5 minutes with Naomi ...

Tell us a little about you

I am a lifelong youth worker; professional and voluntary roles in churches and missional spaces with young people ever since I was one. Nothing gives me a greater thrill than seeing a young person (or group) have aha! moments about themselves and God, about Jesus and what life is meant to be. I love their energy, honesty and courage. I have been discipling and resourcing young leaders for decades; developing their skills and confidence in bible knowledge and interpretive muscles as well as team-based capacities. When I see a young (or not-so-young) person take their place in and impact the world around them, I rejoice with God. 

Do you have a favourite Bible passage? If so, what is it and why? Micah 6:8 and Mark 12:30. I love how God has been telling us what He wants for and from us,.. for millennia. Following Him is as easy and difficult as that! Stories of the followers getting it and also not getting it encourage me to keep going. 

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus? The Gospel of Mark was my most read passage for a decade. Focussing first/most on the revelation of God in Jesus shapes my understanding of the Mission of God, of the choices to follow,.. and the invitation to offer others. Jesus' teaching and the way His actions demonstrate & ground it.. is both inspiring and challenging to me, every day. With Him as an essential lens, I am enjoying exploring OT books and characters and re-discovering the rest of the NT, especially in group contexts. We learn more -and better- together. 

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

Your genuine questions and insights matter. God can lead you, can cause your gifts and talents to flourish and contribute to His purposes for you... including reaching others. You (individuals and groups) are never alone, invisible or of lesser worth in the eyes of God, so have a go! 

What’s one thing that you love about your local church? Diverse ages and people willing to learn together, serve together and laugh together. We have adventures!

What did you learn about God during a time in your life that you found hard? That God truly knows me (faults, failings, fears as well as the good), and knowing, still forgives and delights in me. Phew!

What are you passionate about? So many things! Fun. Music. Justice. New starts. Interactive learning. Paying attention to the people & issues pushed to the margins. 

What do you enjoy doing when you rest? Sing (with others, in harmony), walk (with and without Pepper the cavoodle or Paul, my husband),.. curl up with a book or show. Eat :)