Who We are

Why We Exist

We exist to help you experience God.

We believe in the life-changing power of Jesus and the importance of serving our local community and beyond. Join us as we grow together, make a difference, and experience the abundant life Jesus promises.

our 5W’s

Welcome

Grace-filled welcome. Where everyone is welcome.

Worship

Awe-struck worship: Honouring God in his rightful place.

Wonder

Joy-filled wonder: Sharing stories of what God is doing.

Word

Life-transforming word: Discovering God’s truth.

Works

Kingdom-building works. Building God’s abundant Kingdom.

What We Believe

This is how we view God, Jesus, the Bible, man, and many significant aspects of our faith. Firmly rooted in Scripture, our beliefs guide our decisions as a church.

The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives.

The Trinity

God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one substance in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority.

The Father

God is great: He is all powerful, all knowing, ever present, unchanging, completely worthy of our trust, and above all, Holy. It is in Him that we live, move and exist. God is good. He is our Father. He is loving, compassionate, and faithful to His people and His promises.

The Son

Jesus Christ is completely human but, at the same time, completely God. He is the only plan for bringing people who are far from God back into a right relationship with God. He lived a perfect life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God’s demands for perfection. He defeated death in His resurrection so that we can have life.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s presence assures us of our relationship with Christ. He guides believers into all truth and exalts Christ. He convicts people of their sin, God’s righteousness, and the coming judgment. He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ.

Eternity

Man was created to exist forever. He will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

Man

Salvation

The Church

The Church is a local community of believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.

What We Believe

In the Churches of Christ, a non-denominational movement of independent churches, we do not hold to creeds. However, our congregation has developed what we call our ‘Commitment Prayer’ which outlines broadly the things we hold in common.

Thank you, God our Creator, for inviting me into your family. I believe Jesus is who He said He is: the Son of God from the beginning. I believe Jesus was crucified and died for my sin. I believe You raised Him to life again to show he is your Son. I commit to You as the Lord of my life, seeking to live as the Spirit guides and empowers me. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for making me your child.

Brief History
Illawarra Church of Christ* was established in 2016 under the ministry of Dr Barry McMurtrie. Pastor Jeff Deuble took over from Barry and ministered to the church over the difficult Covid period travelling from Sydney to support the church. Pastor Peter Watson commenced as the Lead Pastor in July 2022 and is the current Pastor.

Illawarra Church of Christ is aligned with the movement known as the ‘Churches of Christ’ which gathers across the world in a loose alliance. For more information about our historical roots you might one to check out the short booklet called ‘Simply Churches of Christ’ or check out the sermons from our podcast feed on 12 & 19 Feb 2023 in which are discussed some of what we as a movement are committed to and believe.

Name changed from ‘Northern Beaches Church of Christ’ in 2023.

CHURCH POLICIES & MEMBERSHIP

Illawarra Church of Christ is committed to being a safe place for children, youth and adults.

You can access here a diagram that shows how the constitution, policies & procedure documents relate to one another. A copy of our constitution can be found here. A copy of our current policies and procedures can be found here.
A copy of our WHS Building Checklist found here.
A copy of our Activity Risk Assessment Template can be found here.
A copy of the WHS Incident Reporting Template can be found here.
Church Membership: Membership is open to all who have openly confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, and who support the church and attend regularly. We recommend that all follow the Bible's teaching and follow Christ in the waters of believer's baptism by immersion. Click here for more information about baptism. If you wish to become a member send an email to Pastor Peter Watson and/or John Piper with the following information. (a) A statement that you wish to become a member; (b) Your name, address, email & phone details; (c) A statement as to where you want your details held in confidence. [Please keep my details strictly confidential: Yes/No]. Note: We do not have a church directory so your details are for internal pastoral care purposes and will not be shared for any other purposes.]