OUR TEAM
They’re a great bunch…
A group of people who love God, love people and want to further the gospel through teaching it to the Christian leaders of tomorrow. They’re a great bunch, we’re sure you’ll love them!
Ben Pfahlert – MTS National Director
Ben did not come from a Christian family. God saved him through very simple means. A bloke called Rhys read one chapter of Mark’s Gospel each week with him during 1988.
Ben became a Christian in 1989 and is very committed to the ‘invest deeply in a few’ model of discipleship. Jesus did it. Paul did it and Rhys did it.
Ben worked as a Civil Engineer in Melbourne for three years. He did an MTS Apprenticeship alongside his wife under Gordon and Fiona Cheng, through AFES at RMIT University 1992-1993. Ben and Emma both studied at Moore Theological College (Sydney) before returning to Melbourne in 2001. Ben wore three hats between 2001 and 2006: he was an AFES University Minister, the Pastor of the evening congregation of Scots Presbyterian Church and the MTS Network Coordinator for Victoria. Ben was appointed MTS National Director in 2007 and is thoroughly committed to MTS’ Vision ‘to win the world for Christ by multiplying Gospel workers through ministry apprenticeships.’
Ben and Emma have 4 adult children. Ben loves ordinary family dinners, chatting with the kids, triathlons, upside down fires and watching a good TV show with Emma (eg. “Alone” on SBS). Ben also loves seeing (+ supporting) grass roots MTS movements all around the world.
Ben also believes that ‘2 minutes in glory will be far more satisfying than 80 years of the best pleasures this world has to offer.’
Russell Smidt – Director of Training
Russ joined the MTS Staff in May 2022, but has been connected to MTS since attending Club 5 Conferences in the late 90s. He did an apprenticeship at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Carlingford (2003-04), then after 4 years at bible college recruited and trained apprentices as a pastor in NSW/ACT Presbyterian churches.
Russ grew up in Grafton (NSW), where he did his first ‘apprenticeship’ as a scaffolder/dogman in the family business before moving to the ‘big smoke’ to study Civil Engineering at University of Sydney. He worked as a Geotechnical Engineer in Sydney and has served as a pastor in Sydney (Epping Presbyterian Church, 2009-13) and Canberra (New Life Presbyterian Church, Gungahlin, 2014-22).
With his wife and 4 sons, Russ lives in Canberra. He carves out time to umpire community AFL, watch his sons play AFL, kayak the rapids of the Murrumbidgee River and play tenor horn in the Canberra Brass Band.
Since being knocked over by God’s grace and becoming a Christian in 1996, nothing has been more important to him than making Jesus known and helping others to receive God’s grace.
Steve McKay – Director of Operations & Pastoral Development
Steve joined the MTS Team in October 2024. Steve comes to MTS after working at St George Christian School as the Business Manager for 15 years. Steve is a former MTS Apprentice (1995-96) and is also theologically trained (Moore College).
Steve brings a wealth of information to this new role. Steve is excited to use his skills in his work at MTS and in the movement to grow gospel workers.
In his spare time, Steve likes to spend time with his wife, Heather, and their 3 adult children.
Carmel Vincent – Training & Events Coordinator
Carmel joined MTS in December 2021 as the Events Coordinator. She is passionate about seeing people come to know Jesus and grow in their love and knowledge of God and his word. She loves organising events that bring like-minded Christians together to raise up gospel workers for the glory of God.
After working in banking and finance for many years, Carmel moved to the St George area and dedicated herself to serving in both children’s and women’s ministry at her church, St George North Anglican, while also working for the church in administrative and finance roles. During this time she also completed a Graduate Diploma of Divinity at SMBC.
Carmel is married to Neil and they have two young adult sons. Outside work she loves settling down with a good book, listening to music, spending time with her family and going for long walks along the beach with Neil and their dog Archie (preferably with take-away coffees).
James Hoey – Director of Partnerships
James joined MTS at the start of 2021 and is based in Victoria. He has the great joy and privilege of working with Victorian and national ministry leaders and potential apprentices and helping them keep their eyes on God’s harvest field.
James previously worked as a Podiatrist in private practice, community health, correctional facilities and as a National Clinical Manager. He did an MTS Apprenticeship at Grace Christian Community in Melbourne after which he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney from 2017-2020.
