By Garry Sanossian
In January 2024, after 15 years of faithful service, Ken Perrin retired from his role of Pastor at Ainslie Church of Christ and, together with his wife Chris, relocated to South Australia to be closer to family. His pastoral legacy has left an indelible mark on Ainslie Church of Christ and our network at large. A year on from his retirement, I spoke to Ken and others who have witnessed his impact, to gain insight into his ministry.
Elder Alison McGregor, who served alongside Ken for over a decade, witnessed firsthand the depth of his commitment and the impact of his leadership. “Ken led by example, showing a servant heart, following Jesus’ model of love and generosity,” she said.
His ministry reached far beyond Sunday services. Alison, recognising Ken’s shepherd’s heart, reflected on how his ministry was deeply personal and relational.
“We have all been surrounded by love and prayers (from Ken). We have all been ministered to in one-on-one interactions. We have been encouraged to live our Christian lives, just where God has planted us, on a 24/7 basis, rather than ‘an hour a week’ where history and habit are the drivers.”
Under Ken’s leadership, Ainslie Church of Christ flourished as a place where relationships were nurtured, not only within the church but also throughout the wider community. The op shop, a vital outreach initiative, strengthened connections within the congregation and the community, while the community garden provided a welcoming space for engagement beyond the church’s walls.
Ken and Chris Perrin in the church’s community garden at Ainslie in 2016 (photo by Jamila Toderas)
His ability to foster these relationships was evident at his farewell gathering, where a diverse group of people from the church and the broader community came together to honour his impact.
Andrew McInnes, who is a member of the Network Resource Team and supports leaders in our network, recognised how Ken’s influence extended far beyond the congregation.
“Pastor Ken’s impact was clear at his farewell. It wasn’t just the church family who gathered, but people from the wider community, many of whom he had connected with through different ministries,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ken identified two pivotal initiatives that not only marked significant turning points in his leadership but also fundamentally shaped the church’s identity within the community.
“The op shop was a turning point. Born from the frustration of fundraising struggles, it became well-known in Canberra for its quality and affordability. The community garden was another milestone; Chris and I saw it as a way to welcome people onto church grounds, making it a true part of daily community life,” he said.
This legacy continues to shape the church’s community-focused ministries. The op shop and community garden remain vibrant expressions of service, creating opportunities for Ainslie Church of Christ to extend beyond its walls.
Elder Alison McGregor shared her acknowledgement. “Pastor Ken and his wife Chris had a big impact on shaping the church’s ministry and ethos over the years.”
“He played an integral role in planning and creating opportunities for the church to serve beyond Sunday services,” she said.
Ken noted that these initiatives not only marked key milestones in his ministry but also deepened his capacity for love and acceptance towards his congregation and the broader community. “Over time, I’ve grown in love. I’ve learned to focus more on what it means to truly love and accept others,” he said.
While Ken’s retirement ushered in a time of change for the church, it also became a season of unexpected blessings. In his absence, congregation members rose to the occasion, embracing and continuing the church’s mission.
“It’s been a season of transition but also of growth. Different members of the congregation have stepped up. It’s been a time of quiet blessing,” Elder Alison said.
As Ken reflected on his final church service, he shared a heartfelt challenge with his congregation, urging them to carry on the church’s mission with courage and faith.
“I challenged them to continue being Christ in the community, to not be afraid, no matter their age, but to see themselves as a vital part of the church’s mission,” he said.
Although Ken and Chris have now settled in South Australia, the seeds they planted at Ainslie Church of Christ continue to bear fruit.
Over the years, Ken and Chris redefined outreach at Ainslie Church of Christ by creating ministries that extended beyond Sunday services and into everyday life. Their vision of a ‘parallel church’ involved multiple groups sharing church spaces and resources, fostering a deeper sense of connection and belonging within the community. Through their leadership, they established a range of ministries and programs, including Lunch, Café, Women’s, Music, Walking, Op Shopping, Garden, Playgroup, Kids Nights and
Worship, ministries at Limestone. These initiatives created opportunities for people to gather, serve and experience God’s love in new ways, shaping the church’s identity as a place of faith in action.
Reflecting on these ministries that embody Ken’s heart for service, Alison said, “Their leadership made Ainslie Church of Christ more than just a place of worship; it became a community where all could belong.”
“It’s like an ongoing love affair that continues, because even though we’re not there, people still call and check on us,” Ken reflected.
This enduring connection testifies to the profound impact of his ministry and the deep love he and Chris had for their community. Although they may have moved on, the legacy of their love and leadership still resonates within the church and its congregation.
