DVBC Church Profile 2023

DIAMOND VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

Who we are, where we‘ve been, and where we‘re going.

CHURCH PROFILE 2023

DVBC is a multigenerational church with a heart for loving God, each other, and the communities in which we live.

Who We Are

Where We Are

Church Life

Governance & Decision Making

Financial Status

Staff

Ministries & Outreach

Mission Support

Communication

Doctrinal Basis

Pastor‘s Salary & Benefits

Church Feedback

Appendices

Appendix 1: June 2023 Financial Report

Appendix 2: Our History

Appendix 3: Timeline of Events

When we talk about church at DVBC we are talking about a community of people, not a building.

Who We Are

Diamond Valley Baptist Church (DVBC) celebrates together as a community of believers at various stages of their faith journeys.

Diamond Valley Baptist Church is a group of people committed to Jesus’ great commis-

sion and the journey of discovering what following Jesus means in the emerging culture of today’s Australia. We share a common life of worship, prayer, food, learning and service that is participatory, supportive of creativity, not afraid of questions, and connected to the realities of our lives. Together, we seek

to discern, grow and apply our God-given gifts as we serve Jesus. DVBC has a strong emphasis on high-quality teaching from the Bible and dependency on the Holy Spirit as the basis for our service and growth. We want to be a community that lives out the way of Jesus as a benefit and blessing to the world. Though our church building is located just north of Greensborough, we are very aware that our community exists wherever the people of DVBC find themselves. The people of our church are of varied ages and backgrounds — all are welcome. When we talk about church at DVBC we are talking about a community of people, not a building. We envision community at DVBC as two-way — participants shape the community and in turn, are shaped by the community. As those who form our church share their stories and live out their dreams, we believe DVBC is enriched.

Generations at DVBC

Diamond Valley Baptist Church is a multigenerational established family church. We currently have 141 members. While an accurate age breakdown is not available, our current data shows:

Where We Are

Diamond Valley Baptist Church has been blessed with a well-equipped property located in Plenty, a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 20km northeast of Melbourne‘s central business district. See Appendix 4: Nillumbik, Banyule & Whittlesea Community Profile for more.

DVBC is situated on the edge of the Shire of Nillumbik and is closely located to Banyule and Whittlesea Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Located near the corner of two major thoroughfares with significant street frontage, our property lends itself to re-creation as a “destination” in its own right, particularly in light of our proximity to the forthcoming East-West link. Our distance from established community centres such as shopping centres and schools is too great to generate much incidental foot traffic, but our close proximity to aged care facilities and new housing developments provide ample opportunities to connect and serve.

Our Surrounds

The area is a mix of suburban properties and outer urban housing. We enjoy plenty of open spaces and a natural treed environment, together with friendly towns, including Greensborough, Eltham, Diamond Creek, St Helena, Mernda, Laurimar and Hurstbridge.

Religious Demographics

» The most commonly practiced religion in Nillumbik Shire is “no religion,” with 49.9% of residents selecting this option in the most recent census.

» The next most common is Christianity, which includes over 20 different denominations representing 42.7% of the popula-

tion in the area. This figure is very similar to Melbourne’s 40.1%.

» In Nillumbik Shire in 2021, the largest religious group was Western (Roman) Catholic (21.8% of all people).

» 3.9% of residents did not answer the question on religion.

Forecast Population Growth

» The Nillumbik Shire Estimated Resident Population for 2022 is 63,030, and is forecast to grow to 70,315 by 2036.

» The 2022 Estimated Resident Population for the City of Banyule is 127,268, and is forecast to grow to 165,256 by 2041.

» The City of Whittlesea Estimated Resident Population for 2022 is 236,764, and is forecast to grow to 364,449 by 2036.

» The total population of the three local government areas is 427,062 (2022) with very strong growth expected overall in population to 2036, however, like the rest of Australia, our area’s population is ageing with the median age between 35–42 years.

Households

» In our area, dominant household types are couple families with children (45%) and expected to continue to predominate though to 2036.

» Employment is higher than the Melbourne average with a higher level of qualification than the Melbourne average.

Most of the people within the DVBC community live within the Nillumbik, Banyule and Whittlesea Local Government Areas.

We want to be a community that lives out the way of Jesus as a benefit and blessing to the world.

Church Life

In the wake of covid, church looks a little different than it used to.

