Western Region: Cycle of new growth

Christianity is booming in the Western Region, with 40 per cent of parishes seeing growth. Here Southern Cross continues its series on a strategy of reform.

The parish of St Mary’s, which last month celebrated 165 years of ministry, has been through the cycle of growth and decline several times.

An analysis of current attendance and giving indicates the church is a small growing ‘B’ church on the new model of growth and decline.

Rector the Rev David Clarke says contacts with the community have come from a wide range of areas, such as Playtime, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, weddings and baptisms. 

“We have encouraged our members to invite family and friends to [evangelistic courses] such as Christianity Explained or Introducing God,” he said.

“In his mercy God has brought people to faith in Christ. Establishing a vision and strategic plan has also helped focus our attention on the areas that need to keep being worked on.”

Like many churches, the excitement of growth also brings challenges.

“Our 165-year-old building is fairly small, traditional and limited in how the seating can be arranged,” Mr Clarke says.

“With new church members comes the need to rethink how we fit them all in. We are working on raising funds and preparing plans to renovate and extend our hall to provide a larger and more flexible meeting space, with facilities for other groups that meet during the week.”

Over the years, God has used the parishioners of St Mary’s to start ten church plants in surrounding suburbs and they are currently preparing for number eleven. 

“Our plans are for a new church congregation ...within the former ADI site,” Mr Clarke explains.

How do they plan to do all this and continue their growth?

“We have benefited from having two student ministers, and are hoping to take the bold step of adding a second full time staff member next year,” Mr Clarke says. “Pray for us.”

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