5 minutes with Vanessa

Tell us a little about you.

I’m the Assistant Bishop in the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. I’ve also been involved in ministry in Melbourne and Sydney Dioceses and was a high school teacher prior to that. I’m married to Paul and have two cats, Micah and Esther.

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

My favourite Bible passage is 1 John 4:7-21 and especially verse 19, ‘We love because he first loved us.’ When I became a Christian as a teenager, I was bowled over by the immensity of God’s love for me. Ever since then I have wanted others to know and experience his abundant love in Christ.

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

Beginning each day with prayer and going on a week-long retreat each year. The first helps me fix my eyes on Jesus at the start of each day and the second provides uninterrupted time to spend in God’s word, prayer and reflection, focussing on the Lord and being nourished by him for ministry.

You've published a chapter within a fantastic book, God's Yes to Women. What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

That God does indeed say ‘Yes’ to women in ministry and leadership in his church. In my journey as a Christian woman, I have had a few people tell me I shouldn’t be in leadership by quoting a couple of verses. When I read the Bible as a whole, and those couple of verses in their context, I am convinced that God does call women to leadership in the church. If you feel called, pursue that calling and trust God to open the way.

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

As a bishop, I am often visiting other churches. On the occasional weekend when I’m not booked to be anywhere, I love attending my local church where I am accepted as a regular member and can benefit from great preaching.

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

During some tough times early in ministry, I did a lot of questioning of God just like you find in the Psalms of lament. Where are you? Why are you allowing this to happen? How long do I have to endure it? Why does evil seem to win?

In hindsight, I’ve learnt to trust God in all circumstances knowing he will work his purposes out even if it doesn’t seem so at the time.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about people being transformed by the love of God, being hungry to grow in their understanding of him and being enthused to serve him.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

Reading, camping in national parks and plunging into the ocean when I get the chance.

Purchase God's Yes to Women here