Mount Gambier resident Pastor Simun Lalich will continue with his theological studies and live in the Blue Lake city while working on a part-time basis in his new role as the minister of the Millicent Baptist Church.

Pastor Simun has been in the role since January and his induction service was recently held.

Key roles in the hour-long service were undertaken by Adelaide-based Baptist Churches SA church development facilitator Reverend Mark Sanders, retired Millicent minister Reverend Don Groom and other local church leaders.

Adding their support to Pastor Simun were his wife Tracy and a large contingent from the Mount Gambier Baptist Church where they have worshipped.

Millicent had been without a Baptist minister after Pastor Malcolm Eberhard retired almost two years ago and moved to Queensland.

During the interregnum, Pastor Simun was one of the visiting ministers who conducted services at Millicent.

He had left his previous job as a refrigeration mechanic in 2020 with a view to serving in the Baptist Church ministry.

Pastor Simun then applied for the Millicent role and it was endorsed by the selection committee.

“My whole life’s journey has brought me here and I feel I am meant to be here,” Pastor Simun said.

Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll addressed the gathering and described it as a significant event for the Baptist Church and the local community.

“Can I say that being a minister in any community must be one of the hardest occupations,” Mayor Noll said.

“I admire those individuals who with strong Christian beliefs take hold of God’s word and go out into communities ministering to all.

“Respectfully I say, there is a lot of work to do, and we all know that.

“I know your work in our community will not go unnoticed and I look forward to getting to know you and working with you where we can come together for the benefit of our community.”