Women's Ministry
A Volunteer's Guide to the Women's Ministry Engagement Journey
"Come with me and I will teach you."
WM Executive Team
Women's Ministry Volunteer Workbook
We are so glad you are here. The fact that you are holding this workbook means you have taken a step — perhaps a small one, perhaps a courageous one — toward something more. That step matters. You matter. And you are seen.
This workbook is your personal companion through the Women's Ministry Volunteer Engagement Journey. It is not a checklist or a performance review. It is a guide — a gentle, relational map that helps you understand what to expect at each stage of your journey, so you can move forward with confidence, clarity, and peace.
"We don't stand ahead and send women forward — we come alongside them, modeling faith, extending belonging, and inviting them into their next step in Christ."
Throughout this journey, you will be welcomed, known, and walked alongside. You will have space to reflect, to pray, and to discern. You will not be rushed into responsibility. You will not be assigned a role before you are ready. This ministry believes that community comes before responsibility, and that identity comes before activity.
Use the reflection pages at the end of each phase to write, pray, and process. There are no right or wrong answers — only honest ones.
Welcome to the journey. We are honored to walk with you.
With love, the Women's Ministry Executive Team
The Women's Ministry exists to connect women at every level of capacity — not just those who are ready to lead or serve in a formal role. Whether you come with a heart to lead, a desire to serve faithfully, or simply a need for connection and belonging, you are valued, welcomed, and intentionally walked alongside here.
Our goal is not to rush you into responsibility. It is to meet you where you are and invite you forward — at your pace, in your season, with your gifts.
The tone and tenor of the Women's Ministry volunteer team is evangelistic at its core. We serve with a "There you are" posture rather than a "Here I am" posture. Our heart is to notice, pursue, and invite — to walk alongside our sisters and say, "Come with me and I will teach you."
This posture is modeled after Matthew 19:18–22, where Jesus engages relationally, invites personally, and calls people into a next step rather than performing for visibility. Every volunteer, regardless of role, is first a relational ambassador of Christ — creating pathways for women to belong, grow, and encounter Jesus.
Throughout Scripture, God forms His people through relational partnership, not isolation. From the beginning, the question was asked: "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). In Christ, the answer is restored to yes — and we are called to watch over one another's lives with love, accountability, and spiritual care (Hebrews 10:24).
This is a mentorship pathway that ensures every new woman connecting to Women's Ministry is relationally supported by a "Big Sister" — a spiritually mature, culturally aligned woman who has walked this road before you. Your Big Sister is not "greater than" you; she is responsible for you. Her heart posture is to cultivate in you what has been cultivated in her.
"We are not building a volunteer force. We are cultivating women who keep watch over one another's hearts."
A Big Sister is a member in good standing who has been part of OCC for at least two years. She is aligned with and trained in OCC culture and ministry pathways, familiar with ministry opportunities, and experienced in developing other women. She is spiritually mature — though age is not the defining factor. She is someone who has been shaped by this community and is ready to help shape you.
Every woman is invited to both receive and extend care — bringing her life, leadership, and service fully under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Healthy spiritual relationships show us both what to embrace and what to avoid. Scripture gives us faithful examples of partnership, while also revealing attitudes that can hinder growth. Wisdom comes not only from the model, but from the contrast.
Faithful loyalty through hardship and uncertainty. — True partnership remains present through change. God often uses covenant relationships to carry people through painful transitions.
Collaborative courage in advancing God's purposes. — Different strengths can work together for one mission. Courageous women who know their roles can shift outcomes.
Bearing witness to what God is forming within one another. — Mature relationships celebrate grace on others. Godly women confirm purpose in one another instead of competing.
Refining priorities and choosing what is eternal. — Service must flow from presence, not pressure. Productivity without devotion leads to frustration.
This is where your journey begins. You reached out, and we noticed. This phase is about being seen, welcomed, and invited — not evaluated or assessed.
"'Come with me.' — Matthew 4:19"
You are seen. You are welcomed. You belong here.
