Appointment of an Interim Pastor at Hobart Baptist Church

On Sunday 23 August, Kelvin Smith was appointed Interim Pastor of Hobart Baptist Church for the next six months.

This follows Pastor Matt Henderson’s diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue early in the year, which has significantly limited his capacity for pastoral ministry, teaching and Sunday services. Kelvin and the Leaders have sought to support Matt as he navigated his health challenges. As Matt’s availability has been severely limited, Kelvin has gradually taken on additional responsibilities, and for several months has carried the full pastoral load alongside his regular work—an exceptionally demanding season.

Throughout this time, we have seen the Lord faithfully at work. Baptisms, new memberships, enthusiastic volunteers, growing participation in worship, and opportunities for mission and community engagement have brought great encouragement.

Kelvin and Kathleen have been married for 26 years and are grateful for the gift of three children who love the Lord. They have been part of the life of HBC for the past nine years. Over the years, He has had the privilege of teaching in ministry degree programs, helping bring 146 churches across Tasmania together to share communion, supporting around 100 former refugees into employment and apprenticeships, and combining his love of piano with a little adventure—including pushing a piano up a big mountain supporting  mental health.

Kelvin is grateful for the opportunity to now properly focus his energy on HBC. Over the next six months, he hopes to strengthen the church’s capacity and put foundations in place that could enable HBC to plant a new church in two or three years. There are no specific plans to plant at this stage—but it is always good to be ready for where the Lord may lead.

As we look ahead, our Family Fun Day on 10 October and Christmas Lunch Initiative provide wonderful opportunities to invite family and friends and share the warmth of Christ’s love through our church community. It has been encouraging to see so many people offering their time, creativity and gifts—helping raise funds, making decorations, preparing our spaces, and sharing their gifts through singing and music.

These simple acts of service are a beautiful expression of the way Christ calls us to love and bless one another. Whether through preparing a meal, creating something beautiful, welcoming a guest or sharing a musical gift, each contribution can help create a space where people feel valued, welcomed and able to encounter the love and the gospel of Jesus.

It is a joy to see our church family responding so generously. More than simply putting on events, we pray these opportunities will help us point people to Christ, strengthen relationships and make his love visible in our community. There is a real sense of anticipation as we look to what God may continue to do among us.