The ministry preparing women for the world stage

Pastor Yvonne Brooks talks to Keep The Faith about Esther’s Academy, her unique women’s ministry programme

Women’s ministries play a vital role within the Church by teaching Christian principles and providing practical guidance to women on all areas of life.

One ministry that is succeeding in this area is Esther’s Academy (EA), whose slogan is ‘Preparing Women for the World Stage’.

EA was started as an evening session in 2005 by Pastor Yvonne Brooks, a leader at New Jerusalem Community Church, Birmingham, and Keep The Faith columnist. It was then turned into a seven-week programme and relaunched in 2008.

and receive their Certificates of Completion.

Pastor Yvonne, who is also leader of a ministry called ‘Women of Purpose’, shared her reasons for starting EA: “I specialise in women’s ministry. As women came to me, I would pray and ask God what He wanted me to do.

“He answered me clearly, stating that He wanted a school of refinement for His ladies. Eventually our mission evolved into ‘Preparing Women for the World Stage’.”

The EA course takes women through a seven-week journey, where they learn insights on their relationship with God; how they view themselves; and their approach to money, work, business, styling, personal care, and much more.

Karen Allen, Jeanette Young, Samantha Gardner, Marcia Levine and Leah Salmon all experts in their field of endeavour.

This unique ministry recently held their annual graduation ceremony. Over 130 people were present to see the female graduates of the programme celebrate their achievements

Pastor Yvonne shared: “Women are taught about God’s identity, love and faithfulness, and their identity and place in Him. They also learn about their calling and purpose, and the need for wholeness, vision and goal setting. They also learn the importance of poise, grace, etiquette, dressing to impress, and personal care, which includes looking after their hair and skin, the importance of exercise and more. EA gives ladies the opportunity of a transformed life filled with purpose and direction.”

Course teachers include Karl George MBE,

From talking to Pastor Yvonne, it’s evident that the EA course is making impact. Over 2,000 women have gone through the programme, which is taught in the UK, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the US and Jamaica. There are also plans to take it to other countries.

Pastor Yvonne is looking to develop EA further. “We hope to relaunch our one-day conferences ‘Esther’s Extras’ to focus on specific topics. And next year we plan to run our ‘Next Steps’ conference. I also want to encourage the ladies to take part in missions trips to other parts of the world, and get involved in specific identified projects. As always, EA graduates have the opportunity to travel with me when I attend graduations in other countries.”

The Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) is a unique initiative that gives young adults, from all backgrounds, the space and time to test God’s calling on their lives. If you are aged 18–30 and looking for a year-long opportunity to explore what God is calling you to, then MES could be for you.

You will have the opportunity to explore your calling and learn more about yourself, whilst gaining experience of Christian ministry and developing your leadership skills.

It is free to do, with accommodation and living expenses provided. Local schemes are based in many locations across the Church of England.

Past participant Mary said of her time on MES, “When I moved from Moscow to South Devon, I was warmly welcomed and got a lot of support in adjusting. Over my year I have been able to preach, do school assemblies, pastoral visits and lead some services. My vicar entrusted me with the huge responsibility. I have learned about the breadth of the Anglican church and its richness in tradition and worship. This opportunity to explore my vocation is something I will treasure for years.”

Where is God sending you? Find out more at cofe.io/mes you are aged why not spend a year God through the Experience Scheme. more about yourself, your leadership skills. expenses provided. will have the opportunity to explore your calling and learn more about yourself, whilst gaining experience of Christian ministry and developing your leadership skills. your calling and learn more about yourself, ministry and developing your leadership skills. accommodation and living expenses provided. locations across the Church of England. at cofe.io/mes

Every person’s year looks different but is formed around practical ministry experience, such as kids and youth work; chaplaincy; community work; preaching; digital media or event organisation. The year also includes some theological study which can be tailored to you – it doesn’t matter if you have no prior experience or already have a theology degree.

Every person’s year looks different but is formed around practical ministry experience, such as kids and youth work; chaplaincy; community work; preaching; digital media; pastoral visiting or event organisation. The year also includes some theological study which can be tailored to you – it doesn’t matter if you have no prior experience or already have a theology degree.

