PWOC or (Protestant Women of the Chapel) has a rich history, a well of resources, and a heart to serve the women and families in the military community. It’s not “just a Bible study on post” but the literal fruition of a need that a group of women saw and sought to meet many years ago. A group of women much like I imagine this group of women at WAF – solution minded women, service minded women, COMMUNITY minded women. Women who decided they didn’t want to walk this military road alone and decided to do something about it.
How it started
In the 1950’s, as families began to move with their service members to Europe, many wives and mothers found themselves in a foreign country without community. So, “in 1952, the Nuremberg Post formed a group called “Protestant Women of the Chapel” becoming a forerunner of what would soon become PWOC-Europe,” (thehubpwoc). Later in 1955 Chaplain Kirtly called women all over Europe to form their own PWOC groups and called leaders together for a conference where the organization was officially formed.
Later, in 1991 PWOC USA came to fruition as the need in the United States became just as evident as the need overseas to provide opportunities for discipleship and service for women who were connected to or choose to worship at the chapel. Modern day PWOC has over 130 locations in Europe, , Korea, Japan, Northeast, Southeast, Central, West, Hawaii and Alaska (thehubpwoc).
Workers together for Christ
But what is it? What do they do? The PWOC motto is simply, “workers together for Christ ” which really embodies the service heart that is at the center of PWOC. It was designed for the community and that is what it seeks to provide. In short, PWOC has four aims: to lead women to Christ, to teach women God’s word, to develop women’s spiritual gifts, and to involve women in chapel ministries.
Practically, this looks so simple – a weekly get together. If you stopped by a weekly PWOC gathering you would likely find the following:
- Food & fellowship: typically there is a time to hang out, eat brunch, and share life together.
- Worship & devotional: Usually there is a short time of worship followed by a short devotional or encouraging word from someone within the group.
- Bible study and prayer: Often the groups break into individual studies led by a facilitator with a certain book or book of the Bible.
- Childcare: Childcare is graciously provided from the chapel budget, usually for kids 1-5 years old.
Behind the scenes there is so much more! The PWOC board is an elected group of volunteers who make each week happen! The president, spiritual life director, programs director, in reach and outreach, prayer coordinator, hospitality, etc are all volunteer positions created so that each week women are being served and loved well!
There also might be events throughout the week, fun workouts, park meetups, prayer and worship nights etc. All run by volunteers with a heart to reach other women on post or base that want and need community!
Finding PWOC near you
How to find your local PWOC? You can click here to find a list of PWOC locations and email addresses! You can also almost always find a Facebook group as well by simply searching PWOC and your fort or base i.e. Fort Carson PWOC.
My experience
Personally, I have formed some of my closest military friends through PWOC. Even though our family doesn’t typically attend chapel on post for church (not required to attend PWOC), I have found that the community is so encouraging. It’s so nice to be around a group of women who “get it” but also want each other to thrive in this military life. Women who long to hold each other up and be there for one another. I love that it’s often cross generational so I get to learn from older, more seasoned spouses as well as be there for the younger women, the ones who are so green to military life and are longing to be included and mentored.
I can’t speak for every PWOC since I haven’t been a part of each of them but I am grateful for the organization and pray that the military would continue to see its value and work in the lives of military spouses and families. We all know that the military is stronger when families are thriving and I truly believe PWOC is a part of helping families feel deeply cared for on their journey.
Meet Corrie
Corrie and her husband transitioned from full-time ministry to military life in 2017 and have lived in Missouri, Texas, Virginia, and Colorado! They have been married for 8 years and have two little boys. She loves woodfired pizza, coffee, hiking, anything outdoors, and building community! She has been involved in PWOC since 2017 and has served on the extended board as the inreach/ outreach coordinator. You can find more military encouragement, resources, and duty station bucket lists on her Instagram @ajoyfulmilspouse
