Bibles and barbecues: how Living Water is reaching Redfern

Living Water, a church plant under the Evangelism and New Churches arm of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, regularly holds services and gatherings in Redfern Park, rather than inside their building. By doing this, they are better able to engage with the community of Redfern, and also support their largely Indigenous congregation to embrace their connection to country.

Recently, Living Water Church, through one of their team members Bridget Allen, were recipients of a Women in Ministry Support Scheme grant from ADM. Part of this grant has been used to purchase a portable barbeque which the church uses to cook during their outside gatherings. This can draw a crowd as people approach for a tasty meal, and then meet the church members and hear the gospel proclaimed.

Announcing the 2024 Women in Ministry Support Scheme grantees

Anglican Deaconess Ministries (ADM) is pleased to announce the 26 recipients of the 2024 Women in Ministry Support Scheme (WIMSS). These grants—valued up to $2,000 each—are designed to empower Christian women across Australia as they serve God in creative and meaningful ways.

Announcing the 2025 ADM Fellows

Anglican Deaconess Ministries is delighted to announce our 2025 Fellows cohort. With ADM’s support, these four women will bring together their areas of expertise and their faith to complete major projects that engage our sceptical and hurting world with the gospel.

Cherishing a legacy: how Rev. Jan Donohoo cares for retired ministry women

Before 1989, Anglican women ministering in the Sydney diocese were “set apart” as deaconesses— the lay order from which ADM’s name is derived. In 1989, that changed as trained women began to be ordained as deacons. There are no more deaconesses working in paid employment, though some still serve as they can and pray faithfully. And now, we are seeing the first female deacons start to retire. Rev. Jan Donohoo was in that historic first cohort of female deacons, and since then, she’s served in various ministry across the Diocese. All the diversity of her experiences have prepared her well for her current role: ADM Chaplain to the deaconesses and retired female clergy.

Liz Mansour appointed ADM's Chief of Staff

ADM is pleased to announce the appointment of Liz Mansour as Chief of Staff. The ADM Chief of Staff role has been primarily designed to help break down silos between ministries and ensure that ADM’s strategic priorities are progressing.

Growing the MHPCI: Amy Yeung appointed as Program Coordinator for the Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute

The Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute (MHPCI) is growing quickly, and it recently became clear that in order to continue providing Christians and churches with informed and compassionate mental health resources, the Institute needed to employ another team member.

“Bringing the love of Jesus to a hurting world”: Devotion series by ADM CEO Mary Un

Our CEO Mary Un was honoured to be asked by Bible Society Australia to write a one-week set of devotions for their Daily Bible series. Mary’s reflections draw on a 1917 publication, the Deaconess Book of Devotions, printed during World War I. We invite you to read the series, reflecting on God’s Word and learning from the faithful witness of the courageous and committed women who served as Deaconesses.

“Women for the Lord”: ADM’s vision, mission and values

Over the past year, Anglican Deaconess Ministries (ADM) has embarked on a journey of prayerful reflection to sharpen the articulation of our vision, mission, and values, in alignment with our Constitutional Object and Theological Principles. This work, driven by extensive collaboration among the ADM Board, CEO, and staff, has sought to clarify our identity, purpose, and avenues for engagement, allowing Christians to play active roles in our ministries. 

Introducing ADM's Women in Ministry Co-working Space: A haven for collaboration and support

Nestled in the heart of Sydney's bustling CBD, Anglican Deaconess Ministries (ADM) is pleased to unveil a new initiative tailored exclusively for women in ministry. We’re excited to announce the launch of our Women in Ministry Co-working Space, a peaceful environment designed to foster productivity, collaboration, and support among women in ministry.