REACHING NEW
Heights
PARTNERS IN MINISTRY IMPACT 2024
REACHING NEW
Heights
PARTNERS IN MINISTRY IMPACT 2024
A Message from our Executive Director
A year in review
At the start of 2024, we sponsored The Irresistible Church Tour with Carey Nieuwhof
In 2024, we sponsored the ACC NSW/ACT Conference in Port Macquarie
Throughout the year our team gathered together twice for our staff conference, where we learn, and grow, and connect together
Across the year, we hosted countless retreats, workshops, and other events, hosting many church leaders across the country
We even got to see some of our team members graduate
IN 2024, WE WORKED WITH
1069
CHURCH LEADERS
DENOMINATIONS WE WORKED WITH
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WHERE WE WORKED
After walking away from faith in his teens, Bruce’s life took an unexpected turn in his early twenties—thanks to a pair of first dates that ended with the same question: “What do you think about Jesus?” Those conversations led him to read Mark’s Gospel and encounter Christ in a life-transforming way. From that moment, Bruce knew he was called to share the gospel, eventually entering full-time ministry and serving faithfully for over three decades.
But after years of fruitful leadership—including church growth, evangelistic ministry, and navigating building programs and pandemics—Bruce began to reflect deeply on how to make the most of his remaining years in ministry. “I felt like I had another five years in me,” Bruce says. “And I wanted to finish well. I knew I’d need help to do that.” That help came through a coach from Partners in Ministry.
“From the first meeting, I knew Peter was exactly what I needed,” Bruce shares. “He brought structure, wisdom, and the right questions—not answers—to help me clarify what mattered most. It’s not just coaching. It’s coaching that understands our context, because Partners in Ministry knows the Australian church and brings deep research and experience to the table.”
As Bruce continues to lead his church with fresh vision and renewed focus, he’s convinced that coaching is one of the most important tools available to senior ministers. “Having someone outside the system, someone you can be honest with, who walks with you—it’s been invaluable. If you’re thinking about coaching, Partners in Ministry is who you want in your corner.”
After walking away from faith in his teens, Bruce’s life took an unexpected turn in his early twenties—thanks to a pair of first dates that ended with the same question: “What do you think about Jesus?” Those conversations led him to read Mark’s Gospel and encounter Christ in a life-transforming way. From that moment, Bruce knew he was called to share the gospel, eventually entering full-time ministry and serving faithfully for over three decades.
But after years of fruitful leadership—including church growth, evangelistic ministry, and navigating building programs and pandemics—Bruce began to reflect deeply on how to make the most of his remaining years in ministry. “I felt like I had another five years in me,” Bruce says. “And I wanted to finish well. I knew I’d need help to do that.” That help came through a coach from Partners in Ministry.
“From the first meeting, I knew Peter was exactly what I needed,” Bruce shares. “He brought structure, wisdom, and the right questions—not answers—to help me clarify what mattered most. It’s not just coaching. It’s coaching that understands our context, because Partners in Ministry knows the Australian church and brings deep research and experience to the table.”
As Bruce continues to lead his church with fresh vision and renewed focus, he’s convinced that coaching is one of the most important tools available to senior ministers. “Having someone outside the system, someone you can be honest with, who walks with you—it’s been invaluable. If you’re thinking about coaching, Partners in Ministry is who you want in your corner.”
2024 IN NUMBERS
Data derived from churches with a year or more of continuous engagement with Partners in Ministry
Merryn never planned to be in ministry. After high school, she started a university degree, but two and a half years in, she realised it wasn’t for her. When her church offered an internship, she decided to step in. “I never saw myself as a leader,” she admits. “But over time, God changed my heart and helped me grow.”
Sixteen years later, Merryn is still in ministry, but the journey hasn’t been easy. Her early years were full of challenges. “We had leadership turnover and team division,” she recalls. “It was tough, and I felt isolated. I didn’t have a lot of self-confidence, and at times, I questioned if I could keep going.”
Things took a turn during Melbourne’s lockdown. Balancing ministry, parenting, and everything else felt overwhelming. “I was trying to figure out how to do ministry online, while still caring for my baby,” she shares.
It was then she discovered Partners in Ministry through a workshop. “I knew I needed someone to walk alongside me who could help me process and grow in my leadership.”
After connecting with a coach, Merryn began monthly sessions. “Having someone outside my church context, who was for me, made all the difference,” she says. “It gave me clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m more secure in my leadership and calling than ever before.” Her advice to others? “Invest in yourself. It’s a game-changer for your ministry and your growth.”
