By Jim Fagan
So how does a qualified civil engineer who started work as a steelworker in Wollongong decide religion and a life in the ministry is for him?
For Phil Stolk, the new minister at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at Tewantin, it was, as he says, “a no brainer.”
“I grew up in a Christian family in Shellharbour in New South Wales,” Phil (32) told Noosa Today, “and, while I was working in the steelworks, I went to university, graduating as a structural engineer.
“My work took me to the nickel refinery in Townsville and I joined an Anglican church that didn’t have a minister. Like the rest of the congregation, I became heavily involved in supporting the church until the new minister came.
“After a few months he said to me, ‘Have you ever considered going into the ministry?’
“I was 24 years old and had not really considered it but he thought I had the gift to do it. He suggested a ministry apprenticeship and, although I really enjoyed civil engineering, I become convinced the best thing I could do with my life was share the Gospel.
“I was leading a youth group at church. I never saw it as full-time job but after two years hands on in ministry, with him mentoring me and senior people in the church supporting me, I realised there was a great need for Gospel work.
“I went to Sydney and studied and trained for the ministry at Moore Theological College for four years.
“I started thinking what it would be like talking to people in the Presbyterian Church as I had grown up in a church very similar in doctrine and quality.
“In my fourth year I chatted to some Queenslanders about coming up this way and in 2019 went to the Gold Coast as assistant minister at Eternity Presbyterian Church in Helensvale.
“I finished last year, graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity.”
Reaching out with the Gospel to families and the young and not so young is high among his plans for the church. He wants to start a youth group and resume Sunday school which has been in recess because of coronavirus restrictions.
He met his wife Janice, a schoolteacher, at the church in Townsville and they have two children, Josiah and Eliana.
He is also a keen photographer and he and Janice love the outdoors. “There are some gorgeous areas to photograph and it’s no wonder people are proud of living here.”
