The Story So Far

How We Got Here

A Call for Help

Blackburn Presb. Church asked Donvale PC for Help

A Partnership Formed

A partnership with Donvale PC has been set up and you can help

An Outreach Opportunity

This is an outreach opportunity to be part of a small but growing ministry

About

Blackburn PC

Blackburn Presbyterian Church (BPC) is a small, close knit congregation located near the Blackburn shops and railway station. 20-30 people attend on a Sunday morning, ranging in age from less than 2 years to more than 92 years, with more older than younger people. The building is small but can accommodate more people, and has a separate room with a small kitchen (could be used for a small Sunday school).

Mitch Amoah has recently been appointed as the full time minister. Mitch was student minister at Donvale and is well known to many Donvale church attendees. There are 4-5 musicians who play for services, and for those who like the old hymns the music is more traditional than at Donvale.

There is a strong sense of community and belonging, and where a visitor is always engaged and never overlooked.

Until this year the Rev Graham Bradbeer pastored BPC part time but the looming prospect of his second retirement triggered a request to Donvale PC to help their brothers and sisters in Christ at Blackburn.

How Donvale PC is Helping

Growing Together

After prayerful consideration the Donvale Session resolved to help BPC and appointed a Partnership Committee comprised of elders from BPC and Donvale. Both Donvale and Blackburn Sessions resolved to invest in growing God's ministry at Blackburn and put together a Partnership Plan and Ministry Development Plan that required appointing a full time minister to BPC.

Rev Xien Yao was appointed as the Moderator and late last year Mitch Amoah was appointed to the ministry. As Donvale PC continues to develop our partnership with Blackburn we ask Donvale PC members to consider how they might be able to contribute growing God's work at BPC.

Vision

Donvale Vision for Partnership

The Blackburn and Donvale Session's vision for this partnership is to see BPC grow as an independent church, not a branch of Donvale PC, and not something that will create an undue burden for the Donvale Ministry Team.

The partnership is not a takeover, but an opportunity to work together to grow God's work in Blackburn.

Blackburn Congregation

Donvale Congregation

Serve

An Opportunity to Serve

We ask you to prayerfully consider the following opportunities to serve;

1. Come and give Blackburn a go

"I'm willing to give Blackburn a go, coming as often as I can to see if God would use my family there."

2. Serve with what God has given you

"I'm happy to come and help with a particular ministry, but given my commitments and responsibilities at DPC, it would be unwise to consider moving at this stage." (Ministry opportunities include: welcoming, Sunday school, music, and morning tea)

3. Talk to Mitch about Blackburn

"I'm interested in the gospel opportunities at Blackburn, and I'd like to know a bit more before making a decision."

4. Pray

"I'm happy that Donvale is supporting Blackburn, and would love to regularly pray for God to bless and grow His church."

Respond

How you can help

Pray

For Mitch & Sarah Amoah and their family as they minister at Blackburn PC
For for outreach to the lost and growth of God's work in Blackburn through His ministry at BPC
For wisdom for the Elders and Moderator as they shepherd the flock at BPC

Lend a Helping Hand

Provide help when and where required from time to time such as IT, morning tea, music, maintenance, teaching and other ministry opportunities.
Welcome people from BPC who attend Donvale ministry functions, develop supporting relationships

Make Blackburn Your Church Home

1. You have a desire to use your God-given gifts to serve others, to see people come to faith in Jesus and grow in their faith. 2. You would like to be part of a church-plant-type ministry, being part of a growing ministry with a core group of people. 3. You enjoy being part of a community where everyone knows and cares for each other.
We are praying for 40 people to move to BPC to help.
Families with children will enable us to commence a small Sunday school.

Questions & Answers

Q&A

Q1. Will I be asked to go to Blackburn?

"No. We will not single out people to move to Blackburn. But we are asking if you would prayerfully consider serving alongside those at Blackburn to advance the gospel.”

Q2. How many people currently attend Blackburn PC?

About 20-30 people currently attend Sunday morning worship services in the building or connect online.

Q3. Why is DPC helping BPC?

Paul calls churches with plenty to help those in need. We're responding to a call from Blackburn and believe God has provided us an opportunity to serve there.

Q4. Is there a Sunday School at BPC?

Not yet, but Blackburn aims to start a Sunday School as soon as possible.

Q5. Does Blackburn offer something lacking at DPC?

Both Blackburn and Donvale are seeking to make and mature disciples of Jesus, using what God has provided to build His Kingdom. So, Blackburn is similar to Donvale, but operates on a smaller scale, where building relationships and following up with visitors occur naturally.

Q6. Are there good reasons to consider making Blackburn my church home?

Yes. Here are some potential reasons;

1. Have the opportunity to be part of a small congregational community where everyone knows and cares for each other.
2. Be part of a church plant and growing ministry.
3. Have the opportunity to use your gifts to serve in ministry in ways not available at Donvale.

Q7. If I move to Blackburn PC but find it's not for me, can I come back?

"Yes. If you give it a go and find it's not a good fit, that would be perfectly acceptable. God has made each of us different, with different capacities and gifts. So, serve where you can."

Q8. The Blackburn Church building is tucked away in a suburban street. Is there a plan to move from the current building?

Our long-term vision, God willing, is to relocate to a site that would facilitate ministry and growth. For now, the current building has room for growth. When Blackburn outgrows this facility, we will aim to move to a more appropriate location, relying on the Lord to guide us.

Donvale & Blackburn