"DISCOVER CHURCH" - A 100,000 word web site.
AN INTERESTING WORLD RESEARCH STUDY OF EVERY CHURCH IN ONE SAMPLE CITY, FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO SEE INFORMATION ABOUT CHURCH.
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1. Number of people: 152.
2. Number of chairs: 265.
3. Type of person: Simple, unpretentious.
4. Socio-Economic Status: Very low to Medium Low.
5. Amount of kids: 30.
6. Ages of people: 20% 60+; 40% FAMILY; 20% YOUNG.
7. 50% are men.
8. Weekly offering published: Treasurer nor did the Pastor immediately know
this figure as it seems their head office has the figure adjusted with debts
taken automatically out.
9. Lateness of people getting to church: Almost 0.
*10. Any other interesting information:
SALVATION ARMY FOOD VOUCHERS are given at 9.30am Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9.30am where if you get to store at 9.20am you very likely won’t miss out or you can phone ahead at exactly 9.30am on 46324133. In Snell St which is off Russel St near Royce Music House. A pair of clothes is given at no cost. Bread and bun bread is available throughout day. No other material aid is given. This warehouse is considered to be a lot cheaper than Lifeline stores. (Manager and truck driver are only on salary.) They have furniture, clothes and electrical.
* Captain Dean Clarke was active in Christian Leaders Network.
11. Time there AND date of visit: 10am-approx 12.30pm 29/7/01.
12. Length of service: 1hr 35m.
13. This and other service times: 10.30am. 4.30pm.
*14. Preacher: (Note: They do have paid Pastors but only in "The Salvation
Army" are they at least called "Captain.") Frank and Narelle
Moxon are "Majors" as they have more experience and have done more
courses. They arrived in start of 2002. Captain: Dean Clarke was here for 6
years and he requested a territory shift and got Adelaide. (In the Army, the
"territory" is NSW and Qld and Pastors typically get transferred inside
this area unless the Pastor requests otherwise. Parishioners do not have any
direct say in who they get but the Pastors have a say in where they would like
to go.)
15. Feeling of building: Good.
*16. Estimate style of belief: Dean Clarke did tell me he "has"
spoken in tongues as do at least some of the congregation including one of the
worship leaders. Interestingly Army congregationalists often do not get water
baptised till they are in their 40's or 50's.
17. Dress code so as not to stand out: Casual to smart. It may seem intimidating
to visitors with 50% of the congregation in Army uniform but they need not feel
that way. Many visitors attend this denomination.
18. How to get there: Travel towards the city along West St, church is at corner
of Russel St/ West St / Anzac Av.
19. (Note) Acceptance in church as a visitor: Yes, this is
a big church so their friendliness is commendable.
20. People who talked to me after the service: Yes, three.
21. Length of time they talked: Much.
22. How soon do visitors get talked to after service?: Soon.
*23. (Note) How much church is open to wider Christian community: Very much.
Capt Dean was well involved with Christian Leaders Network.
24. Things church is doing to be part of wider community: Have 7 crises beds
for men, women's emergency accom. Free lance playing of many brass instruments
throughout city.
25. (Note) Emphasis of ministry: The Army corporately help the down and out,
homeless, alcoholics, abused.
26. Famous business people: -.
*27. Famous people: Paula and Andrew Hambleton have gone to be Pastors, studying
at their bible college, they intend to be medical missionaries first. Paula
was the lead singer of "Chosen" (a 4 young women singing team to digitally
programmed music from a large keyboard) from probably the most popular Gospel
musical group in Toowoomba - they do not charge, donations are accepted, they
travel widely and very often. The band will continue to perform despite Paula
having left for college in Feb 2003.
*28. Knowable songs: Yes, they have mostly knowable songs which is really to
be commended. They have one large screen video computer projector doing popular
worship material. Captain Dean performed a very difficult task of balancing
the new worship to the old worship. He has done this by still having the many
brass instruments open and close the service. But the majority of worship is
done by piano, 4 singers, programmed keyboard and drums only.
29. Quality of sound system/ loudness: Good, not too loud at all.
**30. Quality of preaching generally: Captain Dean Clarke once used a
full powerpoint presentation combined with his sermon (through a large video
screen). I have never seen it done so well anywhere.
