"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
— Matthew 25:40

MC & Ministerial Ability

Luke's journey extends beyond professional pursuits, reflecting his deep commitment to pastoral care and service. As an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church, he has dedicated himself to uplifting others, channelling his spirituality and compassion into meaningful action.

Sunday School Teaching, Youth Group Leading, and Junior Sacristan
His formal spiritual path began at Albert Park Baptist Church, where he found solace and community. His faith was further nurtured under the guidance of The Very Reverend Father Cary Mansell in the Anglican Church, where he served as an assistant sacristan. A profound voluntary baptism in 2005 strengthened his spiritual foundation and strengthened his commitment to a life of faith.

​

Passionate about youth development, Luke volunteered in the Albert Park Baptist Church youth program, mentoring and guiding young individuals in theology, philosophy, and the transformative power of a Christian worldview. His impact was deeply felt—most notably, he helped a previously expelled student regain academic focus and successfully transition to university.

Pastoral Care via Basketball
Luke’s dedication to service extended beyond the church. For six months, he volunteered every Friday evening at Helping Hoops North Melbourne, using basketball as a source of hope and encouragement for refugee youth. Additionally, he provided free personal training workshops on Saturday mornings at Praxis Athletic and Moran Reserve Elwood, fostering both fitness and community spirit. These sessions, which grew to include 15 regular participants, reflected Luke’s belief in making well-being accessible to all.

Philosophy, Theology, and Orthodoxy

Luke’s spiritual journey continued to evolve, leading him to the Orthodox faith, where he found deeper meaning and connection. Under the guidance of Father Kyrillos, a trained pharmacist turned priest, Luke underwent Chrismation in The Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. Seeking further theological enrichment, he engaged in weekly philosophy and theology fellowships, deepening his understanding of faith and pastoral care.

Ecumenical Exploration

Luke’s experiences across Christian traditions have shaped a unique and multifaceted perspective. His journey has included Anglicanism (St. Michael's Grammar School), Catholicism (Warrnambool Parish), Pentecostalism (Monash Christian Church & Urban Praise Ministry), Evangelicalism & the Charismatic Movement (Bridge/Neuma Church), and Orthodoxy. Each tradition has contributed to his understanding of worship, theology, and spiritual practice—from the reverence of Anglican liturgy to the sacramental depth of Catholicism, the passionate worship of Pentecostalism, and the historical continuity of Orthodoxy. This diverse exposure has cultivated in Luke an appreciation for the unity within Christian diversity, inspiring him to bridge denominational divides with dialogue, empathy, and a deep love for God and others.

Interfaith Dialogue

Beyond Christianity, Luke has actively sought interfaith engagement, fostering mutual understanding across religious traditions. His interactions with Melbourne’s Somalian Muslim community provided insight into Islamic culture and values, while his connections with the Jewish communities in Balaclava and Caulfield deepened his appreciation for Judaism’s rich traditions. In Albert Park, he explored the spiritual teachings of the Hare Krishna movement, and in Mount Waverley, he attended Buddhist seminars that examined the intersections of faith, science, reason, and medicine. These experiences broadened his perspective on spirituality, strengthening his respect for diverse beliefs while affirming his own Christian faith.

Religious Freedom & Human Rights

Recognising religious freedom as a fundamental human right, Luke has committed himself to advocating for liberty of belief and conscience. Though a devoted Christian, he upholds the right of all individuals to follow their spiritual paths without coercion. His deep respect for human rights and religious plurality continues to shape his personal and intellectual development.

Social Gospel & Charity

Luke has been particularly influenced by the “social gospel” teachings of Father Bob Maguire, whose commitment to pastoral provisions left a lasting impact. Year after year, he and his family attended Father Bob’s Christmas services in South Melbourne, drawing inspiration from his unwavering dedication to serving others. Father Bob’s emphasis on compassion, dignity, and systemic change resonated deeply with Luke, motivating him to embody these values in his own life.

​

Guided by faith, service, and a commitment to justice, Luke’s journey reflects a profound dedication to uplifting others—spiritually, intellectually, and practically. Whether through pastoral care, youth mentorship, interfaith dialogue, or social advocacy, he continues to walk a path illuminated by compassion, faith, and an unwavering pursuit of the greater good.