All About Liam Conway, Hobart Baptist
Jul 15, 2021
interview:
Liam Conway is the Ministry Apprentice at Hobart Baptist Church.
Who is he and what does the future look like for him?
Read on to find out . . .
Where were you born and what was it like growing up there?
I was born under the shadow of kunanyi/Mount Wellington in Hobart, where I have spent the majority of my life, particularly in the Northern Suburbs of Hobart. Growing up was okay for the most part, there were several periods of financial struggle, but I also remember lots of time spent exploring Hobart on my bike.
When and why did you move to Tasmania?
I’ve always lived in Hobart, except for a small stint in Sydney when I was four years old,. I’ve chosen to be here because it’s my home. I feel a strong connection to the land, and the mountains. So I never want to leave this island home.
What do you enjoy most about living here?
I enjoy being around family, being close to nature, the good food, beer, and company. Hobart is a wonderful place to be, given its proximity to nature, its amenities, and the comfort that Hobart affords.
Tell us about your family
Mum and Dad have always followed Christ. Dad’s been involved in churches on multiple levels, I have two siblings, both of whom follow Jesus, and we have all grown in an atmosphere that has worked towards our developing knowledge of Christ. I was lucky enough to get married recently, and both Hannah and I are busy building ourselves as good people, to raise a family in the future.
How did you become a Christian?
I don’t really know of a time where I didn’t believe in the Creeds and promises of God. However, moments of really conscious belief occurred a couple of times before my baptism. The first was in reading through the First Testament, particularly Exodus and Leviticus, and coming to a greater knowledge of the faithfulness of God. Then in Vanuatu, in 2009, where I spent a lot of my time on that mission trip reading the minor prophets and deepening that value of God.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
When cooking . . . Read the recipe twice: the first time to know what you’re doing; the second to actually cook.
It emphasizes the importance of preparation to do any job, and tries to mitigate potential disasters. Instead, be prepared to do the job, then execute it with precision.
When people ask you how you spend your time, what do you say?
“Creative writing, study and working at Hobart Baptist,” is what I say, normally. A large portion of my creative writing is with a group of friends in running Tabletop Role Playing Games, and my own personal projects. I spend a lot of time with Hannah and our cat, enjoying discussions with one another.
What is your role in the Baptist Church?
Presently, my role is with Hobart Baptist as a student Pastor. This includes preaching, studying, organising and all that stuff. Next year I shall be at Riverlands Baptist (Longford) in their Associate Pastor position, which will aim towards youth and young adults.
What excites you most about what you do?
I am most excited, presently, about the direction God has presented to me. I’m very excited to be able to present and discuss the gospel with a congregation; to be in a position where I’m able to use my knowledge for the benefit of other people.
What challenges do you have as you do this work?
A lot of my challenges are internal, requiring a development of confidence and social skills. The external challenges are less threatening, but the desire to please others and occasionally surrender the position that I hold to, is a very real and present one.
How can we pray for you and your work?
I would appreciate prayer for the transition from Hobart Baptist and into Riverlands that God’s peace and wellbeing will be with myself and Hannah.
I would appreciate prayer for the transition from Hobart Baptist and into Riverlands that God’s peace and wellbeing will be with myself and Hannah.
Short and Sweet – Liam Conway
I am looking forward to … My new job and working in a country town at Longford.
I am worried about … The manipulation within the worldwide church.
I am confident that … Life is going well and we shall be safe in this modern world.
I am joyful about … The future of Baptists within Tasmania.
I would like to change … The world? Is that too much?
I am at my best when … I’m relaxed and with God’s flow in the world.