Follower of God, leader of young people

Alumna’s life an adventure in ministry

Sharyn Harrington grew up in a rural Queensland and dreamed like her father and sister of attending Avondale to meet others who “shared my faith.” Cooranbong is a long way from Monto, “but I had no fear of the adventure.” And that’s what it would be, with an active campus life creating a worldwide network of friends and service learning trips to South Korea and Fiji fostering a love for mission. Early career opportunities to teach in Adelaide and Cooranbong, at alumna Helen Hall’s Eden Valley Academy in Thailand and in England, and to visit Adventist Development and Relief Agency projects in East Africa, Kosovo and Papua New Guinea have nurtured both.

A move to Seventh-day Adventist ministry in Sydney coincided with another new beginning: family—raising two boys with husband Mark. Sharyn volunteered in teen and children’s pastoral roles at Kellyville, worked as chaplain at Mountain View Adventist College, then as associate at Castle Hill. Returning to her home state, she pastored a community church called Refresh at Northpine Christian College, where she is now chaplain. Speaking hope into the lives of young people and supporting them when they “choose God as their Saviour” is a significant professional accomplishment. A memorable experience: “baptising my son. So special.”

Sharyn is director of Refresh’s first Pathfinder Club. She is also passionate about using sport to help others—through raising money or coaching children.

The last word? “Allow yourself the freedom to continue learning and growing in faith, gratitude and a forgiving spirit are essential for wellbeing, and try new things because life is for living.”

The Class of 1991 honours Sharyn Harrington as a woman in ministry who is leading young people to Christ.