Andrew Harrex, convenor of the Presbyterian Youth Ministry (PYM) focus group, talks about working with young people.
What does your role/work involve?
I am part of the staff team at East Taieri Presbyterian Church in Mosgiel. This involves overseeing the youth work for Years 9-13 both in the church and community. I also have the privilege of being chaplain at the local high school, Taieri College .
Why did you choose this ministry?
The older I got the more I realised I love working with youth, and after primary teaching in Auckland for six years, I felt a nudging to look at ministry fulltime. There is nothing quite as special as seeing young people meeting God, discovering the excitement of growing with Him and living a life that makes an impact on the world around them.
What have you learned about God through this work?
Above all - to trust Him always. He is an extraordinary God who wants to do extraordinary things. The challenge for us is to not get in the way of Him doing that and limit his work by our faithlessness, fear or disobedience. God changes people’s lives.
What is the most exciting thing about being involved in it?
Seeing young people change. Over the past seven years at East Taieri, we’ve seen young people we meet through a community programme develop a relationship with a leader, start coming along to a church programme and through that relationship and a sense of belonging, grow to be a follower of Jesus. We want to see the young people we have be fired-up, passionate 80-year-olds who have lived a life for Jesus and are still growing with Him. It’s still a challenge.
What have been the biggest challenges?
Acknowledging my own weaknesses and frailties and learning to let God use me anyway. Realising “it’s not about me” and living a life that reflects that. Seeing young people make decisions (or no decision) that causes them to drift from the faith.
Who has inspired you?
Leaders who are committed to, and passionate about, youth – especially ones who see the need and just choose to get involved. Young people who are prepared to choose to serve Jesus even when it costs them. People who overcome adversity to achieve great things. People in ministry who are in it for the long haul.
What are your future plans?
Great question; uncertain, still praying. To keep making Jesus known.
Do you have any recommended books/CDs?
Mountain Rain by Eileen Crossman is about a missionary called James Fraser and the power of prayer. Heavenly Man by Paul Hattaway, which is about Brother Yun in China and how God still does miracles. The Core by Mike Yaconelli is about key concepts for youth ministry from a guy who has lived the life.
Where can I learn more about what you do?
Ring or visit. Mosgiel is a great place to come to. When you see the sign on the hillside turn left at the Shell station - I know where my workmate hides the good coffee.