Rodney Gilchrist
Senior Pastor
In his late teens, following a miraculous healing from a serious heart condition, he vowed to serve God for the rest of his days. In May 1980, Pastor Rodney Gilchrist was called to ministry by the Lord through miraculous circumstances.
In 1985 Pastor Rodney commenced at Rhema Bible Training Centre, Perth. It was here that he met his wife, Cheryl, who had already completed her studies and graduated with a two year Diploma of Ministry.
Upon his graduation they moved to the Gold Coast where he accepted a position in a Word of Faith church as an Assistant Pastor and served faithfully for three years.
During this time he taught in the Bible College, ran the youth ministry, preached and learned the practical side of pastoring.
In 1988 Pastor Rodney Gilchrist and his wife spent three months travelling and ministering in various churches throughout Canada. This period of time taught them much about church life and broadened their horizons.
Upon returning to Australia, the Lord revealed the vision of Abundant Life Fellowship to him and the ministry commenced in June 1989. Since then the church has seen tremendous growth, ministering to thousands of people during this time.
In more recent times, Pastor Rodney had an amazing experience where he was taken to Heaven, and there it was confirmed that the name of our church, and our denomination, should change to Dream Centre Christian Church. Since that time a spiritual transition has taken place and our church has continued to see excellent growth patterns developing in both numbers and leadership. The vision of Dream Centre Christian Church Ltd continually expands by the Grace of God under Pastor Rodney and Pastor Cheryl Gilchrist’s leadership.
Cheryl Gilchrist
Senior Pastor
Cheryl was born in England and was still a young child when her family immigrated to Australia, where neighbours led them to Christ in 1977. Shortly after, Cheryl’s parents set up and ran a home for youth in crisis in Sunnybank, Brisbane. It was a steep learning curve for all but they saw God use them and bless the work that they were doing. Following the decision to prepare for ministry, the family made a bold move to Perth, Western Australia, to attend Bible College.
In 1983, at the tender age of 16, Cheryl was the youngest student to ever enrol in a Rhema Bible Training Centre. Graduating two years later, along with her sister and parents, it was also the first time four immediate members of one family had graduated from the same class with a Diploma in Christian Ministry. After graduation the family moved back to Queensland, but Cheryl chose to stay behind in Perth, where she had met fellow student and husband to be, Rod. Leading up to their marriage in October 1985, Rod studied at Bible College while Cheryl worked and was involved in church life. After Rod’s graduation from Rhema they moved to Queensland.
Rod and Cheryl worked alongside her father in church ministry until 1988 when they traveled overseas together to preach and teach. It was during this time that God spoke to them about the future and the call on their lives to pioneer a new church on the Gold Coast. Just after the birth of their first child, Adon, they established Abundant Life Fellowship, now called Dream Centre Christian Church. Their family also grew further with the birth of son Jordan and daughters Courtney and Holly.
Over the years, Cheryl has worked in almost every facet of church life. When they established Historymakers of Today Bible Training Centre, Cheryl gained her teaching certificate and lectured and wrote certified courses for the Bible College. Her messages on the practical application of the Word of God for everyday life continually inspire the women of Dream Centre and challenge them to step up to the mark and be all they can be.
Sandy Ritchie
Itinerant Pastor
Pastor Sandy was raised in a Christian home where his father and mother were Pastors. He has followed in their footsteps entering full-time ministry in 1994 after 15 years of involvement in Music Ministry as a vocalist.
In 1983 he married his wife Glenyss and they now have four children.
In November 1990 he and his wife joined Abundant Life Fellowship (now Dream Centre Christian Church) and have served in all areas of the church. Pastor Sandy spent many years in Pastoral duties including counselling and follow up in Pastoral Care. He has lectured in History makers of Today Training Centre as well as Praise and Worship leading and vocal work on albums.
Pastor Sandy also oversees the Business Network at Dream Centre Christian Church, a rapidly growing area providing training and resources to business people.
Both Pastor Sandy and his wife place great importance on a strong marriage relationship as well as relating well to their children.
They believe strong character development is a key to a strong foundation in life both personally and in ministry.