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In the New Testament Lydia used her business as a base of outreach (Acts 16:12-15, 40) and her home as a center for ministry and fellowship. Today, women with similar interests may cluster together to form discovery groups or Bible study groups. For example, a group of mothers might come together to learn about teaching values to children.

"Leading the support group and Bible study in the apartment complex is the highlight of my week," says a working wife and mother of two. Virginia Baptist Women on Mission are facilitating outreach ministries across the Commonwealth. The Lydia Project is helping women to develop specific ministry approaches to reach the unchurched with the gospel. Women are leading and facilitating outreach ministries in apartment complexes, trailer parks, their places of employment, and in their homes. This project reminds us that the "church" is an autonomous community of believers in fellowship with Christ and one another for witness and service. The Lydia Project focuses on awakening women to listen for God's call in their lives. Women are encouraged to discover how they can be involved in starting new fellowships that may evolve into churches. We have learned that one or two Christians gathered with several non-Christians around a common interest offers a conducive environment in which to share Christ.

Lydia was a seeking woman who listened. "And on the Sabbath day we went outside the city's gate to the bank of the river, where we supposed there was an accustomed place of prayer, and we sat down and addressed the women who had assembled there. One of those who listened to us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a dealer in fabrics dyed in purple. She was already a worshiper of God, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said." (Acts 16:13-14)

Women through the years have sought to listen to God's voice. The history of Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia is filled with stories of obedient servants. Are you listening for God's voice? Can you hear God's voice? What is God calling you to do?

This project will focus its efforts on awakening women to listen for God's call and discover how they can be involved in starting new ministries. The future calls for churches in many forms.

The church as defined in the Lydia Project, is an autonomous community of believers gathered for life with God, for fellowship with each other, and for witness and service to the world.

We can establish small groups beyond the walls of our own churches. We call these groups "discovery groups."

"Discovery group" refers to a group setting for individual discovery about oneself and about Jesus Christ. The group offers a point of contact for evangelizing the lost and for helping Christians mature in their faith.

The discovery groups may help start a church; others will remain as indigenous ministries of established churches. Such new units can help also to revitalize existing churches. A discovery group is born around a common need. In addition to women's groups, men's groups or groups of couples could form. You may begin in our home or workplace, or shelters for homeless or abused women. Discovery groups are formed from among those with whom you have contact in your daily life who are not Christians---family, neighbors, co-workers, friends.

• Training sessions for persons interested in beginning a Lydia Project can be set up within an association or local church. Those who participate might connect with associational strategies in previously identified areas of need. For example, they may join in assisting an area which has identified a need of new work based on a New Work Probe.

• A prayer strategy is designed, which can include several aspects: (a) Prayer Triplets -- Three Christians agree to pray for nine persons who do not know Christ, each Christian contributing three names to the prayer list; (b) Prayer Walk-- Choose a section of your neighborhood near your church, or in an area identified as needing a church start, or even a mall. Plan a walk there, praying as you pass each house or store, and seeking to see with God's eyes any evident needs. (c) Concentrated 14-day Prayer --A group prays daily for the people and needs of a particular area.

• A simple community survey may be helpful to see if persons have a Bible. If Bibles are not available to everyone, efforts should be made to secure Bibles for them. Friends and neighbors can plan to do informal Bible studies with them.

• Begin Discovery Groups. These groups will focus on people who do not participate in traditional church settings. A group might met at a local restaurant or the community room of a library or shopping mall instead of at the church building. They will operate on a five-week cycle. Leaders may continue with another five-week cycle if desired. A series of easy questions guides the study and allows interaction of participants.

Where do I find help beginning a Lydia Project?

WMU of Virginia's goal is to have a trained project coordinator in every association who can assist individuals and churches to begin such a ministry.

Contact the state office (800-255-2428 or 804-915-5000) for help in locating a trainer and for resources/suggestions. Training is also provided at WMU training events.