For Carla, attending OneLove has become a deeply cherished rhythm in her walk with Jesus. Having attended almost every OneLove over the years, Carla shares how this annual day of teaching, worship, and stories has shaped her decisions, encouraged her faith, and reminded her of the joy and freedom we have to gather as Christian women.
1. Introduce yourself and how long you’ve been attending OneLove!
Hi, my name is Carla Matthews, I live in the outskirts of Sydney, in the Hills District with my husband. We have 4 great adult children, 4 wonderful in-laws and 3 sweet grandkids. I’ve been to almost all of the OneLove conferences.
2. What have been some of the highlights of attending OneLove? Do you have a favourite memory?
I’m always encouraged to sit in a room with hundreds of other Christians. The talks over the years have always impacted my faith and life in a positive way. A highlight was the talks from Genesis 16 (two years ago), exploring Hagar’s story. The reminder that sometimes God calls us into very difficult circumstances was both challenging and impactful.
3. How has OneLove encouraged your faith?
Sitting with hundreds of other Christian women is an encouragement, it’s a visceral experience. This alone encourages my faith.
Sitting with hundreds of other Christian women is an encouragement, it’s a visceral experience. This alone encourages my faith.
4. Is there a particular talk, Bible passage, or moment that really stayed with you?
I’m not great at remembering the nitty gritty of sermons or even the Bible passages but the overall experience helps guide my walk with Jesus. I make choices and make decisions because of what I’ve learnt and heard at events like OneLove.
In the same talks I mentioned above, we were encouraged to lead with our humanity and be curious about cultural context. Both ideas have challenged me to think outside the safe Christian bubble we can choose to stay in in Sydney.
5. Why do you think women should set aside time to attend conferences like OneLove?
Because we can, we live in freedom and are able to worship, there are thousands of sisters in Christ around the world that face daily persecution and death because of their faith in Jesus. We are free to worship, free to pray and sing aloud to our good God. It’s a privilege and a joy.
We are free to worship, free to pray and sing aloud to our good God. It’s a privilege and a joy.
6. What would you say to someone who’s thinking about coming to OneLove for the first time?
Be excited for what God may speak to you on the day. Be ready to be challenged by Bible teaching, to laugh and cry as you hear the stories of fellow Christian women and what God has done in their lives. It’s a joyful day.
Register for OneLove 2025!
A one-day conference to inspire women through preaching, testimony and fellowship. We’re excited to welcome back Jackie Hill Perry as our keynote speaker!
This year, we’re talking about what it means to live unhindered.
We find ourselves limping. Tired and distracted. But what if God wants us to run—not limp—into life and faith that’s full of joy, endurance, and freedom in Him?
That’s what this year’s conference is all about.
Register today: onelovewomen.com/register
