DR ALLY CAWTHORN

GAICD | LEADER | PASTOR | SPEAKER

Welcome!
Based in Melbourne, I am a pastor, executive leader, trained spiritual director and spiritual formation practitioner with over two decades of experience in church leadership, academia, and governance. My passion is to inspire individuals, teams, and leaders to discover how spiritual formation practices shape not only their spiritual journey but also their leadership disposition and discernment principles.
My greatest joy is walking alongside others as they explore how God is at work within their lives, communities, and contexts—empowering them to respond to the leading of the Spirit with courage and authenticity.

ABOUT ME

I am an ordained minister with the Australian Christian Churches (ACC), an experienced pastor and executive leader, and a trained spiritual director. I hold a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (Sydney College of Divinity) and a Doctor of Ministry (Fuller Theological Seminary), where my research explored how contemplative spirituality shapes spiritual formation in contemporary contexts. My focus on Ignatian Spirituality uncovered deep and practical wisdom for the spiritual journeys of today.
As part of this research, I founded The Immersion Academy, a spiritual formation centre offering immersive discipleship and formation experiences. You can learn more at the website: www.theimmersionacademy.com
Together with my husband, Steve, I pioneered and led an ACC church in Western Australia before relocating to Melbourne in 2023 where I served as an Executive Pastor at Neuma Church, a multi-site international ACC church. Currently, I am the Director of the Executive Leadership Development Program with Arrow Leadership Australia.
Alongside my pastoral leadership, I have served extensively in governance and am a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. My governance experience includes multiple church boards and senior leadership roles within the ACC movement. I previously served as Vice-President of ACC Western Australia and later on the National Executive Team, where I pioneered a national network to support emerging female leaders seeking governance experience. This initiative contributed to ensuring that every state executive across Australia elected at least one female leader.
On a personal note, I am married to Steve, and we have three wonderful children who are the joy of my life

  • SPEAKING

    I love speaking to teams, churches, and groups—whether in a Sunday service, a bespoke training event, a conference, or a workshop. My heart is to inspire, equip, and encourage people to engage deeply with God’s presence and to integrate their faith and leadership in meaningful, transformative ways..

  • LEADERSHIP RETREATS

    Intentional time set aside with your team or group to seek the heart of God and be transformed through the experience is an invaluable sacred rhythm—one that renews perspective, strengthens unity, and re-centres your collective purpose.

  • DISCERNMENT & DECISION-MAKING

    True leadership involves more than strategy—it requires discernment. Discover how ancient practices of spiritual discernment can shape the way we listen, decide, and lead—inviting the Spirit of God into every decision, from the prayer room to the boardroom.

  • MENTORING & SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

    Investing in personal mentoring or spiritual direction provides sacred space to pause, reflect, and explore where God may be inviting you to grow. Together, we discern the areas where wisdom, prayerful listening, and practical insight can help you move forward in your purpose and personal mission.

    Limited spaces available.

CONTACT

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!