Mark Simon
About Mark
Role:Acting Vicar, St Alfred’s Blackburn North and St Luke’s Vermont
Background: Arts Law (Hons) ANU, MDiv from BCV, MTh from Ridley, PhD from Ridley.
Family: I am married to Louise, and we have two sons, Joshua and Lachlan.
Passionate about: Helping people grow in Christ.
Hobbies: DIY, travel, TV, movies, books, swimming.
Mark’s Story
I grew up a C&E Christian (Christmas and Easter). When I was 15 I turned away from even that small amount of church, preferring the teenage pursuit of pleasure. By the time I was 17 I’d realised that I couldn’t find satisfaction that way, and began investigating Jesus. I was attracted by the peace, purpose and love that Christians had, and which I lacked. After a few weeks at my local youth group, God’s love broke through my cynicism and doubts, and I gave my life to God to remake me and set me on a new trajectory with Jesus front and centre.
I’ve been privileged to serve Christ as an Anglican minister in Melbourne since 2006, and as a New Testament lecturer in Indonesia from 2009 to 2015. Since returning to Melbourne in 2016, I’ve completed a doctorate on mission in Ephesians. In 2022 I began a part-time role as a Lecturer in New Testament and Research Associate at Ridley College. I’ve been leading St Alfred’s partner church St Luke’s since 2019, and am grateful for the growth we are experiencing there. I find great joy in helping people explore and grow in faith as they follow Jesus.