As another wonderful Christmas season draws to a close so does Mark Schroder’s ministry among us. Mark was one of the first people I met in Campbelltown – we were introduced by Stephen Bomford because of our shared interest in cycling. He was a tall primary school teacher with a passion for youth ministry. I was a green Senior Minister hunting for someone to take the youth and children’s ministry out of the doldrums. Inviting Mark onto the team with Leanne and I was perhaps the easiest decision I have made in ministry.
He set to work creating new connections with Broughton and St Peter’s, with local schools and families. Thoughtfully, theologically, creatively and passionately Mark renovated the ministry over five years to create a clear and cohesive pathway for young people to connect with Jesus and be saved. It wasn’t all plain sailing and there were moments where the change was hard and caused tension but Mark’s passion, decisiveness and clarity of thought has meant the outcomes were positive for the gospel. Gospel engagement over good entertainment has been our goal. Anyone can draw a crowd, few train the next generation of gospel leaders.
There is so much to give thanks to God for. We have more than 100 young people connected to 10am. We have more than 150 young people being taught the bible every week. We have 50 young adults in growth groups and serving in ministry. Mark has driven all of that and if you’ve had your eyes open you have seen it happening. But there are many things you would not have seen that are worth noting.
Mark has put a lot of effort into growing Scripture at Campbelltown East Primary School. Mark has walked alongside our HSC students to keep perspective. Mark has taken young people on training camps to equip them for a lifetime of Christian service. Mark has visited young people in hospital. Mark has caught up with countless young people struggling with existential questions and doubt over milkshakes, slurpees and Kings Chips. He’s also been pursuing further theological study to sharpen his thinking and skills.
As you can see, he leaves a big 195cm tall man shaped hole in our ministry. But I am confident that the people he has trained and encouraged are more than competent to continue things on until we seek a replacement.
So as the sun goes down on this Christmas Day, so does it go down on Mark’s time among us. We’ve become friends, competitors on the bike and partners in ministry and I thank God for Mark. I also thank God for his appointment as Chaplain at Broughton. Under God, I am expecting good things such as we have seen among us.
Thanks Mark. It’s been great. And thankfully, it still will be.
Soli Deo Gloria.