I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant

 of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

Phoebe was one woman who worked for the Glory of God in her church. Paul encouraged the church to welcome her and help her in whatever she may need. 

There are many women in our churches in the PCA working in our churches. I want to use this blog space to recognise and shine light on Christian sister's who like Phoebe, have been serving the Lord in their churches and local communities. 

I have a series of questions and answers and caught up with Pam in November. 

Ceale:  Pam, what activities or ministries are you involved in at Church?

Pam: When COVID restrictions are not on, I am involved in these activities: 

Preparation of the elements for Communion. 

Ceale: Hmmm, now that sounds busy and is diverse, are you employed for this work or do you volunteer for your church work?

Pam:  I volunteer. Our church cannot support anyone other than our Minister. All positions are voluntary

Ceale: How many years have you been involved in such ministries? 

Pam: Over 30 years in this church. My involvement in previous churches was not as much because of the responsibilities of family and work, and my husband travelled overseas frequently for many years with his work.

Ceale: What training (if any) did you have to give you the opportunity to do this work?

Pam: I have never had any training for this work. However, I gained some skills through my employment. I have done a Certificate IV in Business Management as well as many short courses. My employer encouraged me in many ways to improve in my role. More recently I did a Women’s Ministry course (M2W) through the Queensland Theological College.

Ceale: What are the highlights of this ministry for you?

am:  I love people and hearing their stories, I love children and sharing with them the Gospel, God’s truths and sharing wisdom from life’s experiences with them, I love taking part in the service by reading God’s word or taking the Children’s talk. 

I don’t like cleaning toilets or mopping floors but I thank God that I can still do these types of physical tasks.

Ceale: You appear to have a deep connection wtih people through personal relationships. I laugh at your dislikes - I share them. What are the most challenging moments in this ministry?

Pam: Being a woman in the Presbyterian Church. I get frustrated that even though my employers treated me as an equal, I do not always feel an equal at church. I accept that our theology is biblically based. Finding out where you best fit in and what is appropriate for you to do is the challenge.  As you get older you still want to be useful for God. I need to allow God to make changes in my life, to continue moulding me to be his faithful servant.

Ceale: What gives you wings for this ministry?

Pam: Not what but who? Definitely my Lord and Saviour. He helps me in all I do. I am thankful that God is with me through my life’s journey.

Ceale: What tips do you have for others who are thinking about getting involved in church ministry?

Pam: I think if you say you are part of God’s family then you naturally want to take part in the activities of the church, just like any family member. Choose something that you enjoy doing and have the gifts to do. Show empathy to others and trust without judgement.

Ceale: What’s your favourite bible passage and why?

No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” (John 15:4)

I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit.”(John 15:16)

I love verses like these because they remind me that God is in me and that He chose me. How wonderful is that – He loves and cares for me. Also I have a responsibility to Him to stay close to God and honour and serve Him.

Ceale: In your church work who are your partners in the gospel?

Pam: I have respect for our Pastor and his leadership. My husband is one of my great encouragers. He is such a positive person and displays God’s love to others so naturally. Also being involved in women’s ministry outside our congregation on the Committee for the ‘Be Nurtured’ camp. This was an annual event for women in the Presbyterian Church to come together for a weekend of bible teaching from women, to have fellowship and develop friendships. This was a very encouraging time of my life. The women on that Committee were passionate Godly women.

Ceale: Is there anything that you would like leaders of the church to hear about in regards to working in the church? If so, what would you tell them?

Pam: When I think of how Jesus loved the women in his ministry and how he honoured them, I strongly believe He cares for women today in the same way and their involvement in the church more then we appreciate. It’s not about position or power, it is about acknowledgement, that we are loved in Christ and want to serve Him wherever possible. Some of the best bible teachers I have listened to over the years have been women through the ‘Be Nurtured’ forum. I pray for wisdom in knowing what is acceptable (or not) to God in my activities in my home Church.

Thank you Pam for sharing with us.  Please take a moment to pray for Pam in her work, for those she serves and who partner with her in this ministry, and also for her family. 

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

If you would like us to share a story of a women you know working in our church, please contact me: ceale@wmpca.org 

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