“But I’m Not a Leader” - By Design’s Philosophy of Participation
By Karen Moniz
Have you ever considered attending a By Design Ministries event but hesitated at the sight of the word “leader” or a registration question asking you to list the position of leadership you hold in your church or organization? Over the years, a good number of prospective attendees have inquired, “Can I attend if I’m only a nursery worker?” or told us, “I’m not a women’s ministry leader, I just sing in the choir.” Are By Design’s events for you? We want to answer with a resounding YES!
We want to overcome these misconceptions by clarifying By Design Ministries’ history and core vision for Christian women (which can be read in full here). In 1989, Beverly Weinhold pioneered a new ministry to New England women with two goals in mind: to help women grow in their faith by studying God’s Word and to encourage women to use their gifts and talents, according to how God designed them, in reaching the world for Christ. In the decades that followed, the ministry, named By Design in 2007, effectively provided quality, in-depth classes that covered a myriad of relevant topics to equip godly women who held positions of “spiritual influence” in their lives.
Because the truth is, we all have spiritual influence in one way or another. When you pray with a friend, you have spiritual influence. When you serve at church, you have spiritual influence. When you reflect Christ at work, you have spiritual influence. When you teach your children about Jesus, you have spiritual influence. God is working in and through you for his purposes.
And you know what? The phrase “spiritual influence” is just another term for leadership. We as women tend to downplay our roles, but when we do that, we are downplaying God’s activity in and through us. Wherever God has you right now, you are leading and influencing others for the Kingdom. So don’t be afraid to call it what it is. We are all leaders in the various facets of our lives. And By Design is here to equip and support you in these endeavors, to help you to love and serve God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
“Wherever God has you right now, you are leading and influencing others for the Kingdom.”
If it were possible to interview each one of the thousands of women who have participated in By Design events over the years, it is very likely that many of them would share testimonies of how they were providentially introduced to the ministry at a time when God was preparing them to make an eternal difference in their home, workplace, community, or church. Those roles may or may not have been to lead specifically from the front, but being a woman of significant spiritual influence does not require a title.
And being part of By Design has other benefits, as well. One valuable outgrowth of the trainings, retreats, and small group gatherings was the camaraderie that formed and deepened between women from all over New England. It’s remarkable to have the opportunity to connect with women who are pursuing a deep and meaningful walk with the Lord.
In 2025, By Design holds fast, stronger than ever, to its commitment to “assist Christian women in the discovery, development, and deployment of the God-given design for their lives.” The only qualification for participation is an openness to listen, learn, and (as God designs it!) lead.
Are you looking to grow in spiritual influence? Or maybe you can think of a friend who could use some extra support and encouragement from sisters in Christ? Come and join us! Check out the services we offer, and let us know how we can help.
Karen Moniz’ childhood included dinnertime Bible quizzes, singing in nursing homes, and street evangelism. At 13, she accepted Christ as Savior. She’s been married to Dave for 30 years, and they have two grown children. To celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, Karen entered the Mrs. Essex County Pageant at the Topsfield Fair and won! Karen provides companionship to seniors and leads an evangelistic Bible study in a retirement home for women. Her motto is: Keep God big and keep looking up!
Karen is also a member of By Design’s board of directors.