— Psalm 139:1
Phase 1 is the welcoming space of invitation and belonging. Whether you are exploring faith, seeking connection, or sensing a desire to serve, this phase is designed to make sure you feel seen, known, and warmly welcomed into the Women's Ministry community.
Your journey begins when you submit the Women's Ministry Get Connected Form. On that form, you will have the opportunity to share your areas of interest — whether you want to serve in Women's Ministry, attend a social meet-up, or connect with a related ministry such as Young Adults, SWAG, Single & Thriving, or Couples. This simple step makes you visible, known, and welcomed.
Once you submit your form, you will hear from us within 48 hours. You will be acknowledged by name, affirmed for taking a step, and invited into a relational touchpoint. This is not a form letter — it is a personal response from someone who genuinely cares about your next step. You will experience care before expectation.
"You are not being recruited to fill a slot. You are being invited into a mission."
After this initial connection, you will be guided toward your next step — either deeper community connection or preparation for volunteer engagement. There is no pressure and no timeline. You move at the pace that honors your season.
Take a moment to reflect on what brought you here. What drew you to Women's Ministry? What are you hoping to find, experience, or become through this journey? Write freely — this space is just for you.
Prayer or Intention for This Phase
This phase honors your discernment without pressure. You will not be assigned a role — you will be prayerfully guided to your next step, in your own time.
"'Trust in the Lord with all your heart.' — Proverbs 3:5"
Every next step is an act of faith. You are not alone in yours.
— Proverbs 16:9
Phase 2 is about prayerful discernment — not pressure. Leaders will review your expressed interests and begin a gentle conversation about what your next step might look like. This is a relational process, not a placement test.
Within 72 hours of your initial connection, a brief relational follow-up will take place — a conversation, message, or meeting, as appropriate to your situation. You will be warmly affirmed for your step, invited to share your current season, desires, and capacity, and gently guided in prayerful reflection about connection or serving. There is no wrong answer here.
After your discernment conversation, your pathway will become clearer. If community connection is what you need right now, you will be connected to an appropriate gathering, group, or ministry environment. If you sense a readiness to serve, you will be prayerfully prepared to move toward Women's Ministry training. Either path is honored and celebrated.
If you discern a call to volunteer, you will be invited to register for the next available training cohort and complete a short readiness checklist. This includes completing the OCC Spiritual Gifts Assessment, receiving your training confirmation, and completing the Women's Ministry Volunteer Engagement Form — a reflective tool that helps you and your leaders understand your gifts, passions, and availability.
"Placement is relational, clear, and spiritually aligned. You move forward with peace, not pressure."
As you consider your next step, what feels true about your current season? Do you sense a readiness to serve, or a need to simply belong and connect for now? Both are right. Write about where you are today — honestly and without judgment.
Prayer or Intention for This Phase
This phase is where you are equipped, encouraged, and relationally connected. Training is not a performance — it is a formation experience.
"'And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.' — Hebrews 10:24"
Growth is not a destination — it is a direction. Keep moving forward.
— Philippians 3:14
Phase 3 is the heart of your preparation. The Volunteer Engagement Training — called "My Sister's Keeper" — is a five-step experience designed to build trust, equip you with practical skills, and help you understand how God has uniquely gifted you to serve others. Your Big Sister will walk alongside you throughout this process.
Welcome, Vision & Table Talk
You will be welcomed into the ministry's heart and vision. You will learn about OCC Culture, Core Values, and the Covenant of Care. Most importantly, you will meet your fellow volunteers and begin building the relational foundation that makes ministry sustainable.
Created with Purpose
You will complete a Spiritual Gifts Assessment and engage in teaching, reflection, and group discussion about how God has uniquely equipped you. This is not a test — it is a discovery. You will gain clarity about your strengths, passions, and service style.
Skill Building & Servant Leadership
You will be equipped with practical skills: servant leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and ministry basics. You will also have the opportunity to shadow experienced leaders and participate in guided service roles.
