5 minutes with Laura

Tell us a little about you. I'm a wife, a mum of three, a sister, and a daughter. I work as an historian, mostly on Australian history. I'm especially interested in the history of Christian missions. I'm a ministry wife too, my husband is an Anglican minister in Canberra.

Do you have a favourite Bible passage? If so, what is it and why?

I feel like this is like asking for a favourite child! I'll pass on choosing a 'favourite' and choose something unusual. I love Job 28. Ancient wisdom, even more poignant today than when it was written.

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

I'm learning the richness of spirituality that depends more on routine than on chasing 'highs'. For me that means the everyday practices of my church community, my prayer group, my time in the Word. And, of course, the Bible Project podcast during my parkrun each Saturday.

You've just published a fantastic book for the church along with your co-editors, God's Yes to Women. What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know? In the gospel, there no barriers to women serving God to their utmost ability. God made you exactly how you are on purpose, for his service. Don't seek to be a lesser, quieter, smaller version of yourself, because we need all of you! You are a gift.

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

I love that we're a community, from very young to very old, that seeks to be one in Jesus.

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

That Jesus is there in that hardness, he goes before us, and he leads us through.

What are you passionate about?

I'm saddened by the way churches have hurt people so badly, especially by the ways they've hurt their own, including so many women. But I'm passionate about seeing churches become places of healing (dare I say resurrection), as we're called to be.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

Like many millenials hitting mid-life, I've turned into a gardener. It's good for the soul, and feels kinda biblical.

Is the message of the Bible good news for women? Does God say "no" to women who desire to use their gifts to serve the church? What is the Bible's vision of true partnership between men and women?

This book is about the wonderful news that followers of Jesus are one in Christ, in their difference as women and men. It outlines the biblical pattern of serving together for the good of God's people.

The message of the Bible is good news for women, good news for the church, and ultimately good news for us all. Purchase your own copy of God's Yes to Women here