In the world of business and leadership, it’s not often that we come across individuals who embody dedication, passion, and a profound commitment to both their professional lives and church mission. These people leave an indelible mark on the organisations they serve and the lives they touch.
Today, we take a moment to reflect on the career and calling of Joel Plotnek a remarkable leader, a visionary in both business and church mission, whose departure marks the end of an era filled with innovation, inspiration, and impact.
During his 27 years with Churches of Christ, initially with The Properties Corporation and more recently with joint roles of CCVT Operations Team Leader and CCFS Managing Director, Joel has underpinned the areas of property, insurance, accounting and finance. His time at Churches of Christ was accompanied with a strong entrepreneurial spirit that lead him to initiate or reinvent a number of church mission motivated start-ups including:
- CCI – Churches of Christ Insurance – Commenced 2010
- CCFS – Churches of Christ Financial Services – Commenced 2016
- ChurchWorx – accounting & payroll services for churches – Commenced 2017
- Faith Insurance – insurance for faith organisations – Commenced 2018
- C4M – Churches of Christ Community Childcare for Mission – Commenced in 2019 with the first early learning centre at Rosebud opened in 2021 and a second opened at South Launceston in 2022.
Joel’s journey began with studies in accounting and economics at Swinburne University which led to a position in a public accounting firm where he gained invaluable experience in financial management and strategic planning.
Joel then transitioned into tertiary teaching in the areas of accounting and business studies at RMIT, LaTrobe University and TAFE. This phase of his career showcased his skill as an educator and highlighted his deep-rooted commitment to people and an interest in nurturing the next generation of business leaders.
Further studies ensued, this time in theology at the Anglican Ridley College and Whitley Baptist College. During this time Joel delved into areas such as church history and poststructural hermeneutics. This unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual exploration laid the foundation for his holistic approach to leadership—one that seamlessly integrated faith, ethics, and enterprise and made him effective in his role with Churches of Christ.
As we bid farewell to Joel, we honour his legacy of leadership, innovation and service. His departure leaves a gap that will be felt across CCVT & CCFS.
Joel stated “he has felt that God has been calling him in a new direction for some time and after much prayer and consideration he believes that the time is now right to answer that calling.”
Joel concludes his role on 3 May 2024. Almost twenty-seven years of dedicated service is a significant contribution and represents a remarkable commitment to the mission of Churches of Christ and to His saviour, Jesus Christ.
CCFS want to sincerely thank Joel for his longstanding contribution to CCVT, CCFS, CME, C4M and The Properties Corporation. We pray that Joel’s next chapter be filled with new adventures, continued success and God’s blessing.
