5 minutes with Naomi

Tell us a little about you

I was born in Canberra but raised in Perth WA. I have seven siblings, yes seven! Five brothers and two sisters. I was blessed to be raised with faithful believing parents and I don't remember a time I haven't known or felt the love of God. After high school I moved to Sydney to study at SMBC through the Bridge Program. I now live in Sydney with my husband Chris in the inner west. I love playing boardgames and video games. I crochet (very slowly) and enjoy bouldering (rock climbing) with a bunch of people from church. 

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

Since going into ministry I have loved John 4:1-42. Firstly, because I am so encouraged the Jesus revealed Himself to a woman, particularly a woman that the religious systems hadn't protected. Secondly, because Jesus sends her to go tell people about Himself and many people believed because of her testimony. 

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

I am very blessed to have so many incredible strong women in my life. I try to develop friendships of vulnerability and openness where both parties can have encouragement and accountability. 

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

The most important thing is Jesus. Sometimes we can get caught up in activism and protecting women and creating a safe space, which are all important parts of our Christian walk, but the most important thing is Jesus! Do not let your vision get blurry. 

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

I am blessed to be at a church that values training women to preach and teach. I am a product of that value, and I am part of training the next generation of young women to preach the Gospel. 

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

My third year in ministry was an incredibly hard time for me, but throughout it all I felt God teaching constant reliance on Him. It didn't matter if I failed or succeeded, because all that matter was that a ran after Jesus with all my might. 

What are you passionate about?

As someone who got many opportunities to be trained in preaching from early on in my ministry, I am passionate about training women to preach and giving them opportunities to preach. 

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

I love reading - though I hadn't had much time to do recreational reading the past few years as I finish up my degree. Every year or so I take myself on a reading retreat.