Leadership Pathway & Multiplication
You will be introduced to the leadership growth pathway — from Volunteer Consistency to Core Team Member, Team Lead, Ministry Leader, and Spiritual Mentor. Growth is intentional and supported at every level.
Identity & Ministry Representation
You will explore what it means to bring every area of your life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ — including how you represent the ministry. You will leave feeling empowered, not policed.
As you move through training, what is God revealing to you about how He has gifted you? What surprised you about yourself? What feels most alive when you imagine serving in this ministry?
Prayer or Intention for This Phase
This phase is about clarity — discovering where your gifts, passions, and calling align with the ministry's needs. Placement is prayerful, not pressured.
"'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.' — Ephesians 2:10"
You are not filling a slot. You are stepping into a calling.
— Ephesians 2:10
After training, you will enter a prayerful discernment process to identify where you are best positioned to serve. Ministry placement is based on your interests, spiritual gifts, and capacity — ensuring you serve from calling, not convenience, and remain outward-focused toward others.
As you consider your role, you will be guided by three powerful questions: Who do you naturally notice? Who do you feel drawn to invite along? How has God already used your story to reach others? These questions help align your heart with your assignment.
As you consider where you are best positioned to serve, explore the teams below. Pay attention to what stirs in you — that stirring is often the Spirit pointing you home. Every team has a place for you.
Admin Team
Flexible — 2–4 hrs/weekThe Admin Team keeps the ministry organized and running smoothly. If you love systems, details, and behind-the-scenes support, this is your place. You'll manage calendars, track attendance, send reminders, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
You thrive here if you're organized, dependable, and love supporting others without needing the spotlight.
Women's Bible Study
1st & 3rd WednesdaysWBS is where women gather to encounter God's Word together. This team creates the environment — welcoming guests, supporting logistics, covering the room in prayer, and making sure every woman feels seen from the moment she walks in.
You thrive here if you love the Word, enjoy welcoming people, and want to serve in a consistent, Spirit-led gathering.
Wellness Team
2nd & 4th Saturdays + EventsThe Wellness Team creates spaces where women can pursue whole-life health — body, mind, and spirit. From workshops to wellness activities, this team builds connection through shared journeys toward balanced, healthy living.
You thrive here if you're passionate about helping women live well and lead with empathy and encouragement.
Social Connections
1st & 3rd Saturdays + EventsSocial Connections is the team that makes sure no woman ever feels alone in a room full of people. This team intentionally engages women at gatherings, follows up after events, and creates the informal moments where real friendship is born.
You thrive here if you naturally connect with people, love welcoming others, and want to help women move from attending to truly belonging.
Call Team (Care Team)
1–2 hrs/week or as scheduledThe Call Team extends care beyond the walls of our gatherings through simple, intentional phone calls. You'll check in on women, offer encouragement, pray with them, and make sure they know they are remembered and valued.
You thrive here if you're a good listener, compassionate, and feel called to support and pray for others one-on-one.
Media Team
Flexible — at WM eventsThe Media Team tells the story of Women's Ministry through visuals, social media, and creative content. From capturing moments at events to designing graphics and announcements, this team makes the ministry visible and inviting.
You thrive here if you're creative, detail-oriented, and comfortable working behind the scenes with a camera or design tools.
Discipleship
OngoingThe Discipleship pathway is for women who feel called to walk alongside others in their spiritual growth — through mentorship, accountability, and encouraging daily faith practices. This is where women help women discover their gifts and step into leadership.
You thrive here if you have a heart for spiritual growth, love mentoring, and want to help women find their purpose.
Outreach Team
Event-basedThe Outreach Team extends care beyond the church walls — into the community. You don't have to be outgoing; you just have to be willing to serve with kindness and care. This team partners in evangelism, community connection, and welcoming invite events.
You thrive here if you have a heart for people outside the church and want to serve with compassion and bold faith.
