ABOUT US

We’re so excited that you’re considering partnering with us to see churches planted in rural places. On this site you’ll find out about us: what sort of church we are, the work so far and our vision for the future. You’ll also find out about the current, unique opportunity which we are asking you to support.

Gospel Church Minlaton planted in 2019 with a vision to see the gospel go out to all peoples in the country with transforming power for the glory of God and the joy of all who will come to believe. From the beginning, we have seen this as the first church in a movement of healthy, gospel centered, Bible teaching and missionally active churches reaching the rural towns of South Australia.

RURAL SA

There are 97 towns in SA with 500 to 10,000 people. And although there are exceptions, healthy, gospel centered, Bible teaching and missionally active churches are rare. More commonly gospel drought prevails. Tens of thousands of people remain unreached.

Often people express that planting in such small towns is not viable, but that’s not true. Gospel Church Minlaton currently has a pastor 4 days/week, and owns it’s own building on the main street of the town.

However, it must be done strategically. 97 is a lot! But to put half of them within 50km of a gospel church, only 6 more churches would need to be planted! We hope to be a part of reaching those towns with the gospel, as well as equipping and sending gospel ministry elsewhere in the state wherever we can.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Right now, we’re seeking to take on a man named Joel. He’s a rural guy who is finishing his BTh and has been discipled at a solid church. He’s keen to return to rural and get involved in the spread of the gospel here.

Based on Joel’s experience and stage, we plan to hire him at Gospel Church as an associate pastor/church planting resident, focusing on training and development. Within 3-5 years, God willing, Joel would be planting a new church an hour north of Minlaton in Moonta, a larger town of about 5000. We hope to do this in three stages:

STAGE 1 – Training and Associate (≈3 years)

Supporting churches and individuals partner, either for three years, or as a one time gift. For Joel, this period would involve focus on growing in pastoral ministry, tackling new challenges and roles in order to prepare, and completing a church planter assessment.

Although Joel has expressed willingness to make it work, we hope to be able to pay him at least 2-3 days a week in this period to give proper time for him to focus and grow. More if possible. We already have some of the support needed for this period.

STAGE 2 – Planting Residency (≈2 years)

Networks, supporting churches and Gospel Church partner to support Joel as he focuses more specifically on preparing to plant. We hope at this stage to have Joel paid full time.

Although Joel would still be on staff at Minlaton, he would be freed to start focusing almost exclusively on ministry in Moonta, developing a small group, forming a team and moving toward launching a new church.

STAGE 3 – Church Plant (≈3 years and onward)

In the final stage we would seek to partner with an organisation that specifically gives grants to fund church plants, and over 3 years, as the church grew, the ministry would gradually be supported locally by the church in Moonta.

So, here’s the question: can you, or your church help bring this about? Are you equipped to support this vital step in taking the gospel to rural South Australia?

Rural church planting is tough, and hasn’t had much support in the past. We need you. Could you commit an amount from your annual budget for the next 3 years? Or even 5? Or could you give a one time gift of support?

Please pray it over. If you have questions or want to talk about contributing, get in touch using the form at the bottom of this page. All of the details for giving are below. Even if you were to reach out just to let us know you are praying for us, that would mean a whole lot.