Having already worked in Victoria’s north west, Western District and Gippsland, it seems fitting a church leader now finds himself in the North East.
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David Hodgens was inducted into Wodonga District Baptist Church as its senior pastor on Sunday.
“It’s very welcoming, very friendly, very busy, very active – they’re all positives,” he said.
Reverend Hodgens had filled a similar role in Warrnambool for 13 years and also previously worked as a tertiary teacher in Papua New Guinea and a farm manager.
“After a period of time we just had a sense of God saying it’s time for a change, new challenge, and perhaps also for the church (in Warrnambool), it’s time for them to hear a new voice,” he said.
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Married to Diana, the couple have three children, adults Natasha and Josh, and their youngest Laura, who is entering year 12.
The senior pastor said among the challenges facing him would be the immediate need to get to know his community.
“From a church point of view, it’s figuring out how the Christian church engages with a rapidly changing culture,” he said.
“Helping people understand how the Scriptures actually speak to life as we know it in this time that we live in.”
A keen cyclist, Reverend Hodgens and his son rode more than 930 kilometres in December to raise money for Mission Aviation Fellowship, which provides transport and humanitarian aid.
Their cycling team raised $100,000 through the charity ride, which began and ended in Wodonga.
“Recreation’s a great way of relieving stress, I enjoy getting out,” he said.
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