For many MES has been a step towards ordination or other church ministry; others say they have a clearer sense of God’s purpose as disciples in wider society and the workplace.

For many, like Mary, MES has been a step towards ordination or other church ministry; others say they have a clearer sense of God’s purpose as disciples in wider society and the workplace.

Church of England.

MES is free to do with accommodation and expenses provided. Enquiries can be made now for schemes starting in September 2023. Schemes are based across the UK and Europe. Please visit our website to find out more (cofe.io/mes).

If you are aged 18-30 why not spend a year serving God through the Ministry Experience Scheme.

Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) is unique initiative that gives young adults, from all backgrounds, the space and time test God’s calling on their lives. If you aged 18–30 and looking for a yearopportunity to explore what God is calling you to, then MES could be for you.

It is free to do, with accommodation and living expenses provided. Local schemes are based in many locations across the Church of England.

Philip’s MES year involved working with the Intercultural Worshipping Communities section Diocese, running a Global Carol Service, an Easter biriyani party and starting a young adult’s group. He says learnt what it means to be a leader in a Christian context; I have grown spiritually and become more pastoral. I’ve become particularly passionate about evangelism and doing this in a way which meets people in whatever situation they are at. I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in a of Christian service to enrol onto MES. it’s an opportunity you cannot miss!”

Where is God sending you? Find out more at cofe.io/mes aged spend a year through the Scheme. about yourself, leadership skills.

MES is free to do with accommodation and expenses provided. Starting in September 2023 schemes are based across the UK and Europe.

Every person’s year looks different but is formed around practical ministry experience, such as kids and youth work; chaplaincy; community work; preaching; digital media; pastoral visiting or event organisation. The year also includes some theological study which can be tailored to you – it doesn’t matter if you have no prior experience or already have a theology degree.

Please visit our website to find out more cofe.io/mes

For many MES has been a step towards ordination or other church ministry; others say they have a clearer sense of God’s purpose as disciples in wider society and the workplace.

MES is free to do with accommodation and expenses provided. Enquiries can be made now for schemes starting in

With over three decades of ministry under her belt, Rev Dr Betty King is one of the UK’s most revered female ministers. She is pastor of Truthvine Church, Wembley, and a leader who is prayerful, prophetic and philanthropic. Rev King hosts The Cry, a programme that is broadcast on GOD TV where she interviews Christians who are making an impact. In January 2023 Rev Betty launched ‘The Cry’ — an event where delegates from across the globe gathered at Wembley Arena. Akosua DF spoke to Rev King about her life, faith, ministry and desire to see revival break out throughout the nations.

Akosua DF (ADF): If you were asked, “Who is Rev Dr Betty King?” what would your response be?

Rev Dr Betty King (RDBK): I’m a mother; my greatest joy are my children. I’m a grandmother and a great-grandmother. These are the first people I would present to the Lord. I’m passionate about the things I believe in, and I am very loyal and focused.

ADF: You’ve been in ministry for quite a few decades. Can you talk a little about your journey with God and what inspired you to plant a church five years ago?

RDBK: It was shocking. I was a broken person and, after two suicide attempts, God intervened and saved me. I fell in love with the Person of the Holy Spirit and began standing in the gap and interceding for others. Fortunately, my pastor recognised my gift and empowered me to intercede for the church, which I did faithfully. I then “graduated” to cleaning, which was a joy. I remember when he gave me the church keys, I treated it like home. One day he asked me to speak at a church conference and then at an evening service. I just saw it as serving in the church, but I started to receive prophetic words about my ministry. I believed the words and started going through the process that pertained to the promise, so I began choosing my alignments wisely Esther had a Mordecai and David had a Samuel. I started a Tuesday prayer meeting focused on praying for the nations and the body of Christ, and noticed that people would attend and not want to leave. God aligned me with great ministries, we started growing and the church, Truthvine Church, was birthed.

ADF: You said you were leading intercession and “graduated” to being a cleaner. Most people would see that as a demotion rather than a graduation. Can you expound?

RDBK: Oh, my goodness that’s the biggest revelation! Read 1 Samuel. The guy was in the church just taking care of business. I thought