A faithful presence: The story of SRE in Grafton
For nearly forty years, Special Religious Education (SRE) has been a faithful presence in the public schools of Grafton. Its story is one of vision, perseverance, prayer, and trust in God’s provision. At its heart are ordinary people who believed deeply that “young people desperately need to hear about Jesus.” Rev Ray and Roberta Murray […]
Caring for ministry families: The story of Refresh and the heart behind it
Every two years, ministers, ministry workers, and their families from across the Presbyterian Church of NSW (PCNSW) gather for Refresh, a retreat designed not as a conference, not as a training event, but as a deliberate act of pastoral care. For many who attend, Refresh is a rare chance to rest, reconnect with God, and be […]
Planning your next year of kids and youth ministry: A practical guide for leaders
The following content was prepared for a recent PYNSW Children’s Ministry Connect session. Join us at the next one! Thoughtful planning is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your kids and youth ministry. It not only sets the direction for the year, it strengthens your team, clarifies your purpose, and helps you serve […]
Joy in the life of the kids and youth leader
At PY Encourage 2025, Dave Phillips, PYNSW General Manager, shared about joy in the life of the youth leader, to encourage those in attendance to consider intentionally how to cultivate it. This article is an adaptation of that seminar. Joy. It’s a word we toss around casually. “Find joy in the little things,” or “Joyful […]
How to go to KYCK: A practical guide for youth leaders
Every year, thousands of teenagers gather in the Blue Mountains for KYCK, four huge weekends of Bible teaching, worship, fun and discipleship. For many youth ministries, it’s one of the biggest moments of the year. Whether you’re taking a group for the first time or looking to refine your KYCK rhythm, here is a practical […]
Recruiting in a busy church context: A practical guide for kids and youth ministry leaders
The following content was prepared for a recent PYNSW Children’s Ministry Connect session. Join us at the next one! Recruiting leaders in children’s and youth ministry is never just about filling rosters. It’s about discipling people, helping them see the joy of serving the next generation, and doing it all with sensitivity, especially in small or […]
“We’re not alone”: How regional camps are growing faith in country NSW
Across the state, PYNSW camps have become a vital way for young people to connect, grow, and stay grounded in their faith, even when their local church feels small or isolated. While the iconic PY Summer Camp at Stanwell Tops reaches hundreds each year, many young people in regional areas face barriers such as distance, […]
Building connection, growing faith: The impact of Hunter PY Camp
When a group of youth and their leaders from the Hunter region gathered earlier this year for a weekend of Bible talks, games, and campfire chats, they weren’t just running another youth event, they were investing in the future of the church. Hunter PY Camp is one of several regional initiatives supported by PYNSW, designed […]
Who am I? Steve White tackles identity at PY Summer Camp 2025
In the back of his Christian family’s station wagon, driving through Sydney as a teenager, Steve White looked out at the punks with their spiked hair and piercings outside Town Hall and thought, “Oh man, that looks like fun. They look like they are someone, they’ve got an identity.” That moment captures the heart of […]
How to run better games in kids and youth ministry, with Wendy Marriott
Wendy Marriott has been a youth leader at Riverwood Presbyterian Church for eight years and loves it. At PY Encourage Sydney 2025, Wendy ran a workshop teaching the attendees that running better games starts with something deeper than rules and resources: it starts with inviting everyone to the table. – Games in kids and youth ministry […]