The successes of Stonecroft today are rooted in the answers to God’s call throughout our history. What is God’s call that motivates our movement?
Evangelism to women.
Throughout Stonecroft’s 80 years, the “e’s” of evangelism have permeated the lives of women answering this call. We’ve been encouraged, equipped, and empowered to be enthusiastic Gospel carriers to the women around us – where they are, as they are.
And we’re still going strong. Let’s take a look at some of Stonecroft’s historical highlights and how these ministry activities appear today.
Prayer
1930s – Mrs. Helen Duff Baugh, initiates an extensive prayer ministry in San Jose, California. Twenty-four prayer groups asked God for “new avenues” to share God’s love with others.
Prayer continues to be the foundation of everything we do. Prays groups ask God for “new avenues” of outreach and revival. Across the country, Prayer Connections gather to pray for the needs of Women’s Connection Groups, our country and world, and the Stonecroft ministry. Other prayer events include the national monthly prayer calls, and Prays Walks, among others.
Community
Late 1930s – Mrs. Baugh establishes the Christian Business Women’s Council of America as a dinner program to present the Gospel to career women. In 1948, Miss Mary E. Clark joined Mrs. Baugh to help lead the rapidly growing organization that was reaching out to women in all stages and walks of life. Christian Women’s Clubs were introduced as an outreach to homemakers in 1949.
Today, women still love to gather to make friends, get support, and help others. Stonecroft recognizes this yearning and provides a substantial number of group settings to help women hear the Gospel, experience Jesus’ love, and form a forever relationship with Him. These settings include Groups of Women’s Connection, our flagship ministry that covers the country; many different outreaches, such as Detox − find your balance and Story Marks, with their follow-up community groups; and Stonecroft Military that supports military spouses and servicewomen. Some of our newest groups are hubs, local groups that come together in prayer, training, outreach, building community, and celebration. Close to 25 hubs are located around the country and more are on the way!
The Spread of the Gospel
1940s – Mrs. Baugh answers invitations to establish more groups. Her passion for evangelism leads her to events across the country and she is never shy about sharing the Gospel with the people she meets along the way.
Stonecroft-trained Speakers now travel from group to group sharing their stories of how God transforms their lives. You can hear these Speakers at Women’s Connection events and outreaches, as well as non-Stonecroft events. Opportunities for relational evangelism are strong today. Like Mrs. Baugh, Stonecroft women can find many opportunities for sharing the Gospel in their daily lives. To meet this need, Stonecroft makes available several trainings on personal, relational evangelism, as well as our new Ears to Speak podcast.
International
1966 – Stonecroft expands internationally. The Christian Business & Professional Women and Christian Women’s Clubs are introduced in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The first Christian Women’s Club outside North America meets in Seoul, Korea.
Today, Stonecroft is affiliated with ministries in 40-plus countries. Our affiliates and partners translate U.S.-created resources and distribute them in their areas. As we expand and deepen these global ministry relationships, we realize this one thing remains true: our world needs Jesus.
Bible Studies
1968 – Friendship Bible Coffees, written by Lucille F. Sollenberger, are introduced as an outreach program of small group Bible studies.
God still makes Himself known when we gather to learn about Him and His ways. Stonecroft small groups that focus on God’s Word and spiritual discussions, such as Stonecroft Bible Studies and Conversations, include the Gospel. And women come to Christ as they learn about His love for us. Stonecroft Bible study groups can be found in homes, coffee shops, businesses, churches, rec centers, prisons, parks, and playgrounds – wherever women gather.
Wow, that’s a mighty bunch of activity that answers the call from an even mightier God! And these are just a few bits of our history and a brief overview of our ministry today. You know, we have another entry in our evangelism “e’s” list. When we celebrate where we’ve been and recognize where Stonecroft is in the present, we get excited. We’re excited about the future as God directs our steps to reach more and more women with the love and message of Jesus Christ.
Editor’s note: We’ll be going deeper with many of these topics as our 80th year progresses. Watch your monthly e-newsletter.
Robyne Baker
MarCom Team Lead and Writer