James is married to Melody and they have the joy of being parents to Levi and Judah.
Jodi Taylor – Executive Assistant to Ben Pfahlert and Russ Smidt
Jodi started with the MTS Team in May 2022 and moved into the EA role in July 2024. She is from the Newy/Lake Mac area, and graduated with a Business Degree from The University of Newcastle at the end of 2021.
Jodi grew up in church and always knew of God, but took her faith seriously at the age of 16 after hearing a powerful testimony at a youth group event. She considers accepting Jesus into her heart one of the best decisions she’s ever made.
Jodi is very excited to be working in a gospel-minded organisation after 11 years in hospitality. Jodi is married to Jordan and in her spare time, she likes to hang out with friends, read, and watch documentaries. Her Siamese cat Coco is very special to her.
Rebecca Cockroft – Partnerships Administrator
Rebecca joined MTS in May 2023. She came to faith through watching her parents as they faithfully and prayerfully worked as missionaries in Nepal. Rebecca is passionate about the change that Christ makes in a person’s life, moving people from death to life!
After completing a Bachelor of Music (Performance) and running a music tutoring business, Rebecca completed an MTS apprenticeship in 2017-18 and was given the opportunity of learning and supporting the work of Ministry at Vine Church, Surry Hills. She then went on to work for the Salvation Army as a Community Caseworker in work that gave her the opportunity to share her faith as and practically support those who are extremely disadvantaged in the community.
Rebecca is married to Isaac, and they have 2 children. Outside work, she loves playing with her young children, long walks and conversations with friends and any musical/concert/gig she can get to.
John Thomas – People & Strategy Manager
John joined the MTS team in September 2023. In his role as People & Strategy Manager, John helps to oversee the HR aspects of the MTS Staff team as it continues to grow whilst also assisting MTS Directors with their strategic decisions.
John is married to Bella, and they are active in their church – John has been involved in music at church for a number of years and also enjoyed being a youth leader during his university years and seeing those younger than him grow in their faith in the Lord Jesus.
In his spare time, John enjoys hanging out with friends and family over a good meal, learning about various topics and enjoys playing and watching sport.
Clare Merkel – MTW-MTS Partnership Developer
Clare joined MTS in October 2023 after spending 12 years in pastoral women’s ministry. Clare focuses on coaching gospel leaders to train and recruit female apprentices.
Prior to joining MTS, Clare worked as an Exercise Physiologist before undertaking a ministry apprenticeship at Albury Presbyterian Church and Abbotsford Presbyterian Church, from 2010-2011.
Clare grew up in a Christian home. Since 2012, Clare has been actively involved in Bathurst Presbyterian Church alongside her husband Tristan. Clare’s dedication to mentoring and training is evident through her experience in training three female MTS apprentices.
Outside of work, Clare enjoys staying active through running, walking and pilates. She also values quality time with friends. As a mother to four kids, Clare embraces the challenges and joys of parenthood, investing in her children as the next generation of disciples.
Juliette Antoon – Registrar
Info about Juliette to come!
Rohan Blandford – Operations & Support Administrator
Rohan joined MTS in July 2024 in the Operations & Support Administration role. He came to faith in late high school after God showed him that the Bible is more than just a book, it is the truth.
Prior to MTS, Rohan loved being involved with campus ministry at Macquarie Uni (while studying cyber security on the side). He graduated halfway through 2023 and spent the next year working at Christ Church St Ives in Communications.
Rohan is always looking forward to Sundays and is excited to see what God does through MTS.
Juliette Lee – Events Administrator
Juliette joined the MTS team in July 2024 in the events administration role. She grew up in church but truly got to know God in her early twenties. She is passionate about her family and her Church, helping it thrive and grow.
Juliette is currently studying a bachelor of Media and Communications at Macquarie University.
Outside of work Juliette loves to spend time with her family and friends.
Lisa Lee – Donor Relationship Manager
Lisa joined MTS in July 2024 after 3 decades in the corporate world, specifically, in the travel industry. Lisa grew up in church, but it was not until her early twenties that she came to know the Lord personally. She is passionate about connecting and relating to her church family and the broader community.
She is excited to use her professional skills for a new purpose and direction, and she looks forward to getting to know the MTS donors on a personal level.
Outside work, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, ‘walks and talks,’ cooking and eating out, and, of course, travelling.