What is our Church’s History?

After a period of 2-3 years meeting as a fellowship in homes Belconnen Baptist Church was founded in 1972 with 38 members.

Sunday services were held in Page Primary School Belconnen.  Several ministries were commenced including an all-age Christian Education program and a missionary support program.  Members of BBC have warmly embraced input from a variety of evangelical traditions with many members (and then leaders) coming from differing backgrounds.  Lay leadership has been via a Diaconate (since 1972) and an Eldership (since 1978).

The church has been supported in its ministries by two long-term pastorates: Rev Dr Garth Eichhorn (1975-1986) and Rev Linton Smith (1987-2000).

Many other ministries both lay and professional of shorter duration have enriched the church over these years.  The church has engaged additional specialist members of staff over the past 15 years and since 2004 has had an established staff team which included our Senior Pastor, Pastor for Care Ministries, Pastor for Integration, Associate Pastor Youth and Young Adults, Associate Pastor for Children and an Associate Pastor for Worship.  The church also employs an Administrator, a Finance Officer, an Office Secretary, an Office Assistant and a Property Officer.

The Original Church Hall was built in the mid 1970’s.  In the mid-80s Another Chance Op Shop (now at the Scullin Shops) was opened for business.  In the 90’s our two Creative Leisure Groups commenced.  In 2000 the church purchased a house in close proximity to the church that now serves as a community centre.

As the end of the century loomed, it was apparent that the then current leadership structures were inadequate for a ministry into the new century.  In particular the Deacons were often preoccupied with administrative issues and had little time to address the real work of the church via ministry.  This resulted in considerable heart searching and through a vision forming process we believe we were led to clearly articulate a  vision for the Church.  From this, God led to a revision of the role of Deacons.  This resulted in a decision that they should become Servant Leaders, with responsibilities for specific areas of ministries.  The Servant Leadership Team therefore replaced the Diaconate.

As these new initiatives were launched, the dreams and visions of many became realities as the gifting of many became released in service through ministry teams and servant leadership roles.

In February 2003 David Moyes was appointed as Senior Pastor.  Today Belconnen Baptist has around 650 adults and 250 children and youth who regularly attend.  The church has outgrown its facilities and is currently developing its centres.  A Church Board has been established to help lead a large and growing church.  A fourth service commenced in 2007.  This service meets on Saturday evenings.

We praise God for the way he has blessed our church and we are mindful of our responsibilities in serving Him through the community around us now and into the future.

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