The Progressive Baptist Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under the leadership of the Rev. Walter J. Lanier, recently sponsored a Mother’s Board Luncheon and Workshop. The goal was to outline the responsibilities older women have to women younger in age and/or in spiritual maturity to teach and encourage according to Titus 2. An emphasis was also placed on bridging the generational gap. The luncheon was well-attended with at least four generations in attendance. This month, this column will highlight the topics discussed at this luncheon.
In an article by Jean Williams Woman to Woman: Answering the Call of Titus 2 (2010), Williams outlined what a Titus 2 curriculum should look like:
1. The Gospel of Grace. Only a woman who knows the gospel will live her life from a life that comes from grace. As you teach women, you need to constantly remind that God is patient with our slowness to change, and that we’re forgiven and transformed through God’s grace.
2. The Bible and Sound Doctrine. Older women are to teach young women what “accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), thus it is important older women understand the truths about God and learn to handle the word of God correctly. (2 Tim. 2:15.) This understanding will come by studying God’s Word.
3. Biblical Womanhood. Younger women also need to hear about God’s plan for womanhood. Manhood and womanhood were not an afterthought in God’s design for humanity. From the moment of creation, God made us male and female, equal before God, with different roles and responsibilities.
4. Teachers of Good Things. Older women have lived life and experienced certain challenges. Thus, they have special opportunities to teach. God can use an older woman’s wisdom and experience as they teach the younger women.
It is important to point out the spiritual gift of wisdom or the word of wisdom (1 Cor. 12:8) describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment. This gift is given by the Spirit to build up (edify) the body of Christ, for the “common good” (1 Cor. 12:7.) Often people misuse this gift by making statements such as: “The Lord told me to tell you….” This is done to gain power and influence over people. You know the “word of wisdom” comes from God when it does not contradict the Word of God. God is not the author of confusion or disorder. (1 Cor. 14:33.)
5. Practical Skills. The items on Paul’s list are very practical. Young women need older women to come alongside them, give them help and support, and, in the details of life, offer words of wisdom and a godly example.
Next Week: Continuation
The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in this article, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
The Progressive Baptist Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under the leadership of the Rev. Walter J. Lanier, recently sponsored a Mother’s Board Luncheon and Workshop. The goal was to outline the responsibilities older women have to women younger in age and/or in spiritual maturity to teach and encourage according to Titus 2. An emphasis was also placed on bridging the generational gap. The luncheon was well-attended with at least four generations in attendance. This month, this column will highlight the topics discussed at this luncheon.
4. Teachers of Good Things. Older women have lived life and experienced certain challenges. Thus, they have special opportunities to teach. God can use an older woman’s wisdom and experience as they teach the younger women.
