The first Ministry Apprentice appointed in the North West is a 26 year-old organist who describes himself as 'gap filler'.
Nathan Hiscock volunteered last year to learn the organ to fill the gap left by the retirement of Geraldton Cathedral organist Marjorie Smith after 40 years. For Nathan, it was the third time he'd picked up an instrument to ensure the Cathedral had a music team. The organ and choir play a key role in the traditional 8am weekly Sunday service.
"I know it's pretty unusual for a young person to play the organ but I appreciate the hymns.
“They are a form of serving God and talking about him. I see a benefit of my playing is to prolong the life of hymns in our church.”
Nathan’s willingness to serve the body of believers prompted the Cathedral Dean Lachlan Edwards to encourage him to begin a ministry apprenticeship and consider full-time ministry.
Nathan said: “It breaks my heart when I see people getting confused about things or misjudging God’s character or deeds.”
“I want to serve and love people and the best way to help them is to help them grow in their knowledge and love of God.
“I genuinely believe that the Bible is sufficient for people to come to salvation through faith in Jesus.”
He explained that the two year apprenticeship will help discern his suitability for full-time gospel ministry.
“We will look at character, conviction and competency. Is my character fit to serve? Is my conviction in God well placed? And finally, am I competent? Am I skilled or capable of developing what is required for ministry?
“These two years are sort of a test run. I get experience and I see what it’s like on the job.”
Nathan started with a bang when he and Lachlan attended the January Ministry Training Strategy (MTS) national training event, CMS Summer School in Katoomba and deputised at churches.
“A highlight was having a session in Sydney with St Andrew’s Cathedral Music Director and organist Ross Cobb. I picked up a few ideas to improve my organ playing and also about ministry in general.”