When teenagers graduate high school, the last thing on their mind is going back. But three Shellharbour Anglican College students have done just that – a “quirky move”, according to former student Tom Evans.
They have returned, no longer as students, but on placement as part of a new initiative between Youthworks’ Year 13 program and Anglican EdComm.
The purpose of the joint venture is to provide young adults with the opportunity to spend time in schools, experiencing the mission field of Christian education and encouraging them to consider teaching as a future vocation with huge missional need.
“This is a great opportunity for encouraging a little more collaboration rather than each of us working individually,” says Gail Staples, one of Anglican EdComm’s education officers, who is responsible for heading up the program.
“Our schools are crying out for Christian teachers. We really want to encourage high-quality Christian people to consider joining the teaching profession.”
Students involved in the pilot program will participate in Year 13 and serve their ministry placement in a Christian school. In addition to Year 13, they also participate in an online program developed by Anglican EdComm that focuses on faith-based education.
“This is the first time we’ve had Year 13 students at all, and it’s great,” says Daniel Odell, the chaplain at Shellharbour Anglican College.
The three former students were all very much involved in the Christian life of the college during their studies, and Mr Odell is thrilled to see this continue through the new roles they have taken up.
“The most valuable ministry that happens in a school is student to student,” he says. “If you can empower the students to witness the gospel to their peers, God can work very powerfully. These guys all coming back as Year 13 students, I see them having opportunities that staff don’t have when it comes to conversations with kids.”
Tom Evans has found this to be the case when it comes to sharing the gospel. “Kids these days don’t always come to youth group, but they’re at school,” he says. “I really enjoyed being in a Christian school – and what an opportunity to be with people who were teenagers, who weren’t Christians, and to do life with them all week, all year!
“I loved running Bible study groups last year. Even though it’s strange to be back at school, if it means I can continue proclaiming the gospel then I’ll do it. It’s where God’s placed me at the moment.”
He continues to lead a lunchtime Bible study for Year 10 boys that he started last year, and is involved in the lunchtime Crusaders Christian group.
Being placed at the college has also helped Mr Evans really get a taste of what teaching is like, something he hopes to study in the future. “Schools are challenging but great places to be a Christian, because that’s where the people are,” he says. “It’s great long-term ministry. Like mission, it’s long-term work with people.”
College principal Tony Cummins says, “This is one of the exciting things about 2018, having three students coming back [for Year 13]. I’m certain that this is a mode they’re going to continue.”
Mr Odell agrees, adding that other schools should consider taking part as well.
“I think this is significantly impacting the school,” he says. “To have young, enthusiastic ex-students here on Year 13 placement is a real encouragement to me and I think it would be to other chaplains and staff in different schools. I think it would be great if more students considered the opportunity of doing ministry in a school. We have 700 kids who turn up every day. Our mission field is there.”
