Fisherman a follower of Jesus

His call? Sharing the good news story

The story of Jesus and his first disciples may resonate with Bruce Manners (BA Theol, 1974). Fishermen called to follow so they could bring in people—sounds familiar.

Professional fishing brought Bruce his first wage. At 15 years of age. By 20, he sensed the call. To ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With new—and only!—wife Margaret (the couple celebrated their 53rd anniversary this year), he made the move from his home town of Port Wakefield, South Australia, to Cooranbong, the first town in Lake Macquarie.

At Avondale, Bruce discovered something for which “I will be eternally grateful”—salvation by grace. Sharing this with fellow travellers has been his life’s work.

The work began as a ministerial intern and pastor in Ballarat and Warragul, Victoria. Calls to Ungarie (look it up!), Broken Hill and Canberra followed. A short time into a new posting, at Wantirna church in Victoria, Bruce joined the editorial team at Signs Publishing Company. “I love writing.”

He would, over 15 years, minister to a new parish across the South Pacific and soon become editor-in-chief. His legacy? Reinvigorating the evangelistic magazine Signs of the Times. Bringing the church’s official journal, Record, even more to the centre. And publishing a new magazine—The Edge—for young adults. Bruce’s study of Record—for a PhD in sociology—helped prove its worth “and also, I believe, made it a stronger magazine.”

Thirty years after graduating, Bruce returned to Avondale, as pastor of the college church. One more call would come: to Lilydale, also in Victoria, where Bruce now enjoys being involved as a lay minister. “As a retiree, I’ve been able to focus more on my writing, and on a bit of photography.” He continues to publish, with eight books already in print and another in the pipeline.

Looking back on his ministry, Bruce has discovered something else. “Despite being naturally introverted, I think I made a difference in people’s lives.” He is even more certain that “you can change the world for better, particularly through how you treat people. I know that’s a ministry and professional key to success.”

Avondale Alumni honours Alumnus of the Year Dr Bruce Manners as a follower of Jesus who clearly communicates the very good news of the gospel.