National Women to Women Training Program
Bulgaria
In Partnership:
Evangelical Alliance of Bulgaria (BEA) and Entrust
Entrust believes that a crucial part of strengthening churches through overall leadership training is providing significant training for women to personally shepherd the 60-90% of most churches that are made up of women. Under the authority of local church government adn in support of it, spiritually and socially mature women are needed to contribute to the healthy life and growth of the Body of Christ, serving and shepherding other women in particular according to the biblical pattern:
"Older women are likewise to be reverent in their behavior,
not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,
that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home,
kind, being subject to their own husbands,
that the Word of God may not be dishonored."
Titus 2:3-5
Opportunity and Need
The evangelical church in Bulgaria is made up of approximately 70% women. The lives of Bulgarian women are often very difficult and complicated often caring for generations of family in one small apartment. Women usually bear the primary responsibility for raising families and for practical ministry in the church, as well as working outside the home for much needed income. Therefore, it is crucial that opportunities for teaching and training be brought to them, rather than expecting that they will be able to attend a formal educational facility or institute. These women are critical to the life of a healthy church.
To try to provide training for women that is accessible financially, geographically and culturally, a multipication-based model is not only biblical but practical toward extending solid training to every local church in the country. The pastoral needs of women are best served in supportive relationships with other women as they seek to honor God, living in the midst of their challenges. Their unique impact on lives at home and in their spheres of influence can be a tremendous asset to any believing community if properly encouraged and directed. When women are cared for and nurtured spiritually, emotionally, and physically, positive effects are felt in whole families and communities.
Therefore, it is crucial to prepare godly women to effectively serve in biblical roles among other women in ministries of:
- spiritual growth and godly character,
- biblical knowledge and application,
- biblical encouragement and counsel,
- evangelism and outreach,
- discipleship adn mentoring,
- teaching and equipping other women,
- practical and emotional support,
- marriage and family concerns.
Training strategies must be implemented by mature women, and specifically geared toward the needs and perspectives of women, including curriculum that speaks directly to women. By caring for them well, we can also help them discover and develop their spiritual gifts and find their place of belonging and service in the body of Christ toward fulfilling God's call on their lives.
The Equipping Model
Small group meetings provide the most effective learning environment for women's training students. Interaction, instruction and training in these small groups allows the modeling of women-to-women ministry by women who are equipped as small group facilitators. In this setting facilitators are available to help meet specific concerns of students, encourage interaction between students with valuable insights and experiences to share as adult learners, and provide a safe environment for developing spiritual gifts and growing in confidence. In this setting, we grow together in godly character, biblical understanding, ministry skills, and problem-solving.
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