This week we managed to track down Nathan Guy, Youth Ministry Leader at Everyday Church Wimbledon, for a long overdue interview. Here is what he had to say for himself:
Tell us three interesting facts about yourself.
- I love music! I play guitar, piano and I sing.
- When I was born, I weighed 11 pounds (my mother is a true hero).
- I love food and will eat pretty much anything… except for olives – yuck!
What is your story?
I was born and raised in Woking within a Christian family. I attended the Coign Church and went along to the church youth group. That youth group was such a blessing to me. I developed strong friendships, surrounded myself with people who pointed me to God.
I then went to a Christian youth festival called Newday and heard more about the good news of Jesus. One evening I decided that I needed to respond for myself. I realised that I was a sinner who needed saving, and that Jesus was the Son of God. The reason that He lived, died and rose from the dead was to save me and bring me back into relationship with God. I knew that if I put my trust and hope in Him, I would be saved and so I did!
I soon got baptised in water, and since then, I have been living my new life with Jesus, growing in the enjoyment of knowing God. When I look back at my life so far, I see the rich blessings and grace of God all over it. I particularly see His grace in how I was raised in a Christian family and that I was part of that youth group. God used these to meet me and transform my life.
What happened next?
After college, I decided to do an Impact gap year volunteering for Everyday Church Wimbledon in Youth & Worship. Last year that finished, and I started a three year degree at Spurgeon’s College of Theology. As part of my course I am also now working at Everyday Wimbledon as the Youth Ministry Leader. I’m just coming to the end of my first year of study, and I’m absolutely loving it.
How is life at Everyday Wimbledon going?
I love living in Wimbledon, working for the church and studying at college. I love the area, I love the people, I love the church and I love being a part of the amazing things God is doing. If you asked me to sum up how life was at the moment, I would say it was amazing!
What events does Everyday Youth put on?
We have a Friday night event called Nightlife which runs from 7-9:30pm at Everyday Wimbledon. This is open to any teenager aged 11-17 (school years 7-13) to just come along with your friends and have a quality night.
We also a discussion group called Deeper aimed at ages 11-14, that takes place fortnightly on Sundays from 12-1pm during the second service in Wimbledon. Deeper provides a space for the teenagers to go deeper in their faith and understanding of God and the Bible. I would also like to get some other Youth-oriented Life Groups up and running as well.
Finally, every summer we go to Newday, that same festival I responded to years ago. Newday is probably the highlight of our year, and a fantastic opportunity for us to meet with God and spend quality time together.
Why youth work?
When I think about my story and see the impact that youth work had on my life, I realise how important the ministry is. Through it, God really revealed Himself to me, at a crucial stage of my life. What happens in those years can have a big impact on someone’s future, and I think it is so important to try and lead teenagers to Jesus as best we can.
Why youth work? Well, I know that God loves teenagers and wants them to bring them back to Him. I have been so blessed by it and have seen the fruit of it in many others lives too.
If you want to know more about any of the events we do or get involved with Youth in any way, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me using the Connect form on our website, and I will get in touch and tell you more.
Nathan Guy
Youth Ministry Leader
Everyday Church Wimbledon