5 minutes with Linda ...

Tell us a little about you.

I am a passionate children’s and family minister.  I have worked and served in Anglican churches for nearly 30 years across Sydney. I am currently the full-time Children’s Minister at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Castle Hill. I love helping people come to know Jesus and grow in faith. I wish I born in the 60s, I am an Elvis fan, and I love the colour green.

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

I love Romans 1:16, it says, ^“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

I love it because it sums up my life and is the driving force behind sharing Jesus with everyone. I have been saved by the power of God, through Jesus’ gift of salvation – not because I am clever, or from a Christian home, or even a really good person. Jesus is open to everyone and we are made right with God by faith. This is an equaliser. This is hope. This means everything.

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

Since I was a child I was looking to understand what life was about (perhaps not said in that way!), but God had placed a longing for Him in my heart. When I heard the gospel and understood it at 15 it was like things clicked into place. I don’t have to be continually convinced that Jesus is true, good and real. This is my foundation. I have been following him for so long now, His Lordship is woven into every fibre of my being, every decision I make and the framework in how I see the world. I am thankful for the guides and guardrails He has given me; His word, a relationship with Him, a family in Christ (church and bible study), His Spirit, the power of prayer, serving and proclaiming Him and a husband who loves Jesus too.

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

I would love them to be sold out for Jesus. To try and have one foot in each camp; of the world and of pursuing God is impossible, painful, frustrating and dull. This doesn’t mean perfection or trying to be someone you’re not. He made you You, worship Him with all of that, proclaim Him with all of that and find life to the full (John 10:10). The world and its ways is loud and in our face, yet God’s love is louder, we have to make sure we lean into that above everything else.

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

I love that it is packed with kids and youth. My church has a long history of valuing and discipling young people. I myself was converted at 15 through this church. I am forever grateful.

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

I am having a rough time now. One of my children has just had a second chronic illness diagnosed at 16. I have cried a lot and to be honest God feels distant. Yet I take such comfort from the Psalms. I sit under His word even when it feels forced, its muscle memory in running to the only One I can go to. He is my rock, my fortress, my hiding place, my joy. I stand on His promises and remind myself of His goodness, His faithfulness, His sovereignty, even when I don’t understand.

What are you passionate about?

I have a background in primary education and theological training. I am committed to equipping leaders, creative gospel-centred teaching and seeing the local church flourish. I am married to Mark and mum to three teenagers; Amelia, Joe and Jenna, and a golden retriever called Ferris. I also love kitchen dancing, laughing with family, and finding joy in the beautiful chaos of life and ministry.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

I love sleeping in. I love trips to the beach or the city or just trying new places and spaces especially in my home-town of Sydney. I am also very extroverted, so time with friends and or family always charges my batteries.