Meet The Team
The Youthworks Advisors offer support for ministry to children and young people. We have experienced staff who can help your church or your local schools connect with the children and young people in your area.
- They listen to who you are and what you want to achieve
- They provide advice on ministry matters
- They observe and provide feedback about your specific ministry
- Run training to better equip you and your team
- They can speak at your next ministry event
For general enquiries please call our Ministry Support Administrator on 02 8268 3355.
Executive Director of Ministry Support
Jon Thorpe
I have been involved in vocational ministry for 19 years. The majority of my parish ministry was at Greenacre Anglican where I was responsible for starting and developing the ministry to children, youth and young adults as well as teaching SRE in 5 schools a week, including Punchbowl Boy’s High and South Strathfield High. I was a Youth Advisor for 4 years working in the Western Region and I have been leading the Ministry Support Team for the last 4 years. I am responsible for setting the strategy and direction for how we support ministry to children, youth and families in local churches and it is a great privilege to lead a team of extremely gifted and capable advisors.
I am married to Sarah and we have 3 kids; Lucie, Annabelle and Matthew. In my free time I love going to the beach with the family, cycling with mates and every now and again getting out to the race track on the bike (Suzuki GSXR750 for those who know, or care).
Contact
Phone: 0412 679 771
Email Jon
Ministry Support Events Co-ordinator
Melinda Holding
I have been involved in children’s & youth ministry for 12 years, from my early days as a junior kids church leader, through 3 years at Youthworks College and 4 years as a Children’s minister, I have loved every minute of it! I have also worked with children and teenagers with autism and other severe developmental delay disorders during that time. I have been part of the Ministry Support Team for just over 2 years, first as the MST administrator, and now helping to coordinate our many conferences and events. It’s a great team to be a part of and I love being involved in the planning of so many great training events.
I am married to Chris & we have a baby boy called Calvin. In my spare time, I love reading and doing anything crafty (quilting and knitting are my favourites). I also love going out for breakfast with my family and am constantly on the lookout for great all day breakfast places!
Contact
Phone: 0421 822 094
Email Mel
Safe Ministry
Kylie Williams
Contact:
Phone: 0403 842 087
Email Kylie
Children's Ministry | Primary SRE
Emma Collett
North
I have been involved in Children’s and Youth Ministry for the past 15 years. Although I trained as a music teacher, from an early age God placed on my heart the desire to teach children the Good News about Jesus. In my role as Children’s and Family Minister at Christ Church St Ives over the past 7 years, I had the wonderful privilege of working alongside and training Scripture Teachers and Children’s Ministry Leaders.
Teaching SRE in three local Primary Schools was a definite highlight for me and I am thankful to God for the chance that we have in NSW to teach children about Jesus in this frontline ministry. I hope that my experience with church based and SRE ministry will be of service to you and your team as you serve our Lord Jesus.
Contact Details
Phone: 0413 685 616
Email Emma
Kaye Chalwell
I have been involved in Children’s ministry for over twenty years. I originally worked as a primary school teacher; however, for many years my work has been in children’s ministry. I have taught Christian Studies in an Anglican girls’ school, worked as a volunteer and paid children’s minister, and written teaching material for a few different Christian organisations. Throughout that time I have taught SRE in different parts of Sydney. A few years ago, my passion for SRE led me down a research track and I have been working on my PhD on SRE teaching which I plan to finish this year.
My husband and I have four children: three at university and one in High School. My greatest joy is being with my family. It is always a great moment when I actually get them all together at dinner, or even better away on holidays. And when I’m alone and have a moment, I love to read just about anything.
George's River | South
Contact Details
Phone: 0434 054 666
Email Kaye
Pete Oates
West
I trained as a primary school teacher before studying theology and moving into full time ministry. Having worked for over 15 years in fulltime ministry to children, youth and young adults in both Sydney and Perth in a variety of parish and diocesan roles I started at with the Youthworks ministry support team towards the end of 2013. I love opening up the bible with both children and adults and feel it is a great privilege that I get to do this on a regular basis as part of my work.
I am married to Deb and have two delightful young girls Chloe and Bronte and enjoy drinking average coffee, cooking edible food and just sitting down and talking with friends and family.
Contact Details
Phone: 0433 434 903
Email Pete
Tim Beilharz
Wollongong
I have been involved in Children’s Ministry since I was in Year 9; telling kids about Jesus for half my life. One of my high school teachers strongly encouraged me in Christian leadership and vocational ministry and I had planned to work at Youthworks Outdoors straight out of High School. God however had other ideas and I instead studied Philosophy at Uni and then Theology at SMBC, PTC and currently at Moore. During this time I continued to minister to the children at Gymea Anglican Church and was on staff as Children’s Minister from 2006-2012.
It is absolutely fantastic to have to opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus with kids! The highlight of my ministry was the number of kids I saw finally “get it”. You just knew that after many months (even years) of explaining the Bible to them, that God was working and helping them to understand and accept the gospel message for themselves. I married my high school sweetheart in 2004 and we have two kids. In my spare time I love reading; alternating between theological or philosophical works and comic books.
Contact Details
Phone: 0421 103 546
Email Tim
Boy's Ministry
Pete Oates
See above for profile
West | North
Contact Details
Phone: 0433 434 903
Email Pete
Tim Beilharz
See above for profile
Wollongong | George's River | South
Contact Details
Phone: 0421 103 546
Email Tim
Youth Ministry
Rob Conway
North
Since my high school years I have had a passion for being involved in ministry to youth. After working as a registered nurse at Royal North Shore Hospital I completed my theological degree at SMBC. From there I have had the privilege of working alongside wonderful teams of youth leaders, parents and youth for more than 10 years at city and regional churches. I am passionate about young people hearing about Jesus, taking Him seriously, growing in their love for each other and empowering them to discover and use their gifts.
My wife and I have two gorgeous children and in my free time you might find me swimming, spending time with friends and family, going to the beach and holidaying on the South coast or the Snowy Mountains. It is my desire to be able to share my experiences and work alongside you as you serve the youth and leaders in your church youth ministries .
Contact Details
Phone: 0435 343 645
Email Rob
Jon Thorpe
West
See above for profile
Contact Details
Phone: 0412 679 771
Email Jon
Jim French
Wollongong | George's River | South
Contact Details
Phone: 0422 195 611
Email Jim