“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
In the same way that the Apostle Paul encouraged and trained Timothy as a young leader of the early church, Nepean Christian School strives to encourage and equip their young Christian students for leadership at school. They understand that the next generation of Christian leaders are those students currently sitting in classrooms around the country.
When Skye Russell, Head of Student Wellbeing, joined Nepean Christian School last year, part of her role included running the ‘Timothy Leadership’ program, aimed at providing Christian students in Years 11 and 12 with opportunities to exercise Christian leadership at school. She saw the potential a voluntary CRU Group would provide for both Timothy Leaders and for the wider school community. So, with added support from Tom Wilson, one of CRU’s Schools Ministry workers, a new CRU Group and student-led bible study groups were launched at the end of 2023.
Timothy Leaders from Nepean Christian School: Bella, Nomathemba and Xavier
Skye shares why the CRU Group started at Nepean Christian School, “we wanted a place where we could share the gospel with students and nurture the faith of our existing Christian students.”
A carefully selected group of student leaders from Years 9 to 12 formed the new CRU Group (meeting on Fridays at lunchtime). These students invited their friends to join and already about 45-50 students attend regularly, with new students joining every week.
Timothy Leaders have a rotating roster for leading the CRU Group each week, under the supervision of Skye, Jason Ward (Deputy Head) and David Blanch (Science Teacher). These students also lead smaller Bible Study groups which run alongside the larger gathering. Several larger events have also been run that have contributed to the growth and vibrancy of the CRU Group.
“One of the highlights of our CRU Group is witnessing students consistently bringing new friends. It is also encouraging to see the natural formation of diverse smaller groups each week. Another highlight is the eagerness of our Christian students to learn and develop new skills such as writing talks and sharing testimonies. Our students’ genuine passion to serve and grow in their faith is both motivating and uplifting.” shares Skye.
“Although our CRU Group is in the early stages of its journey, its impact has already been noticeable at the school. It has empowered Christian students with the confidence to boldly share the gospel with those around them. It is evident in their willingness to openly discuss their faith, invite friends to join, and take on leadership roles within the group. The CRU Group has fostered a supportive environment where students feel encouraged and equipped to live out their faith authentically, contributing to a spiritually enriched school culture.”
Skye is grateful for the support offered by CRU. “In a school setting where staff are often stretched thin with numerous responsibilities, CRU provides crucial assistance by offering prayer, training, and resources that might otherwise be unavailable. The support and encouragement I have received from Tom has been instrumental in helping to set both short term and long goals for our CRU Group. Thank you!”
“The next generation of Christian leaders are those students
currently sitting in classrooms around the country.”