I have been involved in youth ministry for nearly 30 years and for much of that time, I have been a Youth Pastor based in Baptist churches. I have over that time had the privilege of working alongside and training youth workers in the UK as well as PNG and New Zealand.
I am passionate about training, supporting and equipping both leaders and young people to be all they can be in Christ. I am passionate about seeing young people take their faith into their daily lives and be Jesus to a hurting world.
As National Youth Ministry Leader, my key areas of responsibility are the oversight of the youth schools, churches and camping ministries, and providing pastoral care, support, encouragement, guidance and leadership to both staff and volunteers who do the hugely vital work within these ministry areas. Serving, equipping and releasing the workers on the ground to dream big and become the followers of Christ, and the leaders, they are gifted and called to be is an exciting part of what I get to do. I am passionate about the difference we can make in the lives of the youth of NZ. Ultimately that means seeing life-long disciples of Christ.
Another part of my role is to bring a greater sense of cohesiveness between each of the youth ministry areas as well as with the other ministry areas of SUNZ. I am excited to see SUNZ continue on its journey to become everything that God has equipped and called us to be.
Please email me if you would like to receive my regular email Prayer Letter to keep up-to-date with my ministry.
Contact Neville Bartley:
0272493728 or 09 379 9363 extension 1
Eli is the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Youth Consultant. The role involves supporting, training and connecting with those doing the Mahi in different contexts and faith expressions of youth ministry. Eli bounces around the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, connecting with all those involved in youth ministry and youth work. Eli wants to see the church empowered to fulfil the great commission. He has a passion for mental health and is always looking to create opportunities for conversations about mental health.
Eli is married to his wife, Noelle, and they have two boys. Eli grew up in the Waikato and went to university in Chicago. They have lived in the Waikato since returning to New Zealand about 7 years ago.
Andy hails from the UK and has been in youth and school’s ministry for over 30 years, including 5 years with SU England & Wales and the last 20 years with SUNZ. He is passionate about walking the journey of faith with young people as they develop into lifelong disciples of Christ. Andy is one of our Youth Consultant team based in Auckland and mainly focused on the top of the North Island. He supports youth pastors and churches with their youth ministry, helps lead training locally and through our Anamata youth leader training, leads our YouthServe urban mission programme and It’s Your Move schools transition programme and heads up our Mental Health programme for churches and schools, Āpōpō. He also helps on various camps, including Exodus Prime and heads up our Pōnui Island Boys fishing camp. Andy enjoys football, fishing and food. He lives in West Auckland and is married to Carol who is a medical professional and they have two grown sons who both live overseas. Please email if you would like to receive my regular email Prayer Letter to keep up-to-date with my ministry.
Contact Andy Banks
andy.b@sunz.org.nz
