Anglican Deaconess Ministries (ADM) is backing a $1.8 million program to boost women in lay ministries across the Sydney Diocese.

Aimed at women over 40, with a focus on cross-cultural ministry and disadvantaged communities, the scheme will provide 60 traineeships between 2015 and 2019.

“The new diocesan Mission talks about identifying and unleashing the gifts of church members and mobilising more people to share Christ’s love in word and deed,” says ADM’s CEO Dr Karin Sowada. “We take that very seriously and see a great opportunity to work with women to bring it about.”

The ADM Traineeship Program will fund course fees for a diploma or certificate at Mary Andrews College, as well as a wage for employment under the supervision of a parish. The first 10 trainees will begin early next year, growing to 20 participants by the end of 2015 – and applications for the program are now being taken.

Dr Sowada believes mature women already make a significant contribution to churches and many would value the chance to gain qualifications and additional ministry skills.

“These are the cohort of women who come to Mary Andrews College already, so we understand their needs, we understand the stage of life that they are at and – although they are not always in ‘upfront’ roles – they are the relational glue of ministry that actually grows churches,” she says. “We want to engage these women and grow them to reach the 90 per cent unreached in the community.” 

Photo: Lecturer Lisa Champion with a practical pastoral care class at MAC