Women find fellowship, encouragement through spring’s first Metochai gathering

Metochai, Southwestern Seminary’s organization for student wives, held its first monthly meeting of the spring 2017 semester, Jan. 23. The evening afforded women the opportunity to gather for fellowship, develop new friendships, and receive spiritual encouragement from the evening’s speaker, Cheryl Bell.

Bell, a recent Southwestern graduate (Ph.D., 2016), spoke on Metochai’s theme for the 2016-2017 school year, “Passionately Pursued.” Speaking on Zephaniah 3:17, Bell said the verse reflects four things that Christ does as the bridegroom of the church: He loves, He sanctifies and cleanses, He saves, and He nourishes and cherishes the bride. She then encouraged the women to consider how the way in which they relate to their husbands is a unique opportunity to proclaim the Gospel.

“Proclaiming the Gospel with your marriage is something that you all will be tested on while you are here in seminary,” Bell said. “You will be put through hard, tough, pressure-cooker situations. What comes out is not always going to be a quiet and gentle spirit. But what a gracious God we have that He chose us and pursued us.”

Bell’s message of encouragement was received by dozens of women who have found community with the members of Metochai. Although each woman has a different background, Wynnette Taylor, president of Metochai, says women can expect biblical guidance for the “real-life circumstances” many families will face during their time in seminary or in their various ministries.

“Women will be blessed by their discussion with mentors who each have their own unique qualities and love to minister to other women,” Taylor says. “Mentors with experience in homeschool, adoption, infertility, childrearing, empty-nesting and more.”

Taylor says Metochai became an important part of her life following the difficult loss of a parent. It was during this time, she says, that the women of Metochai offered her encouragement and support.

Metochai’s mission, Taylor says, is to offer fellowship and encouragement for student wives and to prepare them to partner with their husbands for a lifetime of ministry. “I no longer face this refining journey alone because of the deep-rooted relationships formed with mentors and other seminary wives,” Taylor says. “My husband recently began the Ph.D. program, and they are still faithfully walking alongside me. If it were not for Metochai, I may not have found these extraordinary women to walk alongside.”

Metochai is held monthly in Seelig Banquet Room in the Naylor Student Center. Free childcare is available for children ages 2 months through sixth grade upon prior reservation. For more information concerning childcare, contact the Naylor Children’s Center at KRogers@swbts.edu or ext. 2970. For future Metochai dates, visit swbts.edu/events.