5 minutes with Ella ...

Tell us a little about yourself

I am a coffee drinking, exasperatingly optimistic, irresponsibly tattooed, twenty something

assistant pastor, novice Christian radio announcer and Bachelor of Ministry graduate. I would

describe myself as a theological pilgrim and one who tries their very best to be sensible and

reliable (despite the tattoos and caffeine dependence).

What's your favourite bible passage & why?

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see

everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will

know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” - 1 Corinthians 13:12

I mentioned before that I consider myself a theological pilgrim or “theologia viatorum”,

which describes the imperfect theology of human beings*. It really addresses the fact that

theology is journey or a pilgrimage toward a deeper knowledge of God. What we know now

is incomplete (we see God imperfectly), but one day – we will know him completely. The

road that a theological pilgrim takes has a purpose, the way may be dim sometimes, but it is

always moving forward. When I come to the end of my life on earth and come face to face

with Jesus I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

*(Richard A. Muller, Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms: Drawn Principally from

Protestant Scholastic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1985.).

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

It is so easy for us to become our own worst enemy in this area. I know that when I am

isolated, and left to my own devices my eyes can slowly and often unconsciously drift away

from Jesus and towards other things. It is people - my community, that lift my eyes and

keeps them fixed on Jesus. So, I make sure that I keep myself accountable to others and

develop trusting and open relationships with other Christians so that when the pull of the

world gets too much, there is always someone to gently (or not-so- gently but with love) fix

my eyes back on Him.

What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

There are going to be many voices who will speak things over your life. They will come from

trusted people, from unexpected strangers, and from society at large. Some voices may

speak life, but many will speak only death. Listen to the voice of God first and foremost,

then seek wise counsel from trusted people, but always use the word of God as your

measuring stick to determine your value. Do not let the opposition and challenges that arise

from words determine your worth or restrict your calling. Be free to stare them down and

counter them with truth.

What's one thing that you love about your local church?

I could share endless things that I love about my church, I don’t know if I could even choose

one! I guess that because it is the people that make up the church, it would have to be

them. I have never met such a brilliant, diverse, creative, talented, and deeply caring group

of people in my life.

What did you learn about God at a time in your life you found hard?

Faith is neither a sanctuary nor a prison. It's not about certainty or satisfaction. It's a call to

live a different kind of life - a different way of being in the world, not just seeing the world.

It's a life of crucifixion and resurrection. A life of transformation and sanctification. A life

that embraces brokenness. It is not safe, it is not certain, it's completely radical and God is

at the centre of it all. He does not shy away from the dark and dirty parts of our lives or our

questions and doubts, but He actually invites them, and in turn bids us to walk alongside

Him as we embark on the refining journey – wherever it takes us.

What are you passionate about?

Helping others experience a genuine, active, and transformative relationship with Jesus and

building the local church, while bringing a voice of justice and truth with me wherever I go.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

On the weekend you will usually find me meandering through farmers markets while sipping

on a long black, hiking up a mountain somewhere around Tasmania, or seeking out live

music at one of Hobarts many great venues. I also do yoga, which often raises a “religious”

eyebrow, but it has been an incredibly positive life habit that I have developed which has

completely transformed both my mental and physical health.