Training Up Mothers in the Church

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

The local church is a beautiful picture of different individuals working together to build the whole body of Christ. First Corinthians 12:12-26 teaches that each member is vital to the other. As Mother’s Day approaches, let us think about how to train up the mothers among us. Titus 2:3-5 gives older women the responsibility to “train the young women to love their husbands and children…that the Word of God may not be reviled” (Titus 2:4-5). This is an essential task.

Perhaps you were blessed when you were a young mom to have a godly older woman in your life who poured herself into you, answered your questions, and encouraged you when you needed it. Let’s “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

The opportunity for pastor’s wives

Have you thought about how you, as a pastor’s wife, can minister to and even teach the mothers in your church? You may feel as if you don’t have time or energy to take on another project. You are working so hard to train your own children! It might help to frame the need in your church not as another responsibility to add to your busy schedule. Instead, think of the mothers in your church as women who need what you can provide. Consider the importance of Jesus’ final instructions in the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). These young moms will benefit from your discipleship teaching.

I’m sure that there are mothers in your church who deal with “mom brain” as some have called it. They may feel as if each day is filled with endless tasks and endless demands. They are worn out and stressed. Some are lonely. Families move away from their relatives, resulting in new moms who have been removed from their mothers and grandmothers and have no older, wiser voice to influence them. Perhaps they have never seen positive role models. Your role as the pastor’s wife will naturally draw some of these mothers to you. There are creative ways to help these women. Let’s consider a few.

Teaching

You could begin a Bible study with a few women in your church. You might study a book of the Bible or a book about mothers and their role in the family. A Bible study for moms probably needs to provide child care. At my former church, a group of women met together at our building when it was quiet during a weekday. We found a comfortable room where we could sit in a circle. The children were watched over by a mom in the nursery. If older children came along, they could take a break from their home-schooling assignments and play with the little kids, all under adult supervision.

I remember how precious Bible study time with other mothers was when my boys were young. It took me out of the mundane responsibilities of life and put me in the spiritual realm. We joined in a quest to discover precious truths in the word of God. The time we spent praying for one another developed deep friendships. We needed each other and craved those close bonds which are so vital to a church.

Formal mentoring or discipleship

You could get together regularly with a young mom in your church, making yourself available to answer practical questions or to help her with a child-training issue. Currently, I set up a phone call twice a month with a young woman in my church who has three small children and is pregnant with her fourth. She asked me to help keep her accountable to do her Bible reading and fulfill her other study goals. Even though we only talk for about 30 minutes, we have grown close. She appreciates being mentored and I appreciate her allowing me into her life.

So many mothers want to study the Bible and improve their prayer life but they find themselves dozing off once they sit down in a quiet place. Meeting with a friend solves that issue! You are able to talk together over what you have been learning. When you share your hearts through prayer, you become vitally involved with each other.

Casually doing life together

At other times, you might find yourself including a young mom in your household as you go about your day. Maybe she lives in your neighborhood and you get together to let the kids play while you talk. Perhaps you meet up at a park on a sunny day and chat while keeping an eye on your young ones. You might exchange recipes which were well received by your family, especially those which are quick to prepare and inexpensive!

You might find yourself needing to encourage your friend who is overwhelmed to think correctly about God. For example, she might need a reminder of the Lord’s gentle compassion. I love Isaiah 40:11, which is perfect for a young mother: “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” Guilt and self- recrimination can make a mother feel as if she can’t approach the Lord until she is worthier. Your gentle guidance can reorient her heart to the Lord. You might remind her of James 4:8a “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” You are called to “encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Do so with your whole heart.

All to God’s glory

The purpose of training a young mom is not to have control over her or to make her think the same as you. It is to serve the Lord Christ, Who served you by pursuing you. You can join the long line of Christian mothers who have taken on the responsibility of encouraging and helping one another through the centuries. The mothers who have come before you actively lived out Titus 2:3-5. They taught what is good and trained young women to love their husbands and children. You are a blessing when you follow the legacy of those of the past. Paul the apostle noticed the mothers in his church and followed their example of love and compassion.

Notice this remarkable verse, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8: “…we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” May that spirit inspire you to minister to the mothers in your congregation. The Lord sees your efforts and will reward you with dear and precious relationships with your sisters in Christ.

© 2025, Caroline Newheiser. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.