The Rt. Reverend William H. (Chip) Stokes, Bishop of New Jersey, has announced his call of Tonya Wildgoose as the diocese’s youth convener:
“A mother of teenagers, a trained teacher and educator, a lifelong Anglican/Episcopalian who has been active in Church youth work for more than 17 years, Tonya brings passion for youth ministry, deep faithfulness and commitment to Christ to this position,” Stokes said. “As youth convener, she will be instrumental in facilitating spiritual guidance for youth across the whole diocese, encouraging them to foster a personal relationship with God and creating opportunities for them to grow in Christ and serve Christ’s people within their wider communities. Tonya will be a blessing to us all.”
“I am passionate about youth ministry,” Wildgoose said. “I enjoy the ministry of sharing the good news with our middle and high school students and partnering with them as they discover who they are in Christ. It brings me joy to point out how their stories are parallel to those of Jeremiah, Samuel, Timothy, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the servant girl who helped heal Naaman — all young people whom God purposed as a part of his overall plan. I look forward to working with the youth and their leaders of this Diocese, so that together we can be the hands and feet of Christ. If I haven’t met you yet, then I can’t wait to. And if I have, see you again soon.”
Adapted from the Diocese of New Jersey
