Profile: Andy Banks
I have been involved in full time youth ministry for over 20 years and for much of that time, that ministry has been based in schools. Schools shape lives and it’s vital that Christians are a part of that shaping. We are called to make disciples and it’s so important that we walk alongside of our young people; modelling, coaching and supporting them to be salt and light to their school friends. I am hugely passionate about helping young people become life long disciples and the journey starts right now as we begin the walk together with them in their everyday lives…
Role Profile
My role as Auckland youth ministry team leader is to oversee our ministry in intermediate and high schools across our largest and most cosmopolitan city. In my role I will be supporting local youth staff and volunteers as well as working "hand on" myself, helping to provide the the tools and support needed to carry out this massively important role in building bridges with local schools. Over the last few years, we have developed new programmes, resources and initiatives for churches to use to enable them to build bridges and relationships with their local schools. Initiatives like, SURGE, It’s YOUR MOVE, YOUTHSERVE, Y365, Resources for Christian group leadership, PRAY for a SCHOOL cards, Words from the Street MP3 Bible guide and the Building bridges with schools ideas guide, to name just a few. You can find out more about how you can use these programmes and initiatives in the youth section of this website, alongside of information about our ministry to At Risk youth and our camps. So check them out, find out more, get involved and start building bridges!
Personal Profile
I was born in Wigan in North West England, but spent most of my life in Merseyside. I now live in Oratia, West Auckland with my wife Carol and my two boys Thomas (13) and Matthew (11). In my 20+ years in youth ministry, I have spent the last 12 of those years with Scripture Union; 6 years with Scripture Union England & Wales and 6 now with Scripture Union New Zealand. I love music and I am a worship leader at my church. I was brought up in a Christian family and committed my life to Jesus when I was 14 years old on the terraces of my favourite football team Liverpool, during a Billy Graham crusade in 1984. Football is a great passion of mine and as well as playing myself, I also help coach my son’s team. In my spare time, I also enjoy being by the sea and have a go at fishing, with varied success!
Prayer Blog Entries
Tuesday 03rd May 2011 8:15 pm
Give thanks for YOUTHSERVE West Auckland 2011 and for all the amazing things God did through the team in reaching out to the local Henderson community
Please pray for my team support to reach 100% before the end of October so I can remain on staff and full time
