Shellharbour City Centre Anglican Church's (SCCAC) school-based plant at Shellharbour Anglican College (SAC) has been the catalyst for one man to step up to a new level of lay leadership.
SAC business manager David Cholson had been a congregation member of SCCAC for 10 years but in 2007 made the difficult decision to join the core group planting the new Family Church @ The College (FT@TC) at SAC.
"Our desire to reach out into the community became stronger than the desire to stay with all of our friends " a bit like leaving home for the first time," Mr Cholson says.
Mr Cholson now has a stronger commitment to his congregation and is actively involved in the weekly planning and preparation for church services and weekly activities. He is also on the children's talk roster.
"I found the task of delivering God's word to children to be very challenging " not to mention the terror of public speaking," he says.
Mr Cholson is also leading a Bible study group, has enrolled in a Moore PTC course and says taking on new roles like service leading and intercessory prayer have given him confidence in being able to contribute to the congregation.
"I think God equips people for the tasks he has appointed them for, so part of my growth as a Christian has been as a result of me stepping out in faith to be a part of this congregation plant," he says.
Lay people extend the church’s reach
SCCAC assistant minister and FC@TC leader, the Rev Mal York, is greatly encouraged by the commitment of lay people taking part in organisation and leadership.
"We have a wonderful and committed group of lay people that come each week to set up from scratch and pack up before they leave on a Sunday. Some are there from 8am until midday, which is a huge commitment on a Sunday."
After nine months of meeting, the core group of 16 adults and 20 kids, which planted the church in July last year, has since grown over 40 adults and 35 kids.
"However, there are so many more people in the school that do not go to church and who do not know Jesus, so there are plenty more people that we can reach - and will, God willing!" Mr York says.
