Founder/CEO - Personal & Group, Zoom, Loc SEQ Aus

Dr Don Easton

Dr Don Easton’s passion is to lift the buoyancy and resilience of Christian leaders to enhance our communities’ well-being, sustainability, and safety.

After journeying through severe burnout in 2014, he has conducted qualitative research to quantify ideal Christian Leader Health and develop pathways to well-being. This outfits him to build resilience and aid revitalisation.

Don founded Verve Lead to develop and multiply quality well-being mentors.

The Verve Lead team consults with movements, develops mentors and provides mentoring and professional supervision to executive, global, and local Christian leaders.

Don’s Forty-Five years of ministry experience includes church planting and ordained ministry in traditional and Pentecostal churches. His roles as Senior Minister (31 yrs) and ten years on the national executive position him to understand the complexities and pressures of ministry.

His life experience and formal education have equipped him as a Well-being Mentor, Professional Supervisor and Consultant.

His Books, “Burnout and Beyond” and “Creating a Vision for Health” are available on Amazon.

Steve White

After being born again in 1976 through the ministry of Young Life, Steve along with his wife Deb were members of Frenchs Forest Baptist Church for many years, until moving to the Gold Coast in 1988 for work (Steve has a background in project and construction management) and joining C3 Currumbin.

In 1992 Steve and Deb and their young family of four were sent to plant a church in the NSW north coast regional town of Kingscliff. Over time the church thrived and grew until in 2011 they were asked to go and help bring healing to a church in Canberra. After leading the church for 20 years they transitioned C3 Kingscliff over to their daughter and son-in-law, who continue to lead it to this day. Both churches have multiple staff, significant property assets and enjoy multi-site and community expressions. After nearly twelve years in Canberra Steve and Deb have returned to Kingscliff to embrace their next season of ministry expression whilst being surrounded by their ever-growing family, currently numbering nine grandchildren and enjoying all the other distractions that north coast living brings.

Steve has been in pastoral ministry for over 30 years as a church planter, senior minister, overseer, area director, C3 Australia Executive member, college lecturer, church health advocate and conference facilitator. Steve was on the Australian board of Natural Church Development (NCD) for over 5 years and served on the board of a community based aged care facility for 6 years and for many years has mentored the C3 Pastors in Solo Indonesia.

Steve’s passion is to see healthy local churches led by healthy local leaders who are equipped to navigate life and ministry transitions with sustainable discernment and grace.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Building), NSWIT
• Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry & Theology, C3 College
• Grad Cert of Arts (Christian Leadership), Sydney College of Divinity
• Grad Cert in Professional Pastoral Supervision, St Marks National Theological Centre

Accreditations & Memberships

• Registered Minister of Religion (C3 Global)
• ACMN (Australian Christian Mentoring Network)

Ministry Emphasis

• Coaching, Mentoring and Supervising of Senior Pastors
• Spiritual and leadership development of ministry teams
• Spiritual Retreats for Ministry Teams & Senior Pastors
• Strategic Planning
• Ministry Transitions for leaders and churches
• Church Health
• Working with overseers

Training Proficiency

• Mentor Training with Keith Farmer (National Mentor and Trainer)
• Church Health using NCLS and NCD tools

My Passion for Serving

My love for the local church and belief in the intrinsic value of every individual motivates me to help disciple, to the best of the grace given to me, every person at whatever stage of their journey. That may be through coaching, mentoring, supervision or whatever discipleship expression is contextually most appropriate. Navigating life transitions is a key skill both for individuals and churches and discipling people along their journey is, to me, a God-given privilege. I love to empower, encourage and see God’s people released to fulfill the destiny on their lives. As a father in the faith, I hope to encourage God’s people and churches to pursue their unique expression and live authentically to their call.

Recognised Supervisor

Edwina Stonebridge

Edwina Stonebridge has a unique approach to Professional Supervision, combining her experience in pastoral ministry, leadership and psychology with a deep-rooted passion for the well-being and flourishing of those in ministry. Edwina is dedicated to supporting pastors, ministry staff, chaplains, missionaries and those in Christian leadership across various denominations and faith backgrounds.
As an ordained local church pastor, Edwina understands the unique challenges and joys that come with the calling. Having served in this role, she possesses an intimate knowledge of the demands and pressures that ministry can bring. Her extensive pastoral ministry experience has equipped her with a profound understanding of the intricacies of spiritual leadership.
As a registered psychologist with over 20 years of practice, Edwina brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Her proficiency in working with pastors and ministry staff stems from her extensive experience in providing psychological support and guidance. Edwina is well-versed in navigating the complexities and nuances of ministry, allowing her to address individuals’ specific needs and concerns within this context.

