From Leading Youth Groups to Trainee Ministry

Growing up in a Church where she was much older than many of the kids, Zoe Stewart could often be found running around playing games with the children and youth of her family Church. Zoe always knew how much she enjoyed sharing the Gospel with the children around her. Regularly attending Anglican Camps, Zoe now directs a camp to encourage children and youth in Tasmania. While continuing to lead Youth Groups, a passing and God lead conversation with Zoe’s Pastor about University options paved the way for an opportunity to apply for a Traineeship at St Mark’s Bellerive. While surprised by the opportunity, Zoe had a number of conversations and applied for the Traineeship.

Zoe says “I was no longer moving away for uni and I applied and was approved. I knew this was what God wanted me to do”. Working across three days while simultaneously studying a science degree, Zoe’s week’s include staff meetings, an hour of supervision, along with planning and preparation for youth groups and Sunday programmes. Zoe leads grades three to six and seven to 12 youth groups, attends the Sunday Morning Kid’s program Markies and is running the programme for teenagers before the 6pm service.

“Seeing so much growth in our programmes especially our 6pm congregation growing, and seeing all of my leaders and all the kids growing, it’s just exciting. So reflecting on that throughout the week is really important. With the support from the Diocese of my ministry work, we continue to see such growth in the church and I have opportunities for training and further growth and support”. Seeing God move across the Diocese and raising up leaders is a blessing to Tasmania.

Zoe’s Favourite Bible Verse:

Romans 8:38-39