Female Camaraderie Strengthens Faith at Oxbow Lake Baptist

For nearly 17 years, the women of in White Lake have been gathering monthly to build relationships and strengthen their faith in God.

“We meet the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the church,” said Lora Lowery, women’s ministry coordinator. The group meets from September to May and combines their January and February meetings. “I love the fellowship and getting to know ladies in the church.”

As many as 40 women come to discuss their faith and societal issues affecting women today through the ministry.

“Right now we’re studying women of the Bible,” said Sharon Baker, member of the women’s ministry. “We’re also studying a book by Shari Braendel called Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad. It’s based on how to dress properly as God-like women. We’re told in the Bible that we’re to dress modestly, and you can do it with style and flair.”

Lowery facilitates the meetings and leads the women in prayer. According to Baker, the fellowship can also provide networking opportunities for attendees.

“If someone has a need, let’s say for a job, you can make those connections there,” Baker said.

As an extension of the women’s ministry, Baker created the Woman to Woman program nearly two years ago. The program pairs women with other Christian women for one-on-one prayer and companionship.

“Many times, women don’t have other (female) Christian friends,” Baker said. “They can encourage one another and pray for one another. They can go have coffee and talk if they have problems. Some of them are doing Bible studies together.”

The women are partnered for six months at a time and can decide if they would like to continue with the same partner or find a new one.  

“That’s how I met my closest friend. It took me three times before my partner and myself really gelled,” Baker said.

The planning board of the women’s ministry, which meets monthly to discuss its direction, chooses which women will be paired together.

“They fill out a profile, and we match them with someone who may have common interests," Baker said. "We will often pair a more mature Christian with a weaker one. We just kind of pray about it.”

Whether the women come to the monthly fellowship meetings or participate in the Woman to Woman program or both, the ministries were created to enhance the faith life of women at Oxbow Lake Baptist.

“It’s important for us to grow in our relationship with Christ," Baker said. "We get more Bible teaching into our daily lives, and it’s important for women to have that time with other Christians.”

For more information on Oxbow Lake Baptist Church's ministries, call 248-698-3034.