From his early years of growing up in a Christian home to becoming a minister, discipling kids, youth, and families. Dave shares a story of intentionality, partnership, and a deep passion for helping others follow Jesus. Whether he’s praying with his children, supporting a single parent, or fostering gospel partnerships within his church, Dave embodies the importance of relational discipleship and working together to raise the next generation in Christ.
Based in the growing region of Albury-Wodonga, where New South Wales meets Victoria, Dave is part of a network of churches called Albury Presbyterian Churches working to plant new congregations and reach the community with the gospel. For Dave, ministry is a family affair and a team effort, involving his own kids, his church family, and a commitment to equipping others.
How did you become a Christian?
I had the blessing of growing up in a family that loved Jesus and taught me the Bible. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know about Jesus. Around Year 8, when I was 13 or 14, I started reading the Bible for myself and realised I’d always identified as a Christian without really considering what that meant. It became real for me when I understood serving Jesus meant more than outward behavior; it was about my heart and life. By Year 12, I was deeply convicted of my sin and committed to living for Jesus. Those years were pivotal in shaping my faith.
What is the context of Albury like for ministry?
Albury, together with Wodonga just across the river in Victoria, forms a mission field of about 100,000 people. Our network includes four churches, and we desire to keep church planting on our agenda. It’s a growing region with lots of potential for gospel work.
Albury has many multigenerational families in our churches, with grandparents, parents, and kids often attending together. This creates stability and strong ties, so we see fewer young people moving away permanently. A few years ago, we started a kids club because we noticed a baby boom and wanted to be strategic about engaging families as those kids grew up. It’s a great place for relational ministry because of the strong family connections.
What was discipleship from your parents like growing up?
My parents were intentional about ensuring we attended Bible-believing churches and were involved in kids’ clubs and youth groups. My dad always answered our questions from the Bible, and I vividly remember him patiently reading Scripture when there were Jehovah’s Witnesses at our door.
How do you approach discipleship with your own children?
We try to pray with our kids daily, often at dinner or during school drop-offs. When they were younger, we read kids’ Bibles with them, and as they grew older, we used age-appropriate devotionals from The Good Book Company. Now, we incentivise their Bible reading with little rewards like lollies. I’m mindful of making church enjoyable for them, so they grow up loving it, not resenting it. We involve them in ministry but ensure they understand why we do it and that they’re willing participants. Dinner conversations are also vital; they provide opportunities to ask questions and reflect on faith in a natural way.
Why is it important for churches to focus on partnering with parents?
The Bible’s commands to make disciples and grow in Christ are for the whole church, not just specific age groups. Paul’s instructions to children in the pastoral epistles assume they’re present in gatherings. Following Jesus’ example of welcoming children means we must integrate kids into church life and invest in their spiritual growth. Partnering with parents helps ensure discipleship isn’t outsourced but embraced as a communal effort.
How do you encourage kids and youth leaders to partner with parents?
At our church, we emphasise that kids’ and youth ministry is all about partnering with parents in discipling their children. During services, we use a ‘gospel partnership’ slide when kids go out, reminding everyone that this is a shared responsibility. Family spots in church services align with the kids’ church lessons so parents know what their children are learning and can follow up. We also encourage a ‘5-to-1’ model—each child having five Christian adults invested in their faith—to foster relationships that support long-term discipleship.
How do organisations like PYNSW support this partnership?
PYNSW provides valuable resources and connections, making ministry feel less isolated. Knowing there’s a state-level body that can point you to resources or experienced leaders is a huge help. It’s also encouraging to see partnerships forming between churches and individuals working together to disciple the next generation.
Any encouragements or stories from partnering with parents in your church?
One story that stands out is a single mum and her daughter in our church. The dad passed away years ago, and they’ve been on their own for a long time. I’ve watched the daughter grow from primary school to now thriving in youth group. Her mum shared how much she loves youth group because her daughter talks about Jesus the whole way home. Recently, the daughter took initiative to make a plan for how she could go to a Christian camp, even figuring out how to help pay for it. It’s been incredible to see her grow in faith and encourage her mum in the process.
Dave, and the ministry in Albury is just one example of how important intentional discipleship is, both in families and churches. His experiences remind us that ministry to children and youth is a partnership—one that nurtures faith through relationships, community, and a shared commitment to making Jesus known.