Pastor Alban Matohiti has been called to serve as the new president of Greater Sydney Conference.
The role became vacant after Pastor Terry Johnson was appointed president of the Australian Union Conference (AUC).
Pastor Matohiti has been in ministry for 22 years, pastored at Wahroonga church for 12 years and most recently served as GSC ministerial secretary. He is “humbled by the enormity of the task” ahead of him.
“It is a very challenging responsibility and somewhat at times one cannot help to feel not worthy of the call,” he said.
“But part of being called to be in pastoral ministry is to serve in these areas. Please keep us in your prayers.”
He and his wife, Maria, have three young children: Sienna, Emmanuel and Liviyah.
Pastor Terry Johnson served as GSC president from 2017 until August 2021, when he accepted the call to become AUC president.
“I’m excited by the appointment of Pastor Alban, Maria and their family for the role of president of the wonderful Greater Sydney Conference,” he said.
“I’ve been privileged to experience his wisdom in a variety of circumstances and have no doubt that he is ably gifted by the Holy Spirit to lead God’s people. His pastoral heart and passion for people is evident and the vision he will communicate in time will be powerful. We pray that the Lord will bless Pastor Alban with wisdom and discernment as he becomes even more of a servant as Matthew 20:25-28 details.”
Pastor Matohiti is originally from Albania, where he was the first native Albanian to be ordained as a pastor. He worked as a church planter, pastor and president of the Albanian Mission and earned a bachelor’s degree in theological studies at Newbold College. He is currently working on a master’s degree in leadership and management.
Leading a large and diverse conference like Sydney is not an easy task, but Pastor Matohiti has confidence that he’s up to the challenge, knowing God is with him. He asks others in the Greater Sydney Conference to join him in asking for divine leadership. “It is my desire and genuine prayer that in every decision and battle we face as a Conference that we seek His will first and that God goes before us.”
