Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast

In today’s special episode, host Cyndee Ownbey welcomes back Renee Rowell, a dedicated women’s ministry leader who serves at a church in Columbia, South Carolina. Renee opens up about her decades-long journey in ministry, including navigating a particularly challenging season marked by conflict, gossip, and discouragement. Through her honest storytelling, Renee shares how prayer, fasting, wise cou...

This week, Cyndee Ownbey dives deep into a hot topic for many ministry teams: Video-Driven Bible Studies. Are you wondering if they’re the right choice for your group? From the pros and cons of video studies to  practical alternatives, Cyndee will help you make the best choice for your group of women. The show notes for this episode can be found at https://womensministrytoolbox.com/should-your-wom...

In this episode, Cyndee dives into a crucial topic for every women's ministry leader: the powerful influence of Bible study authors on the women in your church. She explores why it’s so important to thoroughly research the backgrounds, beliefs, and teachings of the authors whose studies you use—and how even trusted publishing houses might not guarantee alignment with your church’s doctrine. ...

This summer has been full of unexpected changes and God’s gentle redirection. As I share in the latest episode of the Women’s Ministry Toolbox Podcast, I’m navigating a busy season of manuscript edits, family responsibilities, and preparations for our upcoming online Women’s Ministry Conference. Listen in to hear the latest news! Thank you for listening to the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast...

In this episode, Cyndee dives into an often-overlooked but incredibly important topic for women’s ministry leaders: copyrights and movie licenses. Drawing from her own experiences and lessons learned, Cyndee unpacks what every ministry leader needs to know about honoring copyrights—covering everything from sharing Bible study materials and song lyrics to showing movies at events. She breaks down t...

In today’s episode, host Cyndee Ownbey sits down with Cicely Corry, the editorial director at Barna Group, for a powerful conversation about reaching Gen Z women in your church. Drawing on fresh data from Barna’s latest research, Cyndee and Cicely dive into some eye-opening trends—like why young women are leaving the church at higher rates and what unique challenges and opportunities this presents...

Welcome to a special celebration here on the Women's Ministry Toolbox podcast! In this landmark 100th episode, our host, Cyndee Ownbey, who is not only a seasoned women's ministry leader but also the visionary behind the Women's Ministry Toolbox, takes a moment to reflect on her journey. Over the years, what began as a humble blog has blossomed into a vital resource for women's...

n today's conversation, Cyndee Ownbey sits down with Susie Lewis, a dedicated women's ministry leader from Woodbine Baptist Church in Pace, Florida. Susie shares her experiences leading a vibrant women's ministry team within a close-knit church community. They discuss everything from team dynamics and the importance of utilizing each woman’s gifts, to hosting impactful events like t...

In today's episode, we're wrapping up our mini-series on loving our ladies well by tackling the challenging yet essential topic of hard conversations. Cyndee will guide us through five types of difficult dialogues we might encounter in serving women's ministry, including discussions with church staff, dealing with gossip, accountability and training, correcting biblical errors, and...

In this episode, Cyndee continues her mini-series on "Loving Our Ladies" by shifting the focus from practical support to spiritual growth. She discusses the dangers of spiritual shortcuts, highlighting how they can hinder personal growth and reliance on God's path.  Through biblical examples, Cyndee illustrates how taking shortcuts can delay God's blessings and urges leaders to...

As we navigate a new year of women's ministry, there are key trends that are shaping how we connect and nurture the women in our church. What are these trends and how do we know if the Lord wants us to adopt them?  Join us as we delve into these emerging trends and seek guidance on how to align them with God's unique plans for your ministry.  Don't forget to check the show notes at...

The beginning of the year lends itself to taking time to reflect on the successes, challenges, and disappointments of the last ministry year . It benefits the entire team when we celebrate our successes and make note of areas of improvement. Listen to this episode for tips and ideas on how to lead your team through the process of ministry reflection and resolutions. Don't miss the three sugge...

