Over the first three weeks of March, the Ministry and Mission team concluded their series of Rural and Regional Forums, which began in Tamworth in October last year. It was a privilege to join Matt Oates, Paul McKendrick, and Bern Merchant on their travels, and, along with Dave Philips (from PY), we heard from ministers, elders, and lay ministry leaders about the joys and struggles of rural and regional ministry. We also looked ahead, considering how we might future-proof the denomination for the next generation.

My main focus in attending the Forums was to listen.

While Ministry and Mission will summarise and share their findings with the Assembly, I responded with great joy to the vision set out at the forums. There were articulated goals to collaborate more effectively across Presbyteries, and a vision to equip and resource more men and women for gospel work. There were also legitimate concerns about how regional and rural churches could access this training, and I look forward to seeing these discussions continue.

I had multiple conversations with women faithfully volunteering their time to serve the Lord. They serve with great joy across multiple ministries, often while working and raising children, caring for elderly parents, or minding their grandchildren. Across generations and regions, women are joyfully giving their time to proclaim the gospel in many contexts, and I was deeply encouraged to hear their stories.

I would love for you to hear their stories as well, and hope to begin platforming them on the More Than A Cake Stall podcast, so that you too may bear witness and be encouraged by what the Lord is doing in and through them.

In each of the regional centres, I met with women in formal (paid) ministry roles in local churches. I have begun introducing myself by referencing a Jerry Seinfeld skit—I’m like your local GP. I don’t know much, “but I know a guy,” and can connect them to other resources and networks within the denomination. We have many wonderful ways to support women.

Through listening, I’ve discovered that there are some much-needed resources:

How do you start a women’s ministry in your church?
What if you’ve just started working in your church—where do you begin?
How do I have a conversation with my Session about hearing women’s voices?

The Women’s Ministry Committee is looking forward to engaging in these discussions through more podcast episodes and newly developed downloadable resources. We can’t wait to share these with you soon.