31. Meaningfulness/ depth of preaching: -.
32. Enjoyment/ lightness of preaching: Good.
33. Impact/ deepness/ enjoyment of worship: Excellent.
34. Amount of home groups: 6 or 7.
35. How to access home groups: Ask to see co-ordinator of home groups.
36. Friendliness of home groups: -.
37. Intention to build: New building.
38. Estimate percentage church owned / rented?: -.
39. Estimate age of building: Was built in 1993.
40. Dowdiness of building outside: Good.
41. Inside?: Good.
42. Have sister churches where? -.
43. Sunday School availability: Yes, but it begins before the service at 9am
and goes till 10am.
44. Ages availability: From age 3yo to 15yo.
45. % kids attend: Most.
46. Noise of kids at back: Good.
47. Where is bible college? Sydney.
48. Where do kids school? State or private.
49. How many missionaries do they support: (Note:) There are no specific missionaries
they DIRECTLY support.
*50. What cost? There is a plan where each person can contribute one weeks
salary per year, it's called "Self Denial", for their National organisation
who then pay the missionaries.
51. What is average they give to missions: .
52. What is average they give to local poor?
53. International poor? At least one home group and church has 2 children they
support.
54. Other emphasis on giving: The annual Red Shield Appeal is given back to
the communities where the money was taken.
55. Per head total giving: .
56. Extent of other church programs: Boys club, Alpha.
57. Pastor receive stipend? Yes.
58. How much? $18,000 per year. ($10,000 to the captain, $8,000 to his wife.)
But they also get a house (manse), bills paid and a car.
59. Qualifications of Pastor: Full 2 years of Army college.
60. Estimated of parishioners complaints. -.
61. Estimated ability to resolve parishioners complaints: -.
1. Number of people: 56. (20 in an Alpha, 36 others in main
meeting.)
2. Number of chairs: 265.
3. Type of person: Simple, unpretentious.
4. Socio-Economic Status: Very low to Medium Low.
5. Amount of kids: Approx 10.
6. Ages of people: 20% 60+; 40% FAMILY; 20% YOUNG.
7. 50% are men.
8. Weekly offering published: -.
9. Lateness of people getting to church: Almost 0.
*10. Any other interesting information: They sing songs and have scripture
reading from 4.30pm - 5pm. Then from 5pm-6pm they break up into different
"interest" groups and do Scrapbooking, Banner making, Alpha, making
wood things. i.e. They bought a paper nativity set from "U can build
it" in Sydney which supply wood clock patters. One pastes a 2/3 size cut
out and you then cut around the shape and paint and waterproof for an outside
display. A small group of women from "Horton Village Developmentally Disabled
Adults" played games. After the "interest groups" have finished
there is a supper which goes from 6pm - 6.30pm. Then the service closes with
a 10 minute message of sharing.
11. Time there AND date of visit: 4.20pm - 6.45pm 20 June 2004.
12. Length of service: 2hrs.
13. This and other service times: 4.30pm. 10.30am.
*14. Preacher: Majors Frank and Narelle Moxon.
15. Feeling of building: Good. (Toowoomba churches are very rarely air conditioned
but often heated due to mild summers and cold winters. This church had many
large gas heaters going due to a 10 degree centigrade temperature.)
*16. Estimate style of belief: One of their beliefs is to help the homeless
however the hostel at West and Russel Sts has finished. They now have programs
in place where they address the real issues of homelessness like alcohol, drug
addiction, anger, gambling. They need to be first sent to Housing Commission
and registered there and pay off any outstanding debts. This causes no objection.
Then 7 beds are available which has this short term support which has the aim
of getting men to live in independent accommodation. Often two can flat together.
It's usually a non Housing Commission set up due to their 2 year waiting list.
17. Dress code so as not to stand out: Casual to smart. Only Major Frank Moxon
dressed in uniform.
18. How to get there: Travel towards the city along West St, church is at corner
of Russel St/ West St / Anzac Av.
1. Number of people: 153.
2. Number of chairs: 240.
3. Type of person: Health conscious.
4. Socio-Economic Status: Met a Doctor, teacher, tradesman etc..
5. Amount of kids: Forty or so.
6. Ages of people: Families.
7. 50% are men.
