Meet the Elders
Deborah Blane
Elder
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your family?
I was born and bred in Victoria, a "PK" (pastor's kid), and middle child. I followed my heart in moving to Queensland, and have now been happily married for almost 17 years. I have two amazing kids - Lilly and Sam - and a gorgeous golden labrador.
How long have you been a part of our Hervey Bay Baptist Church community?
I started attending HBBC since moving to Hervey Bay in 2005, and have served in a number of different ministries over the past 18 years. I've recently become the newest member of the eldership at HBBC.
What parts of Christianity are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about loving, healthy Christian relationships and community. We were created to be in relationship. When we can show the world what it means to love one another, as Christ loved us, we shine a light into a place of deep human need.
Being an Elder is a huge commitment. What made you decide to take it on?
I have a love for the family of God. I have seen, through growing up in the church and attending my whole life, the importance of Godly accountability and oversight. To become an Elder, you first need to be nominated. Accepting the invitation to journey through the Eldership nomination process was God's timing. It was a conversation with a church leader, and God's prompting to see a new perspective on the work He had been doing in my life and circumstances, to develop both my character and faith. I feel that God has a purpose for what He has been teaching me in other spheres, which I can share to build up our local body of believers.
What have you enjoyed about being on the Eldership so far?
The best part of this ministry, in the small time I've been a part of it, is the opportunity to sit and learn with other Elders of the faith up close. It is also the sense of inheriting from those that have served before us, and being a part of continuing that work to the next generation.
I was born and bred in Victoria, a "PK" (pastor's kid), and middle child. I followed my heart in moving to Queensland, and have now been happily married for almost 17 years. I have two amazing kids - Lilly and Sam - and a gorgeous golden labrador.
How long have you been a part of our Hervey Bay Baptist Church community?
I started attending HBBC since moving to Hervey Bay in 2005, and have served in a number of different ministries over the past 18 years. I've recently become the newest member of the eldership at HBBC.
What parts of Christianity are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about loving, healthy Christian relationships and community. We were created to be in relationship. When we can show the world what it means to love one another, as Christ loved us, we shine a light into a place of deep human need.
Being an Elder is a huge commitment. What made you decide to take it on?
I have a love for the family of God. I have seen, through growing up in the church and attending my whole life, the importance of Godly accountability and oversight. To become an Elder, you first need to be nominated. Accepting the invitation to journey through the Eldership nomination process was God's timing. It was a conversation with a church leader, and God's prompting to see a new perspective on the work He had been doing in my life and circumstances, to develop both my character and faith. I feel that God has a purpose for what He has been teaching me in other spheres, which I can share to build up our local body of believers.
What have you enjoyed about being on the Eldership so far?
The best part of this ministry, in the small time I've been a part of it, is the opportunity to sit and learn with other Elders of the faith up close. It is also the sense of inheriting from those that have served before us, and being a part of continuing that work to the next generation.