Seven things I've learned so far as a MOPS coordinator

Last summer a woman who attended church with me made a suggestion that I might enjoy joining a MOPS group. I thought it would be a good idea so I started looking into it. When I did a search there was only one MOPS group in the county I live in. At the time my husband and I were sharing a car and it fell on a day and hour I would need to pick him up from work. I saw a link on the website about starting a group and thought it sounded like a nice idea but it might not be right for me.

The more I thought about it, and prayed about it, the more I felt God placing it on my heart that I needed to do this. Our family had just started the transition to the church I grew up in. I was nervous about asking my Pastor, who didn't even know me yet,  about starting a new ministry in the church. I took the plunge however and I was glad I did because he responded very positively and from there a new MOPS group began.

My home church is very supportive. I have been so fortunate to have the help of the Pastor's wife from day one. Everything came together and in just a short time our first meeting was upon us. 

When we had our first meeting there were only 3 of us registered. Three people attended that meeting. We are halfway through the year now and we have 9 registered moms. Our leadership team grew to 4 and we have a great mentor mom as well.

I've been learning a lot since we began and I wanted to take some time to talk about the impact MOPS has had on me.

1. I've learned to pass no judgment.
I never liked this about myself but there were times when another mom did things differently than I did and it didn't make sense to me. I wondered why they didn't do what I did. One of the great things about MOPS is that it is for all moms from all walks of life with all different parenting styles. So I adopted that way of thinking.  Every mom raises her children with one goal in mind. To do what is best for them. We are all unique and all have different ideas on what is best, but we all love our kids and would go to the ends of the earth for them. That's what is truly important.

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

2. I've learned to delegate.
I've always been somewhat of a type A personality. Our group started out with 2 leaders and I'm glad it did. It didn't take me long to realize that MOPS can be a lot of work! I was feeling exhausted and not enjoying the experience as much as I could. God had a hand in that. He knows what kind of person I am and I belive he needed me to realize what would happen if I felt like I needed to take too much on myself. There are now 4 of us leaders and while I pray there are more in the future, each of these ladies are a blessing and learning to allow others to take on some of what needs to be done was just what I needed.

Jethro says to Moses in Exodus 18: You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you, you cannot handle it alone. Exodus chapter 18 is a great lesson in leadership from Moses' father-in-law Jethro.

3. I've learned even more how much the Lord provides.

When you have a MOPS group it doesn't always go as planned. There are bumps in the road with finances and childcare especially. However, we always get by. We had one night a worker couldn't make it unexpectedly and we thought we would be short but we gained another volunteer that same night! The number of children increased and we had unfortunately lost one worker but we gained 3 more! All of our MOPPETS volunteers are dedicated and amazing with the kids! They are such a blessing! We've had a successful fundraiser and support from our congregation that have kept us going and it has been humbling and amazing to see God at work for our ministry.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

4. The numbers aren't important.
I was very disappointed over the attendance at our first meeting. I have since learned that no matter how many moms are at a meeting, the important thing is that we are all enjoying ourselves and all connecting with eachother. No matter how few of us there are, we all matter and we all need MOPS.
God will guide the women through the door in his timing. That is all we can ask for.

There is a time for everything,  and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

5. Sometimes it's okay to throw away the schedule.
Here is where my type A comes in again. There is a plan for each meeting.  There are also times when we get into a discussion or someone is telling a story and before we know it our time together is over. No we didn't get through everything on the agenda but a mom, or multiple moms, opened up and showed her brave by sharing her story and it's a benefit to all of us whether we can relate or just be that person to talk to. That mom walks away knowing she is impotant and we care about her and what she has to say. If you ask me though MOPS should be 3 hours long!  We all have such a great time and it goes by too fast!

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

6. Don't sweat the small stuff.
A craft isn't going as we thought it would.
Are we going to have enough snacks?
Am I forgetting something?
Will EVERYONE like the things we are doing tonight?
Did I say something wrong?
Will I have enough time to prepare?
Just a few of the questions that run through our heads as leaders. Before I know it I'm overwhelmed with thoughts but guess what?
We had a good laugh over the craft fail
Nobody said they didn't have enough to eat.
Everyone won't like everything but we are all unique and it's ok because they all keep coming back so why was I worried?
I can make a list of what I need so I can remember everything without worrying and miraculously everything comes together no matter what.
Nobody is perfect and nobody expects me to be perfect. So I don't need to sweat the small stuff.

Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

7. Most importantly I've learned to be brave!
This year's theme is so fitting for me as a first time coordinator. Be you, bravely. From the first moment of asking a Pastor who didn't even know me if I could start a MOPS group, to speaking out and leading discussions, the difficulties and blessings of being a leader. Everything it entails takes bravery. I am so fortunate that God led me to MOPS. It's not always easy buy I wouldn't trade it.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

MOPS has changed me. I believe it can have that impact on any mom whether she is a leader or a member. I've learned these things and I have so much more to learn. I can't wait to see what MOPS teaches me next. Each one of the women I've met and gotten to know this year is special,  and I hope they know that too!