If you caught my YouTube video, you know that I’m busy creating some wonderful womens ministry activities (no apostrophe needed—smile!). I think you should DEFINITELY add a Bible study on her to your women’s ministry calendar! Click here for ideas on creating one!
This inspired me to develop one focusing on a remarkable Biblical figure who often gets overlooked in her husband’s story.
From my time as a women’s leader, I’ve seen how much women appreciate diving into the lives of Biblical women and enjoy finding modern-day connections to their stories.
Guess who I’m talking about! It’s Sarah. Sarah was a beautiful woman with some of the same complications we all have.
She blesses me because I’m sure everyone can relate to her story at some point in their lives.
Her story begins in the ancient lands of Mesopotamia.
Sarah, originally named Sarai, embarked on a journey filled with faith, trials, and divine promises.
Alongside her husband Abraham, she navigated many challenges and problems.
For one, her husband said she was his sister!
Too afraid to stand up for her as her husband and trust God to take care of them, Abraham told Pharaoh she was his sister to save face.
Read Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 10: 1-18.
How that must have felt!
Geez.
I’ll be she felt abandoned and thrown away for a bit.
Another woman in the Bible, Abigail, knew firsthand the challenges of having a husband who made questionable choices.
You can explore the activity I created based on her life here.
Be sensitive with your womens ministry activities
Another thing to note is Sarah knew what a heart-wrenching struggle with infertility was like.
Surely, living with infertility tested her hopes and dreams as it does for countless women.
NOTE: if you opt to do this activity, please be sensitive to this element of the process.
As I was writing it, I realized something important.
This segment could be painful for women dealing with the same issue.
Please be your loving self as you introduce this part.
Her story was so much more than that, though …
God’s promises unfolded for Sarah and Abraham.
Consequently, I think she became an example of the power of belief in God.
This is true even when we all doubt a little.
God has a way of turning things around for His glory!
Then, there is the Ishmael part of her story. That is when she tried to do things her way.
But the best part is ultimately the miraculous birth of her son, Isaac. He was the realization of God’s promise.
God is so kind
He demonstrated that God grants His grace, even when we attempt to go our own route.
Thank God for that!
Anyway, Sarah was a matriarch, as so many of us are.
She had to learn the significance of patience and trust in God’s timing, as so many of us do.
Okay, that’s your background.
Now, let’s get to the womens ministry activities – but first, I’d like to discuss below.
Note: I am going to eliminate the apostrophe from the phrase “womens ministry activities.” This is more about algorithms than grammar.
A Potential Title for Your Womens Ministry Activities:
Title Idea: “Faith That Waits” (Based on Sarah’s Journey of Faith)
Theme: Living in faith and believing God to do the impossible in our lives.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 18:10-15, 21:1-7
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (Or longer if you need, but no less)
Materials Needed (Dollar Tree is your best friend – next to me, that is – hehe): Bibles, Journals, Pens, Index Cards , Markers, Large Poster Board or Whiteboard, Sticky Notes, Small Stones, Decorative Jars, Worship Music (like below).
Womens Ministry Activities Overview:
This activity encourages women to reflect on their faith journey through the lens of Sarah’s story.
They will identify areas where they are struggling to believe God for the impossible and walk away encouraged to hold onto His promises with faith and vigor!
Womens Ministry Activities Directions and Script
Section 1: Welcome & Introduction (10 minutes)
Sample Women’s Ministry Facilitator Script:
“Welcome, ladies! Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the life of Sarah — a woman who waited on God’s promise for many years.
Her journey teaches us about faith, waiting, and believing God for the impossible.
You do not need to answer out loud, but do you have something that seems impossible in your life?
If you don’t, one day, you likely will.
Before we begin, let’s pray.”
Sample Opening Prayer:
“Father, we thank You for this time of fellowship. As we explore Sarah’s story, open our hearts to receive what You have for us.
Strengthen our faith and help us to trust You with the impossible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Listen to my tips on facilitating this activity!
Section 2: Setting the Scene – Sarah’s Story (15 minutes)
Example Facilitator Script for the Women’s Ministry Leader:
“Sarah was promised a son by God, yet many years passed before the promise was fulfilled.
