WHO WE ARE
The Story of Journey Church
Welcome to Journey Church, a vibrant community rooted in Ipswich's rich history for 69 strong years since 1955. From humble beginnings as Ipswich Christian Mission, our journey has evolved under visionary leadership. Led by Pastor Derrick Herschell who relocated from Redcliffe. It all began with a lowkey gathering organised by two remarkable women, Mrs. Bramley and Mrs. Machen, who opened their doors for house meetings. Mrs. Machen's courageous act of generosity, led to the acquisition of the very land where our Ipswich campus now stands.
From the leadership of Ps Wayne and Lyn Alcorn, and later Ps John and Francine Hunt, we transitioned from Ipswich City Christian Church to Centro Church.
In 2021, a new chapter unfolded as Ps Tim and Catherine Spark stepped into the role of Senior Pastors, succeeding Ps John and Francine Hunt, and marking the beginning of their tenure as Journey Church's 10th Senior Leaders.
Now, in 2024, we stand united under the banner of Journey Church, reflecting our ongoing commitment to growth, community, and faith.
Tim & Catherine Spark
SENIOR PASTORS
Ps Tim & Catherine Spark are a passionate couple with over 20 years of ministry experience. They have dedicated their lives to serving God and helping people encounter Jesus.
With 15 years of marriage and three children - Malachi, Abby & Zion - Ps Tim and Catherine embody a strong family foundation. In 2021, they stepped into the role of Senior Pastors at Journey Church, driven by their deep commitment to making a profound and positive impact on the community. Their heartfelt mission is to create an environment where people experience the life-transforming love of Christ, leading to extraordinary change within families and people both now and for future generations.
Additionally, Ps Tim serves as the CEO of Hannah’s House, a not-for-profit charity established by Journey Church, providing vital crisis accommodation for teen girls. By offering shelter, support, and guidance, they aim to create a brighter future for these young women and combat the broader issue of homelessness in the community.
Mark & Nerida Turner
Executive Pastor
Jonathan & Dina Evans
Youth Pastors
Natasha Bound
Young Adults Coordinator
Jonathan Bound
Kids Coordinator Ipswich
Brett & Amy Turner
Assistant Pastor, Ipswich Campus Pastors
Rebecca Dengate
Executive Assistant, Young Families Collingwood Park
Matthew & Caitlyn Hills
Young Families Ipswich Coordinator's
Andrew & Letitia Verhey
Collingwood Park Campus Pastors
Sarita Williams
Kids Coordinator Collingwood Park
Hayley Dunikowski
Hannah's House Director
Discover Jesus, Experience Connection, Thrive in Life encapsulates our mission and values. We're dedicated to helping individuals discover the transformative power of Jesus Christ, fostering meaningful connections within our community, and empowering each person to thrive in every aspect of life. Explore opportunities for connection through our Connect Groups, ministry events, gatherings, and Sunday services.
VISION & MISSION
VISION: Designing redemptive communities for future generations.
MISSION: Our mission is to be sent out as the church to make disciples of Jesus, through people development, church planting, and community hubs.
OUR BELIEFS
That the Bible is God's Word. It is accurate, authoritative and applicable to our everyday lives.
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In one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. He is totally loving and completely holy.
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That sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives.
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That the Lord Jesus Christ as both God and man is the only One who can reconcile us to God. He lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life.
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That in order to receive forgiveness and the "new birth" we must repent of our sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and submit to His will for our lives.
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That in order to live the holy and fruitful lives that God intends for us, we need to be baptised in water and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to use spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues which is the initial evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
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That God has individually equipped us so that we can successfully achieve His purpose for our lives which is to worship God, fulfil our role in the Church and serve the community in which we live.
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That God wants to heal and transform us so that we can live healthy and prosperous lives in order to help others more effectively.
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That our eternal destination of either Heaven or Hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ.
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That the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised.
