Leadership

Majors Andrew & Jeanette van Gaalen

Corps Officers / Lead Pastors (affectionately known as Papa Drew & Mamma Jeanette)

About Andrew & Jeanette

For over eight years, Andrew and Jeanette have loved calling Coffs Harbour home and leading the family at Engage Salvos. Before moving to the coast, they served as Corps Officers at Ballarat Community Corps. Whether you know them officially as Majors or simply as pastors, their heart for this city is grounded in the same simple truth: Jesus changes lives.

Andrew is deeply passionate about teaching the Word, developing leaders, and helping people realise their God-given potential. He thrives on discipleship and seeing people step confidently into who God called them to be. Jeanette brings a passionate, caring heart to worship, teaching, and empowering others, with a strong focus on community connection and walking alongside people in every season of life.

Together, their vision for Engage Salvos is anchored in the words of Jesus in John 10:10—“I have come that they may have life, and have it in abundance.” They long to see every person who walks through the doors receive the gift of life in Christ, discover their identity in Him, and step into their full, abundant potential.

Family is at the centre of their lives. They are proud parents to four grown children—a son training to be a Salvos Officer, a daughter working in early childhood and volunteering with Kids Church and the homeless van, a son studying occupational therapy while serving as youth leader and worship drummer, and a daughter studying chaplaincy while volunteering with Kids Church and community outreach.

When they aren't at church, you’ll find Jeanette in the garden or baking, Andrew at the gym, restoring furniture, or cheering on the Hawthorn Hawks. Above all, they love spending time together, reading the Bible, and praying as a couple.