History
The church was founded
with 38 members in 1973 after a period of 2–3 years as a fellowship
meeting in homes and commencing a Sunday service in Page School. A
wide range of gifts was evident in the group and 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 experimented with 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 — Pastoral Care, Pastor – Integration, Associate Pastor -
Youth and young Adults, Associate Pastor – Children’s and an
Associate Pastor – Worship. The church also employs an
Administrator, Finance Officer and Office Secretary and an Office
Assistant.
The Original Church Hall
was built in the mid 1970s. In the mid-80s Another Chance Op Shop
(now at the Scullin Shops) was opened for business. In the 90s our
two Creative Leisure Groups commenced. In 2000 the church purchased
a house over the road from the Church Centre and is called “The
Resource 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. A 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 the Senior Pastor. Today the church
has around 500 people plus around 150 children and youth who worship
on any given Sunday. The church has outgrown its facilities and is
currently developing its centers. A Church Board has been
established to help lead a large and growing church. A fourth
service is planned to commence in 2007. This service will meet on
Saturday evenings. A task group has been established to look at how
the church can be involved in caring for the community.
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