Our Team

David O’Mara – Senior Minister

I became a Christian while studying Social work at University when I heard a message which changed my life. The heart of the message is the Good News that Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead and made me part of His family. Since coming to faith I have had the privilege of working as a missionary in Kenya and Indonesia through CMS and in Broome through BCA as well as most recently in South West Sydney and so for me one aspect of our DNA at All Souls is to welcome people from a variety of backgrounds. I love the variety of people at All Souls and this makes for an interesting church as we support one another and develop a sense of belonging. What drives this church and myself is the powerful Word of God as God speaks through His Spirit and Word and shapes our lives. I hope you come to All Souls because you will find the love of Jesus here and be encouraged to share that love with others as you learn God’s purpose for your life. Welcome !

Suzannah Gaulke – Assistant Minister

I began attending All Souls Leichhardt Church when I needed spiritual revival and home. The church was close to where I lived and had a back door I could sneak in through. I was immediately welcomed, handed a service sheet and introduced to people in the pew in front of me. After the service, I was again welcomed and invited to morning tea next door. I came back the next week.

I’ve been a Christian my entire life. I’ve lived all over Australia – mainly on the east coast – and even in Papua New Guinea for a time (7yrs to be exact). I studied history and anthropology at Sydney Uni and afterwards worked in aged care. I now work as the secretary and assistant minister at All Souls having graduated from SMBC. I’m a Queenslander and a missionary kid. I like to bake, read, write, play music…the list goes on. There are a lot of things that define me, that describe me. But at the heart of it all, I am a child of God and His church is my home. And I hope it can be yours too.

Darien Mocatta – Student Minister

In my early 20s I started getting hungry for truth and real answers to life’s big questions – purpose, identity, how to actually become a better person. I looked in all the usual places: the world’s ideas, self-help books, my own efforts – but nothing truly satisfied or changed my heart. Then I discovered those answers at the cross: Jesus offers grace, forgiveness, and a love I could never earn, and it set me free.

Just over two years ago my wife Laura and I were baptised together here at All Souls Leichhardt and this church quickly became our home and family. Through Alpha, Bible studies, the community here, and above all our new identity in Christ, our lives have been filled with joy, real fellowship, and purpose. Now, as a student minister, I love serving alongside everyone – helping others meet the same life-changing Jesus, to become a part of His family. If you’re searching for truth or belonging, you’re so welcome here. We’re waiting for you!

Ben Lukins – Student Minister

I was born in a Christian family and grew up in Ethiopia as a missionary kid. I am grateful to have known the Lord Jesus my whole life, giving my life to him as a 7 year-old and getting to know him better and better ever since! The knowledge that my salvation is not based on my own weak efforts, but on the trustworthy character of Jesus, is the greatest gift imaginable. My second greatest gift is my wife Laura, whom I met doing student ministry at uni; we have a heart for the local church, especially in rural NSW (where I come from), and hope to move west after my time at Moore College and at All Souls.

In addition to seeing young Christians grow in maturity and a love for Jesus, I love reading, writing, playing the Irish whistle, and working out with people (which is really just an excuse to talk about life, in the context of shared suffering!). It is my prayer that you will know the love, joy and hope that come from faith in Jesus, and that All Souls might be a place in which you can grow in it.