New leadership was appointed for the Western Australian Conference during its constituency meeting, held September 13–14 in Perth.
Pastor Ben Reynolds was elected as president and Pastor Kyle Richardson as secretary.
Pastor Reynolds has previously served as a pastor in New Zealand and Geraldton, WA, before his appointment as ministerial secretary for the Conference three years ago.
“It’s an honour and privilege to serve the Church and our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. “As I look back over my life, no-one is more surprised about this appointment than me. It’s part of the adventure of following God’s call.
“Seventh-day Adventists are a people of hope with a message of hope. We’re excited about our direction as a Conference: to be a disciple-making movement that brings the hope of Jesus to every community in Western Australia.”
He is married to Jessica, and together they have two young children, Sarah and Josh.
Pastor Richardson has served in Western Australia for 12 years in a variety of roles, including pastor, chaplain, children’s ministry director and church planter. “I appreciate the vote of confidence that the WA constituency have 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,” he said.
He and his wife Nicole have four sons—Braden, Tyler, Jacob and Noah.
The meeting also marked the retirement of Pastor Steve Goods, who was presented with a citation in recognition of his 36 years of pastoral ministry, including 21 years in WA as a pastor and ministerial secretary, and the past eight as Conference president. Delegates also expressed appreciation to Pastor Brad Thomas and Graeme Drinkall for their service as secretary and CFO. Mr Drinkall has been appointed CFO of the Australian Union Conference, with a new WA Conference CFO to be announced in due course.
Delegates also received reports highlighting 615 baptisms and professions of faith over the past four years, as well as strong tithe growth. Significant investments have been made in the expansion of Landsdale and Victoria Park schools, a multimillion-dollar high-rise development at the Rossmoyne Waters retirement village, and the creation of the new Mornington Adventure Camp to disciple young people and engage the wider community.
