"Here I am. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

As followers of Jesus, we all have a vocation to discipleship first and foremost with some feeling an added sense of calling to a particular ministerial role. When I look back on the situations or activities that have fuelled me in the past such as teaching in one of the largest all-girls schools in Europe and Guiding UK, I realise I have always had a passion for women’s empowerment.

I have been Diocesan Advisor for Women’s Ministry (DAWM) for several years now and frequently feel inadequate or insufficient in the role. Yet, like Isaiah, God touches my sense of unworthiness with cleansing words of assurance and sends me to ‘Go tell His people’.

As DAWM I represent Guildford Diocese at a national level communicating relevant outcomes to the Director of Ministry. The National Association of Diocesan Advisors for Women’s Ministry (NADAWM) aims to be a resource to the Church of England. We advise and support the National Church, our Diocesan Senior Staff, and women in ministry on a range of issues, as we all work together to make the Church of England a place where women and men can flourish in their calling. NADAWM seeks to EQUIP, EVALUATE and ENGAGE.

Consequently, I try to keep abreast of national and regional research and developments in relation to the ministry of ordained women alongside any specific training needs. I welcome the opportunity to listen to women’s stories and come alongside any who are struggling or in need of mentoring. I am fortunate that relatively few women contact me but maybe they are not aware I am here? Please feel free to contact me and I shall continue to be an advocate for women in our Diocese for as long as God calls, and Bishop Andrew requires me to.

Reverend Rosemary Donovan, Vicar of Christ Church, Epsom.