Excitement Builds as New Leaders Take Helm in the Western Australian Conference

New Leadership Sparks Excitement in the Western Australian Conference

The recent constituency meeting held on September 13–14 in Perth marked a pivotal moment for the Western Australian Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, ushering in new leadership aimed at rejuvenating the community and advancing its mission. Pastor Ben Reynolds, who has an impressive history of service within the Church, has been appointed as president, and Pastor Kyle Richardson will serve as the new secretary.

Pastor Reynolds, reflecting on his journey, stated, “It’s an honour and privilege to serve the Church and our Lord Jesus Christ.” His appointment comes as a surprise to him, highlighting the unpredictable and adventurous nature of faith and service. He emphasized the conference's vision of becoming a disciple-making movement dedicated to spreading the hope of Jesus throughout Western Australia. With a commitment to further the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Reynolds looks forward to inspiring communities with messages of hope.

A Deep Commitment to Service

Pastor Kyle Richardson brings over a decade of experience to his new role. Having served in various capacities from pastor to church planter, he acknowledges the trust placed in him by the WA constituency. "I appreciate the vote of confidence that the WA constituency has placed in me and will endeavour by God’s grace to fulfil all the duties and requirements needed to uplift His name and give Him all the glory," Pastor Richardson expressed during the meeting. His enthusiasm for his new responsibility is palpable and indicates a promising direction for the Conference.

Honoring a Legacy

The meeting also served as a farewell for Pastor Steve Goods, whose 36 years of dedicated pastoral ministry, including 21 years in WA, were celebrated. His retirement marks the end of a significant era, as he has played a crucial role in shaping the conference's direction over the past decade as president. The delegates recognized his unwavering commitment and the deep impact he has made in the community.

Pastor Goods, alongside Pastor Brad Thomas and CFO Graeme Drinkall, received heartfelt appreciation for their contributions to the Church. Drinkall has been appointed CFO of the Australian Union Conference, and the search is on for a successor to fill the CFO role within WA Conference. This transition signifies a continuous evolution within the leadership that seeks fresh perspectives and ideas.

Celebrating Growth and Investment in Community

The conference delegates also shared encouraging reports highlighting 615 baptisms and professions of faith over the past four years, coupled with impressive tithe growth. These statistics are not just numbers; they signify the lives changed and the communities touched by the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in WA. With significant investments made in local schools, including expansions at Landsdale and Victoria Park, as well as the multimillion-dollar redevelopment at the Rossmoyne Waters retirement village, there’s a clear commitment to outreach and engagement.

Future Directions: A Community Focus

The creation of the new Mornington Adventure Camp reflects the conference's goal of nurturing young people and engaging the broader community. This camp will serve as a platform for educating and equipping the next generation of disciples, further rooting the Church's commitment to fostering strong community connections.

Your involvement as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist faith community is crucial. As the new leadership embarks on this exciting journey, they invite all members to unite in purpose and participate in the mission of fostering hope and discipleship in every corner of Western Australia. Let’s embrace this new chapter together, reflecting on how we can contribute to spreading the message of hope in our communities.

What Lies Ahead?

The leadership changes and community investments highlight a transformative period for the Western Australian Conference. As members of the SDA faith community, staying engaged and supportive of these initiatives will be essential as they strive to fulfill their calling. Here’s an opportunity to share your perspectives, support the new leadership, and participate actively in the mission ahead.

This new leadership period is filled with hope, vision, and an unwavering commitment to mission. Together, let’s celebrate what has been accomplished, anticipate exciting developments, and work collaboratively towards a brighter future.