8. Weekly offering published: -.
9. Lateness of people getting to church: -.
*10. Any other interesting information: Will be building a large complex
of church, community and school buildings on the eastern side of Greenwattle
St between South and Glenvale Sts. They had plans approved and a land dedication
ceremony on the 13 Dec 2002.
11. Time there AND date of visit: 24 Nov 01 10am-12.30pm. 13 Dec 02.
*12. Length of service: Inside church 9.30am-10am. They split into small
groups 10am-11am then re-unite in church 11am- 12.15am. The First Sabbath of
the month has a BIG lunch where guests are invited and a shared plate is not
necessary or implied. (Keep in mind they won't know you if your a visitor and
they do have some very strict vegetarian diet and they are very generous people
and always have lots of food left over.) However, EVERY Sabbath they have food
after church for some 30 people and guests will be asked to join them.
13. This and other service times: 9.30am.
14. Preacher: Pastor David Stojcic.
15. Feeling of building: Good.
***16. Estimate style of belief: This group are accepted
as bible believing Christians by Charismatic, Evangelical and Traditional churches
however, uninformed people think this church may be a cult but it is not. They
are well known for believing in the writings of a prophetess called Ellen White.
Noone accuses her of being totally unscriptural. However, this group are far
more aware of bible prophecy generally than other churches. Rarely they have
a small group foot washing ceremony done in other rooms. They publish much about
diet. They do not eat meat and eat plenty of nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables
etc..
17. Dress code so as not to stand out: Casual to smart.
18. How to get there: Travel South along Drayton Rd, turn left or east along
Mathew St.
THE MOST FASCINATING AREA OF THEIR CHURCH IS WHAT THEY DO FOR THE COMMUNITY IN YOUTH DRUG SELF-REHABILATATION.
1. Number of people: 106. ( 96 on 14 Dec 2002.)
2. Number of chairs: 225.
3. Type of person: Teacher, legal services. You will notice that Adventists
are very health conscious. For example, most are vegetarians and their lunches
at church are all meat free.
4. Socio-Economic Status: -.
5. Amount of kids: 22 0-17yo's. ( 14 0-17yo's on 14 Dec 2002.)
6. Ages of people: 34 are 60+. Thus good mix of older, family and youth.
7. 50% are men. 26 were men and 68 were women thus 28% of the church were men.
(Interestingly, one divorced man - who was not a practicing Adventist at the
time, nor the spouse - said there seemed just as many divorced people in the
Adventist church as in the world.)
8. Weekly offering published: Not given.
9. Lateness of people getting to church: -.
**10. Any other interesting information:
ST ANDREWS HOSPITAL ASK CHURCH TO RUN DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAM. At the Seventh
day Adventist church, the youth were asked by their elders what they would like
to do as an outreach into the community. Being so very close to a public skate
board park they asked if they could do a drug information series. The church
hierarchy were very pleased to give emotional, spiritual and financial support.
Following along the lines of their highly successful 5 day program for smokers,
the youth devised a 7 consecutive night course. As part of a secular community
day they devised a plan to put up a tent in Queens Pk. The result was they were
inundated with requests. St Andrews hospital were so pleased with the program
they gave free rent space in their hospital offices. There is either no cost
or bare minimum cost associated. Interestingly, they have found if people pay
$5 or $10 for the course, they feel there is not something religious behind
it.
***THE 5 DAY STOP SMOKING PLAN IS OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE.
This highly successful course has been around many years and continues to be
a great success. There is a $5 or $10 fee to cover orange juice etc.. It is
run intermittently throughout the year. Success rates are remarkably high and
anybody is welcome to attend.
*A GROUP FOR THE AGED AND/OR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED. CARE CLUB is run where
police, firemen are bought in to give advices on how to remain alert and be
careful in times of emergency. It's run every quarter from the church, beginning
approximately the last week of March.
11. Time there AND date of visit: 26 June 2004 9.30am - 2.25pm.
(11.20am-45am 14 Dec 2002.)
12. Length of service: There are 4 services in one. Forty people start at 9.30am-
10.03am service in main church with songs and sharing. Then at 10.08am - 10.43am
the church split into groups of 7 to 12 for a smaller bible study where people
can ask questions, usually to do with how the earth will end. Then there is
a break and about 10.50am songs start for the main service which goes 11am till
12.30am. Then there is a break and a vegetarian lunch goes from 1pm - 1.40pm.
