The activities of NewHope are lead by scores of gifted leaders whose tireless work enables diverse ministries and services. A highly qualified Staff Team manage the work and a skills based, elected Church Council governs NewHope. Working together in their various roles, the Leaders, Staff and Council serve our dedicated Members and Supporters who enable the frontline impact of NewHope.
Our Leaders
Leadership is critical to mission success. At NewHope we serve a large cohort of leaders with support networks, training opportunities and formal accountability structures. We invest in the future of our organisation and the well-being of our community by identifying and developing emerging leaders for a wide variety of domains of service.
Our Staff
The NewHope Staff Team is responsible for the management of our shared activity. Some staff roles serve the public directly through our social enterprises and our service programs. Other staff serve the spiritual health of the followers of Jesus enabling more and more people to use their gifts and participate in God’s mission. And a group of much less visible people – like the finance team or the lock-up crew – provide essential support for hundreds of NewHope participants. Together we help people make and multiply life-giving relationships.
Our Council
NewHope is served by a committed Council comprised of seven elected volunteer members each serving a 2 year term, the Executive Pastor and the Senior Pastor. At NewHope’s annual AGM we appoint new and continuing Council members. The Council Members who take executive roles (Council Chair, Finance Director and Church Secretary) are elected to these roles by the assembled members.
Rev. Dr. Allan Demond
Senior Pastor
Our Church Council
NewHope is served by a committed leadership Council comprised of seven elected volunteer members each serving a 2 year term, and two senior staff members. At our annual AGM we appoint new and continuing Council members. The Council Members who take executive roles (Council Chair, Finance Director and Church Secretary) are elected to these roles by the assembled members.
Current members of Church Council
Chris Meyers
Council Chair
Andrew Gale
Finance Director
Amanda Carruthers
Church Secretary
Surette Southwood
Executive Pastor
Tristan Ellett
Liza Somers
Murray Baird
Darryn Hockley
The Senior Pastor (Allan Demond) is also a member of Church Council.
The Nomination Process
Church Council responsibilities and election procedures are detailed in Clause 7 of the NewHope Constitution and in the Nomination form.
Nominating church members to serve on the Church Council may arise from the Church Council or church members.
The Church Council has responsibility for “encouraging and developing potential Council members so that the future leadership of the Church is assured” – 7.1(j). Accordingly, the Council is constantly in prayer and conversation about future Council members. In considering potential Council members careful attention is given to the following areas:
- Spiritual maturity & leadership capacity (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:8-13)
- The skills mix needed for good governance in a growing church
- Gender, ethnic and generational representation
- Experience in ministry and leadership at NewHope
- Church Council continuity
Also, Church members may consider nominating themselves or someone else to serve on the Council. In these circumstances the potential candidate should contact the Council Chair or Church Secretary to explore the scope of a Church Councillors’ role and responsibilities. The contact details are at the bottom of this page.
Note: “Only members who have been members of the church for at least 12 months immediately preceding the election will be eligible for election to the Church Council.” (7.3) Council members are required to obtain a police check and a working with children check as part of their induction.
The formal process for nominating members involves the completion of a nomination form signed by three Church members and the nominee. This form is submitted to the Church Secretary by the close of the third week prior to the Annual General Meeting where voting will take place.
The nomination form and NewHope Constitution are available via the links below or from the Church Secretary.
Church Secretary: Amanda Carruthers, amanda.carruthers@newhope.net.au