What’s been your journey into ministry?

It’s been full of surprises! In my early twenties I didn’t think vocational ministry was for me. I worked as a corporate lawyer for eight years, but then took a year off to go to Bible College. That’s where I grew heaps in my relationship with God and my love for his word. During that time I was encouraged to consider ministry, and gradually became convinced that that was where I’d best serve God.

How was moving from being a lawyer into ministry? Did you get pushback?

Oh for sure. I mean, I’m Chinese. My parents are refugees and they’re not Christian. All they wanted for me was financial security – doing well in school, getting a great job and earning money. And so the decision to quit law and to pursue ministry shocked my parents.

It was hard for them to know that I was pursuing a path that (at least on face value) isn’t secure and definitely doesn’t afford financial freedom. It’s not a job where you’re going to be easily buying a house or car, or taking holidays to far-off places. It was hard for them, but I think they’re seeing more of Jesus in me. They can see how it’s shaped me for good.

Any exciting change you’ve seen in the past year?

Our kids ministry is finding a really good rhythm. To have a minister who is set aside to help the ministry develop, and to think about its future, has made it a more deliberate and intentional ministry. 

The structures we’ve been putting into place have really enabled kids ministry to be more than just a thing that happens on Sunday. It’s something that’s on our mind and in our hearts during the week, that we pray for, that we’re encouraging each other about and have high expectations for. It’s been really good to see, and it’s been a culture-building work over quite a few years.

What’s something you’re thinking through theologically right now?

I recently read Chase Kuhn’s paper on the doctrine of church and age-specific gatherings; what does it mean for how we understand gatherings and how does it apply to age-specific ministries? He argues that kids church and youth groups are valid expressions of church, which I think is right.

That’s been a really exciting realisation, because at our Bossley Park congregation, people are taken out of the service on Sunday to serve in kids church. They feel like they’re missing church, but now can be encouraged that they’re still involved in church but in a different way. 

It’s also got me thinking about how we do kids church. Perhaps we need to think more about corporate worship, maybe do more music or have catechisms.

Any advice for people in similar roles to you?

I work two roles over six days a week: part-time for the church and part-time in an office. That’s incredibly demanding. 

A lot of women are in the same situation – they work in ministry part-time and are juggling two sets of responsibilities. What’s enabled me to do this part-time thing (this is my fourth year now) is to communicate well with both sets of bosses so that there’s understanding, and give and take on both sides.

What’s something that’s been challenging about being a woman in ministry?

I’ve definitely become more aware of the fact that I’m the only woman in my team. I’m conscious that I have this responsibility as the female voice.

It’s a weighty privilege. When we read through a passage that will be preached at church in staff meetings, there may be aspects that will strike a different chord for women. I’m conscious to raise that and to think it through as a team. We want to present the passage in a way that’s sensitive to that.

The fact that I’m single adds another layer to it. When we make applications about being married and having kids in an offhand way, it can be isolating for older single people.

What would you like to say to women wondering if they should go into ministry?

Talk to lots of people, particularly your ministers and people in ministry. Hear from them the honest truth about whether you might be suited.

As wonderful and joyful as it is to be in ministry, it can also be really hard. There’ll be times when your confidence will be really low or you’ll feel like a fraud. But you’ll be able to remember that there are all these people who back you, who believe in you and support you. I think that’s essential for ministry.

I’d encourage women to do an apprenticeship too. It’s all about putting the things you learn and know into practice. It will help you work out if it’s something that you enjoy and that you’re good at.