Saturday 2nd May 2026
New Hope Baptist Church or
Streaming online
When: Saturday 2nd May 2026, 8.30am to 3pm
Where: New Hope Baptist Church, Blackburn North
or streaming from the comfort of your own home
This year we start a three year series in the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians. This letter is one of the most overlooked and underestimated letters of the New Testament. In it Paul tackles such issues as the end times, friendship, love, work and death. This year we'll look at the origins of the church in Acts 17 as well as the beginning of the letter. We'll be looking at how God's good news turned the world upside down in the Macedonia of the first century AD (Acts 17:6) and continues to do so in the Melbourne of the 21st century.
Our speakers Sharon Cooper and Louisa Pfitzner are excited to be bringing this part of God's word to you.
Tickets are available through Trybooking using the link below. Early bird tickets are available until the 20th of April. Please note that morning tea will be provided but you will need to BYO lunch or purchase it at the New Hope Cafe, or one of the other cafes or fast food restaurants near by.
If you're located in a regional area please email us on entrustwomen@outlook.com if you would like to organise a hub at your church.
Choose your seminar from the list below before heading over to book your ticket. Bookings go live in late March.
Speakers
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Sharon Cooper is an educator, artist, and ministry practitioner committed to the authority and transformative power of the gospel. A graduate of Ridley College, she holds qualifications in both theology and finance, and currently serves as the Partnership Support Program Manager at Church Missionary Society Victoria.
Her creative background and cross-cultural perspective enrich her teaching; she loves to nurture spaces of worship, mission, and community. Sharon and her husband Greg love being part of City on a Hill Melbourne East.
Louisa Pfitzner is amongst other things a child of God, wife, mother and Anglican minister. She works alongside her husband, Rene, at St Alfred's Anglican Church in Blackburn North, where she is one of the Children and Families' ministers.
Louisa loves investigating her Dutch heritage, listening to podcasts, reading, knitting, cycling, and having lunch with her husband on a midweek day off.
Seminars
You'll need to select one of the following 6 options
Waiting Well
Cathy Walters
No one likes to wait… but we all have times when we have to. And whether it’s waiting for a bus, a boyfriend, a baby, or a boost in our spiritual growth, experiencing periods of waiting in this age of instant gratification is never easy.
Yet waiting is core to the Christian way of life (as 1 Thess 1:10 reminds us). Christians are those who are waiting for Christ’s return, living in the promise of things still to come. How do we honour God as we wait? What does the Bible teach us about waiting? And what would it look like to wait well?
Come to this seminar to explore this important and life changing topic, as together we seek to wait well.
Cathy met Jesus when she was a student at university through CU (Christian Union) and has served with AFES for many years since, partnering with both local and international students to proclaim Christ at universities in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane. She now serves in a national staff support role with AFES, and while she misses regular student contact, she loves the wonderful staff she cares for.
Cathy is married to David, and often has the privilege of visiting islands in the South Pacific as she assists him in his role as IFES Regional Secretary. Cathy lives on the beautiful Bellarine peninsula and goes to church at City on a Hill Geelong. She loves drinking tea and crocheting, and can't wait to see Jesus when He returns!
Examining Scripture in our day to day lives
Caitlin Ogg
In Acts 17, Paul and Silas came across ‘noble’ men and women who with all readiness of the mind, examined the Scriptures daily to see whether what Paul and Silas spoke of was true (v.11); What would it look like to be like these Bereans and be ready in our minds and turn an examining eye to Scripture? How can we know what the Bible says anyway, when there seem to be so many different interpretations? How can I when I don’t have the time, the energy, the knowledge or resources to examine the Scriptures? Come and grow in your confidence in reading and understanding the Bible for yourself, learn basic tools for doing this well, and be encouraged by how you can do it in your day to day life, alone and with others.
Originally from regional NSW, Caitlin moved to Melbourne in 2025 to Proclaim Christ on Campus at Deakin University (Burwood) with AFES (Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students). She has joined the saints at St John’s Anglican Blackburn (in Partnership with HTD). Caitlin herself became a Christian after learning to examine the Scriptures and see the truth of Jesus in the pages of Hebrews while she was studying journalism at university. Since becoming a Christian her favourite thing about ministry is sitting down with women of all ages and stages of faith to help them learn how to read the bible for themselves. When she’s not reading the bible with women, she’s trying to learn how to garden, going on walks or spending time with friends.
From Disposable to Devoted: Reimagining Friendship
through a Scriptural Lens
Michelle Jackson
Friendship feels harder than it used to. In a time of fragmentation, conflict, and busyness, how do we build friendships that endure? Drawing on Scripture, research, and lived experience, this seminar examines the erosion of community, the impact of technology, and the growing loneliness of our age. It explores the Bible’s rich vision of friendship, including differing levels of intimacy, handling conflict well, and loving generously. Together we'll discover practical, biblical ways to cultivate friendships with Christians and others that are deeper, more resilient, and more Christ-centred, helping us persevere with joy in faith and life.
