Since graduating from Whitley with a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Theology, and completing doctoral studies in Old Testament, Rev. Dachan Kim has continued to build a life of study, faith, and ministry. Now Senior Pastor of Coburg Baptist Church, Dachan is leading a church experiencing encouraging growth through a strong focus on evangelism and discipleship.
Over the past 18 months, attendance at Coburg Baptist has doubled. Alongside Bible studies, sermons, weekly prayer nights and a new Kids Church program, the church has recently taken its evangelism onto the streets of Coburg.
“We went out on the streets recently to share the gospel, after doing some training with Australia For Jesus, and around 30 people heard the gospel and 13 people prayed the sinner’s prayer,” Dachan said.
“We were prepared for the outreach to be difficult and for people to potentially be resistant to hearing the gospel, but we were quite surprised at how ready people were to listen.”
The church plans to continue the outreach monthly, while also focusing on helping newcomers grow in their faith. Three people have recently been baptised, with further baptisms planned, and Dachan has seen people become part of the church community through prayer, Bible study and discipleship.
The changing Coburg community is also shaping the church’s ministry. With more young families moving into the area, the church has introduced Kids Church, upgraded its playground and offered parenting seminars and Bible studies.
“The kids love their program, and because of this, it is sometimes the children who are bringing their parents along to church!” Dachan said.
For Dachan, the focus remains on helping people encounter faith and learn how to live it out.
“People have told us they appreciate the warm welcome at church, and that it’s the Word of God being preached that they keep coming back for. We’re particularly focusing on how to live out our faith through the sermons, the Bible studies and other evangelism and discipleship gatherings.”
Looking ahead, Coburg Baptist hopes to begin a playgroup and Alpha course once renovations to its hall are complete.
Dachan’s journey is a wonderful example of a Whitley graduate continuing to bring theological learning, faith and formation into the life of the local church and community.