The long-term impact of relational discipleship

As a young boy in Grade 4, Matt Keller joined an organisation called Boys Brigade. One of the Brigade leaders, Tim Kennedy, invested deeply in a number of young boys in his group, walking with them for many years. Even after leaving the group in his early 20s, Matt stayed in contact with Tim, who became one of his best mates.

Today, Matt is the Director of Next Generation Ministries at City on a Hill, overseeing all the children’s and youth ministry across 11 churches in three states on Australia’s east coast. He’s based in Victoria and is also a board member of LIT Victoria, which seeks to grow the annual Leaders in Training conference not only across the Melbourne Anglican diocese but to other denominations in the region.  

As for Tim, he currently works as the Youthworks Shoalhaven Venue and Ministry Programs Manager.

Matt says, “Tim had a lasting impact on our group in three very specific ways.”  

Firstly, many of these boys came from broken homes so they had very difficult lives. Tim created a safe space for them to spend time together when home life was untenable. 

Secondly, Tim himself was also a safe place – not only did he create that safe environment for the boys, but he was a wise mentor. Matt says, “In the often-difficult teenage years, you just need someone to walk with you.”  

The group shared a lot of experiences – even going away on Schoolies Week together. Despite the 10-year age difference between the young kids and Tim, they were all very close and walked through life’s challenges together. 

Thirdly, Tim had a lasting impact on Matt’s faith. He’s continued in his faith and gone into full-time ministry, just as Tim did. Through this friendship they’ve developed over the years, they've been able to regularly catch up, spur one another on and encourage one another in the Lord. 

One of the seven principles of effective ministry is relational ministry through the word. Matt shares, “The way that Tim discipled and mentored me was more relational than word-based – although that part was still evident. Tim has had some remarkable struggles in his life, and he was appropriately open about sharing those, so it wasn't just a one-way investment but a genuine, reciprocal relationship.” 

Have you considered how you might be able to invest in the life of a young person, someone who may be seeking answers to life’s big questions, or taking those first few tentative steps on their own faith journey? Youthworks’ free online publication ‘Seven Principles of Effective Ministry to Children and Youth’ is full of helpful guidance and encouragement.