Passing on the “baton of faith”

Christianity across generations 

Christianity used to be “uncool” at school, but things have changed – that’s the discovery one Old Boy was delighted to make after returning to Trinity to share his love of God at the annual Christian ministry meeting. 

Sam Chan, author, evangelist, and former boarder from the class of 1984, said that in his day faith was not something you proclaimed from the rooftops. 

“Back then it was uncool to be a Christian. You were very private about it; you didn’t come out as a Christian. But now it seems the boys are very excited and confident about their faith. That’s a big change. 

“I am amazed at how keen the boys are about being Christian.”

He was one of four Trinitarian ministers who returned for the Dining Hall meeting in February, hosted by Headmaster, Tim Bowden. 

“The boys I spoke to see that they have a role to play at Trinity as a Christian encourager, someone who can pass on the baton of the faith to younger Christian students,” said Sam, who joined eight clergy parents, nine Old Boys from the Berea Christian leadership group, and more than 30 current Berea students. 

“Meetings like this normalise being a Christian. In the western world now, you feel like you’re a freak, that you’re even a bad person for being a Christian. You are in the minority. 

“Students now can say hey, this is healthy for me, and here are some positive role models.”

Two seminars, dealing with living for Jesus at school and speaking the gospel, were hosted by Jordan Gupta ('19) and Selwyn Chang ('20). 

“It’s great to see Trinity still has a high priority for Christian education,” said Jordan. “I am very encouraged by what I saw. Trinity is so good at training us and equipping us for Christian ministry.” 

Selwyn said the Berea Co-curricular had the biggest impact on him at school, fostering his love for God. 

The UNSW medical student said: “The most important thing in this world, even more so than medicine or any other career, is telling people the life-saving message of Jesus Christ. I think that conviction started at school and has continued into my university years.”

Mr Bowden said the physical presence and recognition of Christian commitment helped reinforce the School’s Christian mission. 

The ministry meetings started in 2012 as part of Trinity’s centenary celebrations. 

“They enable us all to see the big picture of what God is doing through the Trinity community, and the continuity of ministry across generations,” said Chris Thanopoulos, Assistant Chaplain and Head of Christian Studies. 

“They provide an opportunity for Old Boys to encourage the current students, deliver seminars, and maintain continuity of relationship with them.” 

He said it had been great to reconnect after a three-year absence caused by the pandemic. 

“The current boys did speak of being encouraged that so many of the Old Boys were willing to take time out to share their lives with them to help them grow in their Christian faith.”  

This article originally appeared in our July Edition of Trinity News.
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