Mandy Talbot – Youth
Hi Mandy, what does the role of Youth Ministry Deacon entail?
As the Youth Ministry Deacon my role is to lead the team of volunteers who are involved with the various parts of our youth work. This includes planning the teaching for our Sunday Impact group, organising rotas for our Friday evening youth groups and communicating with parents.
How long have you been the Youth Ministry Deacon and what have you been doing since you took on this role?
Although I have been involved with the Youth Ministry for several years, it was during 2022 that I became the Deacon responsible for Youth Ministry. When I took on the role we had been struggling to re- establish our Friday evening youth group. We met to pray and consider how to lead the youth work and took the decision to focus on our own church youth, with the plan to build up the youth work again through these young people. We continued to meet with our young people on Sunday mornings in Impact and held the occasional social event. In February 2023 we started a new youth group on alternate Friday evenings for 10-14 year olds, and since September 2023 we have also had a group for those aged 14+, meeting on the other Fridays. Both groups are aimed at our own Church young people and their friends. The leaders of the two groups are some of the parents of the group members, and some of our Impact group leaders.
What is your vision for youth at BSBC?
I see my role as ensuring that as a church we do all we can to encourage our own young people to become fully committed Christians, to build on the teaching they will have already received from their parents and Sunday Club. We want young people to feel part of the Church, so that they will want to encourage their friends to come along and join in.
What skills or qualifications do you need if you would like to help lead the youth ministry team at BSBC?
We are always looking for new volunteers to join us in the youth ministry team. No qualifications are needed, just an ability to talk with young people. If you also could lead games, organise craft activities, or offer some Bible based teaching, then that would be really useful!
When and how did you become a Christian?
I have been a Christian since I was about seven years old, having been raised in a Christian home. bsbc.life 7 It was during a baptismal service when we were living in Australia that I first realised that having Christian parents did not make me a Christian, and I made a personal commitment.
How long have you been at BSBC?
I first came to BSBC when I was a few months old and was baptised in the Newtown Road Chapel when I was 14. I have been a member since that time.
What other roles have you occupied since joining BSBC?
Having been in the church most of my life, I have had several different roles. I have been a Sunday Club leader, Creché leader, Youth leader, Toddlers & Co leader and Life Group leader. As a deacon, I have been responsible for Social Action, Fellowship and Discipleship previously. I am also the Designated Person for Safeguarding (child protection) and carry out the DBS checks for those in the Church working with children and Adults at Risk. I have also organised Safeguarding Training for the whole church.
Tell us a few interesting things about you... hobbies?
My free time is mainly spent walking the dog, planning our next holiday, or visiting our family. With one of our sons now settled in Vienna, I am also trying to learn German, although I do not practice enough!
Is there anything we can pray about for you and/or your role?
We are looking to appoint a youth worker who will be able to grow the work further. Please pray that God will send us the right person to lead us in this way.
