7 Questions with Church leaders
Read insights and thoughts on leadership from Church Leaders around the world.
Thank you to the amazing church leaders who have answered our 7 questions so far, we hope you find their answers helpful for you in your leadership journey!
7 Questions with Craig Anderson
Name: Craig Anderson
Current title: Pastor
Current organisation: Infinity Church in Melbourne, Australia
Born in Sydney I transferred to Brisbane when I was five and my dad passed when I was seven. My disabled sister had to go into care so my mother could go out to work. I did primary school and high school in Brisbane and right throughout my childhood our family had no religious experience or Christian input.
At university when I was studying electrical engineering some people witnessed to me and invited me to come to church, which I attended at Christian Outreach Centre in West End in 1977. The second week I went along with my then girlfriend, Chris, who later became my wife I gave my life to Jesus and had a very real and meaningful experience at that time. Chris gave her heart to Christ at about the same time and with her we got involved in kids ministry then youth ministry and Chris ended up on the staff of the school as a teacher and I ended up on the staff of the church as a youth leader after only three years from the time of salvation.
I served in that church for 14 years in many roles and then came to Melbourne to plant a church in 1994. This local church has been effective in our area and meeting Community needs and planting several other churches. Chris and I have four sons who are all Christians and three of them are serving in some kind of ministry roles. I am nearing the end of my ministry career and focusing more on mentoring the next generation.
7 Questions with Magnus Linder
Name: Magnus Linder
Current title: CEO
Current organisation: Churches Housing
Magnus is the CEO of Churches Housing, a peak body working in the space between government and church social service organisations with the aim to increase the supply of social and affordable housing. As a professional firefighter Magnus decide to commence some studies at Bible college and surprised everyone when he graduated a decade later, taking the prize for the slowest learner in the college's history.
After 17 years as a "firey" Magnus worked for two different international missions organisations as their State Director, first with OMF International and then Operation Mobilisation. After a decade of living by faith it was time to find a job that paid a little money and Magnus worked with Anglicare Sydney as the State Disaster Recovery Coordinator and also as Assistant Director for Advocacy and Partnerships, prior to moving into the role of CEO of Churches Housing where he has been for the past seven years. Magnus is married to Karon and they have three adult daughters, two of whom are married.
7 Questions with Luke Main
Name: Luke Main
Current title: Co-Senior Pastor
Current organisation: Beyond Church in Australia
I have literally just turned 40 and have been in church ministry all of my memorable years. I have been a part of our church from when I was 8 years old and have been Co-Senior Pastor since 2013. Beyond Church is a growing church across 3 locations, and I lead it with my wife, Pastor Rachel Main. I have 4 children, Zara 15, Max 12, Eva 10, Violet 8. We live in the beautiful Hunter Valley, the heart of wine country in NSW Australia, the most visited wine region in our nation.
7 Questions with David Luthy
Name: David Luthy
Current title: Lead Pastor
Current organisation: Bracken Ridge Baptist Church
Married to the wonderful Sarah & Lead Pastor at Bracken Ridge Baptist Church. Previously served as Youth & Young Adults Pastor at 2 different churches before stepping into the role of Lead Pastor in September 2019. I'm passionate about developing leaders and seeing the church become increasingly effective in its mission.
7 Questions with Ivan Yoder
Name: Ivan Yoder
Current title: Pastor
Current organisation: Bible Baptist Church in South Dakota
Saved out of the Amish at age 10 years old. Then joined the Baptist church soon after. I went to Christian school for High School and to Ambassador Baptist College for ministry training. I was a Youth Pastor for 12 years and then an Associate Pastor for 4 years. In 2014 I took the Senior Pastorate at Bible Baptist Church in Brookings, SD.
7 Questions with Geoff Snook
Name: Geoff Snook
Current title: Lead Pastor
Current organisation: The Lakes Church in Cairns, Australia
Geoff and his wife Laura live with their four kids in beautiful Cairns, Far North Queensland. They can often be found running, cycling and competing in an occasional triathlon.
Geoff spent most of his growing up years in Papua New Guinea as the son of missionaries. He moved to the Gold Coast for university and after a couple of years ended up in a youth ministry internship at Southport Church of Christ. During this time he met Laura and they were married in 2006. Geoff & Laura led the youth ministry at Southport Church of Christ together until their first child was born. At this point Laura focussed more on raising their children while Geoff continued in youth and young adult ministry.
In 2012 the family moved to The Lakes Church in Cairns where Geoff took on the role of Generations Pastor. In 2015 he transitioned into the role of Senior Pastor.
Over the last several years God has led The Lakes Church to focus more on being a church for everyone - and particularly for people who have no background in church or faith. Geoff loves preaching and team leadership towards this goal - that everything the church does would help people encounter and follow Jesus.
7 Questions with Adam Starling
Name: Adam Starling
Current title: Senior Pastor
Current organisation: Victory Family Church in Oklahoma
Adam and Kristy Starling took over a struggling church of 100 people in January of 2013. A year later this church became Victory Family Church and now serves as the home for over 4,500-5,000+ people in weekly attendance. In that time span it has become one of the fastest growing churches in America.
Adam and Kristy have committed their lives to create a place where people can come to know Christ, grow in Him, and find a family. The ministry philosophy is incredibly simple and effective.
They have two children, Beckham and London, who are along for every step of the journey.
7 Questions with Mark Gordon
Name: Mark Gordon
Current title: Lead Pastor
Current organisation: The Bridge Community of Faith
www.markgordon.ca
Mark has been involved in business and community leadership, family coaching and a keynote speaker for more than 30 years. His passion for people is evident whether speaking, writing or coaching. He is passionate to empower people, families and organizations to become relationally, emotionally and spiritually healthy.
Currently;
Lead Pastor of “The Bridge” Community of Faith
Keynote Speaker - On a variety of topics
Coordinator at Family Foundations Canada Seminars
Facilitator of Multiple workshops including – Relationship Matters, Strength Based Parenting, Managing your Anger, Shadow Boxing (Dealing with Shame), and others.
K.E.M.A (Kelowna Evangelical Ministerial Association)
Formerly;
Founder of Y.O.U.R Youth Center
President of Telecommunications Company
Founder and Executive Director of Mercy for Youth Society in BC.
Former National Director and Executive Director of Impact Society
Co-Producer of the Heroes Project (Character Education Program)
Founder of The Gate Youth Church
Contact Info
Tel. 250.808.8881
Website www.markgordon.ca
Email [email protected]
Mark is married 37 years with three kids and with three more added by marriage and two grandchildren.
7 Questions with Ed Devine
Name: Ed Devine
Current title: Next Generations Pastor
Current organisation: Baptist Churches Western Australia
Ed is married to Nelly and their son Otto is approaching 2 years of age. Together they enjoy the beach, visiting friends and family and reading. Being bi-vocational, Ed is the Team Leader at Quinns Baptist Church in Perth’s northern beaches.
7 Questions with Luke Williams
Name: Luke Williams
Current title: Lead Pastor
Current organisation: Follow Baptist Church
Married to Kim
4 Kids: Adele, Tayla, Anika & Lenny
Qualified Carpenter but now been in full time ministry for 14 years
Planted Follow Baptist Church in 2015
Follow StKilda Football Club