Ministry

When something is being built, every part matters. A strong structure takes time, careful planning and intentional work. The same is true when we build into the lives of others.

Term 3 has begun with a focus on Construction, exploring what it means to build people up and to allow God to continue shaping us into the people He has called us to be.

We were reminded of this at our Week 2 Chapel, where old scholar Kendall Kahl shared the picture of building people like building with Lego. It takes time, intentionality and careful planning. Piece by piece, we have the opportunity to add strength, encouragement and hope to the lives of those around us. In a world where it can be so easy to tear people down, Kendall challenged our students to do something simple but significant: encourage one person before the day was over.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”

This is at the heart of our theme for Term 3. We want to be a community that doesn’t simply build students, but builds students who build each other up.

As the term has continued, our Chapel program has explored the different ways we can construct lives and communities that help people flourish. Through the God Did podcast, Kookie and I reflected on the way Jesus demonstrated hospitality and kindness to strangers, showing us that building people with God often begins with something as simple as making room for others.

Jesus welcomed people into His home, His conversations and His life. He crossed social boundaries, noticed those who were overlooked and treated people with dignity and compassion. His example challenges us to consider how we can be more hospitable and open with our own homes, our conversations and our actions.

Construction is not always about creating something new. Sometimes it is about strengthening what is already there, repairing what has been damaged and making space for something to grow.

Our prayer for Term 3 is that, as God continues His work in us, we would become people who intentionally build into the lives of others — through encouragement, hospitality, and kindness.

May we be a community that chooses to build rather than tear down, following the example of Jesus and trusting God to shape each of us, piece by piece, into people who help others flourish.

Andrea Campbell

Youth Chaplain