Aug 08: Ordinand Interview - Geoff Pegler



How did you first come to know the Lord?

Growing up in a Christian family, it seems I’ve always been conscious of God’s involvement in my life. God’s presence became a personal reality when I was 17. During that time I began to discover that God had a particular purpose for me and really desired to be personally involved with my life.


What inspired you to become ordained?

My inspiration came from a gradual diminishing of my resistance to the ordination process! A meeting with Frank Rees last year convinced me of the benefits of expressing my further connection with the wider Baptist family.


What’s the best and hardest thing about ministry?

The best thing is witnessing the way God engages people in mission and having the privilege of being part of that process. The hardest is filling out questionnaires!


What are your prayers and hopes for your future ministry?

I trust that God will continue to use me in the lives of people and in the everyday of life in rural community. I pray that my ministry may remain innovative and relevant in our rapidly changing world.


How have you found the ordination process?

Several years ago I was turned away from the process because of criteria that seemed unrealistic to me. This time, I’ve enjoyed a more tailored process, with flexibility that recognises individual calling and history while including significant base requirements.


What are your thoughts on some key issues facing Baptist ministry today?

In rural areas, where I have lived and ministered, there’s a real need and challenge to have the ministry of the church connected with and relevant to the community and its needs. The particular challenge is to present the gospel to young families who seem to be reinvestigating issues of faith and spirituality. The overarching challenge is to allow our Baptist distinctives to live within this framework.


How do we ensure that we’re part of a healthy congregation?

I reckon the simple adage, “A church is not a church unless ‘UR’ in it” is a basic ingredient. Getting folk to discover the wonder of being involved in ministry with God and allowing the experience and beauty of interdependence in church life.


What do you do to relax?

There’s a rumour in Baptist circles that I need enough water to float my boat in order to be happy and relaxed. I’m here to say that is almost true! I love the sound and experience of a 350-cubic-inch Chevy propelling us through the water. It’s even good fun getting greasy working on them in the shed. I also love walking in the Pilbara and wandering our local beaches.


What are some of your favourite things?

The magnificence of the outback. A wonderful relationship with my wife, Pam, and our three grown-up kids. Experiencing God working in my life and through the lives of ordinary people.



Geoff Pegler is being ordained from 2pm on Sunday 26th October at Heathmont Baptist Church.



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