Treasures of Encouragement: Women Helping Women in the Church

by Sharon W. Betters

In this book, Sharon Betters explains how the freedom that springs from a secure identity in Christ can enable you to reach out to others around you. She offers inspiring stories, key principles, and specific examples of how to build up each other—and the church as a whole—through the ministry of encouragement.

Genres: Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

About the author

Sharon Betters is a mother of four and grandmother of nine. She is a nationally known conference and retreat speaker and has also spoken to women's groups in Africa and Japan. Author of Treasures of Encouragement and Treasures of Faith, she has also contributed articles to Today's Christian Woman, Virtue, and Christian Parenting Today.

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from the perspective of women's ministry. I thought it gave some practical suggestions as well as reasons behind being a true encourager of your sisters in Chirst.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these times, people are more discouraged than ever and many times feel alone even when in church. Sharon Betters' writes with great feeling and experience to women about taking up the gentle, but sometimes complex challenge of being an encourager to others.

Speaking from experience, the author has intentionally encouraged others and mentored other women in doing it. More importantly, in being a grieving mother doubting the goodness of God and in deep pain needing encouragement herself, she can speak to what it is to need encouragement and how others can most effectively be there for those in pain and heartache.

She talks about what it is and why its important. Speaks to occurrences in the Bible, women who tell their stories of needing and receiving encouragement, and easy-read, but thought-provoking chapters on all aspects of encouragement. I was most interested in how to be there for those in mourning as I always feel helpless in how to show I care and do what the person most needs. That was a solid chapter that was both thoughtful and practical. She makes it clear that this is a needed ministry and one that is as spiritual as more obvious ones because by encouraging others, they can see God act in their lives through us. We can be the answer to someone's need- offering to do childcare or chores, writing notes and calling, or simply being around when they are in a dark place. It all is important.

All in all, it challenged me to pay better attention to others and not myself, to be willing to put myself out there and not be afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing, and know that this is a true and needed ministry.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book arose out of tragedy: the author's teenage son and his friend died in a car crash minutes after leaving home. The book is more than the author's story, however. She includes many testimonies of giving and receiving biblical encouragement. She shows from the Scripture both our responsibility to encourage and our equipping via our walk with God, time in the Bible, and presence of His Holy Spirit. She reminds that we usually can't rush in and fix things, that God has purposes for which He allows tragedies. But He works through His people to support and strengthen them and draw them to Himself. Both practical and spiritual ideas for encouragement are included. Excellent resource.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book would teach me how to be a better encourager but what I found was far better. This 12-week study encouraged me in ways I will never be able to fully express.

I learned how to both give and receive sincere encouragement. I’m pleased that I will have this book for reference as I continue to grow as an encourager.

I would add that having a new journal before starting this journey is a good idea.

There is also a Leader Guide available if you would like to use it as a small group study.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most practical books I have ever read!

[Maryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, lots of practical tips. I appreciate the author being very honest about her grief and how hard it was/is.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some sections of the book felt a bit outdated. Over all it was a very helpful book.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some good points on encouragement. I would not have picked it, had I known it was based on the author's grief. She also lost me at being a "spiritual midwife"