Mark Hopkins has over 30 years experience in leadership and ministry, serving as a pastor at Hillsong Church for 22 of those years - 15 of which he was the Executive Vice President of Hillsong College. Mark was a key architect in designing Hillsong College to become a transformational educational experience on an international scale that still plays a huge life-giving role in the life of Hillsong Church Australia. In addition to Pastoring at Elevate, Mark currently serves as Senior Associate Pastor at Wave Church in Virginia Beach, USA. He is also coach to Wave’s Campus Pastors. Mark’s vitality and zeal for life is reflected in his preaching, teaching and leadership style. Mark’s passion in life is to see people realize their potential and make a difference in this world for Jesus Christ. Mark has been married to Sandy for over 30 years and they have two awesome adult sons. Professional Achievements - M.A. in Adult Learning & Work - Bachelor of Science - Diploma in Education - Recruited and led a staff of 82 as Executive Vice President of Hillsong College Australia - Has overseen the rise of the college’s income level of $6.15m and annual turnover $9.5m, contributing an estimated $20m to the local economy annually - Increased student numbers from 40 to 1150 students - Established 8 global campus colleges, providing them with written curriculum - Facilitated the establishment of 25 extension colleges, providing them with written curriculum - Wrote, directed and out-worked the strategic plan for college including gaining accreditation, the addition of an accommodation department, setting up global agreements & partnerships - Directed Hillsong Churches Building Fund from 1992-2000 - Oversight for recruitment, training and operation of volunteers within a church context that saw growth from 3500-15000 members (1992-2007) - 10+ years experience in Hillsong Conference venue oversight, operations, ushering and training (which grew from 750 to 30,000 attendees)

Born to Dutch parents who immigrated to Australia, Sandy had a profound God-encounter whilst backpacking around Europe. She planted herself in a local church upon her return to Australia where she met Youth Pastor Mark Hopkins. On their wedding day both Mark and Sandy heard from God that they were to be a couple of great faith. Not knowing exactly what that meant, they plunged themselves into serving God in Youth Ministry at a church in Sydney's western suburbs before Mark took on a position at Hillsong College. Sandy has had 14 pregnancies, 13 miscarriages and has 2 sons. Their eldest is a miracle by natural conception, their youngest, a miracle by adoption. Sandy’s mission in life is to “help people smile at the future” (Prov 31:25 AMP) and she’s passionate about people finding their God-purpose and pursuing God wholeheartedly. Sandy loves to write in the form of blogs and worship songs. In her spare time you’ll likely find her down at the pier fishing.