IMG_3108Embedded in this post is a video from a community girls’ Bible study. Lydia Shoemaker is leading a study called Becoming A Woman of Excellence by Cynthia Herald.

For almost two years, a group of high school girls has been meeting weekly for prayer, encouragement, and Bible study, and I have been abundantly blessed to be the adult that gets to “open the door and turn on the lights.” That really is my role as I see it. These girls are leading and encouraging one another, and I am only there to offer support and maybe bring a snack from time to time. I have been a part of many student ministry groups, but I’ve never witnessed anything like this fellowship of gals. There is an amazing sense of unity, love, and Scriptural admonition one for another. Many churches and denominations are represented, yet a oneness as described in the New Testament has been established among the girls.

Check out what a few of the girls are saying:

“Monday Bible Study helps me recover from the happenings of the past week. On Mondays, I can clear my mind, hang out with friends, and dig deeper in my relationship with God. Every day of the week I look forward to Bible Study and wonder what we will study about next, and it is always something good. We keep each other up to par, and I couldn’t imagine not spending my Monday afternoon with my beautiful girls.” – Ashley

“It is a place where I can come and be encouraged and spiritually renewed, while also learning and growing in my faith with girls my age.” – Alex

“Our Bible study is a place where I feel that I can seek wisdom, support, and encouragement that is based on God’s Word. I love the freedom we have to ask questions and give advice to each other.” – Alexandra

“Girls’ Bible Study is a group that I can bring my struggles to and I know they will pray for me and help me. It helps me learn about making wise decisions about life, and the girls help hold me accountable for my actions. They love me and I know they are always there for me.” – Lydia

“Bible study is an opportunity to get into the Bible and focus on issues that we as growing teenage girls struggle with. We take those struggles and look to the Bible to see how to deal with them spiritually.” – Manning

Adopted by the girls as their “motto verse” is Hebrews 10:23-25. It says,

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Each week, we join in acknowledging our personal weakness and our need for encouragement, and then we set before us the purpose of our time together that is outlined in the Hebrews passage. We gather to stimulate (or spur on) each other to becoming more like Christ. In our language, we’re each other’s spiritual cheerleaders, and our time together is our spiritual pep rally.

I want to extend an invitation to all 9-12th grade girls. Please feel free to join us for this weekly Bible study that meets Mondays 4:30 pm at the Covenant Ranch on Highway 79. If you have any questions, please leave them as a comment on this post.