In-person weekly attendance has declined, with many (particularly families) attending every two, three or four weeks rather than weekly. Some in our church family have con-

tinued to join us online rather than return to in-person services due to ongoing vulnerability or simply because this form of attendance better suits their life stage and style. New families have joined our gatherings, seeking Christian connection and fellowship. Our Associate Pastor (Pastoral Care & Formation)

is further refining processes to ensure newcomers are welcomed and integrated into our community.

We learned a great deal from our periods of physical isolation in 2020 and 2021, and through conversations and feedback held in their wake. In-person connection remains a priority for our church, but this looks a little different now. Meals and fellowship are prioritised. Broader community engagement is more of a focus, with younger families particularly keen to engage in their local community through sporting and other weekend activities.

Increased pressures on the cost of living have impacted some segments of our church more than others, and the need for practical support has increased both within and beyond our church family. How we “do church” in the future will be shaped by these, and broader cultural, shifts. We are committed as a church to seeking meaningful, relevant and culturally-appropriate opportunities to connect with and witness to the broader community within which we live, work and worship.

Sunday Services

Year-round services are held at 10am on Sundays and draw a multigenerational congregation. Services incorporate worship, prayer, communion (first Sunday of the month), Kids Church, teaching and opportunities to share prayer and praise points. There is currently no worship pastor on staff, so many aspects of corporate worship are led by a team of dedicated volunteers. The Creative Ministries Team (CMT) comprises singers, musicians, and technicians, who run the sound equipment, lighting, and audio visual system. Many team members can perform multiple roles, and children and youth are encouraged to be involved as part of the ministry team. In addition to music, the vision for CMT is to once again incorporate many aspects of creative worship into their range of responsibilities and offerings. To view our Sunday morning services, check out our YouTube channel

During term time, we run the Dining Room on Sunday evenings from 5.30pm. This time of discussion includes a simple meal and plenty of opportunity to connect, and is generally focussed on practical discipleship.

Connect Groups

Approximately 100 people are connected via small groups meeting in homes, the church or other locations seeking to grow together and act as faith communities. This number represents around 50% of our church community, however, we would love this to grow with additional leadership.

DVBC has a strong emphasis on high-quality Sunday teaching from the Bible, which is usually integrated with discussion and learning material for the connect groups.

Accessible Church

The building is wheelchair accessible, with multiple dedicated car spaces located close to entrances. There‘s undercover drive-up access to front door, and an accessible toilet with rails. Services are live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person.

The playgroup room has a live feed during services for parents of young children to access if needed; toys and activities are available throughout the auditorium. There are change tables located in playgroup room and accessible toilet, and child-sized toilets are located in playgroup room bathroom.

Church council members (left to right): Tom MacDonald, Harold Rhind, Leon Bell, Lauren O‘Connell, Alan Gear, Melissa Young

Governance & Decision-Making

Governance

The DVBC Church Constitution outlines how Diamond Valley Baptist Church operates.

Under God’s leading, the Church Members’ Meeting is the final authority on all matters. There are 3 Member’s Meetings per year.

DVBC recognises the Church Council as its governing body and authorises it to manage the affairs of the Church subject to the Constitution and decisions of the Member’s Meeting. The constitution provides significant authority to the Council, but requires a vote of members for a limited number of matters including approval of the appointment of the senior pastor, annual budgets and property sale matters.

To support the work of Church Council, they have commissioned three committees:

1. Audit and Risk Committee To assist the Church Council in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities with due diligence and appropriately managing DVBC’s business risk.

2. Safe Church Property Committee To assist the Church Council in carrying out its Safe Spaces responsibilities with due dili-

The DVBC Church Constitution outlines how Diamond Valley Baptist Church is governed and operates.

gence, and working with the DVBC Audit and Risk Committee to reduce and address Property Safety risks and concerns, as well as property maintenance.

3. Safe Church Persons Committee To assist the Church Council in carrying out its Safe Spaces responsibilities with due diligence, and working with DVBC Audit and Risk Committee and Safe Church Property Team to reduce and address People Safety risks and concerns.

Decision-Making

 By delegation of decision making to particular boards/committees

 By discussion until consensus is achieved

 By majority rule upon formal vote at church members meetings

 By significant leader(s) – Church Council and pastors

Financial Status

See also Appendix 1: Financial Report June 2023

Our mudbrick building and the surrounding land are two of our greatest but underutilized financial assets,

Staff

DVBC is led and supported by a dedicated staff team.

