The focus of our ministry is to both the leadership and members of the local church being visited. Teaching will always include hands on training to equip people for ministry in their local context. SOMA is very much a servant ministry.
The focus of our ministry is to both the leadership and members of the local church being visited. Teaching will always include hands on training to equip people for ministry in their local context. SOMA is very much a servant ministry.
Chairperson
Ian has had some contrasting steps in his journey. Raised Presbyterian, then while serving as an Army Officer, had a dramatic conversion experience. This led to a course correction into full-time ministry in Canberra-Goulburn Diocese, ultimately moving from an Assistant Bishop to the role of Anglican Bishop to the Australian Defence Force. Significant in his formation were numerous mission trips, taking teams around the world for ministry and teaching, focussed on renewal and Holy Spirit. He is currently Chair of SOMA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad) and part of the Core Steering Group for the Anglican Renewal Network of Australia. Ian is married to Jill and has four children and seven grandchildren. Some say he is retired.
National Director
RevMel, as she likes to be called, is Rector of Southlakes Anglican Church in Morisset, a suburb in Lake Macquarie as part of the Newcastle Diocese. After becoming involved in SOMA through attending the International mission to Northern Ireland, Melinda knew she had ‘found her people’.
While leading the parish of Southlakes towards spiritual renewal, Melinda is passionate about fulfilling Jesus’ great commission ‘in the power of the Spirit.’
Now in the role of National Director, Melinda hopes to raise the awareness of SOMA throughout the Australian Anglican Communion, so that the nervous system in the Anglican members of the body of Christ may flourish with God’s grace, blessing and anointing. Our heart cry is “Come, Holy Spirit come”.
Deputy chair – currently open
secretary
Rev Susan Liersch is a Deacon who currently serves as the Youth and Young Families Minister in the parish of Bass Costal Anglican (Wonthaggi/Inverloch).
Susan has only just stepped into the role of SOMA Australia’s secretary and is keen to learn more about how SOMA will continue to inspire Christians to fulfil Christ’s mission in the power of the Spirit.
treasurer
Stephen Borserio writes: I am 24 years of age, living in Geelong, Victoria. Always loved working with numbers, which is the main reason why I became an Accountant. Outside of being an everyday Accountant, I do enjoy watching Footy (mainly Geelong), playing golf and creating videos about video games. I have strong values in respect, care, accountability and excellence. With these I believe I can make a difference in all that I do and help myself to grow with each passing day. I am very delighted to be a part of SOMA and to help achieve God’s work in making disciples of all nations.
committee members
Rev John Davies writes: I have been an Anglican minister for 57 years, 12 of which were spent pastoring a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. I am now retired. My ministry, and my church was transformed when I was released into the fullness of the Holy Spirit in 1986, and I have been passionate ever since to see Christians receiving this for themselves. (Eph 5:18) My first Mission with SOMA was in 1996, as part of an International Team invited to Rwanda, to help the Church recover from the massacre, 2 years before. Later SOMA Missions have been to Mauritius and Madagascar, (2008) The Seychelles and Uganda, (2009) Canberra, (2011) Melbourne, (2019) and Rwanda. (2023)
Reverend Kimberlee joined the SOMA Australia Board and was elected as a General Committee Member at the 2023 AGM. Reverend Kimberlee is Rector of the parish of Dungog and is passionate about fulfilling Christ’s mission.
Kimberlee’s bio will be recorded here in the near future.
Reverend Graeme Liersch is currently the Rector of the Anglican parish of Wonthaggi/Inverloch. Prior to his current position he served with Bush Church Aid (BCA) as the Mission Facilitator & Trainer for Central West QLD, Longreach, Diocese of Central QLD (Rockhampton).
Graeme has 40 years of ministry experience having joined the Church Army in Australia in 1983 and serving in numerous parishes and ministry positions across Australia that include tent maker ministries, mission work and chaplaincy with Juvenile Justice and Defence.
Graeme’s SOMA experience includes two trips to the Solomon Islands with Bishop Ian (2009 & 2015), and more recently a trip to Nepal (2022) with Liz Rankin and Leading 2 small teams in the global SOMA mission to Northern Ireland this year.
Graeme is married to Susan; they have 3 adult Christian children plus a daughter-in-law and son-in-law.