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FEBRUARY 2021
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End of an era for Mark Pastor Mark Wilson’s 14 years as the Baptist Churches Western Australia (BCWA) Director of Ministries is concluding in March, as Australian Baptist Ministries has appointed him the National Ministries Director. connection with the health of its pastor.” Tom Price Baptist Church Pastor, Gavin Douglas is one of the many pastors who experienced Mark’s support firsthand. “I have loved how Mark is for the pastor – Mark stood alongside us, listened, empowered and championed for us.” Alongside his service as the Director of Ministries, Mark has served on numerous foundation boards for Western Australian Baptist ministries including the Baptist Relief Fund. This fund partners with local Baptist churches to help individuals and families who have been affected by natural disasters, including the South West fires in 2016. Mark also served as Chair of the Western Australia Heads of Churches for five years and will continue to serve as a Vice President for the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, helping to revitalise the body that represents over 33,000 local churches and 63 conventions in 22 countries across the Asia Pacific region. In its announcement to Baptist churches regarding Mark’s appointment, Australian Baptist Ministries National Chair, Reverend Steve Ingram said, “We are delighted that Mark Wilson will be stepping into the role.” “Mark brings excellent experience and understanding for the position and we are excited to see where God will lead us as a national movement over the coming years.”
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We are stronger when we work together BAPTIST CHURCHES WESTERN AUSTRALIA Photo: Supplied
BCWA Council Chair, Martin Alciaturi in a communication to pastors and churches shared that Mark had overseen 14 years of service and significant achievements as the Director of Ministries. “Mark leaves BCWA a significantly transformed organisation and we are very thankful for the numerous changes he has pioneered,” Martin said. Council member, Pastor Karen Siggins shared the Council’s excitement on Mark’s new appointment: “Mark has led Baptist Churches Western Australia with integrity and skill – the Council is delighted that Mark will have the opportunity to make even more of a difference for the Kingdom, at a national level.” In an interview with The Advocate in 2007, Mark shared that even though Baptist’s were a “big denomination”, there was a place for churches to “work together with one vision to make a difference”. In his tenure, Mark along with BCWA staff committed to finding ways to fulfill the vision of being an empowering movement helping pastors, ministries, churches and their communities say yes to Jesus. A defining example of this was revitalising the pastoral retreat for pastors, chaplains and their spouses. Mark’s Executive Assistant, Matthew Chapman said Mark was very committed to ensuring the organisation had healthy churches. “Mark’s commitment to the health of those in ministry is remarkable,” he said. “Mark is passionate about the health of pastors – spiritually, physical and emotionally – his strong belief is that the health of the local church has an intrinsic
3 A flash of hope
Baptist Churches Western Australia Director of Ministries, Mark Wilson will be concluding in March to take up the role of National Ministries Director for Australian Baptist Ministries.