From 1954 to 1960 Rev. Will Stelling (who was shared with Lilydale) was the minister at Mooroolbark.  Remembered for his outstanding teaching and wisdom, he was greatly appreciated by the small congregation. He was also an excellent listener, and could always be relied on to complete any task assigned to him, whether he liked it or not! Rev. Stelling would never force his opinion on the fledgling church, always waiting to be asked before he offered any comment. The deacons, however, soon came to recognise that if Rev. Stelling disagreed with anything he would turn red in the face,or he would rise to his feet in silent protest!

Following Rev. Stelling’s resignation in 1960, Mr. E.C. Harris became the part time interim pastor, and the District Church finished up. 
 
In 1960 Mooroolbark Baptist appointed Rev. Geoff Malins, the church’s first minister after separating from Lilydale Baptist.
 
On 11th June 1963 Rev. Malins resigned and in a very short time Rev. E.C. Smith from North Balwyn took up the pastorate position (an “unknown” by the deacons at the time, the advisory board recommended him as “pure gold”, and the church very soon agreed.)  The church and All Age Sunday School grew under his ministry, and he was greatly loved. Mrs. Jordan fondly remembers him as “love personified”; he would “drop everything to be there for anyone.” Rev. Smith remained in this position for seven years and it is recorded that it was “with a great sense of loss” the church farewelled him as he went to pastor the church in Orange.

The interim pastors at this time were Rev. Phillip Chislett and Rev. Sam Watson. 
The Rev. Jim Finch from Ballarat took up the position in May 1972. 
 
The first Youth Pastor, Ian Gook, was appointed in 1974, while still studying at Bible College.
 
As Rev. Finch struggled with poor health in 1976 the church was greatly indebted to Mr. Bob Addicot as he willingly gave of his time to assist in the area of pastoral care. A retired accountant, originally from the Croydon Church of Christ, Mr. Addicot and his wife Jeanie are remembered fondly by all who knew them.
 
 In 1977 Rev. Finch accepted a call to Albury Baptist and the Rev. L. Lewis from Knightsbridge, South Australia stepped into the pastorate.
The church was saddened to hear of the death of Rev. Finch in 1982.

In 1977 Mr. Addicot became the associate pastor, a voluntary position he filled so faithfully for fourteen years. During that time he declined to preach or ever give a report, but he was always available to any who needed a listening ear or helping hand. Often, for example, he would go out to a local farm to collect fresh eggs for the elderly in the church. His wife, too, was thoughtful and loving, and is remembered for her little brown paper bags filled with delicious Neenish tarts, which she would quietly slip to people in church for their “play lunch”!

Rev. Len Lewis is also remembered fondly. “The minute anything was wrong, he was there!”   His twelve years’ work at MBC saw a wonderful growth in many areas of the church, and the beginning of a new work which became Croydon Hills Baptist.

In 1980 Greg Elsdon was appointed Youth Pastor, but the following year he took up a position at Coburg Baptist, and once again the church had to look for a Youth Pastor.

In 1982 Rod Pell from Blackburn North Baptist took up the role until 1985, when he and Liz left to work in Zambia, a ministry they continued for many years.

The position was then offered to Neville Taylor, who held it until 1986, after which Garry Eadon took up the work.

In 1989 Rev. Len Lewis concluded his twelve year ministry, taking up a new pastoral care ministry in South Australia. A great send off was held with large numbers coming together to show their support of both Len and Kathy.

Revs. Arthur Cundall, and then Colin Howlett became interim pastors at this time, although once again Bob Addicott’s dedication and willingness to offer help and care during this time without a full-time pastor was invaluable.  He concluded his associate pastoral role in 1992, and passed away only a year later.

On 26th April 1992 Rev. Darrell McKerlie was inducted as pastor of MBC and he and Pam continue to lead and serve us today.

Craig Allen took up the Youth Pastorate from 1992 until 1994.  In 1996 Mr. Rob Wolsley from Adelaide arrived with Sharon and quickly began working alongside and training up our youth, many of whom will testify to his dedication and enthusiasm to see our young people grow in their personal faith and love for the Lord Jesus.