The Mighty Joe Young! (Joseph Richards actually)
Interview with Joe about his work as the new Bible Study leader at St David’s College
Growing the next generation of leaders
Tim: What is the most interesting thing about Joe?
Joe: Being involved in music. I’ve been a brass band player for 10 years now, and I’ve also been into musical theatre groups in the past, most of them at school. And now I want to get more involved with working with Youth For Christ.
Tim: Cool. One of the key groups you’ve been involved with for years is ‘Redefine’ Do you want to tell people a bit about that?
Joe: Redefine is a Bible Study for young people. It happens on Sunday evenings (at Reverb). I’ve been in it since you started it. It’s grown gradually and now it’s got to the point where we’ve had to separate into two groups. We can really see how God has worked and moved. It’s been amazing really, and I think it’s helped me along the way. It’s really been a big blessing to be here and keep with the group for so long.
Tim: Fantastic. You also have started helping at Lightbites?
Joe: Yeah. Lightbites is at St. David’s College. It’s an interesting group of about 10 – 14 people. Mostly I’m there as an assistant. They have food there and sometimes I’ll help dish that up, or help with Bible Studies. Two weeks ago I led a session there, where we talked about ‘taming the tongue’, which is all about the language that comes out of our mouths. It’s the first time I’ve done anything like that before. I think it was nice for them to see someone else, rather than yourself (Tim). You know.
Tim: It’s nice for me mate. So one final question. If you could say anything to all of the churches here, what would you tell them?
Joe: I’d like to see more young people involved in the church. I’ve had quite a privilege of, since I was young, being involved in the worship team and it’s been a real blessing. I wish more young people were doing it, and more adults were stepping up to the plate to train them. So, I would encourage the churches to get involved with working with the youth.
Tim: Thank you Joe.