step two

Weekend Services

"The reason Jesus came was to create opportunities for us to personally encounter God. So everything we do during our services, whether our worship, teaching or connecting with others is intended to create an opportunity for you to personally encounter God."

They joined with the other believers in regular attendance at the apostles’ teaching sessions and at the communion services and prayer meetings. Acts 2:42-47  Living Bible (LB)

Our Beliefs

How we do this

We value the unity and harmony we have as a family. We encourage questions and open and honest inquiry. We value healthy discussion and realise that our opinions will vary, sometimes considerably on different issues. That’s ok. But we do not accept disrespectful, confrontational and disruptive attitudes and behaviours that cause controversy or confusion.

   In essential beliefs we have unity

There are key beliefs (outlined below) which are foundational to our faith. As a Bible based, Christ centred church we will not compromise on these essential truths whether you personally choose to accept them or believe them.

In nonessential belief we have liberty

In areas of personal convictions and choices, ie food, dress, music, political or environmental beliefs etc., we recognise that opinions and choices will vary widely. You do not have to have the same personal convictions as others and equally they do not have to hold your viewpoint.

In all our beliefs we show love

In everything we show love by valuing each person and giving everyone the respect they deserve.

the four essential truths

1) The Bible is the Word of God

Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

Here is another reason why we never stop thanking God: When you received God’s word from us, you realised it wasn’t human words. Instead, you accepted it for what it really is—God’s word. This word is at work in you believers. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (GW)

We believe the Bible is the Word of God and is true. It is our authority and guide in all matters of belief, life and conduct.

It is given to us for the teaching of truth, the correction of error, and for the discipline, guidance and instruction in living and walking in right relationship with God and each other.

We encourage and practice daily Bible reading and Bible study.

2) Jesus is the Son of God

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders      rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them. Acts 4:11-12

Jesus Christ, second Person of the Godhead, lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute. This accomplished salvation for all who receive grace by trusting in Him alone. He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between God and us. He baptises believers in the Holy Spirit and will return to earth to consummate history.

   3) You must be Born Again

Then anyone becomes a Christian he becomes a new person inside. The old passes away, a new life has begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (LB)

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. ... Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:3-7

God created mankind to have fellowship with Himself, but they defied God by sinfully going their own way. As a result, we need God’s saving grace to end our alienation from Him. Salvation comes only through God’s grace - not human effort - and must be received personally by repentance and faith. At the end, everyone will experience bodily resurrection and the judgment. Only believers will enjoy eternal fellowship with God.

4) Believers can be Spirit-Filled and Spirit-Led

Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. Luke 11:13

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  Galatians 5:16

We believe the best way to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. Every believer can be filled with the Holy Spirit by simply asking. We seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to live in a way that pleases God and show His love and mercy to mankind.

Our full Statement Of Faith can be located on the Australian Christian Churches website www.acc.org.au

our structure

People who invest their hearts, time, families and finances in the building of a local church deserve to have confidence in church leadership. People are looking for leaders who conduct themselves with integrity and respect when making decisions that affect their lives.

we are Guided by ELDERS

The Elders refer to a team of people all with years of ministry experience under the direction of our Lead Pastor. Our Elders primary responsibilities are:

- Be an example and model a Godly lifestyle within our congregation and community.

- To discern and test what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church.

- To ensure a spirit of unity, openness and complete integrity is maintained.

- To provide spiritual covering and accountability for the lead pastor.

- To help process and action the vision in God’s timing.

- To discern and monitor our overall church health.

we are Protected by A BOARD

The Board comprises members of our congregation, nominated by the Lead Pastor and appointed by the Eldership to oversee the governance of Rise Church. They are responsible for our legal compliance in areas of Occupational Work Health and Safety, Child Protection and Safe Church's policy, legal and financial matters and the oversight of our facilities. They provide counsel to the Pastors and staff and support our vision and mission through strategy and implementation.

We are strengthened by ACCOUNTABILITY

Rise Church is a member church of the “Australian Christian Churches (ACC)” and is accountable at a State and National level. ACC provides spiritual covering and key relationships to ensure accountability for our ordained and probationary Pastors and the church as a whole.

Church finances

"One-tenth of the produce belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to Him as holy." 

Leviticus 27:30

At Rise Church we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s Body, the church, as God commands. We recognise that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving. The giving of tithes and offerings is an expression of worship to Jesus Christ. It is more than a token transaction, it is an indication of the relationship between the individual giver and the Lord. They are an expression of gratitude toward our God.

At Rise Church there are a few things we want you to know to build confidence in your financial stewardship. As Rise Church believes in tithing we practice what we preach and a percentage of our weekly tithe is given to missions initiatives both locally and internationally. Our accounts are audited externally once a year to provide the church community with sound business practice.

There will be a presentation by the Board giving a general financial overview at our annual AGM. In addition any person who is a committed member of Rise Church can go through our Annual Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet by approaching a Board member. We usually only receive one offering at our service as we believe good planning and management will provide for our needs.

We do occasionally receive a special offering to support emergency/disaster relief or special needs in another ministry or mission outside our regular commitments. We raise further funds that enable us to do more outside our operational cost. These include our annual Heart 2 Heart offering and special events that raise funds for Rise Assist, both local and global. In the future this may also include raising funds for major upgrading of our facilities or future building projects.