5 minutes with Tania ...

- Tell us a little about yourself

I am a pastor, speaker, writer and the founder of God Conversations (godconversations.com), a global ministry that equips people to recognise and respond to God’s voice. That means I spend a fair bit of time travelling around Australia and overseas speaking and teaching in churches, colleges and organisations. When I’m at home in Sydney, I develop resources for my blog, TV, radio and various publications. I’m also halfway through a Doctorate in Ministry researching people’s experiences hearing God’s voice.

I love what I do, but it is not what I imagined for my life. Growing up, I was taught that women shouldn’t be pastors or leaders, so God had a lot of work to do before I was fully released to pursue my call. I started my working life as a school teacher, spent time on the mission field, worked with the homeless, pioneered a church and lectured in two different Bible colleges, but this is the season of life that has been the most fulfilling. There is nothing like seeing people experience God’s voice for themselves!

- What' s your favourite bible passage & why?

I’m not sure I have a favourite bible passage any more - there are just too many that God has used to build my life. If I had to chose, I would say the book of Esther since that was the story that God used to show me he was calling me as a woman to make a difference and not in spite of it.

- How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

I remember the words that he has spoken about me - particularly when circumstances are

challenging or when I’m feeling discouraged. He speaks to create future realities and calls us to believe him even when it looks impossible. When he moves, it is the most spectacular thing to watch.

- What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

I would love them to avoid the hangups that limited me so deeply in the past - if they knew from the beginning that they do not have to wait for a man to fulfil their God-given destiny and that they can fully lead as women because they have been so designed, not because they are God’s Plan B.

- What' s one thing that you love about your local church?

Without question, the God-given individuals who I do life with. From the beginning, they saw who I was and the potential I had and they will not rest until they see it fully realised. They are my biggest cheerleaders, teachers and supporters. They are family. I couldn’t do life without them.

- What did you learn about God at a time in your life you found hard?

I learnt that God’s words can get you through anything and when he makes a promise, it is

rock-solid.

- What are you passionate about?

Teaching others to hear God’s voice. So many Christians are missing out because they don’t know how to recognise him. I’m also a big fan of Shiraz, sweeping views and kayaking.

- What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

My favourite thing to do is to climb mountains and ski down them - does that count as rest?! I love adventure and doing things I’ve never done before, but I also love the quietness of dinner with friends and quality conversation that goes beneath the surface of things. Oh and a good thriller movie, preferably with Matt Damon in it. ;-)