Staff Profiles

Lead Pastor | Steve Chong
Pastor Steve Chong is the lead pastor of Kirkplace. He leads the team of Elders who set the vision, culture and direction of the church under God. He and his wife Naomi have two wonderful sons named Reuben and Jacob. Steve has a passion to see God pour out His Spirit on the city of Sydney, claiming it for His own renown as He brings people to grow in their love for Jesus. He is also director of the RICE movement

Pastor for Teaching & Training | Murray Smith
Murray Smith is one of the Kirkplace Elders, and currently also the Pastor for Teaching & Training (part-time). He loves exploring the richness of God's Word with God's people, and teaching about God's overflowing love in Jesus. Murray preaches regularly at Kirkplace Sunday Gatherings, and teaches in THRIVE and on the annual Kirkplace Weekend Away. In the rest of his time Murray is working on a PhD on Jesus and Christian Origins in the Ancient History Department at Macquarie University. He is married to Lynette, and they have three young children.

Youth Pastor | Sam Mak

Sam Mak oversees the Youth Ministry at Kirkplace and is director of RICE Youth Sydney. He is recently a new uncle of an adorable niece called Lauryn and loves his two supportive sisters. Sam has a desire to see the youth all across Sydney especially in Kogarah to know Jesus and to continue to make Him famous.

KirkYouth

Kirkplace Intern | Allister Lum Mow
Allister Lum Mow is an intern at Kirkplace focusing on key growth ministries including growth groups and discipleship. He is the eldest of four kids brought up by wonderful Christian parents. Allister has a passion for seeing people of all ages and stages grow closer to and more intimate with God. He is also the coordinator of RICE Regenerate PRAISE.

Kirkplace Intern | Millie Sharp
Millie is an intern, working across many of the different ministry teams at Kirkplace. She has recently moved to Kogarah and is enjoying walking around, exploring her new suburb and finding out where the good coffee is! She loves the Kogarah community and is passionate about seeing it transformed by Jesus. She loves to help out practically who ever and where ever she can. Millie also loves reading, watching movies and listening to good live music.