The church hall at Anna Bay Presbyterian Church buzzed with excitement. Eighty teenagers and leaders had gathered for the second Hunter PY camp, an event that had quickly become a highlight for youth in the region. It was time for the Bible reading, and the room quieted in anticipation.
To the surprise of many, a lady in her seventies stepped onto the stage. Her presence brought a wave of curiosity and respect; this was not the typical leader they expected. She spoke with gentle authority, inviting anyone without a Bible to grab one from the cupboard at the front. A group of energetic boys leapt from their seats, racing to retrieve the Bibles. Their enthusiasm was infectious, a testament to the growing spiritual hunger among the group.
With everyone settled, the woman began to read from 1 Samuel 8. Her voice was steady and deliberate, weaving the ancient story into the hearts of her listeners. It was not a short reading, nor was it a familiar one for most. Yet, the teenagers sat in rapt attention. The silence in the room was profound; you could hear a pin drop as the words of Scripture took centre stage.
When she finished, the response was immediate and heartfelt. The teenagers broke into applause, their appreciation overflowing for the wisdom and care of this unexpected speaker.
This woman and her husband, affectionately known as the “youth group grandparents,” were regular attendees at the youth group in Anna Bay. They brought with them the wisdom of their years and a willingness to invest in the next generation, particularly for young people who lived far from their own grandparents. Their involvement was a reminder to everyone: it is never too late to serve in youth and children’s ministry.
Dave Phillips, General Manager of Presbyterian Youth NSW (PYNSW), recounted this story at the Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW’s General Assembly in August of 2024.
Strengthening local ministries
Dave’s role takes him to churches all across NSW, where he seeks to encourage and support local ministries. “Coming out of these visits,” he shares, “we’ve seen new regional events established. 2024 marks the second Northern Rivers camp, the third Hunter PY camp, the second Southern Rivers day, and the first Mid North Coast and Northern Inland camps.”
The growth was evidence of how partnerships within Presbyteries could continue to open doors for ministry. Dave emphasised that even churches without children or youth could play a vital role—whether through catering, grand-parenting, or praying.
He also outlined ways PYNSW was equipping churches to disciple youth for Christ. First, there was ongoing support and training for SRE (Special Religious Education) teachers. “SRE is a key opportunity for your church to look outside its walls,” Dave said, encouraging churches to connect with both Christians and non-Christians in their communities through this avenue.
Second, PYNSW launched a new initiative to gather children’s ministry workers on Zoom. These meetings provided a space for encouragement, idea-sharing, and tackling the challenges of teaching young children.
Finally, PYNSW developed an online course in family discipleship, in partnership with Christ College. The course aims to equip parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents to read the Bible with their families.
Dave closed his address with a heartfelt challenge. “Can I encourage you: it’s not too late. Your church can still be involved in reaching the next generation.”
The story of Anna Bay’s youth group grandparents and the broader work of PYNSW serve as a powerful reminder. The call to disciple young people is a shared responsibility—one that can be taken up by anyone, at any stage of life. It’s never too late to make a difference for Christ.