MOPS At Oakbrook Community Church
Adventures In Mothering

Better Moms Make A Better World

The MOPS Story

Eight women. The number was small, but the need was great. The first MOPS meeting took place in February 1973 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. For two hours these mothers talked, laughed, ate, passed a basket for childcare expenses, had a craft demonstration, and ended with a short devotional. In this humble beginning, the seeds of the MOPS concept and format were planted. Through friendship, creative outlets, and instruction, the women began to understand that "mothering matters." Today, the same needs for significance are met in much the same way in MOPS groups across the United States and around the world.

From the beginning, women in MOPS were not content to be spectators. Through MOPS, they found an opportunity to discover and culitvate their leadership gifts. As women moved around the countr, they took the concept of MOPS with them, and new groups formed.

Growth began as word spead in churches, conventions, and magazie articles that explained this unique new program. Inquiries and requests for information became more frequent, and MOPS printed a handbook. Office space moved from a desk in a family room to a rented office.

In 1981, MOPS established a Board of Directors and incorporated first as MOPS Outreach, and later as MOPS, Inc. As interest mushroomed, leadership training began. One hundred and fifty women from five states gathered in 1982 for the first all-day MOPS leadership seminar.

In 1988, MOPS expanded beyond the US borders and was renamed MOPS International, Inc. to reflect the international impact of the ministry. As MOPS grew, so did the need for a chartering process, additional resource materials, and a paid staff. The Board hired Elisa Morgan as the first president of the organization in 1989.

MOPS reached out to mothers throught the MOMSense newsletter (now MOMSense magazine) beginning in 1993. The newsletter joined the existing MOMSense radio program to help MOPS nurture every mother of preschoolers, whether or not she attended a MOPS group. In 1995, MOPS formed a partnership with Zondervan Publishing House, further expanding its outreach to mothers through books. Also that year, MOPS established Teen MOPS groups for teenage mothers. MOPS became even more available to moms when it went on-line in 1997, and in 2000 when it created the MOPS to Mom Connection to bring additional resources directly to a mom's home.

MOPS has come a long way over the years, and continues to adapt to meet the various needs of moms today. As we follow God's leading, MOPS follows a truth that will never change: God loves mothers of preschoolers, fully affirming the identity and value of each woman. While each MOPS group is different, the ministry is built on several foundational principles:
      -Community: MOPS provides an open, caring, and accepting atmosphere, where women can come together to share this
        important season of life.
     -Lifestyle Evangelism: Because MOPS is designed to be accessible and comfortable for both Christian and non-Christian
        women, MOPS leaders are trained to build relationships based on common experiences, and share their faith in a
        personal and non-threatening way.
     -Mentoring: Through the relationships built in MOPS groups, mentors share wisdom from their experiences in practical
       and meaningful ways.
     -Practical Instruction: Teaching focuses on areas of common interst, presented 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.
     -Leadership Development: MOPS groups are organized and run by mothers of preschoolers for mothers of preschoolers.
       They gain confidence and grow in their leadership skills through training and experience. After graduating from MOPS,
       women often move into other areas of leadership in their chruch or community.

The above priciples may be carried out through different aspects of a MOPS group:
     -Discussion: The intimate and accepting atmoshpere of a small group offers moms a chance to share their successes,
       failures, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that a mom realized that she is not alone, and lifelong
       friendships are formed.
     -Teaching: Presenters offer inspiration and information that is relevant to the life of a mother. Topics celebrate
       motherhood and meet a mom's unique needs.
     -Creative Activites: Through creative projects and presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of
       accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
     -MOPPETS: During most MOPS meetings, children are cared for in a program called MOPPETS, where they experience
       Christ's love in a preschool-like setting.

If you would like to know more about MOPS International or would like to find a group in your area, please visit their website at www.mops.org. Thanks!