This week’s episode of the Women’s Ministry Toolbox podcast, EP 95: Loving Your Ladies: Organizing Meal Trains, Freezer Meals, and Funeral Meals, is now available, and it’s packed with practical advice for providing meals during times of transition and crisis. Here’s a taste of what you’ll get from this episode: Why Meals Matter : Discover why providing meals is more than just a simple act of kind...

Host, Cyndee Ownbey, is diving into a heartwarming topic that beautifully demonstrates how we can extend Christ’s love within our church community. In this episode, titled "Hospital Care Packages and Sonshine Boxes: Showing Christ's Love in Practical Ways," we'll explore creative and impactful ways to support women during challenging times.  From assembling hospital care packag...

Our series on loving our ladies continues today with this episode on Newborn and Grief Baskets: Loving Our Ladies in Times of Sorrow and Joy. Join Cyndee as she explores how to create meaningful newborn and grief baskets that can be a source of joy and comfort in your church community. These baskets aren't just a collection of items; they're a ministry opportunity to express God's l...

In this week’s episode of the Women’s Ministry Toolbox Podcast, we tackle a topic that, while unexpected, is of great importance: "Responding to Tragedy." Host Cyndee Ownbey shares valuable insights and practical tips for women’s ministry leaders on how to respond when tragedy strikes a community, near or far. Please visit the Women's Ministry Toolbox blog for the show notes. Thank...

I'm back from my summer and writing sabbatical! In this episode, I'm sharing a ministry update and a preview of what we'll be talking about this fall on the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast.  I can't wait to dive into this new series with you! Thank you for listening to the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast. You'll find additional women's ministry resources b...

This week I'm sharing an interview with women's ministry leader, Debra Wilson from Indianapolis, Indiana. You're going to be encouraged and inspired by Debra's journey into women's ministry.  Don't miss the six women's ministry pillars they use in their church to guide their women's ministry program!  Interview Highlights: Debra's Beginnings & Calli...

Please note, I'm on a writing and summer sabbatical. This is a replay of episode 53, How to Plan a Women's Ministry Team Retreat. Are you thinking of planning a women’s ministry team retreat ? This episode is packed with tips and ideas including: when, where, and how to plan a women’s ministry team retreat. I’m a big fan of monthly women’s ministry team meetings, however, monthly meeting...

Please note, I'm on a writing and summer sabbatical. This is a replay of episode 59, How to Use Social Media to Support the Mission of Your Women's Ministry Program.  Are you using social media for your women’s ministry program? Discover how you can use social media to support the mission of your women's ministry program. You can increase your reach and build relationships with your...

Please note I'm taking a summer sabbatical. This is a replay of episode 66, Rethinking Fellowship - What is fellowship? What should fellowship look like for women's ministry? What makes Christian fellowship different? In today's podcast episode I'm reading from chapter 1 of my book, Rethinking Fellowship: A Handbook for Hosting Meaningful Women's Ministry Events. No matter...

Please note taking a summer sabbatical. This is a replay of episode 69, How to Host a Women's Ministry Kick-off. In this week's podcast episode, I dive deep into the wonderful world of hosting an impactful women's ministry kickoff event.  I discuss the importance of a kickoff event, offer insight into generating excitement, and share how you can build momentum right from the start!...

Today, as global and national events continue to unfold with unsettling regularity, our focus is on a timely and crucial topic: what women’s ministry leaders should say on social media when tragedy strikes.  In this episode, inspired by the recent assassination attempt on a former president, we'll explore how ministry leaders can offer hope, encouragement, and point people to Christ even amid...

Please note taking a summer sabbatical. This is a replay of episode 37, Discipleship and Discernment in Women's Ministry.  As I’ve spent time wrestling with the Lord about what to share and how to share on this topic, I came across these four words “developing a discerning heart.” My goal in this podcast episode is for us to continue to develop discerning hearts. As mentors, Bible study leade...

Here's a special podcast update for the summer of 2024.  I usually take a break during summer, but I’ve got some exciting news I couldn't wait to share! Listen in to find out what's happening! Thank you for listening to the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast. You'll find additional women's ministry resources below. Women's Ministry Toolbox Resources: Sign Up for My...