Hi! I’m Andrew Coates, and I’ve been in ministry since my early twenties…
I started in ministry like many, running connect groups, serving in church and the like, but quickly found myself neck deep with no experience! I was offered the role of teaching SRE in a local public high school, and needed to rewrite the Years 7-8 curriculum… while teaching it!
It was during this time of being way out of my depth, relying on God, that I discovered the call of God on my life and the grace God had given me to teach the Word of God. That was in 2008, when my bi-vocational ministry life began…
From 2008 to 2022 I was a pastor at C3 church Port Stephens, and was the Executive Pastor for the latter 10 years, involved primarily in preaching, teaching and overseeing interns and early discipleship, and running an extension service (campus).
I have a passion for learning and for teaching, and am a big believer in the power of God’s Word in the life of ordinary, everyday believers.
I am a trade-qualified Patternmaker, hold a diploma in Christian Ministry, a Diploma of Business, a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, and in 2024 I also completed my Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Technology.
I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Rachel, since 2005. Together we have 4 amazing children whom we homeschool while we attempt to create a bit of a homesteading lifestyle on our family property.
Currently, I am part of Hope UC Church (Port Stephens) and am involved in the preaching and teaching ministry. I also enjoy writing and posting the occasional article here on Seeds & Streams, while also working full-time with my good friend Izac running our Australian Knife Company — www.irongateknives.com