(On the 26 June 2004 the Sudanese community had their first service for the
Sudanese after lunch as well.)
13. This and other service times: 9.30am start for small group bible studies,
11am start for main service. Like quite a few denominations, this denomination
can be closed for 2 weekends due to a yearly camp, in Westridge it's on in September.
14. Preacher: Pastor Clifton Maberly who prior to this was a missionary in Korea
for 30 years. (In 2002 was Chris Foote.) It's a 5 year Bible college degree
to be a Pastor. Pastor Martin Brown preached today from a wheelchair. He said
"I was an impatient man before the stroke." Elder Peter Gwynne preached
too. (Any person is accepted as a preacher here.)
15. Feeling of building: OK.
16. Estimate style of belief: Many lay Christians in other denominations believe
this denomination is a cult. The distinct majority of experts do NOT believe
this. This denomination are evangelical bible believing Christians.
*** What is interesting is their view of end times. In
a nutshell they believe this- The righteous will be caught up to meet Jesus
in the sky and we will be in heaven for 1000 years. During this 1000 years the
earth will be destroyed of all things and the devil will be "bound up"
cause he will have nothing to do. After the 1000 years the righteous will LEAVE
heaven (and not return), will begin life on a NEW earth for ETERNITY. 1 Thes
14:16; Rev 21;
17. Dress code so as not to stand out: Many men wore ties and business shirts.
Some women wore hats and formal dress attire. (About 20 women were away due
to a retreat 26 June 2004.)
18. How to get there: It's on Hume St between Margaret and Cambell Sts.
1. # of people: 62 at 9.30am (Kids counted but Kids Church
in below room.). 56 people at 10.30am. (Same people but kids were in this service)
(Were 14 people on 29/7/01 at 9.40am.)
2. Available chairs: 40 (Room for 100) upstairs in church area, 40 seats for
cafe downstairs.
*3. Type of person: Outback ministry orientated Christians.
4. Socio- Economic Status: Very low to Low in client parishioners; Other parishioners:
middle - workers.
5. Kids: Some.
6. Ages: 8-70yo
7. Men: 50%
8. Offering:-
9. Late arrivals: Three.
*10. Interesting info: Shiloh is essentially a successful "split" from Range Christian Fellowship who successfully "split" from Rangeville Community (ex-Uniting) Church. How did it all begin? It all started originally when Ps Paul Galligan looked after a church when Ps Ian Shelton from Toowoomba City Church went to Sydney (circa 1988) with Logus. Some people didn't like Logus shifting to Toowoomba so they left the church and Paul left as well. Paul then became a Pastor at North Christian Outreach Centre Toowoomba, and then later worked for Rangeville Uniting Church in the office and then started his own ministry as RMA IN 1998 while at Range Christian Fellowship, slowly separating ties 1- 3 years later until getting their own building 1 Jan 2001. Unlike all other independent Charismatic churches, it would be no surprise to see this church become a denomination or network of churches due to several factors. Twice yearly short term cheap bible college courses. And, a couple of people are already full time workers. And, there is extensive west country Australian evangelism. And there is extensive international house church building. And there is an "apostolic council" being set up internationally. There are rudimentary guidelines for the church. Many books get printed and freely given and some are translated. Key ingredients being that one works hard and consistently on common sense of the Great Commission only and believing God will supply travel expenses with subsistence personal income.
11. Date & Time spent: 29/7/01 9.40am. 2m.
12. When service finished. 9.30am- 10.15am Sunday for adult Sunday School. Main
service is 10.30am-12.00 noon Sunday.
13. This & other service times: 9.30am/10.30am; 6.30pm;
**Fri 7pm has a dinner for poor people and psychiatric outpatients (some
30 people). Day time coffee shop outreach Tues 12.15pm. Bible Teaching Fri 12.30pm.
14. Preacher/ Founder: Ps Paul Galligan. (Paul lives in Brisbane and only comes
up irregularly, preferring out west and international evangelism.) Paul's wife for 30+ years is Anne. Together having had five children but having lost one son in 2002. Peter & Lezette De Bressac came from Tara then taught meetings in Mullumbimbi in northern NSW then in Dec 2001 till 2007+ ran the Shiloh Centre.
