Hi I’m Jess!

I am married to Noel, and have 3 children, Lachlan, Eliza, and Rebecca. I started work as the Families Pastor at Emmanuel in 2015 after starting worshipping here in the early 2000’s.

Prior to working at Emmanuel, I worked The University of Queensland (UQ) in Student Recruitment and studied Music (Violin). I have also worked as a Tupperware demonstrator and manager, a Trivia Host, volunteered as a Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade leader and Band Coordinator, and helped in my children’s kids school classrooms and supporting the school Chaplaincy program. I have recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Divinity which has further supported and equipped me for ministry.

I grew up in local Baptist churches where I regularly attended Sunday School, Worship, and Girls’ Brigade with my parents and 7 siblings. I will be forever thankful for the role that my family, leaders, teachers, chaplains, and peers had in my faith development during my formative years.

I recognise from my own experience that faith formation and the intersection of faith and life in the early years is so important in growing and nurturing disciples, and as the saying goes, I really believe that it does take a whole village to raise a child. This is affirmed so many times in scripture, especially in Deuteronomy 6 and 11 where Moses addresses the whole community, calling them teach and pass on the things that they have learned and experienced…

“Impress these commandments on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up”. Deuteronomy 6:7

As a parent myself, I recognise that I need support in raising my family and constantly rely on my community to help and support me on that journey.

In my role as Families Pastor, I recognise the need to support and equip the church community to do the same, not only for their own families, but the whole community. Through being real and authentic and sharing life with children, parents, leaders and staff within the Church, Playgroup, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, Tiny Town, and local schools, it is my belief that I can truly help the Emmanuel wider community become a true village.

I hope that I can get to know you and your family support and serve with you too.

God Bless,

Jess