How Prepared Built My Confidence

Earlier this year at EFCA One in West Des Moines, Iowa, the auditorium filled with applause in celebration of the 43 graduates of Prepared in attendance, the EFCA’s theological training program for women. (Since August 2021, nine cohorts have launched, and 78 women have graduated total.) As EFCA leaders prayed a benediction over the women, I extended my own prayer of gratitude for Prepared.  

I can’t remember how exactly I stumbled across Prepared, but I do know I'd been in a season of deep soul-searching, researching and questioning. I had––quite recently––met with a trusted mentor to talk through several churches’ mistreatment of women I knew and loved who were trying to follow God. I wanted to faithfully wrestle with God over something I didn’t understand. 

Along with my own questioning, I found myself a frequent confidant of women going through painful circumstances. As I listened to their stories, I realized how little I knew and how ill-equipped I was to respond. God had used suffering in my own life to develop compassion for those who are hurting. I wanted to grow in practical skills that would allow me to become a better listener, helper and gentle companion who could help guide the hand of the wounded one into the hand of the Good Shepherd. 

Redefining leadership 

When I glanced through Prepared’s course list, two immediately caught my attention: “Theology of Women in Ministry Leadership” and “Ministry to Women in Pain.” In hope of finding answers to my questions—and at the encouragement of my pastor—I applied.  

I did have misgivings. Although my husband and I were actively involved in our church, I did not hold a ministry position or title. I was drawn to Prepared, in part, because it met me where I was—a life full of family responsibilities and ministry commitments—with valuable training and support. (As a mom of three elementary-age children, I greatly appreciated this.) However, I’ve sensed that many women––whether they’re serving in business, ministry or otherwise––struggle with imposter syndrome, believing they may not be qualified for an in-depth theological training program like Prepared. 

But what if leadership isn’t about having a title?   

As Dr. Gloria Grell (director of Prepared) reminds us, “A leader in God’s mission is not defined by a title, strengths or public admiration. A leader is defined by the way she lives.” 

In our culture, leadership is often equated with influence, platform and personality. Even in the Church, Christians can easily assume leadership belongs to those who hold official positions. But Jesus redefined leadership entirely—not in terms of authority, power and influence, but through servanthood (Matt 20:25-28; Phil 2:1-11).  

Throughout Scripture, we read the stories of women like Deborah, Miriam, Mary and Priscilla, faithfully serving God in their unique contexts. Every woman—whether or not she holds a ministry title—carries real influence in her family, friendships, church and community. 

Women are essential to the life, growth and health of the local church. A 2018 Barna study revealed that many women feel they are not using their God-given gifts outside of their professional work. Prepared is the EFCA’s response to that reality: a program that affirms the value of women in the Church by offering them biblical training and recognizing their place in God’s mission. 

My Prepared experience 

As I began the program, part of me wanted to skip ahead to the courses that piqued my interest. I had no idea how vital those other courses would be in forming me—or how Gloria and the Prepared leadership team had intentionally structured the courses to build on one another. Before we grappled with the difficult topic of “Women in Ministry Leadership,” we were equipped to faithfully study Scripture and given a biblical framework for leadership. We comprehended how God has used and continues to use women within the Church. 

Before we dove into “Ministering to Women in Pain,” we worked through our own stories, learning to understand them in light of the grand story of Scripture. I learned the necessity of developing and planning good spiritual practices and rhythms to nurture my soul. I received God’s comfort over the broken parts of my life in new ways, allowing me to comfort others in the same way I had been comforted (2 Cor 1:4). I wrestled with my own pain and weakness, learning to bring it before the Great Healer. To pour out in ministry, I had to acknowledge my own emptiness and brokenness, letting God’s Spirit overwhelm me with His goodness.  

Those two courses that first attracted my attention helped me to grow in knowledge, understanding and practical skills, but the other courses were vital in providing the framework. While not every question was answered, I learned to lean into the discomfort of not knowing. I gained biblical skills and resources but realized I will never have all the answers. That realization makes me humble. It keeps me constantly on my knees before the only One who holds all the answers, the One who “will listen carefully, doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed” (Ps 10:17b-18a).  

Another thing that took me by surprise was the beautiful, supportive community of my Prepared cohort. Throughout the two-year program, my cohort met weekly on Zoom with highly qualified, godly instructors. While the instructors can vary from course to course, the cohort of women typically does not change. Although Zoom isn’t the same as in-person courses, learning with the same group of women and sharing life’s joys and challenges with each other still forges a unique bond. 

I found great value in Prepared’s cohort model. These learning communities often become sources of deep encouragement, accountability and friendship as my own cohort has become for me. My cohort included women serving in official ministry roles—children's directors, missionaries, church staff—as well as women like me: faithful members of churches with a deep desire to grow in Christ and serve more effectively.  

The expertise and kindness of the various instructors provided a supportive and safe learning environment. Our instructors had differing ministry backgrounds and knew well the joys and challenges of ministry life. They freely shared their wisdom and life experiences, and they consistently pointed us to Jesus, reminding us that everything we do is “through Him and for Him.”   

The learning was rich and rigorous: reading and listening assignments, reflective papers and projects with real-life applications. We learned not only from our instructors but from one another, gaining perspective on the varied ways EFCA churches function and minister. 

The coaching relationship impacted me as well. Each Prepared student is matched with a coach for the duration of the program. My coach provided a safe place to process what I was learning, be encouraged to persevere in my studies and ministry, and to pray over anything on my heart.  

The future impact of Prepared 

Prepared strengthened my biblical literacy, encouraged my spiritual growth and equipped me for ministry in everyday life. I was reminded that ministry doesn’t often start on a stage. It frequently begins informally––in the workplace breakroom, at kitchen counters, over coffee with a friend or in a passing conversation with a neighbor. Prepared helps women like me see these moments for what they are—sacred opportunities to serve Christ. For women who love Jesus and are seeking to follow Him, Prepared will equip you to better serve Him in your communities and local churches. 

I am profoundly grateful for Prepared. It required intentionality––time, sacrifice, humility––but the impact has been life-changing. The insights I gained about faith and ministry challenged me; the relationships sustained me. I found a community of women who love Jesus, pursue Him wholeheartedly and inspire me to do the same.  

Prepared has equipped me to know, love and serve Jesus more faithfully in every area of life. This summer, as my husband and I led a small group of parents through a study on family spiritual formation, we implemented resources I had explored during Prepared. Because of Prepared, we could better facilitate conversations within our group, making space for hard questions and reminding each other of the hope of the gospel. Throughout the summer, my cohort prayed for and encouraged us, celebrating the good work Jesus is doing and reminding us we are not alone. I eagerly anticipate more stories of how God will use Prepared in the lives of other women in churches around the world.  

Pastors, encourage the women on your staff and in your congregation––those who serve faithfully, who hunger to grow, who may not see themselves as “leaders”––to explore this program. Walk with them. Champion them. Your church will be impacted by what these women learn.  

And to the woman who feels stirred but unsure if she’s qualified: reach out to the Prepared team. You will not regret being better equipped to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.