Introducing ADM's Women in Ministry Co-working Space: A haven for collaboration and support
Nestled in the heart of Sydney's bustling CBD, Anglican Deaconess Ministries (ADM) is pleased to unveil a new initiative tailored exclusively for women in ministry. We’re excited to announce the launch of our Women in Ministry Co-working Space, a nurturing environment designed to foster productivity, collaboration, and support among women in ministry.
To make this as accessible as possible, we are providing this space at the low cost of $10 per day. This includes access to a desk in a well-designed, air-conditioned space with convenient plugs under each table for laptops, as well as lockers, a bathroom with shower for post-exercise refreshment, on-site access to books in a theological library, quiet reading spaces with lounge chairs, and the use of the ADM kitchen with tea, coffee and fridge space. Printing will be available for 10c per page.
The Co-working Space is the latest in a suite of offerings that ADM has to support women in ministry, including our Women in Ministry Support Scheme, providing small grants to women in ministry around Australia, and long-term chaplaincy support of retired deaconesses and female deacons in the Sydney Anglican Diocese.
ADM CEO Mary Un says, “At ADM, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that women in ministry face. From balancing professional responsibilities to managing personal commitments, the journey is both enriching and demanding. With this understanding, our Co-working Space aims to provide a sanctuary where women can grow in their ministries, with opportunities for both peaceful, dedicated deep work, and collaboration and conversation. We hope that the space will be a blessing to these women and support them as they serve Jesus.”
Megan Haviland, Kids Minister at Newtown Erskineville Anglican Church (NEAC), is looking forward to using the Women in Ministry Coworking Space at ADM.
Megan shares, "I have two workspaces. Three of my four days, I have the church office to work from, and one day, I work from home. I have the privilege of working alongside a fabulous team and the flexibility to work from home.
“But both spaces are laden with distractions - welcomed ones, but hard for productivity. There are seasons where I just need to get a mountain of work done. Having a lovely, accommodating, affordable space that is free from those distractions is going to be so helpful."
Megan candidly acknowledges the complexities of her ministry, highlighting the daily juggling act required.
“I am a part time church employee and full time mum. This offers lots of joys but also many challenges. It all just feels like a massive juggling act. Some days this can go smoothly, some days I feel like I have dropped all the balls. There are days I turn up to the office and feel like I have already worked a full day, because of the load and effort of getting the kids up and ready for school and to various places.”
This is another reason Megan is really excited about the Co-working Space. “To be surrounded by women who, when I walk in, weary and bearing the brunt of a busy morning, just get it - well that is going to be so comforting,” Megan says excitedly.
We invite women in ministry from across Sydney to join us at ADM's Women in Ministry Co-working Space. Whether you're a seasoned pastor, a lay leader, serving in a parachurch organisation, or a Bible college student, our doors are open to you. Together, we can create a community where collaboration thrives, support abounds, and ministry flourishes.