferers
Elinor Magowan, Rachel Sloan, Helen Thorne
Anxiety can be experienced by anyone. So, how can we respond to our own anxiety, and how can we help others in the church to cope?
Watch Now
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Women's Ministry in Smaller Churches
Women's Ministry in Smaller Churches
Rachel Sloan, Elinor Magowan, Dawn Thomson, Emily Fenning
Serving women in smaller churches comes with its distinctive challenges and blessings. Two women from smaller churches share more.
Watch Now
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Is Complementarianism Abusive?
Is Complementarianism Abusive?
Adrian Reynolds, John Stevens
What is complementarianism? Is it inherently abusive?
Watch Now
-
Women's Ministry and Depending on God
Women's Ministry and Depending on God
Rachel Sloan, Catherine Heath, Elinor Magowan
What are the joys and challenges of working with women in church ministry? What lessons have been most helpful to learn?
Watch Now