DCBC Pastoral Leadership Team

Bruce Elder

Hi, I'm Bruce and I am the senior pastoral leader here at DCBC. I'm passionate about Jesus and long to see people come to know him, sell out their lives to him, and be his hands, feet and voice in our city and world. I long for us to be people who live in intimate relationship with Jesus, seeking to be still in his presence, listening to him, knowing how much we are loved, bringing our heart needs to him, and asking bold prayers of him.  I am married to Jill, have four married children and a whole group of wonderful grandchildren. Outside of work I love tramping in our magnificent scenery, running along the beach and enjoying a good coffee at a local café with Jill and friends.

Mike Simpson

I’ve been at DCBC since coming to Dunedin as a student many years ago and have been on the leadership team since 2003. My leadership responsibilities include leading the Pastoral Leadership Team, along with Bruce Elder (Senior Leader). I also oversee the High School youth ministry (DCBC Youth) on Wednesday nights along with my wife Fi and an amazing team of leaders. Fi (who is a Sports Dietician) and I have three teenagers, Caleb, Abby and Levi. In my spare time I enjoy running in the hills around Dunedin, coaching basketball  and rock climbing.

Phillip Porter

Hi, I’m Phillip. I count it a great privilege to belong to God’s big family and love being able to serve here at DCBC in Christ's name. This is my third season of pastoral work. I and my family also spent 18 months with a mission team in Vietnam. I recently finished doctoral studies in theology, a rich experience that brought me closer to Jesus. I feel called to train and equip people for ministry, especially the younger generation, whom I believe God has great plans for. More generally, through preaching, teaching and pastoral ministry I love to help people engage with the Bible, with a view to allowing the Word of God to shape our lives and church community after the image of Jesus. I am married to Siobhan, who is a devout follower of Jesus. God has given us four beautiful daughters and a handsome son, each a precious gift bringing considerable joy to our lives.

Mike Bagge

Kia ora. I lead the team that leads our Young Adult community. My role there is to encourage YAs to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and grow as His disciples. I lead the team that plans DCBC’s Sunday morning services. That involves conversations, prayers, seeking God’s will for services and creative brainstorming; alongside co-ordination with the worship team, preaching team and tech teams. I also lead the men’s pastoral care team where we are seeking to look out for men in the church and organise events where guys can connect over food. I am married to Susan, who is a GP and a partner at her practice in South Dunedin, and we have 3 kids: Nathan, Scarlet and Hazel. When I am not spending time with my family, I love to roam around the hills of Dunedin or mountain bike down them.

Kate Cooper

Hi, I'm Kate and I lead our awesome team of welcomers here at DCBC. I absolutely love to connect people with each other and with our amazing Lord. I am married to Tim (who leads the School of Arts at University of Otago), we have 4 strapping sons, a beautiful daughter-in-law and a very precious grand baby girl! We love board games and backyard cricket, camping, exploring and anything to do with the beach and especially playing with our new puppy!

Jen Crump

Hello, I'm Jen and I coordrinate the Children's Programs at DCBC; this includes all children up to Year 8. I am married to John, who is an infectious disease physician and helps lead the Centre for International Health with Otago University. We have 4 lovely boys. I am originally from Vancouver, Canada and enjoy being outdoors and playing sports.  But I really enjoy having the opportunity to get to know kids and families, and see them grow in faith, have fun, and develop good friendships.