When Gisele Wozniak, a member at Ascension, Escondido, Calif., found herself navigating a particularly challenging season in her personal life, she knew she needed to run to Jesus. She says, “He was going to be my refuge, and he would ultimately bring restoration.”

While she trusted the Lord’s plan for her life, she found herself longing for a faith-based community on which she and other women could lean for support, prayer, encouragement, and fellowship. So Wozniak approached her pastor at Ascension to inquire about starting a women’s Bible study. With his support, she got to work.

The group, named Soul Sisters, has been meeting twice a month for the past seven years. Wozniak prepares and facilitates the studies, although she has often felt unequipped. “I really feel like my weakest moments are the best nights because [the Lord] is on full display,” she says. “He has done the work for me. . . . It’s amazing to see him show up that way.”

As time has progressed, the group has grown to include more women and more opportunities for service, fun, and fellowship. For example, inspired by a Bible study series about prayer warriors, Wozniak and the women established Prayer Warriors, a group that meets online for 15 to 20 minutes each month to pray for Ascension and other intercessory prayer requests they may have received.

Additionally, this past summer, Soul Sisters held its very first adult vacation Bible school, which was inspired by a WELS Women’s Ministry webinar on hospitality. Over the course of the summer, women gathered to study God’s Word, pray together, and work on various projects.

Wozniak also enjoys hosting casual open house events at church for women who would like to learn more about the women’s group or just stop by to connect. “Just like in the business world, it takes many touches to connect with someone and earn their trust,” she says. “For the unchurched especially or those who have maybe fallen a bit behind, they require a little bit more love and attention.”

In fact, one member of Soul Sisters who is not a member at Ascension began attending Soul Sisters Bible studies virtually after going through a divorce. She knew she wanted to grow her relationship with the Lord and has been so blessed by the group that she invited her sister to participate as well.

Whenever possible, Soul Sisters incorporates service projects—based on the church’s prayer list—into each event. Oftentimes, this looks like writing cards to shut-ins and other members for whom the congregation is praying at church. “Our ladies have been such a blessing to others,” says Wozniak. “They are pouring into other people’s cups in filling out these cards or whatever it is we’re making for the people on our list.”

John Boeder, pastor at Ascension, highlights the importance of groups like this. “Women’s small group Bible study is a place for connection, encouragement, free exchange of ideas and needs, and an open door for learning the gospel. . . . Women prosper when encouraged and empowered to serve one another in Christ.”

For Wozniak personally, Soul Sisters has been a source of immeasurable blessing. “I get so much time with the Lord because I am doing prep behind the scenes and sitting with him,” she says. “He enriches my life.” Moreover, she has been reminded time and again of the Lord’s faithful provision and his promise that his Word will not return empty.

Teach the word—women leading Bible studies

Want to start a women’s Bible study but don’t know how to begin? Watch a webinar hosted by WELS Women’s Ministry that provides encouragement and insights to help equip you to teach Bible studies in your congregation.

Learn more at wels.net/women.