Michael is a solicitor. He obtained his BA, LLB at the University of Melbourne. After graduation, he took a job in Sydney. He started to attend a Church of Christ which is known as the Northside Community Church in Sydney. In May 1989, he surrendered his life to the Lord. He was baptized three Sundays later.
In 1997, Michael visited the Solomon Islands for 10 days. He was involved in legal counselling for the National Council of Churches in Australia. This short experience changed many of his own values. Four days after his return to Sydney, Michael had the deep experience of God’s call on his life to become a pastor. The words “I want you to go into ministry” lit up in his mind.
After talking to his pastor and another trip to the Solomon Islands, Michael began to study to become a pastor. He obtained the Master of Divinity while at the Bible College of Victoria. He then undertook additional studies at the Anglican Ridley College. While at Ridley he experienced training as a minister in two different churches. Since 2005 Michael has been a Tentmaker Pastor. He supports himself by working three days as a Family Law Solicitor.
Michael has been a member of the Bible College of Victoria Council since 2005. In April this year, he was appointed as the College President.
The Elders are recommending that Michael be appointed as a Tentmaker Pastor at our church. He will work for three days as a Solicitor. He will fulfil the role as a Pastor during the remaining two days per week. His only outside engagement is in his role as President of the Bible College of Victoria. Michael’s area of expertise will be in setting up a Legal Counselling Centre. He will also be involved in other duties as a Pastor. Michael will financially support himself as a solicitor. His work in the church, as a part-time pastor, is honorary; that is, he will not be paid by the church.
The role as a Tentmaker Pastor is the best way to use Michael’s twin gifts and experience as a Pastor and also as a Solicitor. As Michael reflects on God’s call to him to “go into ministry”, he feels that this is what God desires of him.
