Interview with Josh Peterson about House Conference

By Ruth Lukabyo

Ruth: What ministry have you been doing since studying at Youthworks College?

Josh: Since Youthworks College I have been the kids’ minister at NorthLight Anglican Church in West Pymble and West Lindfield.

Ruth: What are the joys and challenges you have experienced in your ministry?

Josh: This year has been full of joys after a few hard years. My first year of kids’ ministry was 2020 and as I was finding my feet, COVID hit.

One of the joys is working alongside a great team of leaders. They continue to love the kids of our church and community, and it brings me joy to see them do that. A particular joy is that we are going on Square One for the first time this year and we currently have 21 kids coming- way more than I was thinking we would get! Our team is really excited to go.

Ruth: What was the best thing about House Conference this year?

Josh: House Conference was great. I loved the topic of emotions and the papers that Keith Condie and Kamina Wüst presented. They handled the topic with grace and truth and were able to get us thinking deeply about what the Bible says about our emotions.

Ruth: What theological insights did you gain from the talks?

Josh: I think in a world often driven by emotions Christians may feel scared to speak about them for fear that our young people might get swept up in their own emotions. But Kamina and Keith provided a balanced framework for thinking through emotions from a Biblical perspective. Our emotions are good gifts from God, and we should be seeking to help our young people foster greater affection for God.

Ruth: What practical applications will you take back to your ministry?

Josh: I have been thinking about the place of prayer and singing in our kid’s ministries and talking with the Glorify minister at church. Prayer and singing are great ways for kids to express their emotions and set their affections on God. We are keen to emphasise this a bit more in our kid’s ministries at NorthLight. I am also keen to see us teach the wisdom literature which are filled with great expressions of emotion and affections.

Ruth: Why do you love gathering with 160 other youth and kids ministers at House?

Josh: There is something unique about kids and youth ministry, we have particular differences to other ministries, so being with others who understand that space was really helpful. We can encourage one another, listen to one another, pray for one another and bounce ideas off one another. I found this year particularly helpful!