Meet The Pastor

Hi there my name is Allan and I’m the Pastor at Clarence Town Presbyterian Church. We arrived in town at the end of 2018 and the last 6 years have flown by. It’s so encouraging to come to a country town that is thriving. It’s great to see so many new houses being built. On a personal level, we are enjoying the country life once again, the family has settled in well, tennis is a regular feature of our week, and I’m really enjoying going out in the tinny fishing – weather permitting! Although fishing for people is our true joy!

In 2018 I completed four years theological study at Christ College in Burwood, (formerly the Presbyterian Theological Centre) and this is my first Pastoral appointment as Minister of a congregation. We are very excited to be here in the beautiful village of Clarence Town. Leanne and I have been married for 28 years and we have four kids, 2 at home and two living in regional NSW.

 We have lived in Penrith, Ungarie, Cheshunt (Vic), Griffith and Glenwood over those last 28 years, holding various jobs – the longest stints being myself as a policeman and Leanne as a nurse, and now the best job ever – preaching and pastoring people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! In 2020 I was invested as an Honorary Police Chaplain to the Port Stephen’s – Hunter Police District, so back in blue in a different way this time! As the Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Clarence Town, my hope is to be able to reveal the love of God through word and deed to the people of our District. As a gathering of God’s people we hope to do this through sharing the good news of the most influential person in all history – Jesus, and by putting into practice what he charged his followers everywhere to do: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself.

While a large part of being the Pastor of a Church involves explaining God’s word from the Bible, (both Old and New Testaments!) I confess I am always looking forward to getting to know the people of our town, and sharing with them the awesome hope there is for the future, that comes from faith in what Jesus has done. Clarence Town Presbyterian Church has experienced some excellent growth in recent times, enabling us to inject a new approach to our church music when we worship, as well as having kids talks and the potential for running a full Sunday school. Mainly Music for pre-school aged kids is now in its 2nd year, meeting every Wednesday. Soon we hope to commence construction of a new church building (behind the old one) enabling us to increase our capacity and hold more community events at the church – including art classes, special guest nights and men’s and women’s events, Mainly Music and Youth Group, first aid courses etc. It is such an exciting time for Clarro Pressies and I just love to baptise newbies in our own Williams River down the road!

 As a newly revitalising church in the town, we’d like to extend a heart felt invitation for all to come and worship the Lord our God, enjoy great friendships and learn about who Jesus is at 10am every Sunday. 

Also please check out our website to see what’s happening in our Church, and we’d love for you to drop in to check us out either on a Sunday or one of our Growth Groups – or drop me a line via email or phone – I love a chat!

God Bless, hope to see you soon.
Allan and Leanne Welch