Mark Dawson: Endon CPW
Questions, questions, questions..
A little about me…
I’m in my mid 20’s, originally a Yorkshire guy from Hull. I love music, DJ’ing and I’m massively energised by the quality people in my life here, in Stoke… it’s brilliant!! My passion is seeing Church & the wider community transformed to reflect the amazing diversely creative God we love & serve. I joined the team here 1st Sep 2003 as Youth & Community Worker for Endon St Luke’s Church.
Endon St Luke’s Church employs me as their full-time youth and community worker. I’ve seen God do so much since I re-located here from Hull. The youth groups tripled in size. Much more exciting than just numbers: we’re seeing radical growth in the young people spiritually, as well as seeing: new cell groups born & new young cell leaders, new youth worship band, DJ-led worship & dance band, monthly youth service "Church 4U", two Christian Unions in the local High School. I believe we’re starting to see Acts 2 stuff as an everyday reality!! I’m massively privileged and challenged, to serve God and his Church in this way each day.
I work in partnership with North Staffs YFC we meet up weekly for training & teaching with a great bunch of inspirational friends as well as peers: working in youth/schools/children’s work from around the city who are all passionate about what they do.
I found out about the Church Partnership Worker (CPW) job via the internet, while bored & fed up in my last job working for a college in IT. I gave Johnny a call to find out some more info about the job and was inspired massively by the vision of NSYFC!!
I think the traditional model of a church Youth Worker is of an isolated person sat in an office, disconnected with not much of a peer support group. The great thing about the Church Partnership Model is that there is a team of quality peers to connect and share ideas with. The regular weekly, worship, training,1-2-1 staff mentoring, and coaching are essential ‘soul food’ to me.
Anyhow as they say the rest is history, and I can truly say after the big move, I’ve settled in well and I’m enjoying the best days of my life working with a great bunch of young people here in Stoke!!
To contact Mark, send him an email: mark@northstaffsYFC.co.uk
