Meet Our Team

The Ministry Team

Malcolm MacLeod

Malcolm MacLeod is a visionary leader with a love for people. He has a strong desire to see people grow in Christ through the fulfillment of The Great Commission, “Go make disciples” This desire to grow people is coupled with a burden for leaders. As a result much of his time is devoted to pastoring pastors and leading leaders to achieve their full potential in ministry to the body of Christ. Malcolm, along with his wife Karen, have been the Snr Pastors of South West since 1990.

 

Karen MacLeod

Karen MacLeod is a passionate preacher and teacher of the Word. She carries a strong conviction regarding the believer’s destiny and God’s purpose for every individual. She is a “tell it like it is” speaker who delivers with anointing and strength. Some of the emphasis of her ministry includes; transformation, identity in Christ, vision, practical keys to everyday living, & real faith. Karen connects her preaching to people living in a real world. She preaches what she lives.

 

 

Leighton Roberts

Leighton Roberts is one of Victoria’s great emerging leaders. Having been part of leading Element Youth over many years, he recently transitioned into the Executive Pastor role at South West.  He has also had roles with Youth Alive, and the City West District for the AOG/ACC. He is an engaging and passionate preacher who inspires, challenges, & encourages many. Leighton is married to Eilidh, and they have 3 young children.

 

Raelle Smit

Raelle Smit has a very genuine love, and caring nature, for people. She is an experienced Secondary School teacher, who now works fulltime as the Pastoral Care and Childrens Pastor at South West. Her input into a large variety of teams has seen growth and stability over many years.

 

 

 

Matt Street

Matt Street is a man on a mission! Having grown up in the Western Suburbs, and committing his life to Jesus in the late 90’s, Matt has a burning desire to see the lost come to know the Lord. Matt is highly involved in Equip Church Planting and also leads as the Missions & Outreach pastor at South West.

 

 

Elissa Parsons

Elissa Parsons is a gifted singer, musician, and songwriter; and is the Director of Worship & Creative Arts at South West. Her passionate love for God is obvious in her worship leading, for which she leads with great authority and energy. Elissa is married to Jarred and has one daughter Sienna, with a second child due early in 2011.

 

 

 

Pam Asplin

Pam Asplin is P.A. to Pastors Malcolm & Karen. She joined the church staff in August 2002 working firstly in the office as administrator, then in early 2008 moving into her current role. Pam is on the leadership team of S.H.E. amongst many other support roles. She shares her home with a cute West Highland puppy, Gus.

 

 

 

Ian Keeling

Ian is the Business Manager for South West.  With many years experience on church & community agency boards, and a background in banking, he provides visionary insight and wisdom into the management and functional operations of South West.  A keen golfer, and Dad to 3 robust teenage boys!

Anna McGookin

Anna is a gifted teacher who draws out great revelation and life-application from God's Word.  Having overseen ministry areas such as Life Groups, Pathway/DNA, STEPPS, and other similar discipleship-related activities, she now is the Principal of the South West Bible College, along with major involvement in Equip Church Planting.  She is married to Barry with two teenage boys.

Eddy Venema

After taking on the leadership of Element Youth early in 2010, Eddy has impressed beyond his years!  He's overseen a significant growth in attendance, many young leaders released to serve and minister, and many teenagers making commitments to Jesus!  Eddy has a huge desire to see God move on the hearts and lives of young people!

Daniel Sanders

Daniel has recently joined the South West team as the Director of South West Community Services.  He comes to us with many years of full-time ministry experience in missions and outreach, university ministry, multi-location church, and team-leading.  We are thrilled to welcome Daniel and his wife Fiona to our team!

 

The Leadership Team

Jurgen Wiesner South West Training Services Director	John Martin Itinerant Minister and Equip Network
Barry McGookin Eldership	Steve Birch Rangers Victoria State Director
Charles Verzantvoort Local Missions	Ray Mitchell Wyndham Vale Outreach Leader
Jarred Parsons Link Leader	Des Wisewould Care Team Member
Jono Biden Assistant in Creative Ministries