Rev. Pierre van Blommestein brings a breadth of experience and a passionate sense of calling to the St Andrew’s Uniting Parish, tracing his ministerial journey across both South Africa and Australia. Born to a Presbyterian minister, he followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing theological training at university, where he met Cherie, who was busy with an Arts degree and grew up in Gwelo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

After Uni, in January 1980, Pierre went to fulfil his National Service duties and was deployed for 18 months full-time service as a Chaplain to a combat zone on the border between Angola and South West Africa (now Namibia), where an anti-Communist war, similar to Vietnam, was being fought by South Africa (and some reluctant global allies).

Pierre and Cherie were married during this time of service, and Cherie joined Pierre in his deployment, where they began their married life amongst soldiers, weapons, and landmines. Fortunately, Cherie (known to the camp as “Mrs Padre”) had experience, from her years in Rhodesia, of handling weapons and living in a war zone, so she fitted right in!

From 1981, Pierre served congregations across South Africa for nearly two decades, developing leadership skills in both large and small churches, in suburban and urban environments. Then in January 2000, they left South Africa for sunny Queensland, where he faithfully ministered in the Greater Brisbane area—most recently serving on Bribie Island for nine years—before responding to a new call to the congregations of Yass and Goulburn.

Pierre brings to this community a passion for expository preaching of the Scriptures, helping people discover the riches of the Bible, exploring new expressions of worship and music, and seeing ordinary people become everyday disciples of Jesus in the local community.

Pierre will lead worship at St Andrews on the first and third Sundays of each month, alternate Sundays being led by the faithful core of lay preachers who have maintained worship over the past years.

Please join us in worship and fellowship each Sunday at 10 am