History & Practices


Beginnings

In 1975 a small group met from the Caboolture Church of Christ, to form a church fellowship within the Bribie Island Retirement Village. Although autonomous, they chose to become affiliated with the Churches of Christ Queensland Conference. This connection continues today.

Over the years this fellowship has grown to become a respected and valued part of the Churches of Christ Queensland. Having moved into its own buildings, the focus of ministry includes not only the Retirement Village, Aged Care and Affordable Housing, but Bribie Island, its surrounding area, and through our missions support reaching our World with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our Practices

The Bible. We believe that the Bible is the inspired and revealed Word of God. It is the centre and guide for everyday living and the basis for our ministry together. We also accept that in non-essential aspects of our faith, there can be a variety of positions of interpretation within the framework of Evangelical belief with its focus upon the centrality of  Christ, and in doing so, choose to live within the occasional challenges this brings. 

Congregational Unity. We choose as a congregation of varied backgrounds to live in a spirit of mutual respect and unconditional love. We are committed to living out God's agape love so that those around us will see a “glimpse of Jesus”. This is a mark of our serving together and an important starting point in our quest for discerning the will of God for our future ministry.

Governance. The Church is based upon a Congregational model which elects a Church Board of Deacons and Elders at its annual meeting. At the hub of the church organisation is the committed core of Church Members. The Board reports to three members’ meetings over the year, and is responsible for the day to day running of the Church and its ministry direction. Under this authority it encourages other members to exercise their gifts in ministry as part of their discipleship.

Place of Women in Ministry. We acknowledge that God in His wisdom gives Gifts of the Holy Spirit to the Church with no regard to gender. We welcome women within our congregation to discover and exercise their gifts and walk together under the leadership of the Pastor.

Membership. Our Membership guidelines acknowledge the journey that others from other Evangelical traditions have had as they have come into our fellowship. For those who have been led to Christ through our own local ministry we ask that they be baptised by immersion in obedience to Jesus Christ. Brothers and sisters from other evangelical traditions may be admitted through their public confession of Faith in Jesus Christ.

We understand that the membership relationship calls us into a place of unity and fellowship with fellow members who serve under the authority of the elected Board of Pastor, Elders and Deacons, within the discipleship-making process. As a leadership, we are committed to encouraging all attendees of our church to move from the fringe, to the congregation, and as they grow in discipleship become part of our committed core. 

Expectations of Members. It is expected that members will accept the core values of our Church and seek to fulfil them in the spirit of servanthood. Membership is a privilege of Grace, not a right; it requires a response of servanthood and adaptability. (Phil 2:4,5)  (Phil 4.11)

Music and Worship. We believe that Worship is a multi-media event. It is a time when all the senses can be used to highlight our encounter with God. Besides preaching and prayer, we believe that when used in a God-centred and inspired way, musical instruments, singers, drama, and visual arts add an important dimension to our worship and ministry of proclamation.

Outreach and Evangelism. We are called to reach Bribie Island and its surrounds with the Gospel. Part of our strategy is to encourage and train our congregation in Friendship evangelism, establishing winsome non-judgemental relationships with those in our spheres of influence, seeking to lead each one “one step” closer to Christ. Part of our outreach strategy is harvest activities, where a more formal challenge is given.

Bribie Island Church of Christ Constitution may be found here.





Our Elder is:
Roger Bawden

Our Deacons are:
Jan Driver
Irene Gerken
Val Laird
Geoffrey Oakes
Sean Pacey