Our world is broken and God’s call to every one of us, who calls ourselves a follower of Jesus, is to partner with him in the restoration and reconciliation of all things. Sadly, women have often been held back from using their God given gifts and graces, particularly in leadership, and when this happens; it's not just them who suffer. Their families do, their churches and communities do, and the world does. What are the barriers preventing women from using their voices in the way God calls and gifts them to? What can we, and the organisations we are a part of, do to bring change? Why does this matter so much?

At our June Greenhouse Gathering, experienced leader and CEO of Baptist World Aid Melissa Lipsett, will share why she is committed to raising up women to use their gifts, particularly in leadership. She will give us some insight into what that looks like in her context, as well as some ideas for how we can all be better leaders, and better at encouraging the women around us to use our gifts and graces to serve our families, our churches, our communities, and our world.

You’ll also have a chance to connect with other Christian women, enjoy some delicious food, and hear more about what The Greenhouse has to offer to women in different industries, workplaces, churches and stages of life. We’d love to have you join us!

Can’t make it in person? Join us online! We’d love you to share in the experience.

About our Speaker

Melissa’s life, ministry and career experience is diverse. Her skills in leading and managing diverse teams and complex organisations were developed in the Australian military, refined in executive leadership within the contemporary church context, and further developed in the Christian for purpose sectori ncluding in a cross-cultural context. She is a daughter, sister, mum and wife and loves nothing more than feeding as many of her family as possible around a shared table together. She’s definitely old enough to be a grandma….but that’s another story!

Melissa is a servant leader, playing active roles across the church and Christian humanitarian aid and development sector. She holds a Bachelor of Ministry and a Bachelor of Applied Science and is also a bit of a governance geek and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She believes leadership matters, and so does the call of God on our lives. She is an outspoken advocate for the importance of hearing women’s voices and empowering them to use their God given gifts and graces for the sake of our world.

Melissa is passionate about helping people know – and reflect – the love of Jesus. She is ordained in the Uniting Church but has extensive cross denominational experience. She brings together her passions of excellent leadership, advocacy, pastoral and practical theology and believes that ending poverty IS possible. She is determined to make a difference and to work toward and inspire others so that together we can make a better world for all.