Aim And Purpose

1. To provide a point of connection for women in the church so that they may be encouraged as disciples of Jesus.  

2. To provide links to resources and services that I or others have found helpful.

3. To maintain a Christ centred focus by upholding an appropriate respect and honour for God's Word and Sovereignty.  

4. To offer opportunity for healthy discussion while acknowledging that not everyone holds the same views, and should speak and act according to their conscience.   

5. To provide an outreach and point of connection primarily for women, but also for men who desire to follow Jesus and would like to connect with a female pastor. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

As I reflect on the journey of my life, it has been complex. There have been many twists and turns, and in the midst of what to me seemed impossible circumstances, I heard God's voice telling me I was a pastor. That was now over twenty years ago.

In response, I began theological studies and began to navigate an unclear path believing that God would direct my steps, but not being sure of the destination.

The combination of practical ministry experience and a sense of God changing my direction led me to research  women in the church. Both my own story and hearing the stories of others alerted me to the need for this research. 

My research listed on this website was completed in 2019 as an extension of my master's degree (see research paper page). This was followed by receiving an opportunity to work with women recovering from trauma, addiction and abuse, which served to affirm that many women continue to be limited and dis-advantaged in the church due to their gender. 

Therefore, the aim of Encouraging Women In The Church is to establish a point of contact where f practical ministry and theology merge. 

As I am very aware that the issue of how women should be allowed to serve in the church can  stimulate a high level of emotion and there are different views,  I have stated my aim and purpose to try and avoid misunderstanding. 

I hold an egalitarian view and have no intention of wanting to encourage disunity or of wanting to push my view so that others will come around to my way of thinking. Each of us must respond to God in faith and obedience following our conviction. However, I have learnt that God directs us to reason together in love for His good purposes, so that any differences may not become hindrances to the gospel being made known. 

I look forward to journeying with you. 

Blessings

Ann.