» Senior Pastor (current) Martin Boutros, Full-time (Mon–Thu & Sun)

» Associate Pastor (People Care & Formation ) Heather Dunning, Part-time (Mon, Tue, Thu & Sun)

» Associate Pastor (Community Outreach & Discipleship) Bob Field, Full-time* (Presently shared with Australian Defence Force, where Bob serves as a chaplain; days vary)

» Families Pastoral Care | Office Support Rosemay O’Keeffe, Full-time (Families 15hr/pw, Office Support 24hr/pw)

» Youth & Young Adults Coordinator Jacob Cookson, Part-time (2 days pw)

» Finance Officer Lisa Jory, Part-time (Two days per week)

» IT Support Gordan Hall, Part-time

DVBC Staff (left to right): Bob Field, Lisa Jory, Rosemary O‘Keeffe, Heather Dunning, Martin Boutros, Jacob Cookson

Ministries & Outreach

Click on the photos to explore some of the many minstries and outreach programs currently running at DVBC.

LittlePuggles Playgroup

Mudbrick Cafe

Innova Youth

Ministries run every day of the week and span generations.

Tennis Club

Mainly Music

Carpet Bowls

Craft

Young Adults

Friendship

Group

Blokes Shed

Girls’ Brigade

Boys’ Brigade

Women in Focus

Group

One of many This is Eden programs, working with women who have been trafficked in Myanmar.

Mission Support

Diamond Valley has, and continues to have an active engagement with Mission. This includes mission in Australia and overseas and sending people as well as supporting financially and prayerfully.

» David, Alisha & Ethan Besford (Unoh Thailand) Lish & Dave Besford have made their life and home in the Klong Toey Slum Community of Bangkok, Lish since 2011 & Dave since 2019. Lish & Dave are part of the Lok 3 neighbourhood where their lounge room is often transformed into a creative play zone for the neighbourhood kids, a safe space for people to sit and chat about life, a baking station for teenagers, a place of learning about God together, a birthday celebration meal table, and a place of welcome.

» Mike, Vanessa, Priscila, Joel, Olivia, & Ruben Allbutt (Pioneers Christian Surfers, Mexico) Pioneers Christian Surfers share the good news of Jesus with surfers, following him together in community and empowering others to do the same. So that every surfer and every surfing community would have opportunity to know and follow Jesus.

» Ewen & Elizabeth Cummings (Wyclif-

Mission support is a key focus for DVBC, both locally and further afield.

fe, Kangaroo Ground) Wycliffe exists to see disciples of Jesus growing through the Scriptures available in the language that they understand best. They do this through promotion, advocacy, recruitment, training, networking and resourcing Bible translation around the world.

» Michelle Kerr (This is Eden, Australia) Through a relationship-focused and trauma-informed approach to programming, Eden is able to reach both individuals at high risk of trafficking and victims of human trafficking in the red-light districts of Yangon, and Northern and Eastern Shan state, Myanmar.

» Gary & Robyn Peterson Wycliffe, Orlando, Florida, USA Wycliffe Bible Translators exists to help translate the Bible into every known language to ensure all people have the opportunity to read God’s Word in a language they understand.

Effective communication has been an area of significant focus, particularly during periods of lockdown, but there‘s still more we can do to reach those beyond the DVBC community.

Communication

Community news and events are communicated in a variety of ways in order to reach as many people as possible.

» eNews Weekly newsletter emailed out to active church participants via MailChimp each Thursday or Friday. Primary method of communicating news, events and other items of interest within the life of the church.

» Social Media Events, sermon series and photos from the life of the church are shared on the DVBC public Facebook page. Innova Youth maintains an active Facebook and Instagram presence on Innova Youth branded pages. Little Puggles Playgroup maintains a lessactive Facebook and Instagram presence. There’s also a private Facebook group for DVBC families with young children, through which recommendations, events etc are shared.

» Website Recently revamped, the DVBC website is our primary channel for communicating with the broader community and those not already associated with DVBC. It primarily functions as a virtual showroom, giving those interested in learning more an accessible, easy way to do

Communication occurs across a range of mediums and platforms in order to reach a broad audience.

so. More work needs to be done around the purpose and content of this particular platform.

» Posters Often used to advertise events throughout the church building.

» Valley Vision Quarterly online and print “magazine” featuring events, ministries, updated from staff and other news in the life of the church. Emailed out to broader church community and available as hardcopies in church foyer.

» In-service announcements Limited to particular areas of focus the church wishes to promote, such as recent Eden ministries initiatives or updates from missions team.

