Biography

James Hornby B.Forest Sc., M.Div. (1990 - ) – Lead Minister 2017-2025

James Hornby was born in Victoria, where he grew up and was educated. Until realizing God’s call into vocational ministry, James worked as a silviculturist (a forestry scientist) for the Department of Sustainability and Environment in Victoria.

Before entering the Anglican ministry, James was a missionary with the international organization Teen Missions, and whilst spending time in India and the USA, the bulk of his time was spent in South Africa, where he was the coordinator for the Bible, Mission and Work Centre. Aside from coordinating the base, James also taught Old Testament studies and pedagogy (the practice of teaching).

James was the Senior Associate Minister at Brimbank Anglican Church in Keilor East, Victoria, where he was first employed as Young Adults and Youth Minister. His ministry at Brimbank was concurrent with his theological studies and he completed a Masters in Divinity at Ridley College in 2011.

He then served for 4 ½ years as a Senior Associate Minister of St Jude’s Anglican Church, Carlton. His role was lead minister for St Jude’s in Parkville, an off-site campus that meets at Ridley College.

James Hornby commenced as Lead Minister of St. John’s Anglican Church in 2017. Under his leadership, during the next 2 years, St. John’s joined firstly with St. Peter’s, St. Leonards, then with Riverlinks parish, and with Barney’s (St. Barnabas, Newnham) to form All Saints Anglican Network.  During his ministry at St. John’s, a major redevelopment project was undertaken, which transformed the interior of the building. 

He served on the board of CMS Tasmania and was a guest lecturer at Worldview (WEC) College. In 2023, he undertook a sabbatical and the family spent three months in Jordan with CMS, serving as locum minister for the International Anglican Church of Amman. During their time in Jordan, the family volunteered with refugee-focused organisations.

In 2024, he was appointed Archdeacon of the Northern Ministry Region, a role in which he continued until his resignation in 2025. James then took up the role of National Director for Interserve Australia.

James is married to Kerryn and they have two daughters. He enjoys music, the great outdoors, cycling and cooking. Kerryn is a dietician who had worked in health policy development in Victoria before coming to Tasmania.