Mal Sercombe, Senior Pastor at Darwin Baptist Church, for the past 22 years, was recognised, appreciated, and thanked for his servant-hearted ministry in a Service of Thanksgiving and Recognition on the afternoon of 26 November 2023.
Friends from Darwin Baptist, other churches, and from interstate filled the church for a joyous celebration and to share in afternoon tea.
To cap off the occasion, during the late afternoon Service of Recognition, Mal was ordained as a minister of the Baptist Churches of NT by Director of Ministries, Rev Mike Mills. Several leaders and members spoke of the impact Mal has had on them personally as pastor and friend. Pastor Toni Rehrmann said Mal has always modelled “servant-hearted leadership and has led the church with discretion through times of great challenge”.
Mal’s wife, Ellen was recognised for her faithful support, side by side, with Mal in hospitality and making others feel valued as well as her roles on the Welcoming Team and in Marriage Preparation courses.
Mal and Ellen were then joined on stage by their Darwin children and grandchildren and friends were invited forward to lay hands on Mal and Ellen and pray for them.
As well as pastoring Darwin Baptist Church for several decades, Mal has filled many other roles, serving on the BUNT Board from 2001 to 2019 and on the recent amalgamation task force that saw the merger of BUNT and BCSA.
Mal was a pioneer of Baptist Care NT and Foundation Chair for the first five years. During his ministry he has conducted 27 funerals and 42 weddings!
Most importantly, said one speaker, “he has modelled Jesus to us as a church and community”.
Rev. Mike Mills, Director of Ministries, had the final words in his prayer for Mal and Ellen.
“May God bless you in the next chapter of your life. Lord, give them youthful energy as they embark on the next stage.
“Let us live the truth.
“Let us be the truth.
“Let us speak the truth in Love.”
The service of ordination ended with the singing of Jesus at the Centre of it All.
Belonging People
