An interview with Nancy Buxton, director of Women’s Ministries for the Mid-America Union

What’s the most exciting thing that happened in your ministry during the past quinquennium?

When I read the yearly conference reports I am overwhelmed with what women are doing throughout the Mid-America Union.  They are involved in soup kitchens, outreach ministries, Bible studies, food banks, prayer ministries and much more.

It is just wonderful to hear of women who are really excited about their ministry.  In the Mid-America Union during 2010, Women’s Ministries had 75 baptisms and 50 reclaimed members—a record year for us.

What do you find most fulfilling about what you are doing in your department?

The most fulfilling thing for me is to see a woman’s face shining with the joy of knowing Jesus and knowing Jesus is her Kinsman Redeemer* and He paid the price.

Looking forward to the next five years, what are the greatest opportunities before you?

We have great opportunities.  I believe Women’s Ministries is really the heart of the church.  When we bring new members into the church we need to have something to invite these members to do.

It is a fact that people will not stay in a church if they don’t make friends and feel like they belong. Women’s Ministries provides friendship evangelism; it is a place to make friends and to become involved.

Women have the opportunity to make a big difference in their church and community. The fact is, if you can make a difference in a woman’s life you will make a difference in a home, a church and a community.

What are the greatest threats you are facing?

I fear there could be budget cuts in the conferences.

How can Mid-America’s members, pastors and leaders be more supportive?

They could ask questions about what we are doing and realize we contribute much to the well-being of a church.  Evangelism is more than preaching; it is serving.

What do you hope to accomplish in your ministry during the next five years?

Two big things we need to accomplish:

  1. Establish a viable ministry for women in every church—this requires training opportunities for leaders.
  2. Help every woman realize the importance of knowing Jesus, reading His word and praying each day, believing in His promises, and then finding an area of service where God can use her to make a difference for Him.

*See the Old Testament story in Ruth chapter 4.

For Women’s Ministries resources and a schedule of Women’s Ministries events, visit www.midamericaadventist.org and click on Ministries, then Women’s.

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