About Us

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Mark Hopkins has over 30 years experience in leadership & ministry, serving as a pastor at Hillsong Church for 22 of those years - 15 of which he was the Executive Vice President of Hillsong College.

Mark was a key architect in designing Hillsong College to become a transformational educational experience on an international scale that still plays a huge life-giving role in the life of Hillsong Church Australia.

Mark currently serves as Snr Associate Pastor at Wave Church in Virginia Beach, USA. He is also coach to Wave’s Campus Pastors.

Mark’s vitality & zeal for life is reflected in his preaching, teaching & leadership style. Mark’s passion in life is to see people realize their potential & make a difference in this world for Jesus Christ. 

Mark has been married to Sandy for over 30 years & they have two awesome sons - Justin 29yrs & Kalib 14yrs.

Professional Achievements 

• M.A. in Adult Learning & Work
• Bachelor of Science 
• Diploma in Education
• Recruited & led a staff of 82 as Executive Vice President of Hillsong College Australia
• Has overseen the rise of the college’s income level of $6.15m & annual turnover $9.5m, contributing an estimated $20m to the local economy annually
• Increased student numbers from 40 to 1150 students
• Established 8 global campus colleges, providing them with written curriculum 
• Facilitated the establishment of 25 extension colleges, providing them with written curriculum 
• Wrote, directed & out-worked the strategic plan for college including gaining accreditation, the addition of an accommodation department, setting up global agreements & partnerships
• Directed Hillsong Churches Building Fund from 1992-2000
• Oversight for recruitment, training & operation of volunteers within a church context that saw growth from 3500-15000 members (1992-2007)
• 10+ years experience in Hillsong Conference venue oversight, operations, ushering & training (which grew from 750 to 30,000 attendees)

Born to Dutch parents who immigrated to Australia, Sandy had a profound God-encounter whilst backpacking around Europe. She planted herself in a local church upon her return to Australia where she met Youth Pastor Mark Hopkins. 

On their wedding day both Mark & Sandy heard from God that they were to be a couple of great faith. Not knowing exactly what that meant, they plunged themselves into serving God in Youth Ministry at a church in Sydney's western suburbs  before Mark took on a position at Hillsong College. 

Sandy has had 14 pregnancies, 13 miscarriages & has 2 sons. Their eldest Justin is a miracle by natural conception, their youngest Kalib, a miracle by adoption. 

Sandy’s mission in life is to “help people smile at the future” (Prov 31:25 AMP) & she’s passionate about people finding their God-purpose & pursuing God wholeheartedly. 

Sandy loves to write in the form of blogs & worship songs. In her spare time you’ll likely find her down at the pier fishing. 

Justin Hopkins, son of Mark and Sandy Hopkins, has over 7 years of experience in social media, video editing, video directing, live broadcasting and TV show producing. 

Justin attended Hillsong International Leadership College where he studied TV and Media. In 2014 Justin moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia to follow his call to ministry. He currently serves on team at Wave Church as a video editor, app content manager and oversees production at one of the Wave Church campuses. Whilst in America, Justin found and met his now wife, Hannah, and the two have been happily married since May 2021.

Justin has a deep passion for connecting with people, helping people realize their potential, and aiding people in making a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. Justin loves playing a small role in helping people meet Jesus, especially by utilizing an ever growing and changing online sphere. 

Professional Achievements

• overseeing Video production team at Wave Church