I believe that all of us are called to ministry and mission – each in different capacities and expressions of leadership. For me I have a deep passion for developing women in ministry leadership – helping them thrive and flourish in whatever context God has placed them.

This passion isn’t new. Growing up, I often found myself in leadership roles. I was fortunate to have women around me who modelled leadership in ways that inspired me. Watching them lead awakened something within me – it gave me permission to imagine myself as a woman in ministry, expressing leadership authentically, with my own personality and gifts.

I’ve come to understand that leadership is not uniform – it reflects the character and personality of the person leading in their unique context. 

Throughout my journey, I’ve been blessed by women who came alongside me, mentoring and guiding me as I discovered what leadership looked like for me.

Just before I moved to New Zealand, I was serving as the country director of a refugee and migrant organisation in Kenya. During a season of transition, God – in his mysterious ways – brought a woman from New Zealand into my life. She was an executive in a non-governmental organisation and reached out saying, “I was given your name and would love to coach you through this season.” That’s how my relationship with Helen began. She became an incredible mentor, coach, prayer partner, and biblically grounded support for me. Her presence helped me navigate leadership during a pivotal time in my life. It was one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.

I desire to see older women mentoring younger generations in ministry leadership. 

I want to create spaces where women – regardless of theological persuasion – can find support, training, and companions to walk alongside them through the seasons of leadership.

I’m especially passionate about us finding structured ways to connect women in ministry, to reduce isolation, overwhelm, and the loneliness that can come with leadership.

My hope is that we will be able to:

1. Create a network of connection and communication
   Establish spaces – both online and in-person – for women to connect across generations. This could include retreats, prayer gatherings, training events, and mentorship between older and younger women. These spaces would foster encouragement, learning, and mutual support.
2. Develop intentional structures of support
   Build systems that include support from male allies who champion women in ministry leadership. Ministry is a shared calling. These structures should help women thrive in the areas where God has called them, while respecting the diversity of theological views across the diocese.
3. Honour and celebrate women in ministry
   Recognise the gifts women bring to communities. Consider offering supervision, celebrating their contributions, and providing practical support. These efforts would affirm the value women bring and help sustain their work in diocesan and ministry contexts.

Thank you for all the opportunities available for women to serve in the diocese. For the support the women receive in their ministry roles and for the champions who continue to open doors and make space for women in ministry leadership.

Together, as brothers and sisters, let us continue to nurture the God-given gifts among us and inspire others to step into leadership – just as they are – for the glory of God. So that the whole Church may share the whole gospel with the whole world.

Thank you all for your role in supporting, championing and facilitating the flourishing of women in leadership, both lay and ordained! 

Please don't hesitate to get in touch. Let me know how we can work together.

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