Welcome. If you are visiting the area, would like to know more about Christianity, or looking for a church home, we invite you to worship with us.
If visiting, you can expect to meet many people from all walks of life. The office bearers in this church are the men who have been ordained or appointed to serve this congregation.
Feel free to seek us out, if we don’t get to you first!
Mark Shand
Mark Shand has been married to Susie for 42 years, and together they have four children and six grandchildren.
Mark grew up in Rockhampton, where he was a member of the EPC congregation, before moving to Brisbane in 1976 to pursue his studies. Prior to entering the ministry, Mark worked as a solicitor in Brisbane for 16 years. During that time, he served both as a deacon and, later, as an elder in the Brisbane congregation.
In 1996, Mark began his formal training for the ministry, which included studying at the Protestant Reformed Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After completing his studies, he and his family returned to Australia in 2000. Mark was called into the pastoral ministry by the Winnaleah congregation of the EPC in 2001, where he served until late 2008. In early 2009, he was inducted into the Launceston congregation of the EPC, where he continues to minister.
In his leisure time, Mark enjoys reading and gardening, two activities that bring him relaxation and joy.
Stuart Davidson
Stuart Davidson is married to Amanda, and together they have four children and three grandchildren. A Registered Nurse by profession, Stuart has worked across a broad range of healthcare areas throughout his career.
Born and raised in the EPC, Stuart now serves as one of our Elders. He has a deep passion for God’s creation, often reflecting on the words, “How excellent in all the earth, Lord our Lord, is thy name,” and he joyfully owns Jesus Christ as his Savior.
While Stuart keeps a busy schedule, he enjoys staying active through pursuits like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, surfing, and riding, and he loves getting out and about to experience the beauty of life.
John Torlach
John Torlach has been married to Missy for 20 years, and together they have five children. He has been a dedicated educator for 32 years and currently teaches at Launceston Christian School, where he serves as the Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning, as well as the Bible teacher.
John has also been an office-bearer in our denomination for 12 years, with six of those years spent faithfully serving in our small congregation.
For John, the most important aspects of the EPC are our shared understanding and teaching of three key principles: God’s sovereignty over all things, salvation by grace through faith in Christ to the glory of God alone, and the Bible as our sole, authoritative source for understanding how we are to live before God.
Outside of his professional and church responsibilities, John enjoys spending time with his wife and children, gardening, listening to music, and reading.
Robert Davidson
Robert Davidson is married to Libby, and together they have two adult children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. With a distinguished career in finance spanning 37 years, Robert’s work culminated in 15 years as a financial planner, a role he took up in 2002.
Now retired and recently celebrating his 77th birthday, Robert is marking his 50th year as a member of the Launceston congregation. Over the course of his long-standing involvement, he has served with dedication as a deacon for 17 years and as an elder for over 30 years.
Robert considers it a profound privilege to have been called to serve in the Lord’s work and to be part of the Christian family in this corner of His vineyard.
Steve Stacey
Steve Stacey has been married to Joanne for 43 years, and together they have five children and 11 grandchildren. Steve has faithfully served as a deacon in the Launceston congregation for 28 years and remains joyfully committed to the EPC.
Originally from Myponga Beach in South Australia, Steve grew up on a farm and has spent much of his life shearing sheep. After working as a shearer in South Australia for 10 years, Steve and Joanne moved to Tasmania, where he worked as a Wool Classer for another decade. He later transitioned to managing shearing teams while continuing his work as a shearer, a role he held until his retirement in 2023.
Steve and Joanne now reside in the picturesque town of Kelso, located on the West Tamar. Steve has a deep passion for fishing and is well-known for his extensive knowledge of local fish species and the best fishing spots. For the past 35 years, Steve and his good friend have spent most Saturdays playing tennis at their local courts.
Wally Kleyn
Wally Kleyn has been blessed to be married to Nikki for 24 years, and together they have five children. Wally grew up in the EPC Burnie congregation for 20 years before becoming a valued member of the Launceston congregation.
He is deeply grateful for the goodness and mercy of God, both in times of joy and in seasons of difficulty. As a deacon, Wally finds great fulfillment in serving others and assisting with practical needs within the church.
In addition to his church involvement, Wally runs his own picture framing business, where he applies his craftsmanship and attention to detail.
In his spare time, Wally enjoys fishing and traveling, often sharing these experiences with his family or friends.
Mike Miller
Mike Miller is married to Kathy, and together they have four children. He serves as a dedicated deacon in our Launceston congregation, where he is engaged in understanding and addressing the needs of the church family. Mike assists in a variety of practical ways, always ready to help with whatever is required.
A self-employed plumber and gas fitter, Mike operates his business in the Launceston area, where he has built a reputation for his skill and reliability.
Mike is passionate about deepening his understanding of God’s work through His Son, Jesus Christ, and how that knowledge shapes our perspectives and purpose in life.
In his free time, Mike enjoys spending quality moments with his family, catching up with friends, fishing, and pursuing his creative side by painting at the easel.
John Higgs
John Higgs has been married to his wife, Liz, for 35 years, and together they have three children. With gratitude, he has faithfully served as a deacon in our congregation for 38 years. What he cherishes most about our church is its unwavering commitment to the centrality of God’s Word above all else.
Raised painting alongside his father, John embraced the family tradition and has built a successful career as a professional painter, with over 44 years of experience in the field.
Outside of his service to the church and his work in painting, John enjoys spending time in his garden, where he takes great pleasure in cultivating plants and nurturing the natural beauty around him. He also enjoys woodworking as a personal hobby, further reflecting his craftsmanship and dedication to hands-on work.