“My heart’s desire is to clearly share the gospel with youth and young families, in the hope that God would save many.
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The first candidate in our Training for North West Ministry program has been ordained in Geraldton for gospel ministry in remote WA.
Brendan Hurley is working alongside Paul Spackman at St George’s Bluff Point for four years as he prepares for the challenges of leading a church in this isolated region.
The North West Diocese recently launched the program which provides on-the-ground training to secure a pipeline of future gospel workers willing and equipped to serve.
Bishop Gary Nelson said the Diocese had concluded it was the only way to guarantee shepherds to lead God’s people.
“We regularly have parishes without ministers and Mission to Seafarer Centres without chaplains. I travel all over Australia, speaking with many men in a bid to persuade them to consider ministry here.
“For example, Karratha is a big vibrant city and we’ve approached more than 40 people but sadly the post has been vacant for a year now.
“Yes, it’s isolated, the weather can be extreme and there is a high turnover of residents. However, there is great joy in proclaiming Christ and helping raise disciples in this part of God’s creation.”
In Geraldton, Brendan’s focus is on bringing the gospel to the next generation which means he will also work in partnership with the Cathedral parish.
“I became a Christian at 15 and since then I have just wanted to tell as many people as possible about what Jesus has done for them.
“My heart’s desire is to clearly share the gospel with youth and young families, in the hope that God would save many,” he said.
Brendan grew up in Sydney and worked as a banker but felt convicted that he should help grow God’s kingdom instead of growing customer bank accounts.