Interview with Christine Bayley

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your husband and ministry?

Hello! My name is Christine I am married to Rod and we have three children, Harrison (8), Imogen (6) and Callum (3). I became a Christian at the age of 9 through the ministry of SUFM at Lake Tabourie. I am grateful for the people who God has placed in my life over the years to encourage me in reading the Bible, serving the church and being prepared to give an answer for the hope that I have. God’s work in me by His Spirit is slowly chipping away at my heart for self as I am being transformed into the likeness of Christ. I have experienced times of joy and pain and with God’s help am able to hold on to the hope that I have in Christ.

I grew up primarily in Campbelltown and after high school I studied Nursing. Through the work place I was constantly confronted with death, those who do not have hope in Jesus and the frailty of our mortal bodies, which stirred my heart. Rod and I married in 1996 and that covenant next to my covenant with God is my greatest love. After a couple of years of marriage Rod was encouraged to think about doing some study at Bible College. Initially we thought part time would be wise as it would help with the role he had as a youth leader and Bible study leader. As it turned out he studied full time for three years. Our years at SMBC are like gold to us. The teaching program, friendships, community and godly examples we thank God for. I did one year study (in Rod’s final year). The year after College, Rod started part-time at Chatswood Baptist we were greatly encouraged during our time at Chatswood by the senior pastor and the Christians who gathered together each week. The position, once Rod had completed his further study at Morling College (the Baptist College), was full time and after 5 years we made the move to Wollongong where we are today, this is our 5th year here. Rod has enjoyed the challenge of serving the church at Wollongong Baptist. It is a busy pace with 8 services on a Sunday. 5 ethnic and 3 English. We have a large Burmese community two of the ethnic services are in Kareni and Burmese with the others spoken in Chinese, Greek and Vietnamese. Please pray for Burma and the long time persecution there. We have a keenness to see the local church embrace, support and pray for cross cultural mission. I am currently involved in running an international playtime for preschoolers and their families, women’s bible study Thursday mornings, leading women’s ministry alongside an enthusiastic team. Hospitality to whoever God brings, hosting meetings, preparing couples for marriage with Rod, and music ministry to kids as well as occasional song leading in church. Most of all my heart is to do whatever would serve Rod best, it is a constant prayer point of mine: that I would be wise in my choices and submit to his leadership.

We are grateful to God for the privilege of loving our kids and pointing them to Jesus as we do the good works God has planned for us.

What have been some of the joys in ministry?

Knowing more of Jesus and seeing God use ordinary opportunities for his glory brings much joy to our lives. I meet approximately once a month with three other women whose husbands are in ministry (we met through SMBC) we pray for each other and enjoy lunch together. These women are a great source of encouragement to me and I thank God for each of them. Our associate Pastor’s wife is also an encouragement to me and it is a joy to pray together and care for each other in our roles. I am grateful that God has brought our families together in ministry at Wollongong Baptist. Meeting with women one to one is such a joy for me. Also seeing the lost found and helping establish good foundations – through Bible reading and prayer. Seeing non Christians come along to playtime each week and having the opportunity to know them and pray for them, that God would open their eyes so they can enjoy the living water that only Jesus gives. Seeing our children grow and be included in the lives of godly Christians who befriend and encourage them. Praying regularly with my husband for the struggles we are facing, when we feel weak and inadequate and when we feel joyous and strong. There is a wonderful joy in seeing God answer our prayers, often through His people, reminding us of our dependence on God for our lives and for the lives of our kids. It is such a joy to know we don’t have to know it all but to trust in God.

What have been some of the challenges?

Change is a big challenge for me. New things/places and people take time. I haven’t worked out the best way of coping with change but I certainly pray more when it is around - which is my best and only helpful response.

Having a young family means sleep deprivation. Which tests my role as a model for others (even if I am unsure about being that, the fact is that because of Rod’s role I am a model to others), for example, having the patient conversation, answering the phone again! Opening our home for a meeting when I am tired. My godliness is where I long to grow – this is a challenge but I pray that God would use me, stretch me and give me the grace to live graciously for Him.

How does partnership in serving God with your husband work out in practice for you?

Rod currently works from home so that has some pros and cons. It is great to have the flexibility of lunch together and afternoon tea some days when the kids are home from school. However it is hard to limit office time and to be disciplined in having a break. Although to be honest, although Rod does keep a written record of his hours – life is not really that structured or compartmentalised, we consider ‘interruptions’ the normal life. We try to have fun in the process and have found having hobbies/ playing with the kids/ eating together/ sharing our highs and lows of the day together/ doing special things for my family not just when we have visitors, these are great ways of feeling rested.

Rod and I pray together regularly – we find that our ministry opportunities are driving us more and more into praying together. We pray for couples who are preparing for marriage, couples or individuals who are struggling, for Rod’s Bible talk, for the church to grow spiritually strong, for those who come each week to church who do not know Christ, for our children their salvation and if they eventually marry their marriage partners.

My role is to be Rod’s biggest encourager – so I try to do whatever would encourage Him.

What is one piece of advice you would give a younger woman about to become a ministry wife?

Consider others greater than yourself. Love the people God gives you to serve (that includes your family). God has placed you in your situation and will provide for you all you need for life and Godliness, So don’t worry. Perfectionism is not helpful as a Christian, especially in pastoral ministry – it forces us to depend on ourselves more than God.