From teaching classrooms in Japan and Queensland to leading a thriving faith community in Forest Lake, Rev Emma Nicholls is on a mission to make faith inclusive and meaningful for the next generation. In this inspiring Q&A, she opens up about her journey back to faith, the powerful influence of her mother, and the spirit of generosity that defines her local community.
What would you tell your younger self if you could?
I’d tell her that being “just a girl” doesn’t make her any less capable or influential. Even if no one means it to, that phrase has had a way of creeping into our thoughts, making us feel like our voices don’t matter as much. But the truth is, my perspective is valuable—not in spite of being female, but oftentimes, because of it. Who I am, with all my experiences, brings something unique to the table. I don’t need to become someone else or imitate another person’s style. I am enough as I am.
“It is incredible to see how much more we could do when we worked together—and how much joy there was in the process!”
What inspired you to start your business or pursue this career path?
Before becoming a minister in the Uniting Church, I was a high school teacher—first teaching English in Japan, then Japanese in Queensland. Although I grew up in the church, I stepped away for a time and returned to faith as an adult. That journey, along with life’s challenges and my broad experiences of the world, deepened my understanding of how vital faith and having good community around us are. I also realized how little many people know about Jesus, God, and the church. For many, religion feels like something from their great-grandparents’ time, and they often don’t feel welcomed. I wanted to help change that for a new generation. I want to help others discover faith in a way that is meaningful, relevant, and inclusive
Is there a woman in your life you admire or are inspired by? and why?
My mum, Rev. Beth Nicholls, is also an ordained minister in the Uniting Church. She has shown me—and continues to show me—what good ministry and community work look like: helping people explore and experience their faith and encouraging them in all they do.
Mum always saw her role as a cheerleader for others, affirming their great ideas and guiding them to bring those ideas to life together. One of the highlights of her ministry was a program called Go West. She would organize a busload of volunteers from our church’s annual children’s holiday camp to travel to a town in Western Queensland. There, they would train and equip the local church to run the camp themselves. Those trips were not only fun but also eye-opening, showing us life in rural communities and the power of equipping others to continue good work.
Ministry hasn’t always been easy for her, especially after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her 40s. But she has never given up. Even through the hardest experiences, she always says it was all worth it.
How has being part of your local community influenced your business?
Since starting ministry in Ellen Grove and Forest Lake, I’ve been amazed by the generosity of the people here. The way this community comes together to support those in need is unlike anywhere else I’ve lived. A great example was our annual Christmas Blessing Day last year. We partnered with Elorac Place Community Centre (Wesley Mission), the Forest Lake Lions, local politicians, and other community groups to host a family day. People could receive food parcels, gifts for their children, and enjoy a free barbecue and games. It was incredible to see how much more we could do when we worked together—and how much joy there was in the process.
This experience has shaped how I see our wider community: as a generous, compassionate group of people ready to rally around a great cause. That spirit of collaboration continues to inspire me, and our whole church.
