The Women in Ministry Grant, offered in partnership with the Ministry & Mission Committee, seeks to encourage churches to create or expand opportunities for women to serve in paid gospel ministry. By providing financial assistance (one day’s salary), the grant helps churches establish ministry roles that make a distinctive contribution to the life and mission of the local church. In 2025, we were blessed to offer two Women in Ministry Grants.

Women Grounded in God’s Word

In her book, Women of the Word, Jen Wilkin highlights the value of women coming together around God’s Word, explaining “Home, church, community, and country desperately need the influence of women who know why they believe what they believe, grounded in the Word of God.”

At Grace Presbyterian Church in Newcastle, this conviction has shaped a growing investment in equipping women for gospel ministry. Having established a part-time women's ministry role and appointed church member Alice Rees, the church successfully applied for the Women in Ministry Grant to increase her employment to two days per week. This additional capacity has enabled Alice to expand her ministry, most notably through the launch of the church's Women's Leadership Development Program.

Together with Mel Crocker, Alice has developed and begun leading a two-year program for a cohort of 12 women. The program aims to equip women to grow in their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of ministry and develop their capacity to serve God both within the church and in their everyday lives.

The program has involved developing curriculum, recruiting participants, collaborating with other leaders and teaching sessions throughout the year.

Alice reflects:

"It has been a joy to lead with Mel, and I am so encouraged to see young women being equipped to serve God in our church and in their daily lives and grow their leadership skills."

Alongside this work, Alice continues to lead the church's playgroup ministry, which has provided opportunities to connect with new families in the local community, have conversations about faith and demonstrate the love of Jesus.

Throughout the year, Alice has worked alongside the church's elders and staff to support women facing complex pastoral situations. Her involvement has highlighted the importance of having women equipped and available to offer pastoral care, as well as the value of working collaboratively as a ministry team.

Rev Matt Crocker expressed his gratitude for Alice's ministry, particularly her contribution to supporting a woman navigating complex pastoral circumstances. Her involvement has been a valuable support to the Session as they have sought to respond with wisdom, sensitivity and care.

Through leadership development, community outreach, pastoral care and personal discipleship, Alice's ministry has demonstrated how investing in women grounded in God's Word strengthens the life and witness of the whole church.

We give thanks to God for the partnership between the Women's Ministry Committee, Ministry & Mission Committee and Grace Presbyterian Church in growing women grounded in God’s Word.

Please join us in praying:

• That God will sustain Alice through busy seasons and continue to renew and strengthen her in her ministry.
• For Alice and Mel as they lead the Women's Leadership Development Program, and for the 12 women being equipped to serve.
• That more women will be encouraged and equipped to take up opportunities for gospel ministry.
• For wisdom for the elders and staff as they consider how to strengthen pastoral care across the congregation.