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“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, am with you always, to the end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:19-20

Each year at St John’s, we have new student ministers joining our church. But why?

Student ministers are studying at a Bible or Theological College with the aim of being equipped to teach God’s word faithfully and making disciples for Jesus, God willing, in vocational ministry. As part of their training, they are to join a church and be involved in practical and pastoral ministry for one day a week while completing their studies. It’s like being on prac or placement with a minister assigned to be their supervisor. It’s an opportunity to experience parish ministry and leadership firsthand and to adapt and develop ministry skills in different contexts, and St John’s is a great place for this because of our multi-ethnic and multi-congregation context with countless opportunities for evangelism right at our doorstep.

We love having student ministers at St John’s because of our vision to see our city and the world transformed by the hope of the risen Christ. We have the privilege of being a part of the bigger picture of the Diocese and God’s work of training and sending off gospel workers to the ends of the earth to tell others how BIG our God is.

Who are our student ministers this year?

This year, we have Andy and Johnny in our Chinese congregations, Lucy in our Kids Churches, Simon at City Youth, Daaron at 9:30am, and Bill at 5pm. 

How do you and I contribute to our vision and the training of student ministers?

These brothers and sisters (and their families) are a great blessing to our church family as they seek to serve us and encourage us in God’s word. We can start by loving and welcoming them and serving alongside them. When we give to the vision of St John’s, we share in the joy of making this work of training future gospel workers happen at our church.

Last but not least, we can be praying for our student ministers. Why not spend a minute praying for them now? Asking our heavenly Father to grow them in godliness and wisdom as they devote their years to diligently studying God’s word to the praise and glory of Jesus. May our student ministers be people marked by grace and humility and ask that our God would strengthen their families in their faith in Christ.

Carmen Lau
Children’s Minister