Michelle works for CMS Victoria in the areas of pastoral care and mobilisation. She is married to Brad, and they have three young adult children. She has navigated friendships in two different countries and is thankful for the grace friends have shown along the way. Michelle and Brad attend St Luke's Vermont where Brad is the lead minister. Michelle enjoys walking her dog, op-shopping and BBQs with friends.
Encouraging Others to Love and Serve
Clare Merkel
God loves to grow His people through relationships. Throughout the Bible we see believers encouraging and equipping one another to live faithful, Jesus-centred lives and to serve Him. In Titus 2, believers are urged to intentionally invest in the lives of others, but many of us wonder if we’re really the right person for the job.
Lack of confidence, busy seasons of life, and the feeling that we need to “have it all together” can hold us back. Yet God delights in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His kingdom, often through the relationships He has already placed around us - whether with our children, friends, or women in our churches.
In this practical workshop, we’ll explore how God equips women in different roles and seasons to encourage others to follow and serve Jesus. Together we’ll consider the fears that hold us back, recognise the opportunities around us, and leave with simple, practical next steps for encouraging and equipping others in everyday life.
Clare is the Ministry Training Strategy (MTS) Trainer Coordinator and serves in ministry alongside her husband, one of the pastors at Bathurst Presbyterian Church, NSW. Together they are raising four children (Year 7 to Year 2), a daily reminder that nurturing growth requires intentional investment - something equally true of spiritual parenting. Drawing on the biblical picture of Paul entrusting the gospel to Timothy, Clare’s seminar will explore how passing on the gospel to the next generation is both a profound privilege and a vital responsibility, as we invest in others to raise mature workers for Christ and his church.
Navigating Motherhood
Fiona McLean
Becoming a mother is a significant life event, associated with lots of conflicting emotions! When we have children, how much should we expect our lives to change? What do we do about work and career? Is staying home full-time boring and lonely? And is it inevitable that we will feel guilty about whatever decisions we make?! In this seminar, we will reflect on how motherhood is viewed in our culture and what biblical principles and priorities can help us work out how to use our limited time and energy. You are welcome to come to this workshop, whether you are a mother, hoping to have children in the future, or keen to help women thrive in motherhood.
Fiona works part-time as an Assistant Minister at Holy Trinity, Doncaster. She and her husband Gus (a teacher) had four children in 5 ½ years, so things were busy, noisy and chaotic for a while – but also full of joy and fun. Those children are now all young adults, and we are deeply thankful that they and our son-in-law are all Christians. Since having children, Fiona has been home full-time with kids, studied part-time, worked part-time at church (in both voluntary and paid roles), and served in other voluntary roles in the wider church and community. She loves riding her bike, reading, and playing Scrabble. She is passionate about thinking about how to follow Jesus in our current cultural context.
Idols: when good things become gods :: TEEN SEMINAR
Stef Chan
“Do they like me?”
“What if I fail?”
“Why don’t I look like that?”
“Why didn’t they reply?”
“I just want to be happy.”
Sound familiar?
We all chase things that promise to make us feel secure, accepted, successful, or loved. Friends. Parents. Grades. Likes. Reputation. Romantic relationships. Netflix. Sport. The perfect body. The perfect future.
None of these things are bad. But when they become everything, they quietly turn into idols. Things we look to for life instead of God. And the problem? They can’t deliver!
In this seminar for teens, we’ll explore what the Bible says about the true and living God versus the false gods our culture (and our hearts) create. We’ll unpack what modern idols look like, why they disappoint us, and why Jesus offers something far better.
Come along. Be honest. Ask questions. And discover the One who doesn’t cancel you, ignore you, or fail you.
Stef is married to Enoch and studied at Ridley College. She serves as the 5pm Women’s Minister at Holy Trinity Doncaster, where she primarily serves youth and young adults.
Stef came to know Jesus at 21 after chasing “good things” that promised happiness and life but left her deeply empty instead. Through that journey, she discovered that Christ alone truly satisfies. She longs for many to experience the joy and freedom found in Him.
What they're saying:
It is so important for Jesus’ church that women are challenged in their obedience to Christ, mobilized in their gifts, and have an ever deepening vision of the beauty & power of a life lived for him. Women teaching women is such a powerful way that Jesus brings this into being. I am thankful for the contribution of Entrust in this unique and vital work.
Stephanie Judd
City on a Hill, Executive Director - Leadership Academy
It has been a great joy to see the timely emergence of the Entrust Women conference in Melbourne: young and able evangelical women committed to ministry among women based on the exploration and exposition of God’s word and mutual encouragement for ministry. I warmly commend this new venture and am glad to be associated with it. My hope and prayer is that through it Christian women across Victoria will be taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained in righteousness so that they might be capable and equipped for every good work that God has prepared for them in their families, among God’s people, and in the workplace.
