Practice and principles

Cooper was drawn to Christianity by the example of his parents, who became Christians as adults.

Cooper grew up in the Anglican church, and while he’d always thought about theological training, it was working as a Youth Minister in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs that prompted him to study.

(pictured: Cooper, Youthworks College student)

Youthworks held a lot of appeal because of its practical nature.

“It’s been intense but very worthwhile studying alongside working, because I’ve been able to put into practice the things I’ve been learning immediately,” he says.

“Another highlight has been leaning into practical kids and youth subjects, and not just doing what you’ve always done.

We’re doing a unit on sexuality and identity at the moment, and it’s given me an increased boldness in being able to think through that and start conversations about it that are helpful to kids.”

“As a parent [he and wife Naomi have two small children], I’ve been encouraged and challenged by everything I’ve learned at College…how [children] are wired…how God thinks about them.”

Asked to nominate what will most benefit the people he serves in his church, Cooper replies immediately:

“Having an opportunity to think through more things about my practice, based on principles: to think about what the things are that are driving what I'm doing, and being able to consider that in light of principles.”

Many of us in this busy age can relate to that. He sees it valuable now, but also far into the future.

“I think we'll be able to have a stable, long-term ministry to children based on things that really make a difference: the things that matter.”

(pictured: Youthworks College students)