Our Stories
Anew Conference
By Karen Young
Hervey Bay Baptist was blessed to host the Qld Baptists Women’s - Anew conference - Following The King. Churches from Bundaberg and surrounding areas joined us for the Friday night and Saturday events.
The Anew team, a group of remarkable women, have worked with passion and energy to bring the Anew vision to life. Their dedication to changing the world for those in poverty through prayer, giving, and action is truly inspiring. Their impactful aid projects overseas and in our area, including Street Works and Sunshine Van, have made a significant difference. Those attending were given the opportunity to understand and contribute to these life-changing projects.
Friday night was spent together in worship and The Word. Saturday was the main event. The Anew Conference worship team led us in inspiring worship. Lauren Lucas shared from God’s word, and we heard from John Mansfield - Baptist World Aid Australia. Beautiful barista coffee and meals were shared throughout the time together.
Ali Davis described the conference as filled with connection, worship, and challenging teaching. Lauren Lucas encouraged us to think deeply about the Bible and what it means to seek God's presence in a world filled with distractions and doubts. She emphasised that God isn't a distant, famous ruler like the kings of this world; instead, He's a close father who has given us a seat at His table and wants us to invite others. I loved how Lauren placed us in the scene of Jesus with the woman caught in adultery and taught us about the culture and context. Her message challenged, encouraged, and uplifted many women at the conference.
During the conference, Cathy Knechtli, Qld Baptist State Women's Ministry Director, mentioned that the current model of women's ministry will end at the end of 2024.
Mark Westhuyzen (Qld Baptist) gives us this update for Women’s Ministry in 2025. QB is part of the Baptist World Congress (July 2025) and is promoting the Women's Ministry Summit as part of Congress - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the Women's summit before congress and the main congress.
QB is participating in the National (Australian Baptist Ministries) Taskforce, which is investigating how to raise women leaders across Australia. QB is continuing to support the leaders of local church women's ministries across Queensland. QB's future emphasis is likely to be on raising up women leaders and supporting churches in running their own women's ministries.
Hervey Bay Baptist was blessed to host the Qld Baptists Women’s - Anew conference - Following The King. Churches from Bundaberg and surrounding areas joined us for the Friday night and Saturday events.
The Anew team, a group of remarkable women, have worked with passion and energy to bring the Anew vision to life. Their dedication to changing the world for those in poverty through prayer, giving, and action is truly inspiring. Their impactful aid projects overseas and in our area, including Street Works and Sunshine Van, have made a significant difference. Those attending were given the opportunity to understand and contribute to these life-changing projects.
Friday night was spent together in worship and The Word. Saturday was the main event. The Anew Conference worship team led us in inspiring worship. Lauren Lucas shared from God’s word, and we heard from John Mansfield - Baptist World Aid Australia. Beautiful barista coffee and meals were shared throughout the time together.
Ali Davis described the conference as filled with connection, worship, and challenging teaching. Lauren Lucas encouraged us to think deeply about the Bible and what it means to seek God's presence in a world filled with distractions and doubts. She emphasised that God isn't a distant, famous ruler like the kings of this world; instead, He's a close father who has given us a seat at His table and wants us to invite others. I loved how Lauren placed us in the scene of Jesus with the woman caught in adultery and taught us about the culture and context. Her message challenged, encouraged, and uplifted many women at the conference.
During the conference, Cathy Knechtli, Qld Baptist State Women's Ministry Director, mentioned that the current model of women's ministry will end at the end of 2024.
Mark Westhuyzen (Qld Baptist) gives us this update for Women’s Ministry in 2025. QB is part of the Baptist World Congress (July 2025) and is promoting the Women's Ministry Summit as part of Congress - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the Women's summit before congress and the main congress.
QB is participating in the National (Australian Baptist Ministries) Taskforce, which is investigating how to raise women leaders across Australia. QB is continuing to support the leaders of local church women's ministries across Queensland. QB's future emphasis is likely to be on raising up women leaders and supporting churches in running their own women's ministries.