KAREN HODGE | CONTRIBUTOR

Synergy is not a word that often rolls off the tongue, but when you look around, you will begin to see it everywhere. Synergy finds its roots in the word for sun and energy and working together. It is where impact and multiplication collide. It is the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. On most days, one plus one always equals two. But synergy and collaboration offer the prospects of one plus one equaling three, ten, or one thousand. Don’t believe me? Look around at God’s creative acts. Bees exponentially pollinate, thus helping to oxygenate our world. Singular ingredients that may taste simple or bland when combined in a recipe delight the palate. Solos are nice, but how magnificent to sit in a sanctuary filled with an orchestra and the four-part harmony of a choir. It’s the better together quotient!

I write a strategic plan for our National Women’s Ministry Team each year. In 2025, we are inviting women to join us in stepping out in faith and asking God to enable the rich interdependence of spiritual synergy.

Gospel Partnership Brings Joy, Thanksgiving, and Missional Alignment

We don’t read anywhere that Paul had favorite churches, but if he did, I am guessing that the church at Philippi would’ve been at the top of the list. This church was not perfect, but they were delighted to be partners. Paul expressed his joy in serving alongside them when he wrote, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:3-6). This shared mission compelled him towards worship and thanksgiving. Planting the church at Philippi was no casual once-in-a-blue-moon connection. It started the day they met, and because of the gospel’s power, it persevered daily. He knew that unpacking the content of the gospel in the context of community was eternally shaping him and his fellow brothers and sisters. Growing and serving together as a Body was not a one-and-done partnership but a process of gospel transformation that would find its finish on the day of Christ Jesus.

Spiritual Synergy is Spirit-Empowered Collaboration

Spiritual synergy is Spirit-empowered collaboration, cooperation, and an invitation to “koinonia,” a rich fellowship in our mutual gifts and graces. Spiritual synergy is not possible by human effort or external giftings. It is taking time to pray and ponder the question: what might God do in our lives and churches if we relinquish independence for interdependence? And do I trust God’s exponential math that in His power, He produces a combined effect with other gospel partners greater than the sum of the separate ministry endeavors? The “our,” “us,” and “we” covenantal language reminds us that there is no place in the church for radical individualism or lone-ranger Christianity.

Multiplication Mindsets

It is exciting to think about the ministry multiplication sisters can experience as they share a Savior, and a mission and vision built on the eternal implications of Word-based and relationally-driven discipleship. I often talk about us being better together, but this is not mere sentiment. This Spirit-empowered venture will require humility, the setting aside of preferences, prayer, and cultivating a grander view of the Church beyond our local bodies. I hope that our National Women’s Ministry Team can be used to encourage and equip women towards this end, which will lead us all to thanksgiving and joy, enjoying Christ’s work through us as we partner together in gospel work!

Here are a few ways I am asking the Lord to lead us toward spiritual synergy:

• What if the women of the PCA led the charge in praying for revival and church vitality?
• Even though the PCA has a stated value of connectional-ism, we are often isolated or fractured. What might happen if women partnered together instead of dividing over preference or personality?
• How might loneliness and isolation be erased if we invited others into gospel partnerships?
• How would a church culture change if women went out two by two to serve, lead a small group, mobilize care, or extend mercy to their communities?
• Are there creative ways for the Women’s Ministry to partner with the Children or Youth Ministry to strengthen the whole church? A great first step might happen if you consider joining us for one of three Made for More Conferences this spring.
• What if churches partnered together to encourage and equip women in their presbytery by hosting a regional retreat or women’s ministry training?
• What if churches in a presbytery partnered together to pray and collaborate on creative ways that they could support the work of CDM, RUF, MTW, MNA, Covenant Seminary, Covenant College, Ridgehaven, PCA Foundation, Geneva, or our Administrative Committee?

Stay connected to opportunities to partner together with Women’s Ministry in 2025!

Photo by Jacob Sangster on Unsplash