1953 the ICWF (U.S. and Canada) was founded, and in 1982, the ICWF Cabinet was formed. Then, in 2006, the ICWF became known as the International Disciples Women’s Ministries (IDWM). This body of women sponsors much of the ministry with and for women of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Ministry originating from the IDWM is accomplished through the Executive Committee in partnership with the IDWM Cabinet, Disciples Women’s Leadership Council (DWLC), and the staff of the Disciples Women’s Ministries office in Indianapolis. In 2011, Disciples Women became self-determining and are now represented as part of OGMP’s cabinet and Justice Table. The work of IDWM is funded through the budget of Disciples Women’s Ministries, which is in close covenant with Disciples Home Missions.
Through Disciples Women sponsored events, women are invited to share the Good News through:
- Worship for spiritual growth and renewed discipleship
- Bible study for greater knowledge, understanding, and service
- Issue study for action and advocacy
- Mission study for knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of others
- Service/action for hands-on/personal involvement
- Fellowship/networking for building the faith community with other women
- Leadership training for service to God in Disciples Women, the Church, and the community at large
- Stewardship of time, talent, and resources for the mission of the Church
IDWM operates under its current Rules of Procedures which can be viewed here.
Disciples Women’s Leadership Council (DWLC)
The Disciples Women’s Leadership Council (DWLC) is comprised of regional and constituency leadership representatives who coordinate Disciples Women’s ministry programs in regions. Its purpose is to be an advisory and communication channel and to share in advocacy for women through fellowship, professional development, enrichment, and support of the members.
Once a year, these leaders travel to meet and learn from other leaders in this field while receiving best ministry/program management practices. Their presence also ensures that your region’s voice is included at the DW table regarding programming, budgeting, and the general wellbeing of Disciples Women’s Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Voting members of DWLC include:
- Regional Disciples Women Staff Representatives
- Regional Presidents
- Representatives of constituency groups (NAPAD, National Convocation, Obra Hispana)
- IDWM Executive Committee
- IDWM Nominating Committee Chair
- Staff of Disciples Women’s Ministries
Others who are invited to the DWLC table include
- Conventions and Fellowship Group representatives;
- Haitian Women
ANNUAL MEETING OF DWLC
The DWLC convenes annually to:
- Offer ideas and input for themes and areas for general programs and group study
- Offer input on themes and areas of study to be developed by the Just Women Editorial Board
- Participate in working groups as designed by the IDWM Executive Committee (i.e. General Assembly activities, educational groups, social action/justice issue groups, etc.)
- Receive trainings to help strengthen and grow the Disciples Women’s network in her Region
- Recommend mission and social action foci for regional and national initiatives
- Receive information for the next year’s study material
- Receive reports from the Disciples Women’s staff
- Fellowship, worship and share ideas to ensure the advancement of the mission, vision, and values of Disciples Women’s Ministries
DWLC RESOURCES
DWLC LEADERSHIP TEAM
Members of the DWLC Leadership Team work together to plan the annual DWLC meeting under the guidance of the IDWM Executive Committee and the DWM Executive Director. These officers are responsible for working with the IDWM Executive Committee, the Executive Director and other Disciples Women’s Staff as a way of keeping the pathways of
communication open between regional bodies and the national office. Except for the President, who serves a four (4) year term, each officer serves a two (2) year term.
