A Brief History of Greenacre Church of Christ

 

Greenacre Church of Christ commenced as a combination of two churches—Wiley Park & Bankstown—who sold their properties and developed the current site. The first service was held in February 1968. There were 80 people in attendance. The church grew to a membership of around 100 which it maintained through the 70’s. By 1985 the membership had dropped to 60 people. Between 1986 and 1990 the church doubled in size under the ministry of Peter DeWildt, an evangelist. Since then the church has maintained a membership of around 125 people.

Ministry to children and youth has been a key emphasis throughout the church’s history, with our Preschool Kindergarten and programs such as youth group, Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade, Sunday School and so on. Such an emphasis is reflected in the current make up of the church, with many young people and young families.

In 1992 we commenced a Strategic Planning Process, in which, in part, we asked the question, “What is God calling us to do?” As part of this process we developed Purpose, Values and Vision Statements.

We struggled with the implementation phase of the Plan. It was one thing to evaluate the things that we were doing—it was much harder to change the things we were doing. Over time many of our traditional ministries changed—both Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade closed, and Sunday School transitioned to Children’s Church. People had worked hard in these ministries over many years, and had done an excellent job. The changes were a real struggle.

We recognised that as a church we were inwardly focused and reactive. Our desire was to become outwardly focused and proactive. We have worked hard on these issues, and it has been most encouraging to see the changes that have occurred—changes that are reflected in our ministry structure and budget! We now have active mission involvement, are supporting new ministries in other places, are out in the community through festivals and other activities that communicate Jesus, including the recent implementation of the Alpha course.

One of the clear words we received from God is that we are to care for the poor. One result from that is the ministry of Nick Kearns House, a crisis youth refuge for homeless young people.

While all this was happening, it became clear to the Pastors and Elders that small groups were to play a much more significant role in the life of the church. As we explored this area, we became aware of the development of Cell Churches across the world. There was much in this that fitted with where God was directing us.

We have been transitioning to Cell Church since 1997/8. The cell is the building block of the church community.

In 1999 there was a transition of leadership, with Craig Farmer taking on the role of Senior Minister.

Currently we are working on a Satellite Model to assist in working with other churches and to plant new congregations & new churches. At present we have a Korean congregation , Arabic congregation and a congregation based at Menai. This allows us to reach many more and diverse types of people and is an exciting way to extend God’s kingdom. We have also transitioned to being a Purpose-Driven church aligning our leadership, ministries and structure. This brings clarity, accountability and releases ministry into the hands of the whole church. In 2004 the church’s Standing Orders were changed to release leaders to lead, elders to govern and people to minister.

We have added many new ministries including a Second Hand Clothing shop, Recovery courses, children’s ministries and ministries aimed at increasing discipleship and fellowship.

2005

Church fellowship has always been a strong value throughout the history of the church. People getting together to learn, have fun and support one another - CWF, women’s ministry, men’s ministry, meals at people’s houses and fun social nights. Throughout the years the church has regularly run church family camps. These have been great times of teaching, fellowship and Saturday night hilarity. The 2005 church camp was a particularly significant time of ministry breakthrough for many people. God’s spirit was particularly evident.

In 2005 we wanted to put more resources into supporting and caring for those within our church. This is when Sue Dobson was appointed our Pastoral care pastor - and has been a blessing to us all.

Kids Games at Banksia Rd School was started. This was a similar concept to VBS, however this time with 5 other churches in Bankstown all co-operating together in their endeavour to reach out to the kids and families in Bankstown.

2006

Peter Holt has been responsible for the welfare ministry, discipleship ministry and overseeing the development of the ministry in the Menai area. In 2006 a new congregation, still a part of Greenacre Church of Christ, was launched with a model of ministry that is both innovative and missional. This congregation continues to develop and grow. With Peter focusing on the Menai congregation, Malcolm Campbell came to minister amongst us.

Mr Kim concludes as Korean Pastor and, Paul Chang - who had come a year earlier - took over as the minister of the Korean congregation.

Another change to the standing orders was completed, to reflect the changing nature of the church ministries and new congregations, and to reflect a more purpose driven ministry structure.

One thing that has been emerging over the last couple of years is a heart for overseas mission. As mentioned, we have had numerous people go from our church to the mission field, but never have we sent out so many on short term mission trips. Recently we have gone to Cambodia and raised money to purchase the land to build an orphanage, training centre, church and employment centre. We have also had people go to places such as Uganda, Hong Kong, Uganda, Solomon Islands, Mexico, and East Timor.

A new mission field at Villawood was opened up in 2006, with a cell group setting up a ‘drop-in’ style ministry centred in a high housing commission area. The desire to minister to those on the margins continues and expands.

2007

In 2007 the ministry into Villawood took on new impetus, with Kids Games occurring in both Greenacre and Villawood, and a Good News Club beginning in Villawood.

The Arabic ministry under the leadership of George Habib attempted a series of ambitious outreach concerts called – ‘Dream Tour’. It was a great success, and will be the beginning of a new era of ministry to Arabic people.

Near the end of 2007, Merrylands Church of Christ decided to join Greenacre Church of Christ. The aim is to replant a new congregation into the same area.

As we look back on the history of Greenacre Church of Christ, we see the many themes through the decades. Some that stand out might be...

1. Generosity
2. Stable and effective leaders – team ministries that worked, effective elderships, permission giving to try new things. No controlling or ego maniacs.
3. Love the broken/marginalised
4. Always trying to connect with the community and reach out. Cutting edge – not being afraid to try new things.
5. Ministry to children and youth.

As we look into the future we currently have:

• An attendance of over 350 people,
• 4 different congregations, and 3 more being started in the near future,
• Many programs that practically help people and bring the gospel to them,
• A love of each other,
• Passion to see the church grow, and
• A growing heart and commitment for overseas mission,

We believe that God is indeed blessing our church in Bankstown and beyond, and give him glory for all that He has done - and all that he will do. Our best years are in front of us