Edwina is available for appointments in Sydney or by Zoom. She also offers group supervision.

Deborah Candler

Deborah is an ordained minister, lecturer, professional supervisor, and 3x
published author. She has twenty years of prior experience in the field of children’s
dentistry and community oral health education within the Victorian and
Queensland Health sectors and over twenty years in ministry (including twelve years
overseeing the health and welfare of women pastors and leaders on the Gold
Coast). In addition to dentistry, she currently holds a Master’s in Ministry, a Graduate
Certificate in Theology, a dual Diploma in Business Management and Leadership,
and a training micro-credential with Griffith University.
Deb currently teaches for the Australian Institute of Learning, delivers the MATE
Respectful Relationships and the By-Stander and Cultural Awareness training
through Griffith University to bring solutions to violence against women and provides
professional supervision for pastors and community leaders.

Professional Supervision

Rob Mason

Rob and his wife Karen founded and pastored C3 Beachway in Perth, Western Australia,
from 1994 to 2017. The church planted two other churches and was known for authentic
community, ministry to the poor, extensive overseas mission, and The Beach House, an
innovative 1500 sqm play centre.
Rob also served as a youth pastor at Warwick Church of Christ (1988-1992), a sports
chaplain for the Western Force Rugby team (2011-2017) and an aged care chaplain with
Baptistcare and Catholic Healthcare (2017-2022).
Rob completed a Diploma in Ministry from the Churches of Christ Theological College in
Sydney (1984-1987) and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Supervision in 2023. He is a
member of the Australian Christian Mentoring Network (ACMN).
His expertise includes navigating mental health struggles, ministry burnout, spiritual
direction, and well-being. With over 35 years of pastoral experience, Rob brings Kingdom
wisdom, curiosity and empathy into any situation. His book “SHAME OFF YOU:
Unshaming mental health struggles” is available on Amazon.
Rob enjoys surfing, reading, listening to music, and travelling.
Supervision and mentoring sessions with Rob are available in-person (Perth Metro area) or
online nationally (via Zoom or Skype).

He is an associate member of the Australasian Association of Supervision (AAOS) and a member of the Australian Christian Mentoring Network (ACMN).

Shiree Ross

Shiree has 17 years of Pastoral experience and is an Ordained C3 Senior Minister. She has studied for two years full-time at C3 Oxford Falls Pastoral Care & Counselling, has been part of the C3 Pacific Oversight and is currently on the C3 Pacific Pastoral support team. She is engaged in post-grad studies through BTI Trauma Responsive organisation NZQA and completed a Certificate in Professional Supervision in 2023. Alongside her husband David and three boys, they planted C3 Church Invercargill in New Zealand 14 years ago.

Shiree & David have previously owned and operated their own successful dairy farming business, and her background is in registered nursing for over 30 years. Her heart is to come alongside Leaders and pastors, strengthening resilience & life sustainability.

Team Leader NZ

Wayne Peat

Ps Wayne Peat has over 38 years of experience in pastoral ministry leadership. He leads C3 Pacific Pastors Support team and oversees C3 Fiji. His book Staying Power is a helpful read.

“Staying Power – surviving ministry long term addresses some of the key issues that lead to the high attrition rate in ministry and provides ways of overcoming them. My prayer is that it will help pastors and leaders prepare for and negotiate the inevitable challenges so that they will stay the course.” — Wayne

Founder/CEO - Personal & Group, Zoom, Loc SEQ Aus

Dr Don Easton

Dr Don Easton’s passion is to lift the buoyancy and resilience of Christian leaders to enhance our communities’ well-being, sustainability, and safety.

After journeying through severe burnout in 2014, he has conducted qualitative research to quantify ideal Christian Leader Health and develop pathways to well-being. This outfits him to build resilience and aid revitalisation.

Don founded Verve Lead to develop and multiply quality well-being mentors.

The Verve Lead team consults with movements, develops mentors and provides mentoring and professional supervision to executive, global, and local Christian leaders.

Don’s Forty-Five years of ministry experience includes church planting and ordained ministry in traditional and Pentecostal churches. His roles as Senior Minister (31 yrs) and ten years on the national executive position him to understand the complexities and pressures of ministry.

His life experience and formal education have equipped him as a Well-being Mentor, Professional Supervisor and Consultant.

His Books, “Burnout and Beyond” and “Creating a Vision for Health” are available on Amazon.

Team Leader NZ

Wayne Peat

Ps Wayne Peat has over 38 years of experience in pastoral ministry leadership. He leads C3 Pacific Pastors Support team and oversees C3 Fiji. His book Staying Power is a helpful read.

