Church Planting FAQs

Why plant a new church in Toowoomba?

Toowoomba is famously a ‘city of churches’ — it is not unreasonable to ask why the city needs another church. The answer is because we believe church planting is one of the most effective ways to further Jesus’ Kingdom mission (you can read about this here). In a rapidly changing society, new churches can meet needs that aren’t already being addressed by local congregations. Further to this, evidence suggests that effective, community-minded plants can actually benefit existing churches.

We’re under no illusions that we’re the answer to all of Toowoomba’s problems, but we do believe that the Vineyard flavour of church has something to offer the city and its people.

What is the Vineyard?

The Vineyard is a Christian movement that rose to prominence in the 1990’s under the leadership of John Wimber. Wimber believed that Christianity wasn’t just about believing the right things and going to church — instead, it was about ‘doing the stuff’ we read about in the bible. The Vineyard is characterised by its desire to find a ‘radical middle’ between principles seemingly in tension, such as:

• The work of Holy Spirit today, and the teaching of the bible
• The power of God at work in our lives, and the heartbreak of a broken world
• Cultural relevance, and a commitment to Christian orthodoxy
• Unconditional welcome for all, and a desire for personal transformation
• Freedom from empty religion, and a commitment to Christian practice

You can read more about the Vineyard’s distinctives here, or learn more about the Vineyard story at the Vineyard Churches Australia website.

So you’re planting a church.
What’s the plan?

Since moving to Toowoomba in May 2022, we have spent time getting to know the city, its people, current issues, and the leaders of other churches. It’s our strong desire to plant the church that Toowoomba needs, not the church that we want.

From the beginning of 2023 we met in Chris and Jen’s home, with a focus on building identity and culture among the initial group. As we grew the living room quickly began to feel squishy, and in April we moved to a public space on Laurel Street in town. As an increasingly diverse group gathered, we moved to our current location at North Toowoomba Bowls Club to ensure everyone can have a good experience on Sundays.

In 2024 our focus is on growing our sense of community through small groups, investing in our kids ministry, and finding creative ways to love our city.

Can I join the church plant?

Absolutely, everyone is welcome! The best first step is to visit us on a Sunday. You don’t need to let us know if you’re coming, but if you do have any questions you can always reach out.

I can’t join you, but I’d love to help.
What can I do?

That’s kind of you! There are a few ways you can help:

• Pray for us. Get in touch if you’d like to know how to pray specifically.
• Give financially. Information on how you can do this is on our giving page.
• Tell your friends. If you know someone in Toowoomba who is curious about Jesus or looking for a new church home, encourage them to say g’day.

What’s with your logo?

We’ve been doing church for a long time and think the scribble pretty accurately reflects the experience… we wouldn’t have it any other way.