Profile—Pastor Simon Cooper
I was born in the Enga province of Papua New Guinea in the middle of that turbulent decade – the 1960s. My parents were both teachers. I was blessed with a Christian upbringing for which I am thankful beyond measure.
We travelled a lot as kids – PNG, USA, UK, Russia, India, Mauritius, Madagascar, East Africa and all the states of Australia.
I am married to Wendy who works as a teacher at Concordia College in Adelaide. God has blessed us with three children.
Prior to my seminary training which saw me ordained into the ministry in 1998, I worked in Australia in a variety of fields, including farm hand, factory work, bus freight, lawn mowing, working with handicapped, petrol station attendant, graphic artist, entertainment – rock band, retail – camping equipment, retail – musical instruments, retail – graphic art materials, photographer and cartographic technician, just to name a few.
As a pastor I have served as a chaplain at Lutheran Homes Inc., Hope Valley, South Australia; a school chaplain at Unity College, Murray Bridge, South Australia; and as associate pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide.
I hope to continue working in the church as a herald of the good news of Jesus, the Saviour of the world. I enjoy food, outdoor activities and peace and quiet when I can get it.