A Life Shaped by Mission: Kian Meyerink’s Story

Kian has just completed his first year of a Bachelor of Theology at Trinity. Born in Perth, he moved with his family to Ireland at the age of six to plant a church, spending nearly 11 years there before returning to Australia in 2020. Growing up in a Christian family as a missionary kid, Kian developed a deep understanding of theology from an early age and, during his teenage years, began to sense a clear calling to study the Bible and pursue ministry.

Much of Kian’s childhood was spent in Ireland, a season that proved deeply formative for his faith and sense of calling. Growing up in the west of Ireland, where his parents were involved in church planting, he was immersed in a context where evangelical Christianity was rare. As a teenager, Kian and his brother were often the only Christians in their wider area. Reflecting on that time, he shares, “I grabbed a lot of theological things quite early. I quite enjoyed reading books that I found on Dad’s shelf… I would call myself a Christian for as long as I’ve been able to comprehend that.” Despite attending a largely secular, nominally Catholic school, Kian loved his time in Ireland and still considers it home, recognising how those years laid a strong foundation for his theological curiosity and lifelong involvement in church life.

After returning to Perth and completing his final two years of high school, Kian began a Bachelor of Zoology at the University of Western Australia (UWA). While there, he became actively involved in the Christian Union. Halfway through his degree, however, he realised his heart lay elsewhere. Reflecting on that season, he shares, “I was sticking around simply for doing a bunch of Christian Union stuff rather than actually doing the stuff I was supposed to be doing…I wanted to work in ministry, especially after growing up in a missionary context, I understood that I had giftings for that… I just feel like I would really struggle to find a sense of purpose in anything else.” After speaking with several Trinity graduates, the decision to commence theological studies became an easy one.

Looking back on his first year at Trinity, Kian has especially valued the opportunity to explore parts of the Bible he may not have otherwise studied in depth, as well as the rich conversations with both students and lecturers. “It’s been good to broaden my own theological convictions,” he explains. “At Trinity, you’re exposed to different denominations, and it’s been really helpful to work through those differences, come to my own convictions, and learn how to share them.” He has also appreciated the way Trinity encourages mutual sharpening through hearing others’ perspectives and learning from different approaches to ministry.

Alongside his studies, Kian is employed at Hope Community Church, where he works one day a week with youth and young adults. He also serves on the music team and enjoys contributing wherever there is a need.

Looking ahead, Kian hopes to be ordained in the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia, which will involve further study and ordination exams. Ultimately, his heart is for overseas mission work. He would love to return to Ireland, where his formative years have given him a deep appreciation for the culture. “They need Irish pastors,” he says. “The evangelical church there is largely propped up by missionaries from overseas, and approximately less than one percent of the population remains evangelical.”

Kian is excited to continue his studies at Trinity and encourages others in the church to consider studying as well, whether full-time, through a diploma, or by enrolling in a Trinity at Night course. “Trinity is by far the best opportunity you have to get in-depth learning and to hone your skills in understanding and teaching the Bible.”

Please pray for Kian as he continues to discern the future of his studies and ministry, and as he serves faithfully at his church. Praise God for the growth and learning he has experienced this year and for the ways he is being equipped to serve well. Kian was also recently married, so please pray for him as he adjusts to married life with his wife, Eboni.