Last Thursday, February 19, we had the privilege of joining the Baptist Union of Victoria on a deeply enriching visit to six Baptist churches across Melbourne. It was more than a visit. It was a day of listening, learning, and being reminded of the living, diverse, and faithful witness of our Baptist church communities.
Across every church we visited, one theme emerged profoundly. A deep and intentional desire to create spaces where people feel seen, connected, and that they truly belong.
Our first visit was to Brunswick Baptist Church, where we were warmly welcomed by Whitley alumna Pastor Jennifer Garavito. It was a proud and joyful experience to see Jennifer leading with such passion and pastoral care in the church she now shepherds. Brunswick is a vibrant and deeply welcoming community, nurturing a richly diverse congregation through programs that serve all ages, from playgroups through to broader community initiatives. At its heart, the church is about fostering connection. It is a place of belonging, no matter one’s background, story, or stage of life.
At Essendon Baptist Church, we were graciously welcomed by Associate Pastor Jo Dealy and inspired by the many thoughtful ways the church engages its surrounding community. From youth programs and women’s groups to a wide range of ministries, their commitment to relational ministry was evident. While a large church, it was particularly moving to hear their intentional vision to remain small in spirit, ensuring that every story matters and each person is known, heard, and valued within the life of the church.
At Aberfeldie Baptist Church, we were warmly welcomed by Pastor David, who shared with us the life and heart of a deeply Christ-centred community shaped by the values of community, welcoming, mission, belonging, and integrity. Behind the beautifully kept building is a church with a big and compassionate heart. With an older congregation, the church is thoughtfully adapting its spaces to ensure accessibility and dignity for all, including practical adjustments that make attending easier for parishioners, while also prayerfully seeking to welcome younger generations into the life of the church. During our visit, we encountered a group participating in Parkinson’s-focused art classes, a moving example of how the church serves its community with creativity, care, and compassion.
Travelling west, we visited Melbourne Chin Church and were welcomed by Senior Pastor Rev. Sai Lian Thang. Their new church building stands as a powerful sign of long-term vision, designed to support the flourishing of future generations. We were deeply encouraged to hear how the church faithfully honours the language and cultural identity of its community while also embracing new ways to minister to younger Christians – a challenge faced by many Chin church leaders. Their commitment to mission was clearly evident, including their support of missionaries serving in villages across Myanmar and their strong focus on ministries for women, children, youth, and marginalised groups.
At Faith Christian Church, a Filipino Baptist congregation, we were warmly welcomed by Pastor Tim Barrioquinto, a former Whitley student and long-standing supporter of the TransFormation Program. Though modest in size, the church’s heart is big, vibrant, and deeply relational, with a strong emphasis on worship, teaching, fellowship, service, and outreach. Their culture of hospitality was especially evident in their communal lunches following Sunday services, where fellowship and community are central to church life.
Our final visit was to Australia Zophei Church, where Pastor Andrew Sawmhal welcomed us with generosity and openness. This community is deeply committed to praising and worshipping God while actively supporting the marginalised and those suffering within both their local context and homeland. Their intentional investment in younger members stood out strongly, reflecting a hopeful vision to equip and empower the next generation to lead the church into the future.
Throughout the day, we were struck by the diversity of contexts, cultures, and ministries, yet united by a shared calling to create communities of connection and belonging. Each church embodied this in its own unique way, reminding us that the Church’s mission is lived locally, relationally, and with deep attentiveness to people’s stories and needs.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Baptist Union of Victoria for the opportunity to be part of this humbling and important experience. We are especially thankful to each pastor, leader, and congregation who welcomed us so generously and shared their time, insights, and ministry with openness and trust.
This visit has been invaluable as we continue to reflect on how Whitley can better listen to, support, and collaborate with Baptist churches. As a College committed to being faithful, contextual, and global, these encounters deepen our understanding of the communities we serve and strengthen our shared mission together.
_______________________
We offer this prayer for our Baptist Churches:
Gracious and faithful God,
We give thanks for the living witness of our Baptist church communities, for their generosity of spirit, their deep care for people, and the warmth with which they welcome all who enter their doors.
We thank you for the pastors, leaders, and congregations who serve quietly and faithfully in their local contexts, nurturing places of connection, belonging, and hope. Strengthen them in their calling. Renew their courage in seasons of challenge. Fill them with wisdom, compassion, and perseverance as they minister to diverse communities and changing generations.
Bless their ministries among children, youth, families, and the elderly. Uphold those who serve the marginalised, the lonely, and the searching. May their churches continue to be places where every person is seen, heard, and deeply valued.
Lord, deepen their sense of unity in Christ and sustain their mission in their neighbourhoods and beyond. May their witness be marked by grace, hospitality, and faithful proclamation of the Gospel.
Guide us as a College to listen attentively, to learn humbly, and to walk alongside our Baptist churches with sincerity and care. Help us to serve in ways that are faithful, contextual, and life-giving, as we share in your wider mission in the world.
May our shared work bear fruit in strengthened relationships, deeper understanding, and renewed commitment to your Church.
And may all that we do be for your glory and for the flourishing of your people.
Amen.