Jenna Blackwell

Tasmanian Baptist Women

The Many Learnings of Life

Jenna Blackwell works with Tas Baptists as the Leadership Coach and co-pastors City Baptist Church in Launceston

Tasmanian life

I grew up just outside of Deloraine, on some land looking out to Quamby Bluff. Growing up, we were always surrounded by animals. Horses, goats, dogs, cats, cows, sheep, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs were all part of my life.

Sometimes we even rescued tawny frogmouths or baby wallabies and cared for them until they were re-released. This taught me to be responsible, and to love and care for nature. The location was idyllic and we especially enjoyed wonderful sunsets. With three sisters and all the animals, the company was sometimes chaotic!

Working life

I worked as a medical receptionist for several years and I loved being able to welcome newly arrived refugees as part of my work. I learnt so many things during that time, I think I could write a book!

The key concpets that have stuck with me include realising that people are lonely. Most of us want to be seen, known and truly listened to. Also, kindness can go a long way, and a gentle, heart-felt welcome and a smile really can make someone’s day. 

I discovered that if you live out your faith authentically in the workplace, you influence culture far more than you may believe. 

These days, as the co-pastor at City Baptist, Launceston (Formation Pastor), my aim is to invest in people. I also have a role with the state denomination focused on coordinating the development of leaders. 

If anyone asks me what I do with my time, I often hesitate! It’s a complicated question for me to answer. Sometimes I bow to society and note my jobs. Often, I try to go against the grain and talk about investing in people and my love of being in nature, it’s not just about what I do. 

Comparison is the thief of joy

When we learn the most

I have discovered, too, that the most difficult times are the ones when I learn the hardest lessons. A couple of years ago I was very ill, resulting in months off work and minimal energy. That was hard.

But also, I think about the ups and downs of my relationships. They often provide our biggest setbacks and our proudest moments. We seem to learn the most during the pain of doing life with others, and the courage it takes to face our wounds. 

If I were to offer the best peices of advice I have received I think it would come down to these:

• The more you hide, the less you heal. 
• Comparison is the thief of joy.
• Be yourself, everyone else is taken!
• You never know what someone else is going through.

Praying for Jenna

To pray for Jenna as she does her work with Tas Baptists and City Baptist, here are some ideas:

• Please pray she can be an effective vessel for God’s kingdom work, especially in the lives of others.
• Pray that her sense of call becomes clearer, so she can faithfully follow, and serve in, God’s leading. 

Jenna Blackwell
Leadership Coach
Tasmanian Baptists
jenna@tasbaptists.org.au

READ MORE Heartlands Autumn 2026

Jenna Blackwell

OTHER AMAZING TASMANIAN BAPTIST WOMEN

• Anna-Maree Richardson (Tas Baptists and Riverlands, Longford)
• Elysia Cunningham (Penguin Baptist)
• Hazelyn Mohan (Claremont Baptist)
• Morgan Read (Lifeway Baptist Church)