Conference Team
Conference seasonThe Conference Team makes large-scale Women's Ministry experiences possible. From logistics and setup to hospitality and behind-the-scenes coordination, this team ensures every conference is excellent, welcoming, and Spirit-filled.
You thrive here if you love event planning, work well under pressure, and find joy in creating exceptional experiences for others.
Once your role is confirmed, you will be introduced to your Team Lead or Coordinator, receive role-specific expectations and your schedule, and enter ministry with clarity and support.
Who do you naturally notice? Who do you feel drawn to walk alongside? As you consider the ministry teams, which one stirs something in you — and why? Write about where you sense God is pointing you.
Prayer or Intention for This Phase
You are here. This is what you were made for. Active service is not the end of the journey — it is the beginning of a new one. You serve from overflow, not obligation.
"'She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.' — Proverbs 31:25"
You are not just a volunteer. You are a woman with a mission.
— 1 Peter 4:10
Phase 5 is not a destination — it is a living, growing journey. Women in active service are supported, encouraged, and continually developed. The goal is not just to serve well today, but to grow into the fullness of who God has called you to be.
As an active volunteer, you will receive regular check-ins from your leaders, participate in team meetings and prayer, and have access to clear communication channels. You will be encouraged and given feedback. You will not be left alone to figure things out. The ministry is committed to ensuring you serve from overflow, not exhaustion.
Periodically, you will have the opportunity to engage in reflection conversations with your leaders — not performance reviews, but honest, relational conversations about how you are growing and where you might be called next. There are opportunities to grow into Core Team roles, leadership positions, and eventually into mentoring other women through the same journey you have walked.
"Women gathering with confidence, joy, alignment, and purpose — positioned exactly where God has called them."
The leadership pathway is intentional and supported: Volunteer Consistency → Core Team Member → Team Lead → Ministry Leader → Spiritual Mentor. Each step is an invitation, not a demand. Growth happens in relationship, not in isolation.
As you step into active service, what does it mean to you to serve from overflow rather than obligation? What rhythms of rest, prayer, and community will you protect to keep your service sustainable and joyful? Write your commitment to yourself and to God.
Prayer or Intention for This Phase
No matter which team you join, every volunteer in Women's Ministry is invited to carry these values. They are not requirements to earn your place — they are the fruit of a heart surrendered to God and committed to His people.
Servant Spirit
Matthew 20:26–28
You lead by serving, not by title.
Warrior Spirit
1 Corinthians 16:13
You show up with courage and consistency.
Rejects Negativity
Titus 3:10
You protect the culture with your words.
Self-Aware
2 Corinthians 13:5
You know your strengths and your limits.
Teachable
1 Peter 5:5
You remain open to growth and correction.
Loves to Have Fun
Ecclesiastes 8:15
You bring joy into the room.
Grateful
1 Thessalonians 5:18
You lead from a posture of thankfulness.
Mission from God
Ephesians 2:10
You serve with eternal purpose.
Which of these values feels like a stretch for you right now? What would it look like to grow in it?
The Women's Ministry Executive Team is here to serve you. Each member brings a unique gift and calling to this ministry, and together they create the relational infrastructure that makes this journey possible.
Jada Edwards
Creative Services Director
Jada brings beauty, creativity, and intentionality to every expression of Women's Ministry — from design to experience.
Brandy Baxter
Global Director of Women's Ministry
Brandy carries the vision for Women's Ministry globally, nurturing the culture and guiding the direction of the entire ministry.
Sara Davis
Plano Campus Lead · Communication & Wellness
Sara leads with clarity and care, overseeing communication and the wellness of women across the ministry.
Millicent Finney
Global Social Connect & Décor Lead
Millicent creates the environments and connections that make women feel at home — seen, welcomed, and celebrated.
Jenel Barksdale
Global Single & Thriving Lead
Jenel champions single women with purpose and joy, ensuring every woman knows she is whole, called, and thriving.
Women's Ministry Volunteer Engagement System
"There you are."