Our Pastor
Pastor Denis was born in Queensland. Both his grandfathers were English and fought in the first World War. He has a mixed heritage including an Italian grandmother who arrived in Australia as a “ boat refugee”. His primary school years were spent in both North Queensland and the Victorian Gippsland area and afterwards into Adelaide for high school.
He is married to Bev, a teacher and remedial therapist with additional degrees in Psychology and Family Ministry. They have been married for over 40 years and have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.
A sporting enthusiast, his hobbies include many and varied water sports such as surfing, sailing and wind surfing. One of his favourite memories is paramotoring over the sea and coastline at Phillip Island. Night diving amongst the massive manta rays in Hawaii was a thrilling experience too. Denis enjoys experiencing nature’s scenery while playing regular golf games and white water kyaking with mates. Reading motor magazines or a well- researched historical novel are some of his other relaxation pursuits.
Professional
Denis has a BA in Theology, with Masters Degrees in Old Testament specializing in Archaeology as well as another in Leadership and Management. A thesis in Small Group Dynamics was a major part of his Doctorate of Ministry in Church Growth.
His first job was as a bricky’s laborer. He has pastored over 20 churches in Central and South East Australia, New Zealand and in Central Nottingham England as a volunteer youth worker. He has enjoyed serving our Lord and his people in many roles including: Youth Minister, Lecturer in Biblical Archeology, Evangelist, Community Services coordinator and Administrator. Above all, his favorite pastoral pursuit is to share and study the Bible with people of any age and seeing an unfolding of God’s presence and grace in their lives.
Best Religious Quote:
Favourite Bible Text
““The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I have come that they may have life to the Full.”
“The soul that lives for God unmoved by censure and unperverted by applause shall abide with Him forever.”
His Life’s motto:
Best Words of Wisdom:
“There is no limit to the good a person can do if they don’t care who gets the credit.”
“Living Life to the full (forever): following Jesus.”
His greatest joy is helping others discover and realise a meaningful eternal life, lived to the full, now and forever, following Jesus.