Changing Hearts. Changing Lives. One Girlfriend at a Time.

Q&A with Lisa Jernigan and Patty Wyatt, founders of Girlfriends Unlimited

How did the two of you first become good friends?

We met through a mutual friend who thought we should get together as we had both recently lost our mothers. After a lot of prodding, we finally agreed to get together and an instant friendship was formed!

What inspired the two of you to create this unique ministry?

Patty and I discovered that we both had a heart and burden for connecting women in innovative ways and encouraging them in their walks with the Lord. We were also burdened to reach more women outside the church walls and create environments that were safe and non-threatening . . . basically a place that they wanted to come to.

We both were raised in Christian homes and had been involved in ministry our whole lives. We belong to a large church and as we looked around, we wondered why we were not attracting more women. We noticed a lot of women attending church but not engaged. We also noticed that women outside the church walls were not being drawn in and we asked ourselves why.

Why is the Girlfriends Unlimited program such a great ministry tool to reach women outside of the church?

It gives believers a purpose and non-believers a place! Our two operating words are Silly and Significant! Patty and I love to have a good time and give other women permission to have fun, giggle and gab with each other.

Girlfriends Unlimited operates on the philosophy of “I want what she’s having.” We want women to experience unconditional love and acceptance and see others enjoying their relationships with the Lord.

Why is it so important for women to have girlfriends in their lives?

Women are relational by nature. We need each other. We understand one another. When the unexpected happens in life (and it will!), we need girlfriends around to encourage and pray for us.

Patty and I both experienced this support from girlfriends and we want every woman to have this too. Unfortunately life gets busy and we don’t make or take time to develop friendships. The time to invest in others is when times are good.

Since the initial one-time event at your church, how has Girlfriends Unlimited expanded?

We started with 120 women and by the end of the year we were at 700! Other churches started hearing about this unique approach and wanted to know what we were doing. We recruited a team of girlfriends to help develop this concept.

An article ran in Today’s Christian Woman magazine and the response was overwhelming. As a result, we put together a manual and started trainings. It just started growing from there!

What kinds of churches will benefit from membership in your organization? Does a church have to fit a particular model to use Girlfriends Unlimited effectively?

This is for all churches . . . no matter what size or where they are in their women’s ministry. This is not a cookie cutter approach, but we provide “accessories” for churches and ministries to pick and choose what best fits them where they are. We like to say we are designing women’s ministry in a style today’s woman wants to wear!

You encourage churches to have “special interest groups” within their women’s ministry. Can you give us examples of these groups and why they are such a vital part of the Girlfriends Unlimited program?

Our GGroups connect women through shared interests and give women an opportunity to connect in smaller, more intimate settings. We have groups such as Hiker Chicks, Chick Flickers, Cuisine Queens , etc.

Each group not only meets to do their shared interest but also must give back to the community in some way. It’s fun with a purpose!

Member churches gain access to Monthly Experience and Theme Event Guides. Can you explain the difference between an experience and an event? What kinds of events has your own group held?

An event is what you go to experience fun, friendships, unconditional love and acceptance which ultimately leads to a relationship with the Lord for non-believers.

We want women to be participants, not just spectators at an event. We want them to experience Christ.

What products and services are included in the membership fee to Girlfriends Unlimited?

Your membership to GU provides resources and tools to do ministry. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel!

You’ll get a password protected entry into our Chat Room where you’ll find lots of ideas, prayer support and girlfriends. This is a great place for leaders to connect and not feel so isolated in ministry.

Each month you’ll get downloads for event ideas and leadership resources. Plus we’ll give you DVD’s for promotions for your church. You’ll also receive a Guide that explains the philosophy and gives you the how to’s of this ministry!

Also, you have access to the Girlfriends Unlimited name and logo to create branding identity.

Plus, there’s Girlfriend Gear that you buy from us at wholesale to sell to your girlfriends at retail to help fund your ministry and create excitement and branding.

How can churches find out more about Girlfriends Unlimited?

Take a peek at our website: www.girlfriendsunlimited.com

Lisa and Patty are available for interviews. For more information, contact:

Audra Jennings
Media Specialist – The B&B Media Group
1-800-927-0517 Ext. 104 or ajennings@tbbmedia.com
Visit us on the web at www.tbbmedia.com
“A Media Communications Company”

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