When the Rev Andrew Lim asked, he couldn’t find anyone in his congregation who remembered a night service at St Mark’s, Revesby. Yet, since last October, church doors have opened every Sunday evening for fellowship, teaching and prayer.
The new service grew from a desire to better serve families connected to the Sunday youth group that started a few years ago.
“We thought, ‘What’s the best way to serve these families?’” says Mr Lim, the rector at Revesby. The answer was simple: invite families to stay for dinner, followed by a short church service.
From the outset, the focus was on creating a space where friendship and fellowship could flourish. “Rather than think of the new service as an event… we saw it as a bunch of friends meeting over a meal, the word, and prayer,” Mr Lim says. “It’s an opportunity to grow in faith, and if anyone wants to join in, that’s a bonus!”
Founded in 1948, St Mark’s sits in an increasingly multicultural suburb, with residents from non-Australian backgrounds arriving from nations all over the world, including China, Vietnam and Lebanon. A growing number of young families are now moving in as older housing gives way to duplexes. The new service currently reflects the make-up of the area well, with people from India, Brazil, China and beyond.
Connections drive the flow of the evening. Afternoon youth group leads into shared dinner, followed by the evening service, and an optional Bible study for those who wish to continue fellowship.
“Some might only come for youth group or come for dinner, and there’s a few that just lob in at 8pm for Bible study,” Mr Lim says.
“What I’m learning… is the more doors you open for the gospel, and for people to hear and experience the gospel and gospel community, the more people will come through those doors.”
Unexpected blessings
Alongside the new service, Mr Lim has seen unexpected blessings. “Our morning church has grown by 50 per cent!” he says, which is a significant change for a previously small congregation.
Christians from other churches have also reached out, some joining the core team and others exploring partnership opportunities.
Even so, Mr Lim is honest about the uncertainties of stepping into new territory. “What I’m feeling is fear and trepidation about the future. I just keep pushing forward and trust that things will work out under God.”
That dependence has shaped his prayers. “This last year, I’ve been more convicted about praying for each individual person and intentionally following up everyone who comes through our doors. I’m also praying about where we go from here, how to look after myself and the team, to remember why we’re doing it, and to remind each other that it’s worth it.
“We want to glorify God and build each other in faith, and share that faith with others.”
Prayer
- Praise God for growth at St Mark’s, Revesby
- Pray for baptisms, that people will come to Christ and profess his name publicly
- Pray for the team as they welcome and disciple newcomers
