Dandenong Baptist Church

Pastor for Community Engagement

Naomi Paterson has worked in this role since 2015. Naomi is also the CEO of local community organisation Cornerstone Contact Centre, and she is actively involved in advocating for disadvantaged locals through many local networks. Naomi has a Bachelor of Creative Arts from Melbourne University and a Graduate Diploma in Theology from Tabor College. She is passionate about building and nurturing community, and leads the Nourish evening service, a unique and informal service for marginalised locals.

Pastor for Youth and Young Adults

Janik has a background as an Advanced Chemical Engineer, until he felt God’s call into full time ministry in 2021. Janik completed a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Honours from Monash University, before undertaking a Gradate Diploma of Divinity at Melbourne School of Theology. As a current ordination candidate with the Baptist Union of Victoria, Janik is currently enrolled in a Master of Theology at Whittley College. Janik is passionate about community and culture building, especially amongst young people. He loves sharing God’s Word and seeing young people growing in their relationship with Jesus. Janik is married to Deb, and enjoys bouldering and playing board games in his free time.

Pastor for Missions

Driven by a deep compassion for those in need, he is involved in ministry in both Sri Lanka and India, with a particular focus on sharing God’s love with the orphaned and widowed. Srilal leads the Dandenong Baptist Church Men’s Ministry, where he challenges men with God’s call to become fully devoted followers of Christ. With a background in Business Administration and Finance, Srilal has also served for many years on the board of a local charity. He has been married to his wife Jean for 32 years, and they are blessed with two children. Srilal enjoys playing guitar, singing, and participating in cricket matches.

Intern Pastor

Allen was born in Manila, Philippines. He attended school in Manilla and the UK before permanently moving to Australia in 2006 with his family. He has lived locally and has been attending Dandenong Baptist Church for the past 15 years. In 2016 he completed a Diploma in Nursing and has worked as a nurse for eight years. Allen has always had a strong love for God, and has learnt to rely on God throughout all of life’s challenges. Allen began to sense God’s calling into ministry a number of years ago, and in 2023, Allen made the decision to follow his calling and became an intern pastor. In his spare time he enjoys basketball, gaming and spending time with his young son and wife Annie.

Pastoral Care

Sue has been involved in Dandenong Baptist for over 30 years and her passion is for Pastoral Care. She enjoys spending time with people, listening to them so they feel comfortable sharing their joys, concerns, and struggles. Sue endeavours to bring hope & encouragement by extending God’s love & care to her church family.