PASTOR READY TO GET BACK TO BASICS AT CHURCH
THE new leader of a Toowoomba church has opened up about his surprising career change and how he plans to impact the future of religion.
Joe Azzopardi, who grew up in Toronto and spent his high school years on the east coast of Canada, moved to various parts of the country, before settling in Victoria, where he taught psychology to high school students for nearly a decade.
The father of three went on to complete a PhD in sociological studies and work as a school chaplain before leaving the education sector completely to pursue ministry.
“I wrestled with the decision,” Mr Azzopardi said.
“When I was a teenager and first started going to church, a lady told me I should become a teacher or pastor. I thought ‘that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my life’ but ended up being both.”
After accepting the role of pastor at the Toowoomba Central Adventist Church in mid-January this year, the 45-year-old moved from Brisbane to the region with his wife and three children.
And he faces a challenge with his arrival – one which he is eager to take on.
Data from the 2021 Census revealed nearly one in three people (31.7 per cent) in the Toowoomba region identified as non-religious.
Just 10 years ago, this number was 15 per cent, and in 2001 it was fewer than one in 10 residents.
Mr Azzopardi said while it depended on the community and church, he had noticed a change in religion over recent years but did not believe it was due to a specific demographic.
He said there were currently 300 members on the CBD church’s books, with about half attending the weekly sermons.
Members are made up of predominantly older generations and families – many who have immigrated from other countries.
Passionate about intergenerational communities and with his background in teaching, Mr Azzopardi said he hoped to create a well rounded demographic at the church.
“(We need to) stop worrying about all the small things and just focus on helping people, regardless of what their perceptions or beliefs are,” the pastor said,