Ministry Profile

This month we profile Tom Van Den Bos– youth and families minister at Holy Trinity, Kawana Waters.

What is your ministry background?

My first experience of doing youth ministry was in 2003, leading at an Ichthus camp. Over the next couple of years, I became more and more involved in the planning and running of the camp. In 2006 I was a member of the team which planned, and started in 2007, Qld’s first senior Ichthus. Partly out of being inspired from Ichthus, around 2005, I started taking more of a role in youth ministry at St James (Gold Coast North Anglican Church). At the end of 2006 I started volunteering with Fusion Australia, doing youth work, and training (Foundations) with them. As of Jan 2008, I am now part-time Youth and Families Worker at Holy Trinity, Kawana Waters.

What does your role entail?

In my role, some of the most time-consuming parts are looking after programs. I am responsible for Youth Group, Kids Club and our evening service (All-in-the-Hall). Another part is supporting those engaged in youth work – be it Sunday School, cooking at the evening service, etc. So training, equipping and providing opportunities for them to step up and take more responsibility – but also being able to support them when they need help. The most important part of my role though, is building relationships – not just with youth, but with their parents and the wider community. Taking the time just to listen to someone – to help them feel seen and valued.

Why is it important?

More and more, families are time starved, relationships are breaking down, communities are not supporting youth but are putting them in ‘boxes’ – this is what you are, and all you can ever be. More and more youth aren’t hearing the gospel. I believe youth work is important because we provide space where young people are loved, nurtured, seen and valued. At Ichthus, and also at Fusion, I saw a community – which was by no means perfect – but this community welcomed, supported, and encouraged growth in all. Wanting to be a part of, create, and welcome others into communities like that is why I’m in youth work.

What helps you most in your role?

Being able to get out and just spend time with the youth – building relationships. Meeting monthly with other youth workers and being able to share our successes and failures. Support from church leadership, church community and wider community. One couple bake for me – so I regularly find delicious surprises in my office – which makes me feel valued and supported.

What do you love to do to recharge?

Playing and listening to music – mainly bashing the guitar, but any other instrument is good too. Especially jamming with friends. Taking time out, and spending it with friends – be it catching up over a coffee, or grabbing a movie. A lot of my friends are in Brissie or Goldie, so being able to catch up with them is quite recharging. Who is your favourite author/band/book/whatever? Am listening to a lot of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jars of Clay at the moment. I’m a big fan of Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time”, and am also rereading Andrew Mueller’s “I wouldn’t start from here”. One book that has been a tremendous help to me the past year has been Doug Fields “Your first two years in youth ministry”.

www.thesource4ym.com
This website is jam packed full of all sorts of helpful resources for youth ministry including: games, team builders, activity ideas, movie reviews, youth culture windows and much more. Although this site emerges from an American context it still contains many useful and cutting-edge resources for youth ministers.

COMING UP
Training Day 4 Creating a family friendly church	9 May
Training Day 5 Youth Ministry—Engaging Young People with God, the Bible, and Prayer	13 June

Edited by Stephen Harrison
Director of Youth, Children’s, & Family Ministry
Anglican Diocese of Brisbane.