“A local church will rise or plateau on the strength of its leadership.”
"Leaders who love, lead & feed the flock".
Our Leadership team is made up of those who Pastor (oversee) and those who Deacon (serve) the Church family. We are acutely aware from scripture that nothing effective happens in the Kingdom of God without leadership who "love Jesus and love His people".
Isaiah put it so plainly by reminding leaders to "love, lead & feed the flock" (Isaiah 40:11)
We consciously build and train our leadership team, which currently consists of four Eldership couples and seven Deacon couples.
For over three decades, we have built warm & genuine relationships with multiple churches across the globe through our partnership with a team called New Covenant Ministries International (NCMI) who through Ephesians 4:11 gifts provide accountability and support to see the church thrive. (www.ncmi.net)
A major cornerstone of our leadership ethos is to "equip the believers to do the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). We are committed to the priesthood of all believers, training and releasing men & women all ages to serve and lead across generations.
Our team
FOUNDING COUPLE
Rudy & Wendy Furlong
Rudy & Wendy Furlong moved with their family from Adelaide to establish Liberty Church in November 1995. They faithfully led the eldership team for over 30 years, handing over the leadership of the team in February 2026.
They have a heart for the other pastors in our region and beyond, continuing to lead teams to other nations, creating opportunities for others to take the Gospel of the Kingdom to the outermost parts of the earth.
“Serving Jesus with our friends at Liberty is our great privilege and joy.”
ELDERSHIP COUPLE
Brennon & Carrie Lanigan
Brennon and Carrie relocated to Mount Gambier in May 2025 to join the Eldership team, and work with Rudy to transition the leadership of the team in February 2026. Brennon & Carrie have served on two other Eldership teams at The Village Church (NZ) and Northpoint Church International (QLD). They have both partnered with Rudy into Indonesia since 2012. Together they bring a passion for knowing Chirst and making Him known locally and in the nations.
ELDERSHIP COUPLE
Pete & Simone Loring
Peter and Simone Loring are a super fun, young (at heart) couple who love to see people’s lives changed through knowing Jesus. They’ve been around Liberty since the beginning serving in many areas of the church. They currently oversee the worship team and finance for Liberty Church.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our church family and leadership.”
ELDERSHIP COUPLE
Ryan & Dale Domleo
Ryan and Dale moved from South Africa in 2018, making Mount Gambier and Liberty Church their home.
With a pastoral heart, a passion for people and a sense of adventure Ryan and Dale love doing life and discipling young families, as well as leading and serving through preaching, prayer and Men’s Ministry.
“ Liberty church has become our family, a place to belong.”
ELDERSHIP COUPLE
Aymeric & Alex Benard
Aymeric & Alex moved back to Mount Gambier from Adelaide a few years ago. Alex grew up in Liberty Church before moving to Adelaide to further her education. She and Aymeric were part of a thriving church in Adelaide.
Aymeric is part of our prayer leaders team and preaching team. They lead a senior teens and school leavers connect group, "We are just so looking forward to having some fun, connecting and creating a safe and supportive place for this group as they navigate the last years of high school, work life, and heading off to uni."
Deacon Couple
Wayne & Belinda Tilley
Wayne & Belinda moved to Australia from Zimbabwe, 21 years ago. They are caring, committed, passionate leaders who have, over the years, served in kids and youth ministry, and many other areas of church life. They love seeing people meet Jesus and grow in faith. Belinda serves in our women’s ministry, and is a passionate part of our prayer and preaching teams. Wayne leads in our Men’s ministry and men’s prayer. They willing to turn their hand to most things for the sake of the Kingdom.
“We can’t imagine doing life without our Liberty Church Family. So phenomenal to walk together through life’s challenges and joys, ”
Deacon Couple
Pete & Jo Jennings
Pete and Jo Jennings are connect group leaders that love building relationships and sharing Jesus in a caring, loving environment where everyone is valued. They have been on team with us many years and have travelled with us to a number of nations over the years.
They will step up to all kinds of exploits and opportunities from family outdoor adventures, to social events and outreaches. Jo serves in our women’s ministry and Pete on the men’s team.
“Liberty church has made our ordinary lives extraordinary with adventures we have been on and discovered about ourselves.”
Deacon Couple
Ben & Mikki Atkins
Ben and Mikki Atkins, who’ve been part of Liberty since they moved from the USA, are deeply caring, mature believers who with three adult married children, love to disciple and care for other couples. Over the years they have led a connect group and regularly hosted The Alpha Course. They have a heart to reach those who are seeking to explore matters of faith.
Ben is a gifted teacher of God’s word, an asset to our preaching team. Mikki is part of the cafe team, and her baking talents are much appreciated by all. She has a gift for hospitality and lends an ear to others through her “coffee ministry.”
“Liberty has become our family.”
Deacon Couple
Isaac & Trish Bruggerman
Isaac & Trish came to Mount Gambier as students of the James Morrison Jazz Academy, met married and quickly became are part of Liberty Family. They joyfully give themselves to serve in music, media & preaching. Generous with their time and talents, they bring leadership and serve in multiple areas of church life, including leading a connect group.