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What Is a MOPS Group?
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MOPS is a haven for busy
moms. MOPS began in 1973 when a small group of moms met in a
local church near Denver, CO, to share their common needs.
Today, approximately 2500 groups meet in the United States,
Canada, and fourteen other countries, reaching more than
100,000 women and their families, providing a caring,
accepting atmosphere for today's mothers to grow and share
their experiences with other women.
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MOPS groups exist to support every
mother of preschoolers and adapt to fit the size and
"personality" of the group's community.
For example…
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MOPS groups vary in size
from 10 women to 200.
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MOPS groups meet as often
as once a week, and as infrequently as once a month; groups meet
during the day, in the evenings, or on weekends. Most groups meet
during the school year, and some meet year-round.
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MOPS groups meet in small
and large buildings, using the space and resources that are
available.
Groups are chartered through local
faith-based organizations, including churches and parachurch
ministries.
While each MOPS group is different,
there are several foundational principles on which the ministry is
built:
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Community: MOPS provides
an open, caring, and accepting atmosphere, where women can come
together to share this important season of life.
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 Mentoring:
A MOPS Mentor is an experienced woman who helps new moms grow
personally and as parents. Through the relationships built in MOPS
groups, a mentor shares wisdom from her own experience and
practical and meaningful ways to fulfill the varied roles of
mother, woman, and wife.
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Practical Instruction: Since
many moms who attend MOPS do not attend a church, a teaching
format of topical interest is given from a biblical perspective.
This style provides a practical Christianity that allows a
non-Christian woman to feel comfortable in a MOPS group. MOPS is
not a Bible study.
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Leadership Development:
Not only are MOPS groups specifically for mothers of preschoolers,
meetings are organized and run by mothers of preschoolers, who
gain confidence in their leadership skills through training and
experience they receive through this ministry. These women often
move into other areas of leadership in their church or community
after graduating from MOPS.
These principles can be carried out
through several aspects of a MOPS group:
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Discussion: The intimate
and accepting atmosphere of a small group offers moms a chance to
share their successes, questions, and concerns. It is during these
times that a mom realizes that she is not alone, and lifelong
friendships are formed.
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Teaching: Presentations
from MOPS Mentors or other speakers offer inspiration and
information that is relevant to the life of a mother. Topics
celebrate motherhood and meet a mom's unique needs during this
season of life.
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Creative Activities: Moms
may be given the opportunity to express themselves creatively
during MOPS meetings. Through craft projects and life skills
presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of
accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
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MOPPETS: Children are
cared for during MOPS meetings in a parallel program called
MOPPETS, where they experience love in a preschool-like setting.
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Listen
to the MOPS Radio Program Online |
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