ABOUT US

The Staff:
Ps John Macknamara, Ps Wendy Macknamara, Ps Roger Soong, Ps Sally Owen, Sussie Soong,
Ps Francis Owusu, Ps Verna Glen, Peter Bignell, Shari Lemaire, Sally Stevens

> Ps John Macknamara, Senior Minister

Pastor John is a graduate of the Wesleyan Methodist College in Melbourne, Victoria.  He and his wife, Wendy, planted Parkway in Canberra 30 years ago with their two girls, Sussie and Debbie.  (Both girls are active Pastors today and are both married to Pastors.)

During this 30 year period the Canberra Church has been directly involved in planting 27 other Churches in New South Wales and overseas, as well as sending numerous Pastors out to take over and lead other interstate Churches.  John chaired the “Canberra Christian Network” for a period of 12 years and has been involved in National and State Leadership with his own denomination.

John specializes in church growth principles and also loves to impart the miraculous power of God in “signs and wonders” in a “supernaturally natural” style of presentation.

> Ps Wendy Macknamara

Ps Wendy serves alongside Ps John in all facets of the church. She is the Women’s pastor, and has a passion for supporting and encouraging women. Her wisdom and humour are a constant blessing and her practical advice equips our women no matter what stage of life they are in.

Ps Wendy is a powerful prayer warrior and is in constant intercession for individuals as well as for the church.

> Ps Roger Soong, Associate Minister, Church Management and Events

Roger wears many hats at Parkway! He is currently our Music Director, and is responsible for Pastoral Care as well as Church Management and Events. This includes being a member of the Building Committee.

Roger has an Associate Diploma in Creative Ministries (Music) and his involvement in music ministry has stretched over 28 years. He has been on staff at Parkway for the last 18 years and is an accomplished musician, singer, preacher, lecturer and teacher. His talents, experience and professionalism have contributed to the success of our many productions.

> Ps Sally Owen, Associate Minister, Promotions

Sally is an experienced motivational communicator with a wide range of experience in the public, corporate and church sectors. As well as serving as a pastor for the last 8 years, Sally is a skilled leader, trainer, facilitator and preacher. Sally’s previous experience as the Human Resource Development Manager for a large organisation has given her strong facilitation and public speaking skills, as well as an excellent understanding of leadership issues. Her passion is for empowering and equipping individuals to discover and fulfil their unique God-given potential.

Sally’s major responsibilities include the promotion of Parkway and its many and varied events and activities. In addition, Sally speaks weekly at Vivid, and regularly at both Sunday morning and evening services.

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> Ps Sussie Soong, Arts and Youth Director

Sussie holds an Associate Diploma in Creative Ministries and has been treading the boards since childhood. She trained initially as a performer, and has developed strong directing skills along the way.

In addition, Sussie has completed various Bible school courses over the years and has had 15 years experience in pastoral care, holding just about every position possible over the years, from youth groups and cell leadership to running leadership training. She is also a dynamic speaker.

Sussie is currently responsible for the oversight of productions, Arts training and development of artists at Parkway. She also has a strong vision for engaging the community through the Arts Programs. Sussie’s high standards and commitment to excellence has ensured a professional quality is maintained in all our performances.

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> Ps Francis Owusu, Youth Pastor/ Director Kulture Break

Francis has rejoined us at Parkway as our Youth Pastor. For two years prior to this, he was the Senior Minister of Kulture Break Church, a church planted by Parkway in the Lanyon Valley. In June 2006, the decision was made to amalgamate the two churches, and continue a Sunday evening youth service as an outreach in the Valley. Francis was also our Youth Pastor from 2002 to 2004 and is the founder and director of Kulture Break, a leading Hip-hop and breakdancing group.

Although, Francis initially studied and attained a BA in Banking and Finance, his passion is to help young people become the best they can be. He combines his dynamic, evangelistic message with the creative arts to powerfully impact the lives of young people.

Francis’ current focus is the Sunday night Youth service and building a strong youth leadership team, as well as his Kulture Break activities.

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> Ps Verna Glen, PA

Verna has been the personal assistant to the Senior Pastor since September 2001.  She was the first church secretary back in the early 1980's for several years and again in the mid nineties for a few years. She, her husband Peter and 3 daughters, have been active members of the Church since 1979.

Among her tasks is responsibility for managing and updating the Pastoral Care information system. She assists staff and leaders distribute information via newsletter, letter and flyers.  Verna also administers the Youth finances.

Her passion is for people and dance.  She was the first to introduce children's dance to the Church (when the present Arts Director, Sussan Soong, was just a young girl).  Later she taught mature-age people in the church praise and worship dancing Israeli style, as well as teaching dance to young children.

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> Peter Bignell, Church Treasurer

Peter has been part of our church for over 25 years, and has had 22 years experience in finance and office administration. His major responsibilities include preparing the annual budget, monitoring expenditure, processing accounts, producing financial reports, liaising with the Senior Minister on financial issues and assisting in general office administration. 

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> Shari Lemaire, Director Canberra Community Care

For the last two years, Shari has been the Director of Canberra Community Care, and has seen it grow in every area. She is responsible for the management of the Retro Rack store, Emergency Food Relief, and Crisis Support and Referral. Shari is also the Rehome coordinator, and oversights a regular Community Breakfast. She is also responsible for project development, staff recruitment and training.

Shari has had a wide variety of experience over the last 20 years, ranging from a Customer Service Representative for a finance company to providing administrative support for a bible college. The common thread is that it has all revolved around people! Shari’s capacity to connect with and care for people is amazing, making them feel at ease, even in difficult circumstances.

Shari holds Certificates in Business Studies and Secretarial Studies and a Diploma in Advanced Office Technology. In addition, she has attained a Certificate IV in Creative Arts and is currently studying for a Diploma in Creative Ministries. Shari is also a Justice of the Peace.

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> Sally Stevens, Pastoral Assistant, Vivid

Sally’s background has been in office management and administration with over 11 years experience working in an accountant’s office, Parliamentary Prayer Network and for the last 5 years, in the women’s ministry at Parkway.

She has studied Business Administration and various Bible College courses.

Sally’s current role is to support the women’s ministry in both an administrative and pastoral role, including organising major conferences and events.

Sally’s desire is to see women set free from the things of life that hold them back and to see them grow into strong women who know their tremendous value and individuality in God.  Through the women’s ministry of Parkway she aims to nurture, encourage and support all women to step into the will of God for their lives.

She also acts as Personal Assistant to Ps Wendy.

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