Emerge Staff
SENIOR PASTORS
Mark + Nina Elmendorp
Pastors Mark and Nina Elmendorp are the global pastors of Emerge Church. They, with their children, Jack, Rachel and Tori, came from Adelaide after pastoring for 16 years at Influencers Church to become part of Emerge in 2011.
Pastor Mark is a Leadership Member of the ACC Queensland + Northern Territory states. He is a Pastor to Pastors, He leads with love and is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders.
Pastor Nina has pastored for over 30 years. Together with her best friend, the Holy Spirit, she loves to minister and care for people like a mother would.
They love their families, their food and fellowship… what’s not to love about the Elmendorps!
SENIOR ASSOCIATE + YOUNG ADULTS PASTOR
Joseph Funnell
Pastor Joe is the Senior Associate Minister at Emerge Church. He is also the Location Pastor for Morayfield and the Young Adults Pastor globally. He began at Emerge in 2011 as the Youth Pastor and oversaw this department for 9 years. Joe has facilitated events for many organisations like Red Frogs, Youth Alive, Missionaries, Chaplaincies and more… safe to say, he has a heart for his community and beyond!
Joe married his wife Yovanna in 2017 and had their first little one in 2023, Alaska Funnell. Joe is a fiery, faith-filled man of God, excited to build the Kingdom on earth, as it is in Heaven!
LOCATION LEADER
Hendrico Blackie
Hendrico came on staff in 2023 to lead our Redcliffe Location for Emerge Church. He helps with events and the needs of our Redcliffe community, as well as assisting in mens events for all locations.
Hendrico is a servant-hearted man, that loves God and loves others abundantly. He is also an electrician and owns his own company with the support of his wonderful wife, Roseanna. It’s off to a fantastic start for Hendrico, and this is just the beginning!
Rachael began on staff in 2019 as the Youth Pastors P.A. Her role quickly expanded in to managing all the Events for Emerge Church. Now, she is our Creative Pastor globally across all locations!
Rachael has an outstanding capacity to lead and serve. Not only is she an anointed worship leader, she is a talented, ever-growing creative that loves to see people use their gifts to glorify Jesus.
CREATIVE PASTOR
Rachael Gordon
YOUTH PASTOR
Jason Bedville
Jason joined Emerge staff in 2018 as our Creative Leader. He became Youth Pastor for our Emerge Youth ministry in 2020, which has expanded into three locations across North Brisbane. Jason is heavily involved in Youth Alive events as well as the ACC (Australian Christian Churches).
He is extremely passionate about the next generation. Getting young people to know the love of God is his highest priority. Jason lives a lifestyle of worship, humility and excellence… He loves Emerge Youth and its leaders!!!
MISSIONS PASTOR +
PASTORAL CARE
Nikki Nisbet
Nikki runs our missions department globally, within our overseas and Australians communities. She helps facilitate local outreaches within our community and is involved in pastoral care for our Morayfield location.
Nikki is a long-time member of Emerge Church, with over 20+ years on staff pastoring the next generation and caring for people just like Jesus. Her passion for the mission-field became prominent in 2020 as she started running after what God has in store for missions. She is full of kindness and warmth, and loves to see expansion of God’s love in our communities.
CHILDRENS PASTOR
Angela Bedville
Angela came on staff at the end of 2020 to lead our children’s ministry across all locations. She runs weekly Sunday programs along with her dream-team of leaders, creates kids events and helps connections with families.
Angela is a ray of sunshine, full of the love of Jesus and full of zeal to raise up the next generation of Jesus followers. She, with the support of her husband, Caleb, creates a warm and caring environment for children to grow and flourish.
PASTORAL CARE
Chris Macnaught
Chris Macnaught is the Pastoral Care Coordinator for the Warner Location. He recently joined staff in 2023 to oversee this area and also maintains relationships with all LifeGroup leaders globally.
Chris was made for this role. Prior this he was a District Coordinator for SU QLD; His passion has always been people. He loves with a fatherly love, full of genuine compassion and a heart to see healthy connections happening all over Emerge!
ASSISTANT PASTOR
Neil Gray
Neil is the pastoral oversight for our Sensory ministry. He runs playgroups and events for this beloved part of our community. His other responsibilities include business and venue management across each location.
Neil, with his wife Julie, moved from the UK to Australia in 2013 and have been pastoring in multiple church roles for 15 years. The Sensory department of the church holds great value in Neil’s heart, as he is determined to reach the neurodiverse community. He loves people and serves others like Jesus does. He’s everybody’s friend and biggest supporter!
ARMY CHAPLAIN
Bec Hopfner
We have been blessed to have Bec join us for a three year duration at Emerge Church. She is an Army chaplain and is receiving training for her role, which starts in 2024. Bec, with her husband Andrew and 2 daughters, joined Emerge in 2020 to develop needed personal and professional skills for her workforce, and to also facilitate Pastoral Care, support in family playgroups, and organise the host and service teams.
Bec is the biggest advocate for healthy family relationships. She cares deeply for her community and is unbelievably excited for her new season in the Australian Army.
ADMIN STAFF
Jacinta Bradford
Jacinta oversees the admin of Emerge Church globally. She is also Pastor Mark’s personal assistant and runs our younger youth group EY Juniors on Friday nights.
Jacinta is a wonderful example of longevity and faith. She exhibits joy and peace, and has always been a cheerful servant of the House!
Suzanne Rusling
Sue oversees the Aged Care Volunteer Visiting Scheme (formerly known as CVS), an organisation that aims to connect with isolated and vulnerable elderly. Sue recruits volunteers that love to love on the elderly.
Sue is a one-of-a-kind spirit that exudes gentleness. She is overflowing with compassion and loves to serve the Church.
