“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 have been resolute from day one with our "Intentions & Ideals" (or Vision and Values) and are acutely aware 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 consists of three Eldership couples and aproximately ten Deacon couples.
Over the years we have built a warm & genuine relationship with a family of churches across the world through our relationship with an apostolic team called New Covenant Ministries International who through Ephesians 4:11 gifts provide accountability and support as required. (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), training and releasing of people both young & mature is a clear passion of ours knowing that the next generation of the Church is of huge importance.
Our team
FOUNDING COUPLE
Rudy & Wendy Furlong
Our founding couple, Rudy & Wendy Furlong.
Started our Church in November 1995. Rudy worked as a Financial Accountant for 26 years before they made Mount Gambier their home. They have a heart for the other pastors & leaders in our region and desire to reach our Neighbours and Nations with the Good News of the Kingdom.
They’ve lead and continue to lead teams to many nations around the world and love to open up the opportunity to go with them to others.
“Serving Jesus with our friends at Liberty is our great privilege and joy.”
ELDERSHIP COUPLE
Brennon & Carrie Lanigan
Brennon and Carrie together with their daughter Abi moved to Mount Gambier in May 2025. With 15 plus years of relationship with Liberty’s founding elders Rudy and Wendy Furlong, they will be the lead eldership couple from mid February 2026. Brennon has been on Rudy’s Inodesian team for 15 years and they have visited Mount Gambier on several occasions. Together they bring a passion for knowing God 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 in the life of the church. They currently oversee the worship team and a young couples connect group.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our church family and leadership.”
ELDERSHIP COUPLE
Ryan & Dale Domleo
Ryan and Dale moved from South Africa 3 years ago making Mount Gambier and Liberty Church their home. Ryan is on our preaching team & prayer team. Dale is a trained counsellor and works within the schools context in the region.
Dale leads our LIBERTY KIDS team, she’s a trained teacher and counsellor. She has heart to match her training and skills and has a terrific team that work with her.
With a pastoral heart, a passion for people and a sense of adventure Ryan and Dale love doing life with the young families in our church, together leading a young families connect group in the south of the City.
“ Liberty church has become our family and given us a place to belong.”
ELDERSHIP COUPLE
Alex & Aymeric 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, which will provide an alternative place of fellowship for our senior youth & those who have recently left school (16-20+ yrs). "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."
LEADERSHIP TEAM
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, and are often at the forefront of new projects or initiatives. Belinda is a Pastoral Carer Worker working with our local schools and in private practice as a Counsellor for women and children. Belinda serves in our women’s ministry, media team (website), and is a passionate part of our prayer and preaching teams. Belinda has travelled with us to the nations on many trips. 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 cant imagine doing life without our Liberty Church Family. So phenomenal to walk together through life’s challenges and joys, and sharing in the incredible exploits we’ve enjoyed together over the years. ”
LEADERSHIP TEAM
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.”
LEADERSHIP TEAM
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 meet and reach those who are seeking to explore matters of faith.
Ben enjoys teaching and is a committed member of our preaching team as well as hosting a series called the Fundamentals of Christianity in 2025. Both Bena dn Mikki are regulars in all our prayer meetings and church events. 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.”
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Isaac & Trish Bruggerman
Isaac & Trish came to Mount Gambier as students of the James Morrison Jazz Academy, met married and stayed on as part of the family, and as Deacons at Liberty. Gifted and anointed, with dedication and joy they love giving themselves heartily to the worship and media ministry generous with their time and talents. They have served on youth camps, youth rallies and church retreats. They are key members of our worship team and lead a connect group and the media ministry. Isaac works as a ministry team worker at a local Christian School and is also a valued member of the preaching team.
Trish and Isaac are also integral members of the Blue Lakes Carols team in which Trish is the Music Director.
“What a joy to call Liberty our home.”
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jane Bond
Jane grew up in Mount Gambier, studied in Adelaide but returned to raise her family in this beautiful city. Together with her family, Jane has been part of Liberty for many years. She is passionate about pursuing Jesus in a deeply personal way.
She has enjoyed trips to other nations, encouraging others and participating in team.
“Liberty’ has become my family and my home over the past 24 years - my refuge and my spacious place all at the same time.”