Merryn never planned to be in ministry. After high school, she started a university degree, but two and a half years in, she realised it wasn’t for her. When her church offered an internship, she decided to step in. “I never saw myself as a leader,” she admits. “But over time, God changed my heart and helped me grow.”
Sixteen years later, Merryn is still in ministry, but the journey hasn’t been easy. Her early years were full of challenges. “We had leadership turnover and team division,” she recalls. “It was tough, and I felt isolated. I didn’t have a lot of self-confidence, and at times, I questioned if I could keep going.”
Things took a turn during Melbourne’s lockdown. Balancing ministry, parenting, and everything else felt overwhelming. “I was trying to figure out how to do ministry online, while still caring for my baby,” she shares.
It was then she discovered Partners in Ministry through a workshop. “I knew I needed someone to walk alongside me who could help me process and grow in my leadership.”
After connecting with a coach, Merryn began monthly sessions. “Having someone outside my church context, who was for me, made all the difference,” she says. “It gave me clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m more secure in my leadership and calling than ever before.” Her advice to others? “Invest in yourself. It’s a game-changer for your ministry and your growth.”
Recap from our states
Tasmania
My highlight across Tasmania was seeing the way Village Church, a 3 year old Church plant in Devonport TAS led by Pastor Craig Guntrip, had outgrown their rented facility. Village Church took a courageous faith move in late 2024 to make an offer on an ex-nursery with over 1000m2 of buildings on a 6 acre lot. The church rose to this financial move and they were able to move on the purchase. They are currently fitting it out and will be moving in very
soon. (I have been mentoring Craig Guntrip for 6 years)
- Andrew Ranucci
Queensland
2024 was a real year of consolidation and growth for Partners in Ministry across Queensland. With all staff having been on the team for several years we have not only seen an increase in the number of clients, but also an increase in the level of engagement we are having with them. As well as meeting with clients from many denominations and settings for coaching, mentoring and professional pastoral supervision we have been able to provide assistance in the areas of spiritual retreats, strategic consultancies and staff wellness workshops. We count it a privilege to serve ministry leaders in this way.
- Arthur Conomos
South Australia
My highlight for this year has been my consultative work with a denomination. This involved working with denominational heads, key leaders, and pastors across the particular state, culminating in a visionary, renewal project going forward.
- Craig Bailey
Victoria
In 2024, the Victorian State team empowered 222 ministers, most all reporting growth and increased effectiveness. New large church supervision agreements and a revised staffing model including contractors expanded our reach, flexibility, and impact across major churches and denominations statewide.
- Annie Layton
New South Wales
We were able to serve around 380 pastors and churches in a variety of ways. For many we provided vital one-on-one support (mentoring, supervision, coaching and spiritual direction). Others went on one of our spiritual retreats that provide time to explore their relationship with God. We also ran a number of leadership and ministry workshops, including completing a 12-month leadership development program with 12 newer senior pastors for the Baptist Association. Our experienced and expert consultants helped around 30 churches to grow and get healthier - resulting in around 17% growth in attendance and significant numbers of conversions. Our team loves pastors and churches and seeks to creatively and intentionally serve the pastors and churches we serve.
- Craig Farmer
New Zealand
One of the greatest privileges I have is walking alongside the leaders I supervise. I constantly hear comments like “I’m so glad we had this time locked in, the timing is always spot on! Being able to have a space where they can bring whatever they’re facing and know they won’t face it alone. Whether it’s navigating a tough conversation or simply needing a safe place to process, I’ve had the opportunity to help pastors rehearse and reflect before stepping into some of their most challenging conversations. I’m continually humbled by their vulnerability, and deeply encouraged as I watch God move through their leadership. It’s an honour to do what I do—and to see the ripple effect it creates in the lives of others.
- Marg Spicer
Western Australia
In 2024, we partnered with a stretched WA church to set strategic direction, renew focus, and restore leaders. A year later, they report less stress, greater clarity, and spiritual renewal—with growth unfolding in life-giving, Spirit-led ways.
- Emily Dickinson
Supporting church leaders to be healthy and effective
You play a pivotal role in equipping Ministers and Pastors to be healthy and effective in their ministries across Australia and New Zealand to see churches flourish.
Not all pastors are able to fund their own coaching or pastoral supervision, learning and development and many churches have yet to recognise the need for such vital development in their annual budgets.
Investing in Partners in Ministry directly invests in the local church across Australia and New Zealand. We sincerely thank you for partnering with us as we seek to fulfil our calling to support pastors in leading healthy and thriving churches.
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