The Priscilla and Aquila Centre is an initiative of Moore College established to encourage and promote further thinking about the practice of Christian ministry by women, in partnership with men. The Centre’s second annual conference held at Moore College on 6 February was well subscribed with 250 people registered. The theme was “Side By Side” which aimed to encourage women in a variety of biblically appropriate ministries; and think more seriously & creatively about how men & women can better work together in ministry. The main talks and electives reflected these aims. The conference has become an important forum to devise a practical approach to women’s and men’s ministry side by side.

The conference was largely attended by men and women in vocational ministry but there were also some lay people, including people who work for churches as administrators. A number of ministry staff teams came and chose to do the same electives so they could discuss them afterwards and the implications for their own ministries.

Priscilla and Aquila Centre Director Jane Tooher commented, “There was a great mix of men and women in attendance. The furthest someone travelled to come was from New Zealand. I was encouraged by the positive tone of the conference and the open dialogue.”

The key note address was from Moore College Principal Dr John Woodhouse. Dr Woodhouse discussed the teaching of 1 Timothy 2 and its implications for ministry. The auditorium was full as so many people came to hear Dr Woodhouse’s treatment of an important Biblical passage about men and women in ministry. The text of Dr Woodhouse’s address is available here: 1 Timothy 2 ­ What does it teach.

“I think, and many have said this to me, that John Woodhouse did an excellent job of communicating that we are open to discussion and dialogue on what is appropriate in terms of upfront teaching for women. John’s talk was important as we experimented with what is appropriate at the conference and as we experiment with that at Moore College”, Jane Tooher said.

The elective with the most attendance saw 5 rectors on a question and answer panel. “They were asked by me over a year ago to experiment throughout 2011 with having women upfront in the Sunday service doing appropriate teaching. The women they were to ask were supposed to reflect a range of ages, and include both lay and staff (if they had female staff). The panel reflected on what worked, what was good, what was hard and so on”, said Jane.

Moore Info»

• For details of the 2013 and 2014 Priscilla and Aquila conference click here.
• Conference material (including audio) is available to download from the Priscilla and Aquila website, click here.