CONTRIBUTORS

Strahan Coleman is an award-winning musician, poet, writer, and spiritual director from Aotearoa, New Zealand. He is the author of his recently released book Thirsting: Quenching Our Soul’s Deepest Desire and Beholding, a devotional prayer book series, and the founder of Commoners Communion, a space for helping others go deeper in their experience of God through online schools, retreats, and a podcast. Strahan lives on the beach in Tairua with his wife Katie and three sons Mikal, Theo and Finley, drinking coffee in sunny corners and falling in love with the writings of 14th Century Christian Mystics.

Cass Langton is a globally recognised story teller, worship pastor, innovative thinker, and creative influencer who is admired for her love of laughter, coffee, and meaningful conversations. Cass served as the Global Worship and Creative Pastor/Director at Hillsong Church for 16 years. She and her husband Rich are now empowering others in their worship and creativity through their new church thelocal.sydney and an online community of creatives called "the Hopeful Rhino" which exists to inspire and equip Christian Creatives working or volunteering in ministry, to live and lead their creative best.

Daniel and Justine Flynn are the co-founders of Thankyou, one of Australia’s most successful start-ups. At ages 19 and 21, driven by a shared vision to change the world, they co-founded the social enterprise now globally recognised for its innovation, disruption and impact. Their journey has been marked by grit and unconventionality, pioneering Thankyou into the powerful consumer movement it is today. To date, Thankyou has given over $18.1 million to their impact partners in the fight against global poverty. They are both proud parents to their son, Jedediah, and daughter, River.

Tom Gibbs is a professional artist and a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. Theologically trained, he also has experience in Christian education and church ministry. Tom’s classical art studies in Italy and Greece fuelled his passion for the Renaissance. A passionate oil painter, art teacher, and van conversion enthusiast, Tom enjoys exhibiting art, painting portraits, and editing YouTube videos. He believes that, much like in the 14th century, significant movements can ignite when creative people unite with a Kingdom-shaped vision. Tom lives in Brisbane with his wife and enjoys life in the Sunshine State.

Rachel Snyder is a New York-based chef, wine tasting instructor, and entrepreneur, founder of Rachel Snyder Hospitality, established in 2019. She runs dinner parties and wine tasting events for private and corporate clients, including eleven volumes of her public natural wine tasting parties, “Natty Wine”. After quitting her job as a publicist for restaurants in 2019, Rachel has hosted countless wine tastings, and cooked for everyone from corporate teams, to karaokae-ing pastors, destination weddings, and even on Food Network’s Chopped. With a past career in PR for chefs and restaurants, Rachel knows how to mix business with pleasure.

Amanda Cook is a multi award-winning artist, writer and musician. Her music explores the intersections of faith, doubt, love, loss, hope, despair and FUN. She’ll be joining us at Renaissance to lead worship.

Toby Lewis Thomas is an Anglican priest. His current role is the Mission Enabler for Hackney and Islington working with churches to help start new worshipping communities. Toby trained for ministry at SAINT and helped plant SAINT’s Shoreditch location. He spent 12 years as a photographer and director in the creative industries as owner of a creative agency before transitioning to the Global Creative Director of Alpha International.

Rich Langton has been described as “a world renowned storyteller, worship pastor, and global influencer”. Over the years, he has served in various capacities, including worship leader, preacher, teacher, creative pastor, and department leader. Rich served as the Australian Worship and Creative Pastor at Hillsong Church over the past decade, started businesses, and grew the Gospel Music Association in Australia. He and his wife Cass are now empowering others in their worship and creativity through their new church thelocal.sydney and an online community of creatives called "the Hopeful Rhino" which exists to provides training and encouragement to creatives everywhere.

Anabel Litchfield is a freelance art director and photographer, based in Sydney Australia. She's worked in the creative field for over 18 years, with experience in art direction, branding/visual identity design, portrait & documentary photography, brand messaging and fine art. Along with her business partner, River Bennett, she founded The First Hello Project, a long form body of work in collaboration with a team of photographers & filmmakers, documenting the birth stories of women and their families. When she's not creating, you'll find her cuddling her daughter, Sunday Violet, filling her dinner table with more people than it should reasonably fit, or staring blankly at the ocean.

P&W (Prayer & Worship) is a worship movement inviting people into the simplicity of worshipping Jesus for no other reason than He is worthy, & we enjoy Him. This desire has struck a chord with many over the years, and a common passion for Jesus has fuelled persistent, unified intercession for the things on His heart for our region, nation and globe.

