Church Comes Alive

Church Comes Alive

In a ministry culture often shaped by growth strategies and performance metrics, it is striking to hear a leader return the focus to something far simpler—and far deeper.

QB Conference 2026 | 15 April 2026

In a recent conversation at the QB Awaken Conference 2026, Stewart Pieper sat down with David Shepherd, Lead Pastor of Hills Baptist Church in Adelaide, to talk about what truly excites him about ministry. Shepherd’s answer was unmistakable: seeing people fall in love with Jesus and awaken to who they are in Him.

For Shepherd, the church is not about consumers or spectators, but about believers who recognise their call to represent God’s grace and presence in the world. Whether it’s a young person stepping into leadership for the first time or an 83‑year‑old choosing baptism after encountering Christ later in life, transformation remains the true measure of success.

The conversation also explores Shepherd’s deep commitment to relational discipleship—opening homes, sharing life, and allowing faith to be formed in everyday moments rather than polished programs. When it comes to emerging leaders, his philosophy is clear: set healthy boundaries, then trust people with real responsibility. The mess, he says, is worth it.

Threaded throughout the interview is a sense of hope—for the next generation, for the local church, and for the Queensland Baptist movement as it continues to pursue unity, vision, and courage.

This short reflection only captures a glimpse of a rich and encouraging conversation.

Watch the full interview to hear David Shepherd’s insights in his own words and be encouraged in your own ministry and faith journey.