After almost a decade of service to the Wollongong region Geoff Kyngdon retires as the Assistant to the Bishop in Wollongong today.
Geoff says he thoroughly enjoyed the position "colloquially known as the pretend Archdeacon's role' but after nine and a half years he has decided it was time to move into partial retirement.
"I consider it an enormous privilege to have been able to serve the Lord in this special way," Geoff says.
Mr Kyngdon says it came as a "total surprise' in 1997 when he was approached by then Bishop Reg Piper in late 1997 to take up the unique role.
"I was heading in one direction, but God had other plans," Geoff says.
"I have worked in just about all areas of archidiaconal work and seen the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly over the last few years."
The highs and lows
Despite being a layman Geoff Kyngdon says he has performed most functions of an archdeacon, "except where an ordained person is required," he is quick to add.
"I have dealt with parishes, administration, parish councils, disputes and property matters," Geoff says.
"I recall we had one major parish dispute where I had body guards accompany me to a meeting."
Some of the challenging roles Geoff has enjoyed include being foundation chairman of the Nowra Anglican College Council and overseeing the completion of construction of the Acor Hotel at St Michael's, Wollongong.
Working in the diocese's most geographically large region, Geoff says he has enjoyed the opportunity to travel widely.
"I've had eight cars in almost ten years and covered over half a million kilometres. The many late nights have been tempered by fact that you're helping wardens, parish councillors, treasurers and clergy do their jobs."
Geoff says he has enjoyed the privilege of meeting and studying the Bible with the Archbishop, bishops and archdeacons.
"Even though I came in a lay person, I've been accepted and supported and made to feel a part of the team," he says.
"I have learnt so much from them. It's a privilege to sit with scholars like Glenn Davies and Peter Jensen and be taught by them."
Lay preaching throughout the region has also been one of Geoff's roles.
"I've enjoyed preaching. I think it's an absolute privilege to share the word of God and encourage people to live their lives close under God's word."
Plans for retirement
In retirement Mr Kyngdon is looking to be involved in more parish based ministry in the Diocese and possibly beyond.
"My plans are a little vague as yet but I hope my wife Marylin and I will be able to find other ministries here within Australia or possibly even further away," he says.
"Marilyn has been a tremendous support to me over this period and also involved in ministry in the Wollongong region."
