At St Michael’s, we want to see people growing as followers of Jesus and shining as lights in our city and beyond.

God has given each of us gifts and opportunities to serve him. We want to use what God has given us to make the greatest impact for God’s kingdom.

That’s why St Michael’s seeks to equip generations of believers for Christian ministry.

One way we do this is through ministry apprenticeships, where trainees are given a taste of dedicated gospel ministry for two years. We’re really excited that Tab Zweck, from our 7pm congregation, will be taking this step starting in 2027.

Tab has been part of St Michael’s for 9 years and currently serves across a range of areas, including tech ministry at 5pm and 7pm, kid’s talks at 5pm, and the Wollongong Community Pantry.

I’ve been encouraged by Tab’s love for God’s Word, and her desire to help people feel at home at church and take their next step with Jesus.

Throughout her ministry apprenticeship Tab will serve in different areas of church life, learn from experienced ministry workers, and study theology. She’ll be equipped to teach the Bible, care for people, share the good news of Jesus, and help Christians grow and serve.

A word from Tab:

Being prompted both by encouraging words and the example of others, my decision to begin a ministry apprenticeship next year at St Michael’s has come after much prayer and deliberation. I’ve been confronted by Jesus’ words in Mark 8: 

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. (Mark 8:34-35)

These words apply to Christians in all walks of life, but I saw such a great opportunity to practice this “self-denial” by doing a ministry apprenticeship, and having two years dedicated fully to serving God and others by sharing the good news of the Gospel. 

Although in many ways it doesn’t feel like I’m “losing my life”; as I’m looking forward to so many aspects of the years ahead, particularly engaging with people outside our church and getting to spend time reading the Bible with young Christians.

While my exact schedule for the apprenticeship is yet to be confirmed, I’m hoping to get more into youth or children’s ministry and I’m delighted that I will be able to spend some of my time, God willing, under the leadership of Jess ministering to the people of Bellambi.

I’d love your prayers as I approach the next two years, that I would be Christ-centred in all my thinking, and that I would approach challenges joyfully, seeing them as opportunities for growth, and not allow fear and laziness stop me from doing God’s work well. I know many members of St Michael’s have already been praying for me, and I feel so grateful for and encouraged by all of you!

What a joy to be saved into a loving family of believers! God is good!

An investment in God’s kingdom

Jesus encourages his first disciples, and us, to “pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:38).

Tab is stepping away from a job she loves to take this step into dedicated gospel ministry. I’ve been encouraged by her willingness to give this a real go and see how God will work in and through her.

We’re very thankful that, through your giving to St Michael’s, you’ll be helping provide 50% of the financial support for Tab’s apprenticeship.

When we partner with Tab, we’re doing more than investing in Tab. We’re investing in God’s eternal kingdom.

And there’s a few other ways you can invest in Tab’s growth. You can do this by praying for her, encouraging her, and directly partnering with her financially.

If you’re interested in partnering with Tab or finding out more, Tab would love to talk with you. You can let her know here:

In Him,

Hosea Luy
Assistant Minister