Pastor Noel Creighton is retiring from his ministry at Kiama Presbyterian Church after twenty years tending to the small but loyal congregation.

"I've loved every minute of it, but it is time to step back and have a rest," he says.

After being converted in Kiama Anglican, Noel found himself as a youth worker in Wollongong Presbyterian after he and wife Fleur returned from time in Africa as missionaries.

Kiama, his home town, has been his first and only posting since leaving theological college in 2001.

Pastor Noel Creighton

"I really believe God wanted me here for this time, and the Lord will look after what happens next," says Noel.

"The congregation are so friendly and welcoming, and the Elders have been very supportive. They love to learn about God. They love me and I love them."

For those in the broader community who have enjoyed his uplifting signs outside the Terralong Street church, the good news is a new Eler took the ministry four months ago. 

"I've loved writing those signs and they have created a great response from the community," he says.

"People kept telling me to change them more often - it has been a really good ministry, in addition to our Op Shop and Christian Bookshop."

Noel has been a regular sight in the Kiama CBD over the last two decades, conducting most of his church work there.

"I want to thank all the cafes in Kiama for their support in my work. They were very welcoming, and I'll miss them," he says.

The couple are relocating to a house they built in Sussex Inlet four years ago but have yet to live in.

He's undecided what he will do in the future, apart from relaxing and completing a book he started 10 years ago.

The process of looking for an available pastor will start shortly.

As a parting invite, he says that people are welcome to come to their church at 9 o'clock on any Sunday. "That time hasn't changed for 100 years," he says.