Welcome to Ministry Meets Social Science.  My name is Elizabeth Vreugdenhil and I’m an ordained Minister of the Word in the Uniting Church in Australia, now retired (sort of) with a PhD in Social Work.

I worked as a social worker for 30 years both as a practitioner and teacher.  When I began studying for the Ministry I was delighted to find, that rather than leaving my social science knowledge behind, it enriched my understanding of theology, biblical studies and the practice of ministry.

The aim of this website is captured in the banner photo.  The tiny plant symbolises the growing ministry of the local church.  The soil is the richness of God and God’s love.  There are many hands involved in holding and nurturing the plant as each person brings their own unique gifts.  My offering is to explore the question, “How can the social sciences enrich and develop the ministry of the local church?”

I hope you enjoy the ideas to follow.