Searching for Identity, Calling, Purpose and Destiny: A Program for Becoming Women of Destiny

by Marta Escarcega
June 1st, 2018
This project is a ministry opportunity that addresses some of the felt needs of Christian women residing in the Fresno, California region. The project led to the formation of a women’s support group, called Women of Destiny. The Women of Destiny program consists of group sessions and a mentoring program. The class topics address identity, calling, purpose, and destiny. The sessions also include the study of spiritual gifts, a theology of work, soul, and spiritual care. The mentoring program provides leadership training. The program also provides a safe place for connection and community for women who desire to meet outside the church.

A qualitative method with a survey, one-to-one interviews, a questionnaire, website research, mentee narratives, and personal observation data was used. The ten-question survey was sent to thirty women in the Fresno region. It showed the women had a need and desire to know more about spiritual gifts and life purpose. A study of fifteen websites of local churches revealed the types of programs already offered in the area. The one-to-one interviews with local women leaders further provided a picture of what they believed were women’s felt needs and how they addressed them. The mentee narratives and personal observation indicated the participating women desired to meet in small groups, grow in authentic relationships, and be agents of change in God’s kingdom.