Open for Prayer

28 September 2025

By Pastor John Macindoe - Senior Pastor

I want to thank everyone who went down to the fellowship hall for our combined service last Sunday. We packed 560 people into our church for one service. Your sacrifice enabled others, many of whom were guests, to take up the better seats in our sanctuary. Thank you so much! 

Now for my primary word of Encouragement:

As part of Vision 2030 our church wants to be a “Community Hub – a place of rest and peace where a whole range of people can come through our open doors and encounter the love of Jesus in the heart of the city”.

That is a big ‘stretch’. It will involve significant culture change and, at present, our facilities present numerous challenges.

Earlier this year we made a small start. We began a trial, opening our church doors for one hour at lunch time every weekday, so that anyone can come inside, look around, pray, reflect, or talk to a pastor.

Every day has been different, but every day has been good. In fact, the trial went so well that ‘Open for Prayer’ has now become a formal ministry of the church, led by Shirley Cheng from 4:30C. Here are her reflections, “I’m blessed to spend an hour each week praying for our church and community, staying grounded as I witness and participate in God’s work in the lives of our neighbours and visitors.”

But having established settled patterns for this ministry, we’re wanting to be open for longer – up to two hours every weekday. But for this to happen, we need more volunteers.

If you can spare an hour or two once a week, and you feel that you have the capacity and calling to welcome people into our church facility, Shirley would love to hear from you. Training and support will be provided.

It’s a simple task, but one that helps us reflect the love of Jesus to the city. For more information, speak to one of our pastors or contact the church office (admin@centralbaptist.org.au).