With decades of ministry experience behind her, Julie now serves part-time as Deacon for Women in the Armidale Diocese and part-time on staff at St Mark’s UNEchurch, Armidale. She’s passionate about encouraging and equipping women to step into ministry themselves.
This year, Julie is investing deeply in two apprentices at St Mark’s—Elly and Petra. For her, training women isn’t simply a task to tick off; it’s a vital expression of gospel partnership and a way to strengthen the local church.
Relational training grounded in the gospel
At its heart, Julie’s approach to training is relational. She meets with each apprentice weekly, opening the Bible together, reflecting on their ministry experiences, and helping them grow in character, conviction, and competency.
“I really enjoy meeting up with both of them,” she says. “I love the fact that I get to encourage them. The idea of being a bit of a role model—I’m a lot older than both of them—but I think it’s a good thing.”
It’s not a one-way street. Julie sees her own spiritual growth shaped in the process too: “It’s not just them who are growing through this experience,” she says. “I think it probably helps me grow in character as well.”
Supporting women in all seasons of life
Julie’s apprentice Petra is taking part in the MTW (Ministry Training for Women) pathway—a part-time, flexible MTS track designed especially for women with family responsibilities. The structure, split between theological learning and hands-on ministry, allows participants like Petra to grow in depth and confidence while navigating the demands of early motherhood.
With two young children not yet in school or care, Petra often brings them along to meetings and ministry events. It’s a juggle, but one Julie supports with warmth and realism.
Petra’s week includes church staff time, Zoom study sessions, and ministry involvement such as coordinating women’s events. This term, she’s organising the church’s Equip Women’s livestream, supported by Julie in the background. These are intentional growth opportunities—stretching, but manageable.
Elly’s path has included first-time preaching at youth group, leading Sunday services, and even stepping into kids’ ministry—an area she didn’t naturally gravitate toward, but has willingly tried.
Elly, Ania (other St Mark’s apprentice), Julie and Petra
Valid, vital, and worth investing in
Under Julie’s guidance, both apprentices are exploring their gifts, taking risks, and learning by doing. It’s a hands-on model of training that blends support with responsibility.
“They’re gaining new skills, trying new things—but in a safe way, because they have their trainer there,” she says. “You also grow in your Christian knowledge and your understanding. You find out what your gifts are.”
Julie’s vision for this work is shaped by her own story. She knows how significant formative ministry experiences can be. She’s convinced that women’s ministry is essential and worthy of serious investment.
“Women’s ministry sometimes looks different to men’s, but it’s still valid. It’s a very vital ministry,” she says.
In her view, the local church needs women who are well-trained and confident in handling God’s Word, particularly given the large number of women in congregations. Whether or not someone ends up in paid, long-term ministry, Julie sees enormous value in the apprenticeship model as a space for discernment, learning and growth.
Julie sees the exploration of future options as one of the great strengths of MTS. Apprenticeships provide a safe and supported context for people to test and develop their gifts, experience different types of ministry, and gain insight into church life behind the scenes. Even if someone doesn’t end up in full-time ministry, their church benefits from the growth and maturity gained through the process.
And as someone who now finds herself training the next generation of women for ministry, Julie is quietly thrilled.
“Why wouldn’t you be involved in ministry?” she reflects. “It’s a great way to play your part in building God’s kingdom.”