“Staying Power – surviving ministry long term addresses some of the key issues that lead to the high attrition rate in ministry and provides ways of overcoming them. My prayer is that it will help pastors and leaders prepare for and negotiate the inevitable challenges so that they will stay the course.” — Wayne

Shiree Ross

Shiree has 17 years of Pastoral experience and is an Ordained C3 Senior Minister. She has studied for two years full-time at C3 Oxford Falls Pastoral Care & Counselling, has been part of the C3 Pacific Oversight and is currently on the C3 Pacific Pastoral support team. She is engaged in post-grad studies through BTI Trauma Responsive organisation NZQA and completed a Certificate in Professional Supervision in 2023. Alongside her husband David and three boys, they planted C3 Church Invercargill in New Zealand 14 years ago.

Shiree & David have previously owned and operated their own successful dairy farming business, and her background is in registered nursing for over 30 years. Her heart is to come alongside Leaders and pastors, strengthening resilience & life sustainability.

David Ross

David lives in New Zealand with his wife Shiree & three boys. 

Prior to stepping into ministry his experience covers 20 years as a successful dairy farm owner. David attended Bible college in Sydney (C3 Oxford Falls) and pastored a church in Miranda. In 2009 the Ross family moved back to New Zealand to plant C3 Church Invercargill where he is the Senior Minister. He has held roles on the C3 Pacific oversight team and is currently on the C3 Pastors support team, providing pastoral care & oversight to pastors. 

SE Queensland, NZ, and Zoom Globally

Dr Craig Heilmann

Craig is 59 years old, married to Kim with three adult children (Sam, Noah, Seb) and a blue border collie – Matilda.

Craig is currently emeritus teaching Pastor and a board member of Upper Room Auckland, NZ, the church he and his wife Kim planted and pastored and led for 15 years; sits on the spiritual support Team of leaders at the Hillsong campus at Noosa; sits on the Human Research Ethics committee at Bond University, and lectures in both the ministry and social science departments at Christian Heritage College (Brisbane), where he teaches on bible, theology, ethics, counselling, and leads the Master of Ministry Leadership programme. Craig is an accomplished and published writer and recently released a handbook on dealing with grief from the biblical book of Lamentations.

Craig is a graduate of Duke University and Regent College and received Masters and Doctoral degrees from Duke in theological ethics with a dissertation on contemporary Aristotelian Virtue Ethics. Craig has a background in medieval and pastoral theology and is well versed in the areas of contemporary secular culture and Christian witness in the late-modern West.

Craig is currently engaged in developing a public theology think tank, writing on the book of Daniel for university students, working on video resources, and developing a podcast on Christianity, culture, and the contemporary moment. Craig’s research interests lie in Christian formation, virtue ethics, neuropsychology, contemporary society, and the sociology of Rene Girard.

Having pastored for many years and been in ministry for over three decades, and having witnessed many seasons of ups and downs in the ministry vocation, and having recently moved into mentoring with Verve Lead, Craig facilitates support for pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian leaders more generally.

Founder/CEO - Personal & Group, Zoom, Loc SEQ Aus

Dr Don Easton

Dr Don Easton’s passion is to lift the buoyancy and resilience of Christian leaders to enhance our communities’ well-being, sustainability, and safety.

After journeying through severe burnout in 2014, he has conducted qualitative research to quantify ideal Christian Leader Health and develop pathways to well-being. This outfits him to build resilience and aid revitalisation.

Don founded Verve Lead to develop and multiply quality well-being mentors.

The Verve Lead team consults with movements, develops mentors and provides mentoring and professional supervision to executive, global, and local Christian leaders.

Don’s Forty-Five years of ministry experience includes church planting and ordained ministry in traditional and Pentecostal churches. His roles as Senior Minister (31 yrs) and ten years on the national executive position him to understand the complexities and pressures of ministry.

His life experience and formal education have equipped him as a Well-being Mentor, Professional Supervisor and Consultant.

His Books, “Burnout and Beyond” and “Creating a Vision for Health” are available on Amazon.

Director

Richard Botta

Richard Botta has over 35-years’ experience in Pastoral Ministry and 5-years’ experience
in Consulting Engineering.
Richard, and his wife Susan, planted C3 Church Carlingford with a group of 70 people
growing to over 500 people today. It has helped to plant C3 Church Ryde and planted C3
Malmo (in Sweden) and C3 Wentworthville (Sydney).
Richard oversees five Australian C3 Churches and are the Regional Directors of the South
Asia Region for C3 Church Global. He is an informal mentor to many pastors. He is
motivated to keep pastors healthy and the development of next generation Christian
leaders.
Richard coaches Business executives in Leadership and Team Building.
He has diplomas in Biblical Studies and Ministry, a Bachelors degree in Mining
Engineering, a Masters Degree in Christian Studies and a Graduate Certificate in
Professional Supervision.
Richard is married and with his wife have three adult children.