Even though Sarah laughed in doubt when she first heard the promise, God’s Word prevailed.
What does this tell us about His faithfulness even when our faith is weak?”
- Read Genesis 18:10-15 & Genesis 21:1-7 aloud.
- Ask: “What stands out to you about Sarah’s story?”
- Allow for discussion.
Section 3: Faith Reflection Exercise (20 minutes)
Activity: “Journaling Through Your Journey“
Facilitator Script:
“Now, let’s get personal with this Bible study topic. I want you to take some time to reflect on an area of your life. Ask yourself, “Where have I been waiting for God’s promise? Where am I struggling to believe He can do the impossible?”
Instructions:
- In your journals, write about a specific area where you’re struggling to have faith. Please write in a way you may feel comfortable sharing it later. Your struggle can help me, or someone else.
- What are the doubts or fears you’re facing?
- How has waiting on God made you feel?
- Allow 10 minutes for journaling. Don’t forget your soft music.
- Facilitator Prompt:
“Now, write down one promise from God’s Word that speaks to your situation. Meditate on how His truth overpowers your doubt.” - Allow 10 minutes for this part.
Take a look at my Christian journaling book!
Learn more: https://amzn.to/4hLuwbP
Click to see the book and learn more.
Section 4: Visual Faith Exercise (30 minutes)
Activity: Faith Stones & Impossible Jars
*Note: There are numerous ways to adapt this activity. You can go on a hike to search for stones during a prior meeting, use other materials, and so on. Let the Holy Spirit inspire you.
Facilitator Script:
“We’re going to do something creative to symbolize our faith. Sarah waited, and eventually, she saw God’s promise fulfilled. Let’s declare our faith boldly and visually.”
Faith Stones:
- Provide each woman with a small stone.
- Have them write a word or short phrase on the stone that represents their impossible situation (e.g., Healing, Restoration, Finances, Family).
- Place all the stones in a decorative jar labeled “Impossible Jars.” This symbolizes that God holds all of our impossibilities.
- Leave the jar at the front as a visual reminder of placing their burdens in God’s hands.
Index Card Prayers:
- Pass out index cards.
- On one side, have each woman write her prayer of faith concerning the situation she’s trusting God for.
- On the other side, write a promise from Scripture that they will cling to.
- Facilitator Prompt:
“Just like Sarah eventually held her miracle, God’s promises will be fulfilled. Let’s place these stones in the jar as a declaration of faith.”
Section 5: Group Discussion & Sharing (15 minutes)
Facilitator Script:
“Would anyone like to share a part of their journaling experience or what God spoke to them through this exercise?”
- Allow 2-3 volunteers to share.
- Encourage others to share if they feel led.
Section 6: Closing Reflection & Prayer (10 minutes)
- Facilitator Script:
“Today, we acknowledged the impossible situations we face and boldly declared our faith in God’s promises. Sarah’s story reminds us that God is faithful, even when our faith is shaky. Let’s close in prayer.” - Closing Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for reminding us that nothing is too hard for You. Just as You were faithful to Sarah, You are faithful to us. Strengthen our faith, help us to trust You even when it seems impossible, and fulfill Your promises in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Optional Takeaway:
Maybe you can give the ladies a pre-printed scripture card or some other takeaway with a verse that encourages faith in God’s promises (e.g., Hebrews 11:11, Matthew 19:26).
Maybe in a future women’s ministry meeting, you can create a mini journal.
Here are the areas you can use to inspire the women. This could be a fun activity, and women can bling out their journals together!
Reflection Prompts – Questions about trusting God in difficult times.
Scripture Meditation – Key verses about faith and patience.
Faith Declarations – Affirmations based on God’s promises.
Prayer Pages – Space to write prayers for faith and patience.
Answered Prayers Tracker – Documenting when and how God moves.
Conclusion
That’s it. I love the life of Sarah.
She went through so much. The truth is that these womens ministry activities only scratch the surface. There is much more you can explore in her life!
So, there you have it! Those are my women’s ministry activities about Sarah.
What do you think? Do you think you can adapt these activities for your women’s ministry group?