‘It’s not just me’ – Five reasons why networks are significant for Christian women
– 9 December 2021
Over the next few weeks, we’re sharing what Anglican Deaconess Ministries has learned this year from Christian women in a series of articles. You can find the first article here.
What helps women grow in ministry? What reduces women’s isolation? We’ve heard time and time again from Christian women about the value of connections in helping them grow in Christ and becoming more effective in serving him.
Over the last 130 years, ADM has seen the power of connections. Through women learning, serving and collaborating together, from small beginnings God built significant ADM ministries, schools and hospitals across Australia. In our recent listening forums, we saw the power of these connections at work, bringing together Christian women serving Christ across Australia. Looking ahead, we want to see more of these opportunities, including through mentoring, networks, meetings and other connection points for women.
What challenges are women facing?
We’ve heard from many Christian women that isolation is a significant challenge for them as they serve not only in the Church, but also across different vocations and contexts. Many are experiencing a sense of ‘only-ness’ (often being one of the only Christian women or a minority in their teams and workplaces) which can have far-reaching effects in terms of their longevity in their role.[1] We’ve also heard that many women are doing it tough, either due to the demands of ministry or the specific challenges women face such as difficult working conditions and lack of opportunities, leading to tiredness and discouragement. Networks and connections can help address each one of these issues and more.
Why specific connections for women?
God has graciously placed us as Christians within the body of Christ, with significant ‘one another’ ministries (eg Eph 4:15-16; Jam 5:16; Heb 10:24-25) to build up the Church. As a spiritual family, the Church has men and women, as well as people of different ages and backgrounds, to learn from and to spur each other on.
However, there are still many good reasons to have networks, mentors and encouragement specifically by and for women. Just as there are specific cohort groups for Christian men, women also benefit from spaces to grow and collaborate with other Christian women. Meeting with others who “get” you and your specific context is incredibly important, as well as having a place to be honest about the real challenges and joys women in ministry face, and to receive encouragement and prayer.
Five great reasons to connect
Here are five reasons why connections, mentors and networks matter for Christian women, and how valuable they can be for gospel work:
1. Examples to inspire
Connections with others can provide examples of other Christian women using their gifts and ministering in diverse roles and projects, growing a sense of possibility and sparking new ideas. Take a look at previous ADM grant recipients and Fellows for some examples and inspiration. Mentors can also provide models of women who are established in their ministries and vocations, and can share their experiences and the pathways they’ve taken, as well as how God has helped them persevere through challenges.
2. Learning opportunities
We all need opportunities to learn from what others are doing, by asking questions or seeking help when troubleshooting ways forward in tricky situations. Networks can also be key places to access structured training and equipping to grow and strengthen women in ministry.
3. Collaboration
We are always better together! Connections with other Christian women can provide opportunities to work together in shaping new ministry ideas and initiatives, and in strengthening ongoing ministries. Collaboration with other Christian women across churches, ministries and organisations can widen our gospel impact as we use our shared resources, skills and passions for the glory of God. If we work together, what more might God accomplish?
4. Encouragement and feedback
Connections and networks bring together women with similar experiences and passions. The chance to share common challenges with an understanding ear, as well as celebrate and cheer each other on, is incredibly important for sustaining and strengthening gospel work and avoiding burnout. There are also opportunities for valuable, contextual feedback from trusted peers who know you well and know what you’re working on, having huge benefits as you continue to grow and develop.
5. Information
Finally, networks provide spaces to learn about funding, employment and professional development opportunities available, or to hear about working conditions in different organisations and churches as you consider changing roles.
Conversation starters
Self-reflection – As a woman do you have all the encouragement and support that you need? How might you benefit from mentoring or being part of a network?
Share this article with a friend – It could serve as a starting point for your own local network or mentoring opportunity to share ideas, pray, learn and support each other.
Stay connected – Sign up to our newsletter to hear more about a new ADM initiative coming in 2022: ‘The Greenhouse’, a digital training and development platform for women, including new cohorts and networks around potential interest areas such as evangelism, serving cross-culturally, leadership, theology and industry-based groups. We’d love to connect you with other women around Australia who, like you, are passionate about serving Jesus where they are.
ADM is committed to providing Christian women with the resourcing and support they need as they serve Christ in the Church, the community, and the world. Through Mary Andrews College, our preaching group network, funding and grants for women, we are connecting, funding and equipping Christian women to use their gifts in gospel work for the glory of God.
Next article: Five questions for growing healthy and diverse ministry teams
[1] The McKinsey report ‘Women in the workplace’ found that women are three times more likely to experience an ‘only’ moment, which can lead to discrimination, having their judgement questioned or contemplating leaving their role. See https://mccrindle.com.au/insights/blog/women-make-up-47-of-the-workforce-but-underrepresented-in-leadership/