ACC PASTORS EMERITUS Laine Willis

Pastor John Lewis said, “Facing retirement from the Pastorate should not be the end of a purpose-driven life. It can be the opening of new doors of opportunity to do things that pastors love doing.”

In presenting this report I would like to pay tribute to John and Val Lewis who laid the foundations for this ministry and served the Fellowship with excellence in their own retirement. The transition to “retirement” can be a very unsettling process as prominent responsibilities are relinquished, and new horizons are sought. The ministry of Pastors Emeritus seeks to nurture our retiring pastors in this transition period and encourage opportunities for continued viable ministry in a re-formed context.

QLD / NT Laine and Roslyn Willis have been functioning in this role since 2016 and through annual lunches during State Conferences, ACC Regional meetings, coffee mornings, Christmas gatherings, newsletters etc, have endeavoured to keep a sense of connection amongst our members.

NSW / ACT Ian and Doreen Bartley are very active in their roles with a number of connection events in regional centres including Newcastle, Gosford, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Port Macquarie. A morning coffee connect has also begun in Lismore with Tim Spoor. Their quarterly newsletters also ensure continued relationships around the state.

VICTORIA After seven years of Emeritus leadership,, Barry and Margaret have now stepped aside. They have done an excellent job during their time of service. The new leaders are Shane and Millie Lepp who have enlisted eight pastors to share in the leadership team to share the ministry of providing care and fellowship across the State. Thank you Barry and Margaret.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Under the leadership of Patty Hardy, the Pastors Emeritus have enjoyed local connections at State Conference and Christmas events. Significant initiatives flowing from the need to honour our retired pastors include an Emeritus prayer network and a scheduled space at State Conference to honour those who have “gone home” in the past conference period.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA A highlight in the calendar in SA for Emeritus leaders, Trevor and Valerie Auricht, have been the Barossa Emeritus Conference. Unfortunately, this event was dropped last year because of Covid restrictions. The previous year Pastor Andrew Evans was the speaker. Coffee catch-ups are being considered to enhance the fellowship in a more casual and localised setting.

TASMANIA Although the smallest numerically, Pastors Emeritus Tasmania is well taken care of by Ron and Marilyn Wilson through their personal interaction and pastoral encouragement.

ACC National Revised Emeritus Status The introduction of the “Honorary Ministry Certificate” now an option for those who no longer wish to fulfill the regulatory Child Safety Training, has made life much easier for our Pastors Emeritus. This option has been welcomed by a significant number of our pastors who found it difficult to maintain the current conditions required for an active credential. On behalf of all our Pastor Emeritus members throughout the ACC, I would like to thank our National and State Executives for their support and the honour given to our “retired” Pastors.

National Prayer Network This prayer network under the oversight of David and Ruth O’Keefe undergirds the Fellowship addressing specific prayer needs as they arise. Many of those involved are Emeritus members who feel that this ministry is vital in carrying the burdens of pastors, churches, missionaries and others before the Lord in intercessory prayer. If you would like to participate as an intercessor or have a prayer need at any time, contact can be made via prayer@acc.org.au.