Years of experience have convinced this new chaplain he is working with a strategic age.
The Rev Andrew Alexander is the new chaplain at Abbotsleigh Anglican School for Girls, and says the opportunities for sharing Jesus are particularly exciting in a school community.
"I enjoy working with young people as they are usually enthusiastic and willing to consider new ideas," he says.
"It is also during these years that teenagers often come to know Christ and it is therefore a strategic age to work with in terms of Christian ministry."
Mr Alexander has the experience to prove that he knows what he is talking about.
He completed a Diploma of Bible and Missions at Moore College in 1990 then taught Science and Biology at Broughton Anglican College, Menangle for 5 years.
Mr Alexander then undertook further theological training and completed a Bachelor of Theology.
He spent a year working for the Crusader Union of Australia as a Senior Instructor responsible for the Christian Ministry on their Advanced Outdoor Education camps.
"I enjoy opportunities to take students into God’s creation. I think teenagers become less distracted and more aware of the big issues of life in the great outdoors," he says.
After marrying his wife Rachel in 1998, the couple moved to Tamworth in 1999 and Mr Alexander took up the position of assistant minister at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Armidale Diocese.
"I loved the diversity amongst the clergy and the rural nature of the diocese," he says.
After four years Mr Alexander returned to Sydney as the faculty Head of Biblical Studies at Macarthur Anglican School.
He spent five years there and was also the honorary assistant minister at St Luke’s, The Oaks under the Rev Colin Watts.
"I enjoyed having the opportunity to preach at St Luke’s and the people were very responsive and supportive," he says.
Positive signs
In moving to Abbotsleigh Mr Alexander feels he is using his gifts and experience in a most strategic way.
"In many ways being the chaplain combines the two hats I was wearing before into one role and a unified ministry," he says.
Mr Alexander has already been encouraged by servant-hearted students in his short time at Abbotsleigh to date.
"The girls are so enthusiastic and talented. I have had loads of emails from students offering to help with chapel or just thanking me for either a class or chapel," he says.
He has just one request of any Sydney Anglicans reading this story.
"I would value the prayer support of the Diocese as I take up this important role as the Chaplain of Abbotsleigh."
