In 2025, Epping Presbyterian Church (EPC) were the only successful applicants for the PCNSW Women’s Ministry Committee / Ministry & Mission Grant to fill the role they had advertised. In March, Caroline joined the staff team at EPC in a newly created role.
This role was designed with one big aim: to deepen relationships in the church community around Jesus.
“The role is responsible for the community area of our church,” explains Senior Minister Darwin Agahari. “That means forming and leading teams to welcome and integrate new members, foster care in growth groups, create deep and genuine community, and care for those needing urgent or ongoing extra support.”
When it came to recruitment, EPC worked hard and prayed harder. “I contacted as many people as possible who may know someone. I asked different networks to advertise—Bible Colleges, the Women’s Ministry Committee and M&M. We used Facebook, paid for an ad on the Sydney Anglican jobs site, and most importantly, we prayed and waited on God.”
When the grant came through and Caroline was appointed the church recognised it as God’s clear provision. “We were very grateful and considered it as God paving the way for us and answering our prayers, firstly in receiving the grant, and secondly in providing Caroline for the role. We are grateful for the Women’s Committee’s initiative in this.”
Darwin shared that news of the grant has encouraged people beyond EPC, too. “The M&M team recently visited SMBC to promote ministry in the Presbyterian Church. Most of the people there were women, and they were encouraged to hear about the grant and meet Caroline as someone serving in a role made possible by it.”
Caroline’s contribution has been felt widely. “Apart from taking responsibility and delivering outcomes, the staff team and session have appreciated her input and contribution to our strategic decisions. She brings her distinct contribution as the unique person God made her to be and as a woman. As the senior minister, I have personally benefited from her input and wise counsel.”
Her presence has been particularly significant for the women in the congregation. “The congregation, especially the women, have benefited from having another female leader they can connect with. Caroline has been able to more effectively raise up and train future leaders and gospel workers among the women. She serves as an example and a clear answer to the question, ‘If I go into vocational gospel work, what will I be doing?’”
Looking ahead, EPC faithfully prayed for a female ministry apprentice to join the team in with Caroline as her trainer.
When asked about funding the role beyond the grant, Darwin is optimistic. “Yes, God has continued to grow His church in EPC, along with the generosity of our members.”
How You Can Pray
That EPC will be a place where men and women work side by side for the gospel.
That discussion about female elders in the Assembly will not distract from the core work of making, maturing, and multiplying disciples of Jesus.
For God’s leading in the decision about a possible female ministry apprentice in 2026, and provision for funding.
For other women in the church considering vocational gospel work in the future.
Visit our website for more information about the PCNSW Women in Ministry Grant.