Inspiring Leadership

Tikanga Pakeha Hui 2019 – Empowering Leadership. – Reflections by Rev Kaye Dyer Nelson

We gathered at the St Francis Friary in Hillsborough, Auckland over 10-12 November 2019 What a magnificent setting and we were so well looked after.

In our sessions we were treated to the combined wisdom and experience of three leaders who have navigated the power structures as women. Rev Dr Sue Burns, Vicar of St Stephen’s, Tamahere spoke on the topic of Pondering Power in Life, Ministry and Leadership. Heather McRae, principal of Auckland Diocesan School for Girls and the Rt Rev Dr Ellie Sanderson, assistant bishop of Wellington, led a session each entitled Inspiring Leadership.

Ellie also led our Bible study bringing new insights, inviting us to identify where the power lay in some gospel stories. She also reminded us that the fast growing church in Iran is being lead by women. Our challenge is to not focus on what is, but to the future and to train and encourage women to develop a relational leadership style that is suited to the church as it is becoming.

The Ven Carole Hughes brought a valuable global perspective as she spoke about her new role as chair of IWAN, the International Anglican Women’s Network.

The hui was a great opportunity to network with others from across the country. Rev Victoria Askin, priest-in-charge at Picton, echoes this saying,

“I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with other women in ministry from around New Zealand. It was encouraging to hear from speakers like Bishop Ellie and Sue Burns amongst others. But it was also great to share stories and get to know each other over the dinner table or coffee break. From an education perspective I found the different communication methods of the speakers helpful. In particular Sue used poetry and song to draw out her message. She also paused at times to explain what she was doing to help her communication.”

Two ideas I will definitely take home and use are:

PechaKucha: Each delegate was invited to make to a 3 minute presentation on a topic they were passionate about. What a fun and non-threatening way to encourage women to speak in public and get to know one another at the same time. The range of topics was huge: keeping chickens, research project, emotional health, Wonder Woman, foraging for food, looking after the environment, Hildegard of Bingen ……..

Leadership symbol: The invitation was to bring a symbol of leadership to share. What a creative way to discuss various aspects of good leadership. The visual image speaks more than just words. For example, I took a large set of four keys symbolizing four keys to hearing God’s voice. As leaders of God’s people we must be able to hear God’s voice and then teach others to do the same.

Thank you to those who brought creative ideas for prayer and early morning meditation walks. I came away feeling refreshed and wondering when we can do this again.

Maybe we could do something in the regions so more can attend……………..