There is a new face in the Georges River region this month. The Rev Matthew Yeo, until recently associate minister at St Luke’s, Miranda, takes up the reins as rector of St Aidan’s, Hurstville Grove.

“I feel I am adequately prepared,” said Mr Yeo, 35. “I have received excellent training at St Luke’s. I’ve had a number of different job descriptions there, including acting rector.”

He steps into the shoes of the Rev Ivan Lee, recently appointed Bishop of Western Sydney. During his time as rector of St Aidan’s, Mr Lee and his team fostered a culture of ‘relational ministry’ and built significant links with the local Chinese community, links which Mr Yeo hopes to foster.

Overall his plan is to build on the good work already being done by the church, rather than make any dramatic changes. “I am starting to piece together how the church operates,” he said. “And I am starting to think about strategies I will incorporate. It’s a developing vision.”

Hurstville Grove and Miranda may be only a 15-minute drive apart, but the churches are very different in terms of the size of their respective congregations. St Luke’s has a regular congregation of 650, while St Aidan’s attracts around 250. But Mr Yeo is not fazed by the change, however. “The principles [of ministry] remain the same,” he said. “And I believe for that area St Aidan’s is one of the larger churches.”

His family, wife Sarah and three children, Jordan, 4, Emma, almost 2, and James, nine months, are very excited about the move to a new parish. “As a family we knew it was right to move,” he said. “I’ve had an incredible experience at St Luke’s, but I knew it was the right time.

“Parish ministry is just wonderful.”