Let's Study 1 and 2 Thessalonians (Let's Study Series)

Rev. Dr. Andrew W. Young was the founding Principal in 1995 of Grace Theological College of New Zealand, now located in Manurewa, Auckland. He previously served as pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Christchurch, New Zealand and, briefly, in ministry in Australia. During his time as Principal he authored the commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians in the Trust’s ‘Let’s Study’ series, and obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales.

Dr. Young’s approach to theological education can be summarised by his comments following a visit to Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, California and Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi in 1997: ‘My interaction with seminary teachers, preachers and church folk from different walks of life served in different ways to remind me that the most important thing of all is to know and walk with the living God. Theological training is valid and important, but it must in the end lead to knowing God himself or it can be a distraction, if not a positive hindrance, to true godliness.’

This philosophy has been maintained through his current service as Director of Ezra Ministry, a research, writing and teaching ministry aimed at spiritual life and leadership development, where the emphasis is on ‘spiritual formation rather than theological education, transformation rather than information, and relationships rather than results.’

In March 2008 Dr Young was appointed Associate Principal of Grace College, South Island (a position in which he served until 2011). He relocated in April 2008 with his wife Nola and son John to take up the pastorate of Wyndham Evangelical Church in Southland, along with his new responsibilities towards the College. He remains on the Board of Governors of Grace College as Principal Emeritus, and continues to lecture (2012 – Biblical Theology, Worship, Church Polity and Practice; 2013 – Biblical Theology). Dr Young has been described as ‘a man of deep spirituality with a profound knowledge of both the teaching of Scripture and the history of doctrine.’