Rod Dean

Rod Dean, GCI pastor in Sydney, Australia, grew up in one of the beachside suburbs of Sydney and had a childhood many dream of. “I had a typical Aussie background enjoying rugby, weightlifting, body surfing, cricket and golf. My grandfather fought in World War I and my father in World War II. So I grew up immersed in Australian traditions.”

Rod says he was one of the first state-school educated people to be selected for a university scholarship by CSR, a private school. “I got my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New South Wales, majoring in statistics and trained as a chemist and factory manager. I did a research project and was about to computerize CSR’s central laboratories when I was asked to leave because of my beliefs.”

Those beliefs started when Rod heard The World Tomorrow program in February 1966. “The message seemed to be practical and relevant. I attended my first church service at the Blackheath Feast in 1967 and was baptized in 1968. I particularly delighted in two teachings: the concept of sonship and the optimistic hope for everyone. I also found a depth in understanding the Old Testament background to the New Testament. My first Lord’s Supper service was joyous and meaningful to me since it happened the day after I was baptized. I remember vividly coming home after baptism and saying in prayer: ‘I am your son and you are my Father.’ That sense of privilege has been with me through thick and thin.”

After losing his job with CSR, Rod thought about starting a new career as an actuary, though at the same time he applied to Ambassador College and was accepted. Rod graduated in 1973 and married Vicki, who was a transfer student to Ambassador College in Bricket Wood, England. They have two adult children, Jenny and Barry and two grandchildren, Beatrice and Claudia.

“After graduation I was sent back to Australia to pastor the Newcastle and Grafton churches under the supervision of John Halford, who was in Sydney at that time. I was ordained in 1974. Since then I have worked in Melbourne, Brisbane, Indiana (US) and now in Sydney with the Wollongong, Canberra and Bathurst congregations.”

“I have been through many of the ups and downs over the years. But I have to say the wonderful people who have invited me into their lives have kept me in ministry. I am continually overwhelmed by their generosity, especially to the needy. They relate spontaneously to Jesus’ example and teaching regarding those who are hungry, cold and without shelter.”

This generous spirit has enabled the congregations Rod serves to reach out to many GCI brothers and sisters around the world. “It has been the passion of this area to be a brother to our international family in Papua New Guinea, Africa, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar.”

Rod still enjoys getting out and enjoying the beauty of Australia. “I enjoy rowing, walking in my personal refuge at Bobbin Head, which has lovely waterways and virgin bush and is just a ten-minute drive from home. I also enjoy body surfing in the summer at Warriewood, my favorite beach. I always feel like a carefree child in my Father’s arms in these situations. I also have coached basketball for Special Olympics for almost eight years. This has always been a pleasure and I feel embarrassed when they thank me, since I enjoy it so much.”

When asked about mentors, Rod said there were several. “I have often thought about who I have respected and learned from. At Ambassador College, Leon Walker and Francis Bergin were formative. In the ministry, one can never forget John Halford, Dennis Luker and Dean Wilson. They all showed trust in me as a young man and allowed me a lot of freedom to grow and develop. I have tried to do that with the young men and women I have mentored over the years. I love the energy and enthusiasm, talent and creativity of young people. A highlight of my pastorates has been the 16 camps I worked at with our young adult team in Victoria during the middle 70s to 80s. Their children now have children.”

Rod mentioned a book that has also been influential in his ministry: Community and Growth, by Jean Vanier. “His reflections on life in community with those with an intellectual disability have influenced how I understand what it means to be a community in our congregations.”

When asked about GCI, Rod said, “I think the most important refocusing in the last few years has been how Jesus is the center of all our knowledge of God. I like this comment from Gerrit Dawson: ‘…All knowledge of God now centers in the person of Christ. All truth about who God is, is shown to us in the face of Jesus Christ.’”