From Onilla May's monthly newsletter The Whole Hearted Woman

Visit whatever women's groups already exist in your church. Listen and observe the women. Look for FAT people—Faithful, Available, and Teachable. Seek out those who are acknowledged spiritual leaders. Focus on people instead of jobs to fill. Develop the habit of thinking about people in terms of their spiritual gift, leadership qualities, talent, and potential.

Research and record personal data. Information about their personal lives can help you to know the best time to approach them (i.e. a daughter getting married this summer, last child entering first grade next fall, quitting job next spring.) Record anything you know about their talents, personality, strengths, experience, or spiritual gift. Ask discreet questions regarding their past faithfulness.

Establish rapport. When you meet a woman who impresses you as a possible leader, meet her for lunch or invite her to your home for a talk. If that is not possible, arrange a time for an unhurried telephone conversation.

Offer her lots of information about the ministry. Talk about its purpose, goals, results and potential. Make sure she understands the importance of delegating authority and involving as many people as possible in the ministry.

Share your vision. Be ready to explain with clarity your vision and find out what her passion is regarding women's ministry. If you have a good relationship and see her as capable, invite her to lead the part of ministry that she fits into and is passionate about.

Tell her why she would be the best person for this position. Be as specific as possible. Encourage her to get confirmation from her closest advisors and the support of her husband if she is married.

Never minimize the importance of the position or the time it should take to do it. God's work has eternal significance and women will rise to an appropriate challenge to do it with excellence if they sense you know why it is significant, how to do it, and lead with confidence. A job description is essential, and it should contain 1) a description of the duties involved, 2) the person in authority to report to, 3) an estimate of the time needed to do the job. Set a date for her response to you, allowing time to pray, seek wise counsel, and the approval of her husband.

Proverbs 16:3 – "Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established."

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