The EU Graduates Fund
Working with the EU - Real Ministry
HGP trainees join the Sydney University Evangelical Union Staff Team to work in partnership with students in achieving the SUEU's objects. As the EU Standing Orders put it:
- teaching the Word of God through word and example;
- offering advice and wise council on the good running and development of the Union by working in partnership with students in Faculty Groups, Specialist Committees and the SMEAS;
- giving personal support to students as they seek to be faithful to Christ and minister within the aims and philosophy of the SUEU.
Partnership is the most appropriate way to speak of the EU staffworker's ministry alongside students. It is also a biblical way of thinking about ministry in which each member of the body plays their own part in the building of the body.
While staff are often more mature and experienced than students, students have the networks, enthusiasm and the intimate knowledge of the student situation needed to minister effectively on the campus. The ministry is weaker with the absence of either partner. By their teaching and example, staff have a crucial role to play in training and encouraging students to serve God and others for the rest of their lives. In the EU context, staff are therefore keen to equip students and push them forward in taking ministry and leadership responsibility. Ministry plans and decisions are made together.
Day To Day
Day to day, this means that HGP trainees are deployed to serve in various faculties and on various teams, often with a more experienced staffworker.
A key part HGP staff play is in leading small group bible studies for first year students. As part of this, they train second year students in small group ministry.
HGP staff also raise support for the Grads Fund, lead ministry training courses, help plan and organise a faculty ministry, meet one to one with students and participate as evangelists in the EU's dialogue dinner program. There are also occasional opportunities for giving bible talks.