In her role as Executive Ministries Lead at Crossway, Fiona Hall has the privilege of hearing the stories of women and girls from the church campuses and ministries, plus the wider community. While many are thriving, she says far too many still face barriers that limit their safety, dignity, and opportunity. Fiona shares her experiences as part of our focus on International Women’s Day, March 8, which this year shines a light on the need to “Balance the Scales” to ensure fair, inclusive and accessible justice for every woman and girl.
“I’ve listened to stories about women who have struggled to be heard in moments of deep vulnerability, women who have carried silent trauma for years, and young girls who are navigating pressures around identity, belonging, and self worth. Our women and girls come from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds and these factors can intersect in ways that leave some women disproportionately impacted by injustice. Concerningly, statistics still point to a huge issue of family violence against females and unfortunately the church is not immune. Justice is deeply personal. Jesus consistently elevated the voices, value and dignity of women, and I believe the Church must reflect that same heart today.”
Crossway works through its ministries to “balance the scales” by creating structures, environments, and pathways that support the flourishing of women and girls. “This includes trauma-informed practices, improved reporting pathways, and equipping leaders with the tools to respond well. I am committed to identifying, mentoring, and championing women in leadership. Women hold roles at every level of our organisation including Executive, Campus Pastors and Preaching Pastor. I aim to model women as leaders to encourage women to be seen and empowered to lead with confidence and calling, as well as creating pathways for this to become a reality.”
Through Lifecare, Crossway’s community care organisation, specialised programs offer practical support for women facing or emerging from crisis. Its Courage to Heal program helps domestic violence survivors to break the cycle of abuse and to gain agency in their lives, connecting women with therapists, pastoral carers, and wraparound community support. “Through preaching, teaching and conversation, we are shaping a culture that reflects God’s heart for equality and justice. By addressing harmful narratives and highlighting biblical models of strong, faithful women, we are laying foundations for long-term change.”
Fiona’s hope is that the Church will become one of the safest, most empowering, and most equitable places for women and girls in society. “Ultimately, my dream is that our communities would see the Church being a witness to a world where the dignity, agency and God-given giftedness of every woman and girl is honoured and celebrated.”