Doctrinal Basis

The Doctrinal Basis for DVBC is consistent with the Constitution of the Baptist Union of Victoria. See Appendix 3: DVBC Church Constitution.

Membership Covenant

As outlined in DVBC Constitution.

Pastor’s Salary & Benefits

Refer to the BUV document “Guidelines for Healthy Church-Pastor Relationships (including Stipend details)” available at www.buv.com.au.

In addition to the BUV-stipulated full-time salary for a Senior Pastor, DVBC may offer allowances (such as housing) as part of the Senior Pastor‘s package, as informed BUV guidelines.

What are the strengths of DVBC?

Church Feedback

In preparation for this Church Profile, the Pastoral Search Committee sought feedback from the DVBC staff and community. Feedback was provided though face to face conversations, meetings with small groups and via a larger congregation survey. Questions

were sought with strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as a focus. The word-cloud below shows the key words and themes used to describe the DVBC church community.

What is one thing you would like to change at DVBC?

What is the biggest challenge facing DVBC in the next 5 years?

What are opportunities for DVBC in the next 5 years?

Appendices

For further information, please also see the DVBC website and social media channels (including YouTube).

Appendix 1: June 2023 Financial Report

DVBC FINANCE REPORT FOR CHURCH COUNCIL

Appendix 2: Our History

Diamond Valley Baptist Church has a long and storied history of which we are proud. In 2024, DVBC will celebrate 40 years at our current location. But our story extends even beyond that.

Gordon and Margaret Brown built their home in Greensborough in the early 1950s. They were dissatisfied with their own church at the time and were on the quest for another. With a young, growing family, travelling distances on an intermittent train service was not practical so a “fellowship” in the Brown’s home began on 1st June 1954. Margaret recalls that it was easier in those days to approach strangers and to cultivate friendships which led to an awareness of deeper things and an invitation to attend the little house church. So the little church started with a strange assortment of people, brought together through a variety of needs

(warm showers, friendship, prayer, etc) and the desire to worship God.

It seemed time to approach the Victorian Baptist Society and transform this group of worshippers into a church. Given the potential of Greensborough, the Home Missionary Society were keen to form a church in the area. Blocks near the corner of Greensborough Rd and Hobson Street were purchased, and the church repaid the debt within two years. The new site was dedicated in October 1954 and Jack Manning, wasting no time, organised all the necessary papers for registration so the fledging cause were no longer a “Fellowship” but a Baptist Church.

William Collard of Rosanna Baptists was approached to minister and conduct Communion at Greensborough on the first Sunday afternoon of each month. However, by

the end of 1954 the Greensborough Baptists still had no building to worship in due to lack of finance, as causes elsewhere were already in the queue ahead of Greensborough. On 20th March 1955, 27 people became foundation members at the official constitution service. William Collard had successfully reported to The Home Mission on the suitability of the 18 members, 5 associate (not baptised) members and 27 children to be constituted as a church. The multi-purpose hall was to be built during the 1955

1956 financial year.

A very basic hall was completed and officially opened on 8th December and Margaret Brown unlocked the door. The church became a constituent of the Baptist Union of Victoria and the first recorded Deacons meeting was held on 6th August 1956 with William Collard in the chair, an office he held until February 1957. A final-year theological student named Leonard Lewis took over the pastoral care to the end of that year. The first youth group commenced on 27th February 1957, under the leadership of John Wilson. William Collard returned to conduct the first baptism on 24th April 1957 for Mr Edward and Mrs Grace De Sauty.

In 1958 when plans for the first Billy Graham Crusade in Australia were afoot, Frank Potter was commissioned as part-time pastor. Twenty three decision cards had been referred to the Church and a follow-up picnic and Bible Class arranged to nurture the young Christians. The Brown family, in whose home the Church was founded, were farewelled in December 1958. The first choir began practising in May 1959. The fifth Annual Meeting in 1959 saw membership rise to 52. Frank Potter retired in March 1960 and George Williams (evangelistic and popular) was appointed for a set period before the commencement of a full-time ministry.

In 1961 Jim Paice of Elsternwick accepted the call. He threw himself into the job with

tremendous energy, turning a “free-wheeling”, open-ended fellowship into a Baptist church. His wife, Olive, fitted in well too and the BWF in particular flourished under her leadership. The membership grew to exceed 100, the first woman deacon was appointed (Jan Ellis, 1966), and a Jnr Diaconate was established to “advise” the Deacons. Sunday School exploded and spilled over into the garage and in cars, and accommodation became a problem. The Church became creative in organising other get-togethers and programs such as “Friendly Hour” after the conclusion of the services, concerts and musical programs, Christian Endeavour, Baptist Boys’ Association, Homebuilders (young marrieds), Men’s Breakfast Society, boys’ and girls’ clubs, rallies, and special guest services.

