We are excited to welcome Daniel, our GPCC Chaplain. We recently asked Daniel some questions to get to know him better. Have a read below.
For those who don鈥檛 know, what is the role of a Chaplain?
Here at 国产视频合集, it is walking with Students, Families, and School Staff through life. This will involve helping students (Kindergarten - Year 12) navigate their questions about God and what following Jesus looks like in real life. It involves meeting with students, family and staff who are struggling and need someone to talk to or even just have someone to sit with. I also have the privilege of supporting community events like Chapel, Prayer at the Post, and Encounter Night.
Tell us a bit about your ministry background.
For 20 years I have been in formal Church Ministry working with Children, Youth, and Families. I鈥檝e worked on the Central Coast, in Sydney, and the Mid North Coast of NSW. It has involved the joys of welcoming children into the world, and honouring those who have left us. This has involved working in School Scripture Classes, community groups, and recently I have been working with a 国产视频合集 Camping Organisation (CRU).
Why did you decide to join the team at GPCC?
While I was working at Terrigal Presbyterian Church, how the school serves the community caught my attention. The way GPCC serves communities like Brewarrina and Bali showed me that it was not school focused on itself. GPCC lived out the faith that grounds the school, serving others like God serves us.
When I moved back to the Coast this year, the opportunity to work in Chaplaincy was available. I was happy to see that the GPCC still valued serving the community and also had the goal of helping students flourish.
I am excited to see people grow and flourish. Human flourishing is being who we are meant to be, people living in the image of God. Working at GPCC, I serve to assist the whole School community and to help people flourish.
What are you excited about in this new ministry role?
Since starting at the beginning of the term, I have really enjoyed seeing the passion and effort the staff put into teaching and caring for the students. It is an encouragement to work alongside them. It is an amazing privilege to listen and support the community as they navigate relationships in the playground, stress in their studies, and questions about God and the world.
Tell us about your family.
My wonderful wife and I have been married for almost 20 years. Together we have three kids, two starting their teenager stage and one in early primary school.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them
I鈥檝e got a dog Indie, she鈥檚 a Cobber Dog that is bred for therapy. Although in our home we joke that our family are her therapy dogs. She is often scared even of her own shadow. She loves cuddling up and alot of attention.
Outside of your ministry, what do you enjoy doing?
I do enjoy surfing. I also try and make a few things my most recent project was a pair of outdoor chairs. While surfing and making things don鈥檛 happen often, I do get to enjoy being outside with the family more regularly (which makes up for not getting waves).
What is the most rewarding part of being a Chaplain?
Seeing people grow.
What is your favourite bible verse, and why?
I don鈥檛 have just one verse. I enjoy the Gospel According to John. I enjoy how it is written showing who and how amazing Jesus is. He is truly God and shows it through powerful miracles, He is truly Human and shows us in the way he cares for people. To match that, He offers life to the world.
How would people get in touch with you?
I鈥檓 part time at the school so the best way would be through email. daniel.presland@gpcc.nsw.edu.au
