Youth Ministry News
Well, many of you will have already heard that Jesse Baker, our Youth Minister, will be finishing his role with us at the end of this year.
For some time, Jesse has been grappling with changing denominational convictions, the needs of the role, the needs of his family and his personal health. In the last 6 months this has been particularly acute and Jesse has decided that, despite his love for the youth here, the best thing to do is to seek a new position for 2027 that has different demands.
As you might imagine, Jesse's heart is breaking for the youth and leaders. He loves the ministry, particularly teaching the Bible to teenagers and coaching the leaders. Please pray for him and his family, the youth, and the leaders as they trust the Lord of grace in this season of change.
And as you pray for Jesse please pray for the ministry he is leading, particularly for Big Fridays. Each year at this time our youth invite friends to come and hear the good news of Jesus over three Friday nights. Each week they hear stories of gospel transformation, sing heartfelt songs of praise, are led in prayer, dive into the Bible and enjoy moments of reflection.
I went to Night 1 last Friday almost directly on the way home from General Synod in Melbourne and it was a complete change of pace. It was pumping. There were 430 people at church to hear Jordan Formston preach the gospel but what was remarkable was that despite the energy in the room, there was also a calm and peace over the space.
I am sure this is testament to the prayers that are being prayed by many and I want to invite you in to pray over the next two Friday nights. The youth leaders have created a WhatsApp group for prayer that includes prayer points for each year group and specific prayer points for the night itself so you can pray over the next two weeks and during the event on both of the next two Fridays. Join by clicking the link below.
Click here to join the WhatsApp prayer group.
As you pray for Jesse and Big Fridays please also pray for the Wardens and I as we begin work on finding a replacement for Jesse to begin in early 2027. I am reminded in moments like this of Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6-7:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
