Free to minister to youth

Hannah Fuller has been passionate about youth ministry since attending a camp while at primary school. Now 21, she’s a youth coordinator and graduate of LYQ’s Luminate leadership development program.

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Last year I was one of the six inaugural participants in Lutheran Youth of Queensland’s (LYQ) discipleship program for young people, which is known as Luminate.

I applied for Luminate because I felt God was calling me into a deeper relationship with him. Participants complete a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology through Australian Lutheran College, serve in a local church, participate in cross-cultural mission and explore how they might use gifts in service.

I now understand my faith more and also have a deeper understanding of my passion for cross-cultural ministry and desire to serve God through that at some stage in the future.

I am now working at Lutheran Education Queensland. My current role includes general receptionist/administrative duties and helping facilitate workshops which train teachers to lead Christian Studies. I’m part of the process that is helping kids hear about Jesus at school and I think that’s pretty cool!

In my congregation I am serving as Youth Coordinator, as well as being part of the worship and planning team for our evening service.

I am still also heavily involved in LYQ ministry. I will be a co-director on one of the upcoming CLW (Christian Life Week) camps.

I originally got into youth ministry through LYQ. I went on Kids Camp and I loved the leaders, which gave me a desire to be one. Years later I became a leader for CLW and I’ve never looked back!

Having Christian friends and mentors is really important for young people as it’s a really challenging time for your faith.

For me, it was the amazing friends I made on CLW that provided me support that helped me really live my faith; the mentors from CLW, LYQ and Luminate; and my amazing family. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them!

How can the LCA engage more effectively with young people?

Recognise that young people have a voice that needs to be heard. When the church gives them a chance to share that voice and provides appropriate support/mentoring, then I believe our youth will be a force to be reckoned with.

Hannah Fuller is a member at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Everton Hills, north-west of Brisbane.

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