From Solitary to Shepherding: Zane Ceeney’s Journey to Ministry

Zane Ceeney grew up in a small town called Singleton, in the Hunter Valley, near Newcastle. Over the course of his childhood and adolescence he had heard about Jesus from his Aunt. But for much of his early life, the message remained distant. 

It wasn’t until his early thirties – in a prison cell – that he found Jesus. 

Jesus, a Cell, and the Bible

At 33, Zane found himself in solitary confinement for two and a half months. Confined to a cell block and only a New Testament in his hand, he began reading. 

“It was just me and the Bible really and I was reading the New Testament every day”

He had been to the prison chapel in the past. He’d heard the Gospel message countless times. But something had changed for Zane. Alone with the Scriptures, the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John confronted him in a new way.

“The fact that he came to give life and life in abundance, and that life is not just going to heaven, but it was actually knowing God now.” is what amazed Zane. 

The truth of Christ’s death and resurrection became deeply personal. Zane was already convinced of his guilt before God. But it wasn’t fear that drew him to Jesus.

“It wasn’t the fear of hell. It was the love of God that was displayed on the cross that really just got me,” he reflects. 

Receiving such a revelation of Christ laying down His life for His People dismantled years of anger, addiction and searching for identity in things that could never satisfy. In that prison cell, Zane received Christ as Lord and Saviour.

And his life began to change.

Clarity Into Calling

After completing his sentence, Zane moved into a boarding house in Newcastle with around 40-50 men, many recently released from prison or experiencing homelessness. A short time later he started attending church at Belair Baptist, where the pastor began disciplining him. 

“We’d have all these guys from the boarding house just get in the pastor’s car and we’d all go to church every Sunday,” he recalled. 

Over the next six to seven years, while operating a lawn-mowing business and establishing family life, Zane’s desire to study the bible grew. 

“From the moment I became a Christian, I thought, well, ‘I’m going to go to Bible college,’” he shares. 

While recovering from an injury for several months this desire grew rapidly. During that time he met a Christian who started teaching him Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament. 

“It just really fueled this desire to go to college,” he says. “I wanted to go and learn Hebrew and learn how to deal with the Bible in its original languages.” 

Mentors  recommended Christ College, and after meeting with the Principal, Ian Smith, Zane and his wife felt confident that this was where God was leading him. 

A Big Move, a Clear Call

Zane’s decision to study full-time at Christ College meant moving from Newcastle to Sydney. A move that came with its challenges when relocating a wife and two daughters. Despite the adjustment, Zane and his family were committed to trusting God in this transition. 

Now in his fourth and final year at Christ College, Zane describes the experience as one of the greatest seasons of his life. 

“The quality of the lectures have been great,” he says. “I’ve loved every subject and not only that, getting to know the lecturers and who they are as people and the community.”

He speaks fondly of the midweek chapel services, emphasizing how much he is encouraged by the opportunity for God’s people to gather after studying the Bible, learn from scripture, and offer praises.

“To learn about God together, and then worship Him together — that’s been a highlight.”

Unsurprisingly, his favourite subjects are Hebrew and Greek.

“Anything to do with Hebrew and Greek,” he laughs.

Looking Ahead

Zane is currently undertaking an internship at Hornsby Presbyterian Church as part of his preparation for full-time ministry. While he is waiting on God to provide further clarity on his specific ministry he is adamant about one thing:

“To minister the Word. To disciple people. To see people grow in their faith — and to see people come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.” 

Whether that future leads him to Sydney, regional Australia, or back toward Newcastle remains to be seen. For Zane, his priority is allowing God to direct him wherever he is needed. 

For those considering studying at Christ College, Zane would “highly recommend it as a place to be trained and equipped.”