Ministry often involves planting seeds without knowing what will grow. Looking back on a Year 12 study camp in April, one conversation still stands out to Nick. It was a glimpse into the quiet way God is moving in young people’s hearts.
As they were packing up to leave, one student shared what the week had meant for her.
“Thank you. This week has changed my life. I knew about Jesus, now I know he really matters. I’m now going to do something about it.”
“For Nick, it’s these personal stories that drive his heart for ministry to young people.”
Six months later, that student and her friends are attending their local church and youth group.
Their pastor recently shared “They’ve been more and more around youth and church, including last night. They are part of a good group of Year 12 girls who are witnessing to each other. So thanks to you and the team for the efforts on the study camp, it’s bearing fruit!”
For Nick, it’s these personal stories that drive his heart for ministry to young people.
Nick’s Path to Ministry
Nick’s first attended CRU Holiday Camps as a teenager with his friends. Across his career, Nick has held a range of senior roles within CRU, as well as church and university ministry contexts outside of CRU.
Nick’s ministry is built on a deep conviction in the importance of the teenage years. He is convinced of the truth and urgency to share the news of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
“The teenage years are key for spiritual and character formation. This makes school ministry and camps powerful ways to share Jesus with young people.”
Approximately 80% of Christians today came to faith before leaving school.[1]
The teenage years are key for spiritual and character formation. This makes school ministry and camps powerful ways to share Jesus with young people.
“When young people come to faith, grow and are empowered, we see that they are zealous for Christ, share Him, and many take on Christian leadership roles. It’s a great joy to be part of God’s work to grow and equip them.”
“Equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 4:12
“The challenge of Ephesians 4:12 has, for many years, been significant for me. Jesus gave us, His people, and particularly Christian leaders, to one another so that all believers may be equipped for works of service. I’ve been entrusted with a responsibility and want to be a faithful steward.”
Preparation at SMBC
Nick studied at Sydney Missionary & Bible College (SMBC) from 2009-2018. He chose SMBC because of its commitment to the Bible, interdenominational approach, and focus on learning in community.
During his time at SMBC, God deepened Nick’s love for His Word. He developed theological grounding that still gives clarity and confidence to his ministry and leadership today.
Nick discovered a new awe for the beauty, honesty and depth of the Old Testament. It helped him see how the overarching story of scripture points to Jesus. He also learned essential practical skills. These included Bible teaching, preaching, storytelling, and cross-cultural communication. These skills shape the backbone of his ministry today.
The College provided more than theological training. Nick was particularly impacted seeing God at work through the community – especially how it deepened discipleship and spiritual formation.
“The community and relationships developed through our time at SMBC enriched Lorelle and I immensely.”
“SMBC modelled how to uphold Scripture, accept theological tensions, and be prepared to work alongside others in diverse teams in an interdenominational context.”
This emphasis on spiritual formation through community helped to deepen Nick’s trust in God’s sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness in the midst of personal challenges that arose during his family’s time at SMBC.
“What we experienced has shaped our approach to pastoring others.” Nick reflects.
“Individual joys and challenges became shared as we lived and learnt amongst students and staff in the mission-minded, servant-hearted, and Christ-focused community. We have very fond memories of our time as students, especially the full-time, on-campus years.”
The interdenominational community grew Nick’s theological conviction for the main thing – the centrality of the risen Lord Jesus. It helped him appreciate different perspectives and separating primary from secondary matters. It was a perfect training ground for his ministry at CRU.
“SMBC modelled how to uphold Scripture, accept theological tensions, and be prepared to work alongside others in diverse teams in an interdenominational context.”
Growing Impact
Today, CRU reaches 100,000 students each year. By God’s grace, 877 young people came to faith or recommitted last year through CRU.
CRU holiday and school camps remain a core part of their ministry model. CRU schools ministry has grown to over 240 schools across NSW, ACT and WA. They run Scripture classes, lunchtime groups, and seminars.
“Today, CRU reaches 100,000 students each year. By God’s grace, 877 young people came to faith or recommitted last year through CRU.”
Leaders are being trained through the two year CRU Summit program. Some follow a similar path to Nick, continuing past a traineeship into further theological study at SMBC.
“I especially love equipping emerging leaders to grow in character, conviction and competence, particularly in contexts where they can explore the Bible in community, build relationships, practice ministry skills and get real-time feedback to challenge and shape them.”
“Christian ministries need godly, wise, servant-hearted and strategic leadership.”
Opportunities and Needs
CRU has seen significant growth, with new opportunities in schools and camp ministries. Finding gospel workers remains a significant barrier to ministry growth. There is a need for more gospel-focused, Bible-trained leaders.
Nick sees clear signs of God’s provision through every step of his ministry journey. Young leaders keep stepping up, serving sacrificially, discovering gifts and exploring lifelong ministry paths.
Each transformed life reveals the profound ways God is always at work. Each changed life today shapes the church of tomorrow.
[1] According to research from National Church Life Survey and McCrindle Faith and Belief.