In 1963 there was an abrupt break in the continuity of the Diaconate. There was an exodus of some to join the Reformed Baptist Church in Macleod. There was confession and reconciliation and the work continued and grew. There was much concern about evangelism as the Church prepared for the first Missouri Crusade – Baptist pastors from the USA. Frank Page did the publicity and Daryl Hunt took over as Youth Director.

In November 1966 Jim Paice was called to Newport .

Bert Reeves was called to full-time ministry at Greensborough from Wangaratta and he and his family moved into the manse early in 1967. Bert had great vision and was very flexible with willingness to try new things. The church now seriously needed to be extended. Just before Christmas 1970 Dedication Day saw all the church activities back in its renovated building.

The First Junior choir formed in the late 60s. Peter and Lorraine Jackson came from Syndal in 1969 and strengthened the young people’s work, introducing coffee shop ministries and the “Open Door Coffee House”.

In 1971 David Stockman commenced a Scout

The first woman deacon was appointed (Jan Ellis, 1966), and a Jnr Diaconate was established

Group and Ian Mackenzie a Cricket Club. Rodney Draper became the first Junior Deacon. Ron Ellis became Youth Advisor in 1972 and it flourished under his umbrella. The many initiatives undertaken during this period included new-style Adult Christian Education Programs, Visitors Cards placed in hymn books, small groups, youth got first priority in the evening services called “Serendipity”, stress relief awareness, “house church” established, outreach focus, hand delivered letters to every home in the area, youth council, proposed satellite centres, communion every Sunday morning, evangelistic themes (Each One Win One more than doubled membership in 5 years), the establishment of 7 home groups by 1973, and new versions of the Bible were studied.

But ill health took its toll in 1969 and finally took Bert away in July 1973. There was a pastoral gap year in terms of residential pastoral care on a continuing basis.

1974 was significant though as the financial and legal commitments with the Home Mission were severed. As Greensborough became self-governing within the Baptist Union, the church’s first missionary was commissioned for work in Papua New Guinea and a call was sent to Rev David Treloar who in Dec/Jan 1975 moved into Teresa St and was inducted as pastor on 2nd February. People involved in all sorts of outreach found themselves drawn to Greensborough and used their homes for various forms of outreach and fellowship, finding it a place where they could replenish their own batteries in order to serve others better.

David introduced a “Body Life Programme”

in 1976 which, after distribution of sermon notes on Sunday, continued during the week in small groups, thus marking the first attempt to make the church effective through cells, as a living organism. There was a strong spiritual flow with several successful events linked to the Body Life Programme and the rise in numbers led to two morning services. Accommodation was pressing for attention and an Action Group reported that the present site was too restricted for the extensions required.

By the end of 1977 David was forced to take six weeks leave as he suffered stress-related illness and he was ordered by his doctor to slow down. His request for an Eldership Council to be formed was deferred and he felt somewhat alone in his vision. Peter Neil was appointed Associate Pastor in February 1978. A few months later David sadly resigned due to the heavy load. Church membership now stood at 132.

Work continued under Peter Neil; in 1978 Trevor Farmilo was appointed Moderator; Frank Bennell as Interim Pastor towards end of 1979; Professor Basil Brown and his wife came for Sunday Ministry and took the services, visits, baptismal classes. By July the membership had risen to 140. The manse in Teresa St was out of debt and was sold, providing liquidity. The land at 309 Diamond Creek Rd was secured for $88,500.

Alan Nunn was inducted on February 10th 1980 and he supplied that element which was lacking – leadership, building on David Treloar’s foundation. Alan brought the basis of the evangelical faith to the pulpit: Jesus Christ and him crucified, clear understanding of the essentials. He brought new emphasis on prayer, never sparing himself in real needs and in crisis counselling. The work soon became much more than one man could handle and Will Stelling was

First on-site service at 309 Diamond Creek Rd, Plenty, before finalising the purchase.

