Power to Change Australia is marking an important leadership transition as Darren Dickson concludes his tenure as Board Chair and Leonie Stanfield steps into the role.
As we look to the future, we also pause to reflect with gratitude on Darren’s faithful leadership and service. We are deeply grateful to Darren for his faithful service, leadership and commitment to the mission over many years.
Darren led by example, first as a missionary serving overseas with us, then as a university teacher while chairing Power to Change through COVID, cash-flow changes, leadership changes, relocations, and a refresh of our board membership. All of it done patiently and peacefully.
We are deeply thankful for the time, wisdom and commitment he has invested in the ministry. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Leonie as our new Chair.
For Leonie, the appointment represents a remarkable full-circle moment—one that began more than four decades ago.
“My journey with Power to Change began as a first-year student at Melbourne University in 1979,” she says. “I was excited by God’s call to partner with Him in His work of bringing people into a personal relationship with Him.”
That passion led Leonie to join staff after completing her social work degree, relocating to Sydney to serve in campus ministry at Sydney University.
Over the following years, Leonie and her family invested deeply in ministry, serving with Power to Change for eight years and helping pioneer Athletes in Action in Australia.
Eventually, circumstances led her to step away from staff ministry.
“Making the decision to leave staff due to low financial support was heartbreaking,” Leonie reflects. “Yet I had a sense that God would use my involvement with Power to Change in some way in the future.”
Though her career path changed, her connection to the ministry remained. Over the years she stayed involved through events, training opportunities and ministry partnerships, continuing to witness the impact of the gospel through the work of Power to Change.
Then, two years ago, she received an invitation to join the Board.
“I could never have imagined that an invitation to join the Board would see me taking on the role of Chair now,” she says. “It feels like a full-circle God moment.”
Leonie brings extensive leadership experience to the role. Throughout her professional career, she has championed leadership development, helping hundreds of people grow in their influence and impact. Yet she believes the most significant leadership investment is one that carries eternal value.
“Of how much more value is the eternal legacy of developing leaders that God will use to advance His Kingdom,” she says. “That is truly worth investing in.”
As Chair, Leonie is excited about the opportunities ahead and the ongoing mission of helping people know Jesus and experience His power to change the world.
“There is still so much to do,” she says. “Across Australia, God is calling us to reach every campus, community and person with His love.”
As Power to Change enters this new season, we give thanks for Darren’s service, welcome Leonie to her new role, and look forward with confidence to all that God will do in the years ahead.
Please join us in praying for Leonie, the Board and our staff and missionaries as together we continue pursuing God’s mission across Australia and beyond.