An Interview with Gil on Schools Ministry

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Before he was leading schools ministry across NSW, Gil was a student in the SUPA Club at Matthew Pearce Public School. His journey since — from student, to volunteer lunchtime group leader, to becoming SUNSW Schools Ministry Director — carries the same thread: faithful people showing up for the next generation. We spoke with Gil about that journey, what excites him about the road ahead, and the volunteers who made it possible.

From Student to Volunteer

Tell us about your experience as a student in the SUPA Club at Matthew Pearce Public School — what do you remember about it and what did it mean to you at the time?

I had a really positive experience at SUPA Club. I remember having fun, thinking the pastor who volunteered was really cool, and I enjoyed the songs and the games. I remember feeling like it was a safe environment for me to spend lunch.

What drew you to volunteer as a lunchtime group leader at Asquith Girls and Boys after your own experience as a student? Was there a particular moment or person that influenced that decision?

When I took up the role of teaching SRE at Asquith Boys and Girls (now Asquith High and Hornsby High), volunteering at the lunchtime groups was an important part of the ministry. The SRE board I was working with recognised the value of having both SRE and lunchtime groups operating alongside one another. Together they created a holistic approach for students to engage with the Christian faith, ask questions, build relationships and connect with a supportive community within the school.

What do you remember about running lunchtime groups at Asquith Girls and Boys? What did you learn about young people and faith during that season?

I remember being really grateful that lunchtime groups provided extra space to connect with students, encourage them, pray, and explore questions of faith in a less structured and more organic environment.

Some of my fondest memories are hearing what local youth ministries were doing, encouraging students in their faith journeys, and facilitating robust discussions about meaningful topics — one highlight was a term discussing the character of God. Watching young people share their opinions, listen respectfully to others, and thoughtfully engage with big questions was always encouraging.

A Journey of Faithfulness

Looking back across your journey — from student to volunteer to Schools Ministry Director — where do you most clearly see God’s hand at work?

I think God has been really faithful in growing me through this journey to have a greater compassion and perspective for the many stakeholders Christian ministry has in public schools. I remember the feeling of what a lunchtime group meant for a student, and equally I recall the tensions and encouragements of a volunteer. I’m grateful I’ve been in the shoes of both these stakeholders.

Every school and every context is unique — but I look back on my journey with gratitude that God has allowed me to walk a road where I can relate to the needs of our volunteers and students from personal experience.

What excites you most about stepping into this role and what do you sense God is doing in schools across NSW right now?

The most exciting thing for me is to champion and support student leaders. My excitement for this comes from seeing and experiencing the quality of both character and gifting our students have. To encourage, support and raise the next generation in living on mission wherever they find themselves — namely, their school community — gives me great joy.

SRE, VSA and SUPA Clubs

How do you see SRE, VSA lunchtime groups, and SUPA clubs working together — and where do you see the greatest opportunity for growth?

SRE and VSA groups work hand in hand, each providing valuable opportunities for students to engage with the Christian faith in different but complementary ways.

SRE offers a structured classroom environment where students can explore Christianity, learn from quality curriculum resources, and engage thoughtfully with the beliefs, values and story of the Christian faith. It creates space for questions, discussion and understanding.

VSA groups provide an environment where students can continue those conversations, build friendships, explore faith together and encourage one another. They often create additional opportunities for student leadership, discussion and connection within the school community. When these ministries work alongside one another, students are given multiple opportunities to engage with faith in meaningful ways.

One of the greatest opportunities for growth is continuing to empower students themselves. When young people take ownership of inviting friends, asking good questions, welcoming others and contributing to the life of a group, the impact can be significant.

What would you say to faithful, long-term volunteers across NSW — and what would you say to someone considering getting involved for the first time?

First and foremost, thank you. It is no small thing to consistently create a space where young people can explore questions of faith, build relationships and be encouraged. One of my constant reflections about school ministry is that faithfully showing up often produces fruit we may never fully see. We don’t always know which seeds are being planted, watered or grown, but God does. So to our volunteers: keep showing up.

For those considering getting involved, I would say that opportunities like VSA groups are a privilege to be part of. With a relatively small investment of time and preparation, volunteers can help create an environment where students can explore faith, community and belonging on their terms in their own context. Serving in a public school is a constant reminder of both the size of the mission field before us and the difference a faithful presence can make.

Honouring the Generation Before

The theme of this edition is “A Generation on the Move” — but we also want to honour the generation that made it possible. What has the faithful, long-term commitment of volunteers like Susan produced in the life of schools ministry across NSW?

It’s difficult to measure, not because the impact isn’t there, but because it’s likely far greater than we could ever fully know.

Suzanne (or Mrs Black to me!) is a wonderful example of faithfulness without seeking recognition or guaranteed results. She faithfully served the next generation and trusted God with the outcome.

God is already at work in the lives of young people. Volunteers like Susan choose to partner with what he is doing, often in quiet and unseen ways. Across NSW, the legacy of those faithful volunteers can be seen in countless students, families, churches and communities that have been shaped over many years.

You are yourself a product of faithful volunteer investment. What does it mean to you to now be in a position to shape the next generation in a similar way?

For me, what I find a unique and compelling part of following Jesus is that we serve the next generation inherently. Shaping the next generation is a mandate I am excited to partake in through SU NSW, but I’m also aware that mandate is not only for us, but for the church at large, and the individual believer. There are many ways to do that at SU NSW — serving, giving, praying — but ultimately it’s what we are all called to do in some way.

What does a generation on the move actually look like in schools — practically and on the ground?

When I hear the phrase “a generation on the move”, I think of young people taking intentional steps towards Jesus and growing in faith, character and purpose. Movement is active. It involves growth, change and transformation rather than standing still. In schools, that might look like students asking deeper questions, showing courage in their faith, serving their communities and living on mission. Ultimately, that’s what discipleship looks like: people continuing to take their next step toward becoming more like Jesus.

What would you love the SU NSW community to be praying for as you step into this role?

Many things!

• Pray for my family and I as we adjust to new rhythms in work and life
• Pray that I might be effective in the role
• Pray that there might be a new season of favour for volunteers in and looking to be in schools
• Pray that God might use lunchtime groups to draw many young people into a saving faith in Christ Jesus

Want to find out more about SUNSW Schools Ministry?