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1. What have you found most challenging as a church leader?

The disappointment that comes from people not wanting God's best for their lives and Christian consumerism of the Western Church.

2. How did you become a church leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

After 5 years working in a local Credit Union and responding to the call to leave my job and start bible college, I began volunteering as a youth leader in my home church and basically fell into the youth pastor role in October 1997. I wasn't looking for it, but it certainly found me. The Senior Pastor took a punt on me and I reckon it turned out pretty well.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I drive my youngest son to school every morning, (which I cherish) and then usually do a reading from a You Version bible reading plan and prayer.
Each day is set for particular tasks and focuses. e.g.: Monday is sermon preparation day, Tuesday is staff day which has one on one and group meetings. Wednesday's are usually for planning, vision and any pastoral meetings and Thursday is spent preparing for Sunday services, meetings and currently new building works. Nights are usually spent at home, taking turns of cooking the family meal, reading, TV and a church meeting/event. Friday is my day off which usually consists of golf, Thai lunch and relaxing.

4. What's one book apart from the Bible that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

I would have to say 'Fruit That Will Last' by Tim Hawkins. It is a youth ministry focused book, but the principles in this book are transferrable to all church ministry. It greatly impacted my life as a young youth pastor and makes you ask the hard question of am I really building healthy disciples of Christ or something different.

5. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?

Covid-19 has been very tiring- mange self care because I'm finite!

6. How do you develop a healthy leadership pipeline in a church?

1) Develop an emerging leaders group and read a leadership book together over 12 months where the senior leader invests their time, experience and reflections with around 6-8 handpicked people. Repeat...then repeat each year.

2) Development Sunday- where young people are given opportunities to preach, lead worship etc.

3) Volunteer training and annual volunteer recruitment drive.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a church leader so far?

It's hard to name just one, but nothing beats baptizing people and seeing the difference that Christ makes in a person life. In January 2019 I had the honor of baptizing my father in my home church in Wollongong- that's hard to beat!!

I also love God having conversations with people outside of the church where God's Spirit is already working in their hearts- it's a privilege.