Darren is a long term part of Lilydale Church. He first pastored Lilydale Church from 2004-2009 after working in Adelaide, NZ and East Gippsland. After 10 years working for the Adventist Church at State level he was invited to return as a pastor to Lilydale in 2020. Darren loves being part of Lilydale Church and working in ministry with his wife Rosie. They have 5 children: Jayden, Rylan, Lacey, Tiarey and Amity. Darren believes that the local church is a community uniquely created by God to fulfil God’s plans. He says that while the church is not perfect, and doesn’t claim to be, it always has space for one more person.

Rahel serves as the pastor with a special focus and involvement in Lilydale Church’s Youth and Teen ministries, with degrees in counselling and ministry from Avondale University. Rahel comes from a family of four: his brother, Joash; his dad, Hensley, a former pastor who now lectures on New Testament Theology at Avondale; and his mum, Esadora, a payroll officer for NNSW schools. Rahel believes it was God’s calling, after leading out in ministries at Avondale, that persuaded him to continue his studies to become a pastor.

Faye loves serving God through creative ministry. She has a passion for youth and developing their skills, church planting and music. She has previous experience as a School Chaplain, Church Planter, Business Owner, Music Teacher, Nurse and more! She has two grown children, Candice and Joshua. Candice enjoys creative writing, music, socialising, and traveling.  Joshua is a pastor in NZ, founder of the Haystack podcast, and married to Danelle. Faye is married to Arman Khan who she describes as her Pakistani Prince.

Valentina ‘Val’ has been doing her work as a YPW in addition to her studies at Monash University, a double degree of Law/Global Studies. Val’s decision to become a YPW was influenced by the teen/youth gatherings she’s attended in the past, which helped her form new friendships. Her focus in this role is to create the same space for the next group of teens, while also nurturing her own spiritual walk. Val’s family, especially her sister Tiv and brother Jadon, share her appreciation of music, often taking part in the worship team in second service.

Nathan has been doing his work as a YPW in addition to studying an Engineering degree at Swinburne University. Nathan’s decision to become a YPW was influenced by his focus to help draw the church of tomorrow closer to both God and each other, particularly during their disorienting teenage years. He hopes to make church feel like home, for the new teens, whether they’re new to church, or just moving classes. Nathan grew up in the church from a family of four: his dad Sheldon, mum Candy and younger brother Alistair.