I trained at Moore College, and for 13 years I led a church planting ministry in Sydney’s inner-west, based around Balmain and Rozelle. This was an exciting and challenging ministry, and we were privileged to see a number of congregations birthed during this time.
In 2005 we moved to Ireland, where my father was born, so that I could become the rector of a Church of Ireland (Anglican) church in the southern suburbs of Dublin. We were there for six years, and it was a fantastic experience to minister in another culture. We very much enjoyed our life there, and felt very blessed by God to have had that experience.
In 2011 we returned to Sydney when I became the rector of St John’s. It is both an immense challenge and a great privilege to face the challenge of being a church in the mission field of Kings Cross. St John’s church itself has a complicated history, and has a large and diverse community and welfare ministry. The task of leading a community of Christian believers in this urban context is both exciting and difficult. Just as well we have a great and powerful God!
I am involved with Arrow Australia, a leadership development programme for emerging leaders in the Australian church. While in Ireland, I had the privilege of establishing the Arrow programme there (both in the Republic and Northern Ireland), and the joy of seeing it continue and thrive after I left.
Recently, I have developed an interest in coaching younger leaders. I am one of the directors of the coaching arm of the City to City church planting network in Australia, and also coach for Arrow. In 2014 I completed the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Supervision through St Mark’s College, Canberra.
I enjoy watching Australia beat other countries at just about any sport, but especially Rugby. And I have a deep-seated love affair with iTunes- so much music and so little time! I like running (slowly), reading (just about anything), and avoiding DIY tasks around the house (very successfully).
You can contact Ed at admin@stjohnsanglican.org.au
I coordinate the opening of Rough Edges during the day on Wednesday and Friday between 11am- 2pm. Volunteers and students open the Cafe and provide free cafe food, tea/coffee and we support people to make the changes in their lives that they would like to make. This may include challenges with accommodation, relationships, addiction or simply a safe place to enjoy supportive conversations. We train Volunteers and Students to use empathy and Nonviolent Communication with hospitality and art to build community and connections with people.
I have enjoyed being part of Rough Edges for the past 10 years and I am excited about the opportunities to welcome more people to Rough Edges.