15. Feeling: Not bad. Church building opened in Jan 1 2001.
16. Their belief: RMA have several small house churches around Qld/ NSW. *Charismatic
Evangelists by nature, believes in Toronto Blessing and many miracles of physical
healing happen in their church. Shiloh spend $450 a month in free manuals and
photocopying.
17. Dress code: Casual.
18. To get there: Travel east along Russel St in the city and park between Ruthven
and Neil Sts.
6.30pm SHILOH PS PAUL GALLIGAN, "REVIVAL MINISTRIES AUSTRALIA" or "RMA" or "SHILOH" 19 Russel St between Ruthven and Neil Sts, next to Trades Hall.
1. # of people: Seven.
2. Available chairs: 40 (Room for 100)
3. Type of person: Same.
4. Socio- Economic Status: Middle - worker.
5. Kids: Some.
6. Ages: 8-70yo
7. Men: 50%
8. Offering:-.
9. Late arrivals: Two.
**10. Interesting info: Can become a Pastor in 6 months by doing Austudy
course which is low cost which qualifies you to a network of 1500 Pastors.
11. Date & Time spent: 29/7/01 6.52 pm. 2m.
12. When service finished. 8pm.
13. This & other service times: 6.30pm; 9.30am/10.30am.
14. Preacher/ Founder: Ps Paul Galligan.
15. Feeling: Not bad.
16. Their belief: Charismatic Evangelists.
17. Dress code: Casual.
18. To get there: Travel east along Russel St in the city and park between Ruthven
and Neil Sts.
1. NUMBER OF PEOPLE: 24.
2. NUMBER OF CHAIRS: 168.
3. Type of person: These are very recent Sudanese refugees from 2001- 2003.
Many had only arrived 3 weeks ago. Some 5 white people from West Presbyterian
help. Some Sudanese also attend the West Presbyterian church or others churches
on Sundays.
4. Socio-Economic Status: Poor. However, most have jobs or are studying within
a short time.
5. Amount of kids: 6 were 13- 16yo in church. 7 more primary aged were in childrens
church, 4 to 9yo's.
6. Ages of people: Adults were 20-40yo.
7. 76% are men. 13 men and 4 women!
8. Weekly offering published: -.
9. Lateness of people getting to church: .
**10. Any other interesting information: The service is in English and
one of their own languages such as Dinka or Arabic. (In the 18th century the
Muslims from the north began to take over much of Sudan including the schools
and this is why the Arabic language took over the Dinka language.) This church
would love anyone to help them learn English, take them shopping, to school,
to Doctor's. Dr John Tesck is a Sudanese Medical Doctor who attends. These families
are scattered throughout Toowoomba.
11. TIME THERE AND DATE OF VISIT: 2.20pm- 5.10pm 29 Mar 2003. 8 Feb 2003 4.30pm-5.30pm.
12. Length of service: Service started at 3.20pm. Service goes to about 4.15pm.
But people are there at 2.10pm and still slowly being transported out at 5.30pm.
13. This and other service times: 3pm. (SUDANESE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP is not
the official name yet.)
14. Preacher: Chris and Jen Worrall from West Presbyterian supervise the children's
church.
15. Feeling of building: Good.
16. Estimate style of belief: -.
17. Dress code so as not to stand out: Casual to smart. The Sudanese dress formally
and are better dressed than the white people there. The women wear their best
dress. The men wear business shirts with no tie and dress slacks.
18. How to get there: Go west along South St until you get to the Harristown
High School main hall, turn left or south into Burton St. St Marys church is
soon on the left.
19. ACCEPTANCE IN CHURCH AS A VISITOR: Much.
20. People who talked to me after the service: Many.
21. Length of time they talked: 2m- 30 mins.
23. HOW MUCH CHURCH IS OPEN TO WIDER CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY: Very.
28. KNOWABLE SONGS: Half the songs are in Dinka language but these songs are
absolutely beutiful.
43. Sunday School availability: Yes.
46. Noise of kids at back: None.
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NEXT (This next large group of people entirely shifted from Sydney to here.)