Making Room for What God Wants to Do
Over the past few months, we have been talking about the next season for our church and our desire to become increasingly intentional about helping people to Step In, Step Up and Step Out.
In our August communique, we shared a simple conviction:
Every person matters, every person has a place, and every follower of Jesus can grow into greater participation in His life and mission.
We also said that Step In, Step Up and Step Out must become more than words or a diagram.
During August, our pastors and leaders have spent significant time working through what that means in practice.
We have been asking questions about ministry, leadership, discipleship, community engagement and even the kinds of spaces we may need for the future.
But underneath all those conversations is one much bigger question:
What do we need to make room for?
Not simply, “What should we build?”
Not simply, “What programs should we run?”
But:
What kind of ministry is God calling us to make room for in the years ahead?
Making room for people
We want BCOC to increasingly become a church where people can find meaningful pathways to belong, grow and participate.
That means making room for people who are exploring faith.
Making room for children and young people to encounter Jesus and grow in Him.
Making room for people to discover their gifts and find meaningful places to serve.
Making room for leaders to be identified, equipped and released.
Making room for prayer, worship, discipleship and pastoral care.
And making room for people in our wider community who may never initially walk through our doors for a Sunday service, but who may encounter the love and presence of Jesus through our ministries during the week.
This is why Step In, Step Up and Step Out matters.
STEP IN — Belong and grow
We want to make the pathway clearer for people to explore faith, grow in their relationship with Jesus and become meaningfully connected to the life of BCOC.
STEP UP — Find your place
We want to help people discover that church is not something we simply attend.
Every follower of Jesus has gifts, a contribution and a place within the body of Christ.
We are continuing to develop clearer pathways into serving, Life Groups, discipleship and leadership development.
STEP OUT — Live the mission
Our calling has never been limited to what happens inside our buildings.
We want to equip people to be His presence in every place — in homes, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods and across our community.
We will continue strengthening opportunities such as Alpha, community engagement and other ministries that help us carry the good news of Jesus beyond ourselves.
Our facilities must serve the mission
As part of this work, we have also begun thinking more intentionally about our facilities.
Our buildings are not the mission.
They exist to serve the mission.
So before asking what a future capital project should look like, our leaders have been asking what ministry needs it should enable.
That includes considering spaces for children and young people, hospitality and connection, prayer and worship, community engagement, equipping and events, as well as flexible facilities that can serve both the church and the wider community.
There is still significant work to be done before decisions are made, and we will continue communicating with you as this develops.
But the guiding question will remain:
How can our facilities help us make room for what God wants to do?
And there is a place for you in it
The future of BCOC will not ultimately be built by a structure, a building project, a Board or a staff team.
It will be shaped as ordinary followers of Jesus continue saying yes to Him.
For some of us, our next step may be to Step In again — drawing closer to Jesus and His people.
For others, it may be time to Step Up — taking responsibility for the gifts, opportunities and relationships God has entrusted to us.
And for others, God may be calling us to Step Out — seeing our everyday lives differently and recognising the people and places to which He has already sent us.
So as we continue moving forward, we simply ask you to do three things:
Pray. Participate. Stay engaged.
Pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders.
Participate as opportunities emerge to serve, contribute and take your next step.
And stay engaged as we continue sharing more of what the future is beginning to look like.
We believe God is continuing to shape us into a church that is deeply rooted in Jesus, genuinely connected to one another and increasingly present in the places He has called us to serve.
There is still much to discern and much to build.
But perhaps our most important task is simply this:
to keep making room for what God wants to do among us and through us.
Together, we are learning what it means to be His presence in every place.
Hey future Life Group leaders!
So… you’ve been thinking about it, haven’t you? That you’re being called to open your home (or your heart) and lead a Life Group.
We would love to help you take that next step.
Come along to our information session. There is no pressure, no expectation, just good conversation! We’ll talk about what leading a group looks like, answer all your questions, and help you picture what it could look like for you specifically.
Connect Lounge
11am Sunday 13th September
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need a theology degree or a perfectly clean living room. You just need a willing heart. We will help you with the rest. From training to resources to finding your people.
Can’t make it this Sunday but still curious? Come to the Life Group Stand in the foyer between the two services, or contact us on lifegroups@bcoc.com.au and we’d genuinely love to chat with you about getting started.
Operation Christmas Child | Bring joy and Jesus to the lives of children!
How about 200 children? How about 300 children? You have the opportunity to do this by taking part in Operation Christmas Child.
And you can do it in 6 easy steps!
Purchase a box from the table set up in the foyer for $1.00 cash
Fill the box with the gifts
Label your box
Bring the box back by Sunday, 4th October 2026
Make a $12.50 donation for shipping and gospel materials
Pray for the child who will receive your box
Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas by taking part in Operation Christmas Child.
Any questions? Come to the table set up in the foyer; the team will be happy to assist and answer your questions.
Weekday fun and connection opportunity!
We’d love to grow our wonderful Playgroup Team!
If you have a free weekday morning and a love for the Lord and young families, we have a great opportunity for you. There’s not a lot of “work” involved; it is mostly helping mums and children feel loved and connected.
This opportunity is ideal for child-free women of any age, and if you're interested, Sue would love to chat to you! 0403 822 324 or playgroup@bcoc.com.au
There are also spots available for mums, dads or grandparents with children to join a session; use the Next Steps Form.