Andrew Reid
I've enjoyed previous Entrust conferences for the stimulating Bible talks and seminars, on both practical and theological issues; the opportunities to see friends and acquaintances, and to meet other women who are striving to live for Jesus; and for the encouragement and joy of gathering with like-minded women - young and old, city and rural, mothers, students, workers, of different ethnicities and backgrounds, working in ministry or simply living for Jesus in everyday life.
Fiona McLean
Women's Minister, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Doncaster
A conference for women, led by women, who desire to see women across Victoria established in their faith, equipped in their ministries, and encouraged in their cross-bearing, Christ-centred life, how can it not be wholeheartedly commended. I am grateful for the evangelical women who lead this conference with a commitment to faithful expository preaching. It has been a delight to see the fruits of this conference and how it has shaped the lives and ministry of the women in our church, as they seek to live their lives as daughters of the King. My prayer is that this will be seen amongst more women and more churches for the glory of God.
John Huynh
Minister, Surrey Hills Presbyterian Church
FAQ
Helpful Information
What are the goals of Entrust Women?
We have two goals, represented by the two Ts in enTrusT:
• to provide clear, faithful Bible teaching from women and to women in Melbourne
• to provide training to women from Melbourne and wider Victoria as they learn to teach and train other women.
We took the name Entrust Women from 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will be qualified to teach others.” That’s what we want to do: pass on the gospel by giving women an opportunity to teach one another, and to learn how to teach one another, from God’s word.
Why do we need another conference?
What’s different about Entrust Women? There are lots of great conferences with speakers from various places. Our conference is unusual because most of our speakers are women who live in Melbourne or wider Victoria. That’s because one of our goals is to give local women opportunities, models and training as they teach the Bible to other women.
Who runs the conference?
We’re run by a small group of women from different churches in Melbourne, who share the same convictions about the centrality of the cross and the Bible, and the same dream: to encourage ministry by women and to women. Our committee includes Louisa Pfitzner (St Alfred's, Blackburn North), Belinda Grant (Grace Christian Community) Erin McNamara (Mentone Baptist), Fiona McLean (Holy Trinity, Doncaster), Gabriella Djunatan (International Reformed Evangelical Church), Kathryn Gatt (Bundoora Presbyterian), Laura Neilson (Redemption Church, Ringwood) Melissa Dixon (Brimbank Presbyterian) and Kellie Vanderkruk (Mentone Baptist).
What happens on the day?
You can either attend the conference in person at New Hope Baptist, Blackburn North, or stream the conference from home. Either way, we'll have two great talks, a seminar, music, an interview, book reviews and other activities to make the day memorable and encouraging.
Why has the ticket price changed?
The Entrust Conference is a not for profit event. The ticket price covers the many costs of hosting the conference which have all increased markedly in the last couple of years. We had kept the ticket prices artificially low since COVID but we can no longer continue to do so.
We try to keep costs down by providing the option of BYO catering. But please get in contact (entrustwomen@outlook.com) if the cost is prohibitive and we will see how we can help you.
Parking/ transport
NewHope Baptist Church is located at 3 Springfield Rd, Blackburn North VIC 3130. There are limited car spaces available on site and we recommend allowing an extra 10 to 15 minutes to find a car park within the neighbourhood. Car Park entry is via Springfield Rd only.
If you're coming by:
CAR. Come East along the M3 take Middleborough Road exit, follow to Springfield Road, we are on the corner.
TRAIN/WALK.Take the Lilydale or Belgrave line towards Laburnum Station, walk up to Middleborough Road/ Springfield Rd, we are on the corner (Approximately 15 minutes walk).
BUS. From Box Hill Station. Take Bus number 279 towards Doncaster alight at the stop on Middleborough Road/Springfield Road, just opposite New Hope.
What COVIDsafe practices will be in place?
We will be practicing whatever COVIDsafe practices are required at the time.
However, please stay home if you are unwell. You'll still have access to the livestream so that you can participate from home.
What about our regional delegates?
You are of course welcome to attend at New Hope Baptist Church.
However, you could consider organising a watch party with other women from your church in your city. Please contact us on entrustwomen@outlook.com and we can work it out with you.
Will the conference be suitable for teens and young adults?
Yes, our aim is to have teaching that will be accessible to all. We will also be having a teen seminar again this year.
So if you’re a pastor or Christian worker, encourage the young women in your youth group, young adults’ group, or university group to attend. *Please note that delegates under 18 years of age must be supervised by their parent/guardian at all times throughout the conference, apart from the teen seminar.
I’d like to encourage women from my church to come along, but don’t know how.
Please feel free to use the promotional material on our resources page. You could also encourage your women to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the latest news.
Can I Bring My Baby?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your baby, but unfortunately we are not able to accommodate older children.