Groups for men and women

My wife and I attend a WELS church. She is looking for support and wants to join a church moms group. Our church does not have one and she does not have the time or resources to start one herself. There is a Missouri Synod church nearby that has a big moms group and they meet for fellowship/prayer/Bible study. During their meetings the men meet separately for Bible study/etc. Is it biblically wrong for my wife to join that group or myself to fellowship with those men? If we knew of a local WELS moms group nearby we would look into it too. I appreciate any biblical clarity and feedback you have for helping us make wise, godly decisions. Thank you!

When Christians are joined together in faith and doctrine, they are able to express their unity by joint prayer and worship, cooperative educational endeavors and shared outreach efforts (Acts 1:14; 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25; Psalm 78:4-7; 3 John 5-8). When you and I interact with Christians whose faith differs from ours, we follow Scripture’s instructions and do not engage in those previously mentioned activities (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10; 2 John 10-11). By not worshiping, studying the Bible or praying together with other Christians, you and I are not intending to say that we do not consider such people to be outside the faith. God alone can see what is in the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). We readily and happily acknowledge that the kingdom of God is bigger than our synod. Refraining from prayer, Bible study and worship with people who are not united with us in faith and doctrine is, as our Catechism points out from Scripture, a matter of showing love for the truth of God’s word (2 Corinthians 13:8), love for our own souls (Galatians 5:9) and love for those who are mixing error with truth (James 5:19-20).

Because your congregation and the Missouri Synod congregation are not united in faith and doctrine, you want to refrain from those activities that you asked about: prayer and Bible study. Those activities would be possible if the congregations were in fellowship with each other.

If your wife is interested in a moms group, the burden for organizing it need not fall on her. I would suggest that you and your wife present the idea of a moms group and a men’s Bible study group to your pastor and the leaders of your congregation. Perhaps your congregation can collaborate with another WELS congregation nearby to offer spiritual and fellowship opportunities for men and women. God bless you and your family!