Who We Are

We are a coastal community that is very intentional in reaching those who are lost and possibly forgotten by society.

We love doing life with sandy feet, salty skin. In all this, Beachside Church has a heart that shows no partiality but welcomes all from all walks of life. We strive to live out love everywhere we go and everyone we come in contact with.

We believe that God has called Beachside to enjoy, love, obey and serve Him. By doing this we represent Him to others and others to Him, as we live out the gospel message of reconciliation to God and to one another.

Mission statement

“To be people so full of the Holy Spirit that we see God completely transform Palm Beach, Gold Coast and many other communities around the world”

Vision

“To live out love”

Who's Who

Leigh Elsmore

Lead Pastor

Leigh loves life and loves doing life with others. His passion for surfing, fishing, the local church and the Coast is so evident. As Beachside’s lead pastor, he believes that life is better together and loves connecting people into the laid back but passionate church of Beachside. Leigh really does love seeing people become all God has made them to be. He has one beautiful wife, Shell and 3 growing up fast children, Riley, Tahlia and Indi..

Susannah Steerman

AEC - Admin, Events Coordinator

Susannah is passionate about following Jesus, and thinks we don't just go to church, we are the church. In recent times, her heart has longed to return to the simplicity of the early church, to follow Christ, as disciples making disciples. She is currently working in Admin & Operations, helping Beachsiders with things such as services, events and communications. Susannah loves the sun, sand and surf and spending time with her hubby and daughter.

Chook Chilcott

Leadership Team

Chook and his wife Tracey have been locals to Currumbin / Palm Beach for decades. They love the beach life and love the Lord with all their heart. They have a real heart to serve and see His Kingdom here on earth. They have 3 grown up kids and an ever growing family of grand kids.

Karen James

Administrator

Karen is a wiz at anything administrative and a huge blessing to Beachside. She works one day a week at Beachside HQ, keeping us up-to-date with finances and a whole range of administrative duties. As well as being super organised she’s a keen kite surfer and paddle boarder, a DIY specialist, and devoted mum to Jack.

Rod Ellem

Prayer Ministry Coordinator

Rod is married to Amanda and has 4 brilliant kids. He has been blessed to walk with the Lord all his life and can testify that his life is rich following Jesus. He currently leads the Prayer Ministry and desires to encourage everyone to enjoy the great blessing of a life spent in daily relationship with God. Rod surfs (not enough), plays the piano, spends as much time with his family as he can and works as a Physiotherapist. He loves Beachside for its people; passionate, gifted and great to do life with.

Jennalee Edy

Groms Coordinator

Jennalee moved, with Brett, from Durban, South Africa to the Gold Coast - where they instantly fell in love with Beachsides relaxed and authentic culture. She has always felt a call to serve the local church as its Gods plan A to reveal himself to the world. As the current Groms pastor, she oversees the ministry that looks after and mentors the youngest members of the church - who she passionately believes have as important a role as the oldest! She loves teaching in classrooms and teaching the word of God. With three gorgeous children who love the outdoors and swimming - she is grateful to live on the Gold Coast!

Marcus Bancroft

Worship Coordinator

Marcus is a seasoned musician and has done life and music in many parts of the world. He's not just an amazing musician he's a wonderful father of two children and he and his lovely wife have been living on the Gold Coast for many years. Marcus' longs to see worship touch our hearts as we connect to the heartbeat of Jesus. His creativity, passion, and enthusiasm for worship music is so valued at Beachside.

Geoff Swan

Leadership Team

Geoff is part of the leadership team and is a great asset to the church. Over the years Geoff has been apart of the YWAM and been a missionary overseas. Geoff is the Head Chef at CYC Burleigh Heads. He has a beautiful wife and three wonderful children. He loves his music especially the bass, he loves drinking tea and loves to let his hair down. We just love Geoff at Beachside!

Chris Mahoney

Leadership Team

Chris is married to Mike and has two sons and a little grand daughter. She is a skilled counsellor and also is apart of the leadership team at Beachside. Her compassionate heart is so welcomed by many and her wisdom on the leadership team is invaluable. She loves the beach, her family and most all her Father in heaven.

Stuart Orr

Leadership Team

Details to come

Guiding Principles

What We Believe

We believe that God has called Beachside to enjoy, love, obey and serve Him. By doing this we represent Him to others and others to Him, as we live out the gospel message of reconciliation to God and to one another.

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