Presbytery Chairperson
Rev Gereldine Leonard
There is a movement abroad in the world that lets loose the worst in us. It is fed by those hungry for wealth beyond their capacity to spend and the power that this brings. People are being damaged by this. People are being left behind. We are committed to Jesus’ way of love… a way of life that runs counter to human nature: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you…
Sometimes we are better at it than at others, but we are committed to being something we call the Kingdom of God. It is like a country within a country where people are treated with dignity and respect as we try to mirror what we see as the loving kindness of God toward all of us. If you are feeling left out and left behind, or lonely, here is a place for you. – Gereldine
Presbytery Minister West
Rev Tanya Walker
As Presbytery Minister’s our role is to respond to the needs of congregations within the North-West of the Presbytery, from Rutherglen/Corowa along the river to Echuca, down to Northern Rivers cluster and up the highway to Wangaratta, with all the congregations within this.
Working with these congregations and communities of faith, along with the other Presbytery Minister for the South-East side of the Presbytery, and other Presbytery leaders, this role will act as a resourcing minister, offering support and care to congregations and leaders with specific responsibility of developing ministry with Pacifica people. Through developing relationships and connections with faithful members of congregations this role will offer support, encouragement and equipping for ministry in the local context.
Presbytery Minister East
Scott Leslie
Scott’s role is to resource and encourage the congregations and communities in the Eastern part of our Presbytery. He will be involved in training, equipping and engaging with churches as a lay person in the ministry of Pastor. Scott has recently finished as Pastor at Euroa and Terip-Ruffy churches, and was also PNEV Secretary in 2022-2023. He lives in Wangaratta with his wife and teenage son. Before coming to this Presbytery, Scott was in a pastoral care role with Manningham UCA in Melbourne. He has experience as a lay leader in Anglican churches and in Student ministry, previously working within the recruitment industry and as a Public Servant. Scott is the representative from PNEV to the Equipping Leadership for Mission (eLM) unit, and meets regularly with Presbytery Ministers from across Victoria and Tasmania to discuss strategy and explore different ways of being the church. Scott follows Hawthorn in Australian Rules and Tottenham Hotspur in English Soccer. He looks forward to sampling the tea and coffee in the churches and cafes in towns across the Presbytery.
Presbytery Minister Pastoral Care
Rev Alan Lockwood
The Presbytery Minister Pastoral Care is a part-time minister who collaborates with the two full-time Presbytery Ministers. When long-term care is needed, it is typically the Presbytery Minister Pastoral Care who provides the ongoing support to individuals or congregations.
The Presbytery Minister Pastoral care maintains contact with ministers in placement, especially those settling into new placements, as well as with leaders where there is no minister in placement, and retired ministers.
The Presbytery Minister Pastoral Care is a member of the Synod Placements
Committee and the Presbytery Pastoral Relations Committee, and at times participates in mission studies with congregations seeking a new minister, Life and Witness programs, and is a facilitator for the Loddon Mallee North East Victoria Presbyteries worship resource program.
