Dr Tom Evans has been named as the new president for the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference.
The appointment comes less than a month after Pastor Justin Lawman announced he was returning to local church ministry, after serving for nine years in the NNSW Conference. Citing his mother’s health and a conviction to lead a local church again as reasons for his departure, Pastor Lawman, who will pastor the Canberra National church, was officially farewelled at the recent NNSW Leadership Weekend.
“We have felt convicted about this for some time, but have left it in God’s hands,” said Pastor Lawman in his farewell message. “Every door has been flung open, so we are very much at peace with making this important decision.”
Replacing Pastor Lawman is Dr Tom Evans, assistant professor of Christian ministry at Andrews University and assistant director of the North American Division Evangelism Institute (NADEI). Though most of his pastoral ministry has been in the USA, Dr Evans has already spoken at Big Camp, ministers meetings, and evangelism training events for the NNSW Conference, as well as serving in the South New South Wales Conference.
Dr Evans’ most recent ministry assignment prior to joining NADEI was as the church planting director for the Texas Conference, where he saw 114 new churches planted over a period of nine years. Dr Evans is also passionate about working with refugees in North America and abroad and serves as the board chair for the Advocates for Southeast Asians and the Persecuted (ASAP) Ministries.
Dr Evans is married to Mara, who is originally from Brazil, and has 3 girls and 2 boys. His hobbies include gardening, softball, racquetball, travelling and raising golden retrievers.
“We wish Pastor Lawman and his wife Wendy God’s blessings as they embrace this new challenge and continue to grow God’s kingdom,” said Pastor Jorge Munoz, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia. “But at the same time, we would like to welcome Dr Evans and his family to the NNSW Conference. We are excited about what God will do through his ministry as he consolidates the positive work that is taking place in this Conference.”
