Arnie grew up in a Dutch migrant family and through a desire to find place in Australia he found a home within the Uniting Church. That journey has formed his engagement with Indigenous people, including adoption into a Yolngu family in Arnhemland.
Arnie has a technical background but found a heart for people drew him deeper into the ministry of the church. Ordained in 2001, he has enjoyed congregational placements in Balkara (Oakleigh and Hughesdale) and Mooroolbark (St. Margaret’s).
Arnie’s keen interest in lay and ordained ministry has seen him serve the Synod Selection Committee and convene Ministry Committees in two presbyteries. Recent experience in a Presbytery Minister role has tapped a yearning to support ministers and congregations in a deeper way. Arnie is also delighted to be able to work closely with his wife, Jennie in the Resourcing Pastoral Care and Strategy role with the Gippsland Presbytery.