A Pastor’s Story

An insight into the past and present of one of our amazing pastors.

Lynn Whalen

“My favourite thing about this career? The people. I love people and I champion people - I always want to see them be the person God wants them to be.”

Lynnette Robyn Whalen is one of the Location Pastors of Faith Family Church, leading the community in Grafton alongside her husband, Danny. Having been in this position since early 2020 (though knowing that God had been calling both her and Danny into ministry since 1998), Lynn previously served in similar ways at the Coffs Harbour location in pastoral care, stewarding and welcoming, and service coordination roles. Having been married for over 30 years with two children, one step-son, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren, Lynn continues her nurturing nature through her passion for caring for kids, teens, and those in difficult situations - both socioeconomically and emotionally.

Born in Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney and raised throughout her early years in Seven Hills, Sydney, Lynn’s family sold their home and purchased a new one in Nambucca Heads when she was 20. Following a six-month rental at Kings Langley, Lynn and her family moved to the Mid North Coast; before leaving home, Lynn had only lived in those 3 homes, compared to the 14 that she has lived in across Sydney, Nambucca Valley, and Sawtell since. With a plethora of qualifications, from a degree in Welfare / Social Work at Macarthur UHE, a post-graduate degree in Primary School Teaching from Charles Sturt University (externally), a Certificate IV in Ministry at Hope College, and a Certificate IV in Real Estate through OTEN, Lynn is continuing her studies with a Diploma in Ministry through Christian Heritage College externally.

Before her tertiary studies, Lynn knew during high school that she wanted to either work in education as a teacher or in the social / youth work sector; having had the ability to work in both areas, Lynn had this to say about the most valuable lesson she has learned throughout her experiences and education:

“You have to decide what’s important - what I mean by that is sometimes a lecturer will expect a certain answer or train of thought; at those times, you have to decide if staying true to yourself and your beliefs and values is more important, or if a certain grade is more important. I say: stay true.”

When asked about the traits and understanding necessary to be in her role with health and longevity, Lynn noted three particular traits of importance:

  1. Your personal relationship with God - “You can’t do this alone and you can’t do it without God.”

  2. A support network - “Finding a personal Connect Group where we (Danny and I) weren’t looked on to lead is one of the best things we did.”

  3. Balance - “You need to be able to balance a very full and varied load.”

Excited about sharing with our Legacy community, Lynn had this final word to share:

“You are amazing! I believe in you and I know, without a doubt, that God has awesome things for you, even if you can’t see it now. So, please hang around people who believe in you as much as God does.”

Lynn is an enthusiastic and caring woman of God and has an immense passion for the people of Grafton and the extended communities that branch from that region. If you’re ever local and would like to learn more about the community at Faith Family Church Grafton or want to share some encouraging words to Lynn personally, feel free to email her at lynn@faithfamily.com.au!