Mike and Liz Webber are experienced pastors with over 20 years of experience in both the mainstream and Christian music industries. They are about to launch their next great challenge: Church Planters. Liz is a seasoned singer, songwriter, vocal producer, choir director, creative director, and pastor. She has supported numerous artists on prominent shows, including The Ellen Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Voice, Idol, and Triple J Like a Version. Her compositions have been covered by international artists such as Tori Kelly, Blanca, and Chandler Moore. She is a strong advocate for women in the industry, promoting mental health awareness and empowering vocalists and artists to excel in their gifts. Mike has been an integral part of the global worship drumming community for over 20 years, notably helping to pioneer the first 15 years of Planetshakers Music. He has a strong pastoral gifting and is passionate about helping creatives connect to their Creator and use their gifts as intended.

Reuben is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to amplify missional impact. With extensive experience in the creative industry, local church, and global ministry, he offers unique insights at the intersection of faith, technology, and mission. As the Asia Pacific Strategic Partnership Lead at CV, he helps organisations simplify complexities and foster collaboration for greater kingdom impact.

Leio is a designer, developer, business leader and creative thinker. With a wealth of experience in major international corporations, he understands the importance of fostering cross-cultural collaboration to solve complex problems. In the realm of Christian technology, Leio has emerged as a pioneering force, leading by example as he innovates at the crossroads of faith and modernity. His approach embodies a willingness to take calculated risks, venturing into uncharted territories to blend spiritual traditions with contemporary solutions. He believes there is always more to learn, more to give and greater impact to achieve, all guided by the truth that in service and faith, we find our greatest purpose.

Bek Hawke is a furniture designer, maker, dreamer and deep thinker, creating bespoke pieces with her brand Tov & Co in Brisbane. Unsatisfied by her graduate architect job, she dreamed of co-creating with God in a more tangible form. Taking a leap of faith she trained under a master craftsman, learning all the skills of woodworking and furniture design. With hands busy on the tools, her mind and heart were freed to wonder at how God might be glorified through this craft, hence Tov & Co was born. Her most recent co-creations with husband Phil, are their two beautiful sons Avalon and Ives. Lately Bek has swapped her saw and screws for scissors and glue, fully embracing her craft mum era.

Paul’s background is education. He taught for twelve years, working for departments of education in Europe, Africa, and Asia. He has written education policy and designed and tested tertiary sector and national curricula. Working from DPMC, under prime minister John Key, he was secretary to a cross-party committee tasked to review school choice and educational reform. Paul is an award-winning teacher and former national debating coach. He has authored five books. He holds degrees from Aberdeen, Cambridge, and Laidlaw college, and a PhD from Australian Catholic University. His research focuses on human and artificial intelligence. Paul is married to Liz. They have three daughters and three grandchildren.

Zac is an innovative leader and creative strategist. He has broad training and long experience in church ministry, organisational leadership and the creative industry. Everything he does comes from a driving desire to see people released, encouraged and equipped to carry the presence of God in their local context. A conversation with Zac will leave you breathing fresh air - challenged, focussed and deeply encouraged. It's also likely you'll walk away with a new cafe recommendation.

Ben is passionate about Jesus and helping all people discover freedom in Christ. He challenges, leads and guides those around him to reach their full potential. Ben thrives in building healthy teams and organisations while reminding everyone they have intrinsic value and worth. He is reminded of Jesus' example that true greatness is found in serving and loving others, believing that it is the greatest privilege to serve Jesus and His Church. Ben has over fifteen years of experience in local church leadership and currently serves as the National Engagement Director for Alpha Australia. He is married to Emily and has four wonderful kids.

Carly (fromcarlyb) is a Meanjin based textile artist, enamoured by the craft of sewing, patchworking & repurposing second hand materials. Her bespoke creations are celebrations of colour & prints, with intuitively sewn patchworked designs that incorporate an array of upcycled/reclaimed fabrics. Whether it be through creating content for social media platforms, sewing one of a kind pieces, or sharing sewing tutorials on Youtube, her work is grounded in joy, passion & a playful spirit. Follow along at @fromcarlyb across all social media platforms for more.

Al Gordon is the leader of SAINT, a rapidly expanding church based in East London, focused on community engagement and cultural development. In addition to his role at SAINT, Al has founded Renaissance, a movement of creativity aimed at creativity in the local church globally. Al is married to Olivia, an architect, and they have three children. He also serves as a trustee of Alpha International.

Patrina loves capturing and sharing people’s stories. She’s a photographer, experienced worship leader and co-founder of the crowd-pleasing Pietro Gelateria. Thoughtful, authentic and encouraging, she passionately helps others develop their craft in connection with the Creator. Patrina lives in Perth with her husband Mathew and their two daughters Noa and Paloma. Open for gelato flavour suggestions.

Aaron Moore is the Creative Pastor for the Newlife Family of Churches and the Location Pastor at Newlife Moreton, a new church plant in Brisbane, Australia. With a background in the music industry spanning six years, Aaron brings a unique blend of creativity and leadership to his ministry, helping to shape worship experiences and church culture. Passionate about both the arts and the local church, he is committed to fostering creative expression within the church. Aaron lives in Brisbane with his wife, Candace, where he enjoys drinking great coffee and perfecting his lawn.