Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) has made two appointments to its leadership team.
Pastor Cheonneth Strickland is taking on the role of general secretary, a position that recently became vacant after Pastor Adrian Raethel was appointed president of the North NSW Conference. Pastor Strickland has worked in the Greater Sydney Conference for the past 21 years. Most of this time was spent in youth ministry, including as the Conference youth director, although he has also pastored at both Ashfield and Thornleigh churches. Most recently he served as family ministries director and cluster team leader of children, youth and family ministries.
Pastor Strickland is married to Nicole and they have three teenage children, Zach, Savannah and Kai. He said he is honoured to accept the role of general secretary and looks forward to serving God and the Church in this new capacity to grow God’s kingdom.
GSC has also appointed Pastor Alban Matohiti as ministerial secretary to replace Pastor Nataniel Pereira, who is retiring at the end of 2019. Pastor Matohiti has been serving on the pastoral team at Wahroonga church for the past 12 years, and is currently the senior pastor. He previously worked as a church planter, church pastor and acting president of the Albanian Mission.
Pastor Matohiti is married to Maria and they have three children, Sienna, Emmanuel and Liviyah. He said he is looking forward to the new challenge, and serving and supporting the pastoral team at GSC.
Commenting on the appointments, GSC president Pastor Terry Johnson said: “The spiritual tone and atmosphere that [Australian Union Conference president] Pastor Jorge Munoz led as chair of the GSC appointments committee fostered the excellent discussion that ensued.
“Every name was considered in Christian love and care with [CFO] Eva Ing and I happy to work with any of those nominated for either position. I’m really thrilled with the spiritual strengths that both Pastor Cheonneth and Pastor Alban have and the experience they bring to our team. They’re home grown and we’re proud of them and look forward to working by their sides in sharing the three angels’ messages in our Conference.”
Pastor Strickland will take up his appointment immediately while Pastor Matohiti will commence his role on January 1, 2020.