Board Member

John Gillbank

John Gilbank is a seasoned leader with over 35 years of experience in life coaching, pastoral ministry, and human resource development. Based in Carindale, Queensland, John brings with him not only a remarkable professional portfolio but also a rich personal life. He has shared over fifty years of marriage with his wife, Rosemary. Together, they’ve raised three adult sons and are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren.

John has faithfully served as Senior Minister of C3 Church Mackay for 35 years, leading with wisdom, resilience, and heart. He also chaired and led the C3 Leadership and Lifeskills Training College, where he equipped countless leaders with biblical knowledge and essential life skills. His ministry work has extended into local schools and community settings, addressing marriage, stress management, behavioural understanding, and conflict resolution.

In parallel, John founded and directed Mourbank Pty Ltd and served as Managing Director of IML-coachZone Australia, specialising in strategic business planning, coaching, and human resource consulting for businesses across Australia’s east coast. His leadership style is persistent, principled, and highly focused, balanced by a genuine appreciation for teamwork and loyalty.

Whether training future leaders, supporting churches, or consulting in business environments, John’s strength lies in blending clarity, empathy, and conviction. His commitment to helping others grow—spiritually, personally, and professionally—continues to impact individuals and communities alike.

John is a man of integrity, vision, and grounded faith—someone who doesn’t just talk about leadership but lives it.

Dr Bob Logan

Bob has over 40 years of ministry experience including church planting, pastoring, and equipping leaders. Through coaching, consulting, and training, He counts it a privilege to walk alongside leaders to help catalyse their ministries toward fulfilling the call God has placed on them. Bob thrives in channeling his hands-on missional experience to develop practical, principle-based, transformative resources that are easy for leaders to implement in their context. Bob enjoys cycling and is on track to log over 6,000 miles in 2020.

Development Consultant

Dr Chuck Ridley

Chuck has utilized his expertise in the area of measurement and assessment in the development of the Health of a Christian Leader Profile and the Christian Well-being Mentor Profile. He has also done extensive work on mentor competencies and assessments, supervising a qualitative international research project. Chuck earned his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Minnesota.

Don’s mentor

Dr Keith Farmer

For the last 15 years, Keith’s ministry has involved mentoring an aggregate of approximately 200 Christian leaders from a wide range of ministries across Australia. He believes Burnout is the single most powerful and most likely challenge to the wellbeing of Christian pastors today.  He is convinced that Mentoring, among other pastoral supports, is a major resource for helping to ensure that Christian leaders are healthy and that they have a sustainable lifestyle.

Keith Farmer has been Don’s mentor and coach in mentoring since 2015.

AZUSA Pacific University

Dr Chris Adams

He is a consultant to a number of denominations and seminaries in the areas of clergy candidate assessment, clergy health, and pastoral leadership formation, and is participating as a consultant, researcher, and writer with the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, Profiles in Ministry Project for the Association of Theological Schools, and Senior Research Associate in the Flourishing In Ministry project at the University of Notre Dame. Executive Director of the Center for Vocational Ministry Azusa Pacific University

Content Editor, Master of Creative Writing

Adrienne Easton

After years of teaching children and pastoring, Adrienne completed a
Master of Creative Writing in 2020. She is a member of both the Gold Coast
Writers Association and the Gracewriters Community. She edits for Verve
Lead, which focuses on mentoring for well-being in a Christian leadership
context.
Adrienne’s first novel, Discovering Jooles, grew from her memories of
growing up in the mid-north of South Australia in the 60s and 70s. She also
writes poetry and short stories, and has several junior fiction works in
progress.
Adrienne and her husband, Don, live on the Gold Coast, Australia,
where they are Senior Ministers Emeritus of C3 Church Robina, which they
planted in 1992 and retired from in 2022.
She enjoys creative pursuits which not only fill her tank, but also keep
the demons of discouragement at bay. She constantly reminds herself that
success is simply doing what God asks of us—no more, no less.

Content Creator

Cecelia Meserve

Cecelia Meserve is a freelance writer, specializing in ghostwriting and creating content for blogs and websites. She loves having the opportunity to work with others, bring their ideas to paper (or screen) and help create narrative and structure for their vision. Cecelia has a degree in English from Hope College and lives in Denver, Colorado.

Website Strategy & Design

Josh Easton

Josh combines form and function to build beautiful systems and clever user experiences. Josh is also an associate pastor of C3 Church Robina and has a passion to help people and churches thrive.