Q: Why should I start a Military MOPS group?

Because MOPS meets moms' needs. The MOPS program works. MOPS International is unique in its specific focus on mothers of preschoolers and understanding the needs of these critical years. MOPS has developed a relational program designed to meet those needs offering help and hope to military moms who are experiencing difficult times while their husbands are deployed.

Because MOPS makes an eternal difference. MOPS helps families come to know Jesus in a personal way. Women and their families come into a church - sometimes for the first time - and find caring friends, encouragement and instruction.

Because MOPS is for every mother of preschoolers. MOPS is an open door to every military community. It successfully meets the needs of both the churched and un-churched military moms in urban centers or rural towns, moms of every age, ethnic background and lifestyle.

Because MOPS grows leaders. MOPS provides a place for women to grow as leaders by working with one another. With leadership resources provided by MOPS International and a team atmosphere to work in, mothers are encouraged to take an active role in their group.

Q: What will our MOPS group look like?

Your group will look like your community! One of the great aspects of the MOPS format is that it is adaptable to the size and "personality" of the community where it is located. Whether you are in a suburban, rural, or urban setting, you'll find your MOPS group adapting to meet your military community's specific needs.

MOPS group is a dynamic, inviting environment where women can come-just as they are to build friendships, be encouraged and gain practical parenting strategies. All while their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program.

Q: We already have the PWOC on our installation. What makes MOPS outreach approach so unique?

MOPS is seeker-oriented. Moms who normally wouldn't go to church will often join a MOPS group. The methodology of MOPS creates a warm, accepting atmosphere for moms of all faiths to come and be accepted and to experience firsthand the love and warmth of Christ.

At MOPS International, we believe in the model of lifestyle evangelism - that through meeting the needs of women, we demonstrate the love of Jesus for them in the following ways:

• Teaching and encouraging women about issues that are relevant to their stages of life
• Sharing our faith through actions and the way we live
• Taking the opportunity at least twice a year to formally present the gospel

MOPS and the PWOC work together and compliment each other on any military installation. Once moms come to a faith in Jesus Christ, they want to deepen their faith and become involved in the programs of the PWOC.

Q: How will I see MOPS directly impact growth in our chapel?

In this season of early mothering, the need for practical help and spiritual hope provides the chartering ministry with an opportunity to meet the long-term needs of the mom and her family. Through MOPS, moms will experience the chapel as a warm and accepting environment where their spiritual needs are met.

In addition, through practical experience and training offered by MOPS, it gives women opportunities to develop their leadership skills to go on to serve in leadership positions in their chapels, communities and places of work.

Q: What are the costs involved with MOPS?

A chartered organization accepts the responsibility of paying the following fees for each of its MOPS groups to MOPS International:

• Initial Chartering Fee: The one-time total fee for chartering a new MOPS Group is $275 and is due with the Charter Agreement.
• Annual Charter Renewal Fee: Each year your group must renew its charter. The cost of this is currently $125
• MOPS International Membership: This worldwide membership program is optional for all Military MOPS moms and International MOPS moms located outside the U.S. If a mother chooses to register for this service, the fee is $20 per year. With each paid subscription, the mom will receive gifts, books, special offers, a year-long subscription to MomSense magazine, and a weekly Mom E-Mail sent to them to encourage them as moms.

Q: What resources can be used to financially support a Military MOPS group?

Funding for a Military MOPS group typically depends on the budget of the chartering chaplaincy. For this reason, the successful Military MOPS group has a chaplain who engages in active support of the MOPS group by providing adequate financial support and offering prayer & moral support for the MOPS group leaders.

Q: What does MOPS International provide with each charter?

With the granting of a Charter, MOPS International provides initial chartering materials with detailed explanations of how to begin and develop a MOPS program. Although the specifics are always being updated, a partial list of what you will receive from MOPS International includes:

• Eight copies of the MOPS Handbook
• Eight guidebooks, one for each suggested Steering Team position
• Military MOPS Handbook created especially for Military MOPS groups*
• Online database system to assist with efficient group record-keeping
• Promotional materials to advertise your MOPS group
• Connections magazine, a quarterly publication that provides continuing leadership resources, encouragement and opportunities for sharing among local MOPS leadership.
• A Military Council Coordinator or Military Area Coordinator who is the local link between your Military MOPS group and MOPS International. She provides training, support and encouragement to local MOPS leaders. In addition, she may hold Council meetings on military installations where MOPS leaders gather for networking and leadership training.
• Access to the password-protected MOPS Leaders' Web site and Military MOPS forum, which provides up-to-date information and opportunities to network with other Steering Team leaders around the world.
• MOPS International staff offer assistance by e-mail, phone, fax or letter.
• MOPS International Events provide face-to-face leadership training every year for thousands of leaders.
• The federally registered MOPS name and logo is made available to promote and identify chartered MOPS groups for as long as the charters are in effect.

*The Military MOPS Handbook is currently being produced and will be available soon.

Q: How does a MOPS Steering Team function?

The local MOPS Steering Team is the decision and policy making body of the MOPS group under the guidance of the Chartering Church or para-church ministry. It is composed of MOPS women, each of whom possesses a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The number of women and the positions on the Steering Team may vary, depending on group size. MOPS International suggests having at least a Coordinator, Creative Activities Team Leader, Discussion Group Team Leader and MOPPETS Team Leader (if the group has a MOPPETS childcare program) in place before beginning group meetings.

Each group is different, though, and groups develop to meet the needs of their specific communities. MOPS is an outreach that exists to support every mother of preschoolers.

Still have questions? Please contact us today!