Table of Contents
The city and the Gospel mission
Wednesday 30th July 2025
Throughout Scripture and church history, we find that God’s redemptive movement is not confined to quiet places—it often moves most powerfully through cities. Today, with over half the world’s population living in urban centres, we must ask: “What is God doing in the cities—and how are we called to respond”?
In his landmark book, Cities of God, Rodney Stark shows how the early Christian movement grew most rapidly in the urban centres of the Roman Empire—Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome. These weren’t just population hubs—they were centres of culture, commerce, communication, and crisis. Christians didn’t flee the city; they entered it with sacrificial love, resilient hope, and holy boldness.
This pattern is deeply biblical. Jesus Himself wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), not just because it was a city, but because it represented the spiritual heart of a people. And when the Holy Spirit birthed the Church at Pentecost, it happened in Jerusalem, the city filled with people “from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5). The Gospel launched from the city and spread through the cities—because cities shape people, and people shape the world.
Tim Keller notes that to engage cities is to engage where the world is being formed. He writes, “The city is not only where the people are, but where the future is being built.” It echoes the heart of God who said through Jeremiah,
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper”
Jeremiah 29:7 NIV
The biblical story ends not in a return to Eden, but in a redeemed city—the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2–3). This city is not merely a future hope, but a present calling: to live now as citizens of God’s Kingdom (Philippians 3:20), embodying the future city in the present world.
Daniel’s courage in Babylon reminds us that urban life is often marked by ideological pressure and spiritual hostility—but also profound opportunity. Like Daniel, we are called to remain faithful in exile (Daniel 1–6), living distinctly yet engaging courageously.
At Berwick Church of Christ, we are situated in one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing urban corridors. The world is on our doorstep. Acts 17:26–27 tells us that God determines the times and places people live “so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him.” Cities are not accidents—they are assignments.
Let’s not retreat from the city’s complexity. Let’s enter it with gospel clarity. Let’s live, serve, and pray as those who believe that Christ’s love is wide enough for every neighbourhood, deep enough for every wound, and powerful enough to transform even the busiest streets.
Sunday Service | TEAM JESUS – Play with Purpose | Sunday 3rd August 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
You’re Invited! Join in the game of Kingdom transformation and “Play with Purpose”!
Join us for an inspiring Team Jesus message featuring Alan Platt—a powerhouse leader and global agent of change who’s been coaching and leading from the front lines for over 40 years.
Originally from South Africa, Alan is the founder of the Doxa Deo Church Movement, a team making a worldwide impact by training and equipping everyday believers to be City Changers.
Alan also leads the City Changers Movement, now active in 35 nations. Through LifeWork Leadership, he is raising up MVPs (Most Valuable Players)—empowering leaders to bring their A-game to their community.
We all play an important role.
Are you ready to learn how you can influence your local community, from the church to the marketplace, by loving people, serving your city and growing faith communities?
If you’re someone looking to step off the sidelines and join in the game, this is your chance to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to learn how you can be His presence in every place.
Kids Church | Sunday 3rd August 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Light and Dark | Genesis 1: 3-8
5 to 12-year-olds | Creation and the Fall| Genesis 1–2:3, 3; Romans 5:8
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 3rd August | 5:45 pm
Calling all men! At our weekly gatherings, we come together to pray, support one another in our faith journey, and grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Whether you are a seasoned prayer warrior or new, we welcome you with open arms. Our group is a safe space where men can come together to share their hearts, struggles, and victories.
Join us as we seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in our lives and for our families. Together, we can uplift each other, grow in faith, and make a real difference in our community.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Come and join our Men’s Prayer Group where together we seek the Lord for our families, community and nation.
Boys Brigade | Monday 4th July 2025 | 6:00pm
Be part of the action! For over 20 years the Boys’ Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys.
ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.30pm
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 5th August | 6:30am
Every Tuesday morning, there’s a Prayer & Fellowship Walk around the church property.
This is a powerful time of seeking the Lord together in prayer. We pray for our church, community and nation. So come and join us at 6:30 am in the Berwick Church of Christ Car Park for a time of great fellowship and connection.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us.
Water Baptism Class | Monday 11th August 2025 | 7:00pm
Writers Group | Saturday 23rd August 2025 | 9:00am
Aspiring writers, published authors, and everyone in between—are you looking for a creative outlet to showcase your writing talents and connect with fellow literary enthusiasts? We are thrilled to invite you to join our Writers Group, where your words will come to life in a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays, blog posts, or anything in between, we welcome all writing styles and genres. So come join us and, ignite your passion for writing! Together, we will inspire one another to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as storytellers.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something special. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few publications under your belt, we’d love to have you with us.
Join us today and let your creativity soar!
Have a safety concern?
We are serious about keeping our faith community safe. We encourage all staff, volunteers, partners and congregation to report any concerns they have about safety and wellbeing. We are committed to handling all concerns seriously, legally and in a child-focused way (if concerning children).
If you have any concerns about safety at the Church, we strongly encourage you to share your concern with one of our Pastors or the Safety Contact Person, Karen Fletcher and fill in our Reporting Concerns Form.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
