Bellarine Peninsula Church of Christ’s new pastor Glenn Munday sat down with Justin Flynn to chat about the church and plans to attract young members to the congregation.
How long have you been with Bellarine Peninsula Church of Christ?
Five weeks.
I was with Kardinia Church in Geelong for eight years. I resigned in January and finished in March.
We had two weeks in Bali and then came back and have basically been in isolation.
I was due to start here in June, but with the restrictions I haven’t been able to.
Been visiting all the congregation and getting to know them and Sunday was our first service.
How was that first service?
Great to be back. Great celebration. We had 59. We were able to say goodbye to our previous pastor, Mark and Evelyn, and you don’t always get the chance to say goodbye to one and welcome another.
I thought it was really significant and a good celebration.
Where do you live now and where did you grow up?
We live in Waurn Ponds. I was born in Mansfield and raised on a farm until I was about 10 and have basically been in Geelong ever since.
Did you have a career before the Church?
I was in carpet sales. I’ve been in and out of Fletcher’s Carpets which is now Carpet Choice, in Gordon Avenue. They were fantastic.
I got saved in ‘83, went on staff at Barrabool Hills, which was Nicholas Street in ‘86. Left there in 1995 and started at Lara in 1996 as the senior pastor out there and was there for 14 years.
I had 18 months off and then have been at Kardinia for eight.
What are the demographics of the congregation these days?
That’s one of the things about coming in as an intentional interim is to try and change things here. We’ve got a couple of families in their 30s or 40s but most of our congregation is over 60. And that’s something we want to change, by looking at putting a jumping castle in and inviting families and having barbecues and opening it up to the community.
We’ll do community meals and invite people and really try to build those relationships.
I think a lot of churches over the years have become insular and it’s all them rather than actually serving the community and being that light to help others.
Certainly our heart is to serve our community and help in any way that we can.
What are the main roles and responsibilities of a pastor?
Leading and preaching. There’s a scripture that says “equip the saints for the works of ministry”. So it’s not about doing it all ourselves but empowering others. Finding their giftings and talents and abilities. Whether it’s singing on a Sunday or playing a keyboard, there’s all different kinds of stuff people can be doing.
Having a community where everybody is accepted and valued.
What do you like doing away from the Church?
Golf, fishing. We always stay active. We’re on five acres so I’m always busy maintaining that. I’ve just built a new shed on the property. I’m handy with my hands.
Hopefully I can get out fishing with my son a bit more now.
Tell us a bit about your family?
We have two sons, 31 and 28 and a 17-year-old daughter as well – the cream on the cake, she was a lovely surprise.
I’m 61. I’ve been married 39 years to my wife Larissa, so 40 years next year. We are proud grandparents to five wonderful grandchildren.
Did you play any sports as a young bloke?
I played footy for South Barwon, which was Belmont in my day and then also Werribee under 19s and as a kid played tennis and then golf mainly.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I’d hate to think what my leadership style was earlier but I’ve always been a people person. Being in sales and stuff like that, you’ve obviously got to relate to people and this is not much different. You try to guide people on what to purchase and know your product. Here it’s not much different. You’ve got to discern where people are at. And it’s not that you have all the answers, but you try to guide and help them.
Finally, what message do you want to give to the Bellarine?
We’re really open to people from the community and we’re hoping to do some new things. It’s a loving church, we embrace everybody and we’re open to change.
