26 Mar Let us not grow weary of doing good: an interview with PFNI Trustee Pastor Andrew Elder
Watch on YouTube | Watch Full Interview
This interview was conducted on 18th February 2026 with PFNI trustee and local minister, Pastor Andrew Elder. You can watch the full video by clicking the link above.
Andrew Elder’s journey has taken him from engineering at Queen’s University to full-time Christian ministry. Today, he serves as pastor of Village Church South Belfast, just off the Ormeau Road, and as a Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland trustee.
It was through involvement in a church plant out of Glenabbey fifteen years ago that his path towards full-time ministry became clear. Taking what he describes as “the plunge,” he completed a Master’s in Theology and stepped into church planting in South Belfast alongside his wife, Hayley.
Before entering full-time ministry, Andrew worked with the Simon Community, supporting 17 to 21-year-olds experiencing homelessness. That role exposed him to youth justice, restorative justice, and probation services. More importantly, it shaped his understanding of practical Christian service: sitting with someone, listening, and offering support.
“Visit those in prison… care for those in need,” he reflects. “These are things Christians are called to do.” Those formative experiences made the mission of Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland resonate deeply.
Andrew had long been aware of PFNI, but when the opportunity arose to serve as a trustee, he opened his Bible at Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary of doing good.” The verse confirmed his decision. “Isn’t that the message of Prison Fellowship?” he says. “If there’s a chance for me to do some good within this community, I’d love to do that.”
As a PFNI trustee, he is mindful of the legal and governance responsibilities, but also sees the role as providing vision, care, and guidance to staff and volunteers. He has witnessed firsthand the impact of PFNI’s work—through Christmas appeals, Sycamore Tree courses, and everyday engagement with those often overlooked by society.
His vision for the future is to equip local churches to welcome those with complex backgrounds, ensuring they find both safety and belonging. His prayer is for wisdom and the Spirit’s leading. Above all, his encouragement to the PFNI team is simple:
“Your efforts do not go unseen. They have eternal significance. Let us not grow weary of doing good.”
How We Can Pray for Pastor Andrew
- Wisdom for trustees and leadership – that decisions would be guided carefully and responsibly, with clarity and discernment.
- The Holy Spirit’s leading – that PFNI would be directed by the Lord in every step and future development.
- Clear vision for the future – for guidance in shaping the direction of the ministry and equipping local churches well.
- Encouragement and perseverance for staff and volunteers – that they would not grow weary in doing good and would remember their work has eternal significance.
Watch the full interview at the top of this page or on our YouTube channel.