"Claiming the land for the Lord"

appointed as Associate Pastor and deacons had ten families each to look after and visit. Active Membership was 205 by 1981 and the existing church was finding it impossible to fit everyone in at Church Anniversary time. Parking in Hobson Street became a nightmare for local residents. Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade were established and the Tennis Club flourished. Charles Olsen and committee wrote a new Constitution which was adopted in 1982. Of vital assistance in the pastoral work, especially the visitation of the sick was the work of the deaconesses. Pastor Nunn was stretched to the limit so an approach was made to Paul Craig to come as Associate Pastor.

Paul Craig was inducted in February 1983 and came with dimples, a winning personality, a gift for preaching and his wife, Dawn and three young daughters. That year saw some significant events. In October a “Walk of Witness” was made to the new site at 309 Diamond Creek Road, the building half finished. So we see two phases in Alan Nunn’s ministry: the first in the old church when he was somewhat on his own, and the second after the move to 309 Diamond Creek Rd when the action centres around a Pastoral Team, through team work under a Senior Pastor.

The Church at Diamond Creek Rd

Alan Nunn’s missionary vision opened people’s eyes to the Diamond Valley and not merely Greensborough and the choice of a site up Diamond Creek Rd in the midst of a mushrooming residential area seemed to be

so right. There was a general feeling that the building should be sympathetic to the site, recycled materials to be used, and that it should be in keeping with the general “earthy” atmosphere of the area, built to a large extent with unskilled, voluntary labour (a challenge for an architect!). Keith Butler was chosen as architect. Inspired by the Truth and Liberation structure in Ringwood, Keith incorporated as a major feature some 43 turpentine poles from the demolished Nelson Pier in Williamstown, bought from the next door garden centre for $2 per foot. So 1982 saw action on the site under foreman, Peter Jackson. Local mud was mixed with chopped straw by voluntary labour, who, by October 1983 had made 3000 bricks on site and also de-nailed and stained recycled timber. And so skilled, unskilled and voluntary workers and working bees built a structure to the glory of God. Jan Ellis, who spoke about the ministry of Jim Paice, finally locked the door of the old church in Hobson Street on 22nd July 1984.

Opening Day at 309 Diamond Creek Rd was 29th July 1984 – cold, draughty no power, odd seating borrowed from other churches. Rev John Wraight officiated and Harry Cracknell unveiled the plaque. We now see a pastoral team leading a varied ministry to the community:

» Special Week commencing 5th August

There was a general feeling that the building should be sympathetic to the site, recycled materials to be used...

1984. Rev George Harris and his team from Castle Hills Baptist, San Antonio, Texas (held a mission). Christening of the new building.

» Alan Nunn conducted the first baptismal service.

» Sept 1984 – membership at 267. Lots of potential for new premises to host events other than direct worship: films, etc.

» End of 1984, decision made to proceed with extensions.

» Discussed at length but deferred: tennis courts, basketball court and acquisition of more land.

» Resignation after nearly 8 years as secretary by Daryl Hunt – handed over to Rod Draper.

» Music ministry grown from small team to 12 regular accompanists and a number of song-leaders, three choirs, orchestra and smaller music groups of up to 100 people.

» Paul Craig ordained in October 1984.

» First Wedding held in the new church as Paul Craig conducts the marriage of Mark and Christine Page.

» No account of the growth of the church could omit the fact that, were it not for the provision of a fleet of buses providing transport to the new church for the Strathallan people, they would not have been able to continue attending.

» Martin Boutros officially appointed as Youth Pastor beginning 1985. He and wife Esmae encouraged and nurtured young leaders, fostered the work in schools and strengthened the Youth Council.

» “HiYi’s”, Juniors and Kinder Sunday School Departments. Junior Youth, Senior High.

» “Walk through the Bible” course, Cradle Roll, Prayer Chain, Discipleship Group, Masterlife Programme, Personal Enrichment classes using Narramore material

During the 3 years following relocation to the new site, membership had risen by about 40% whilst attendance level had risen by about 250%.

» Building extensions underway and financial commitments heavy. A welcome donation came from Castle Hills Baptist. The missionary budget was slowly increasing.

» Paul Craig called and inducted to Warrnambool on 2nd Feb 1986.

» Neville Kellam replaces Paul Craig. Neville was gifted in pastoral care and administration which fitted well with the needs of the church. Neville came with his gift of humour and an ability to get things done.

» More and more couples were seeking to be married in the “mud brick cathedral”.

» 1986 Frank Page (administrative work on the entire project) and Peter Jackson kept up the promotion to work on the new extensions. ANZAC day (Nehemiah Day) a voluntary team worked all day and then another team all night. Trestle between ladders with a number of young people seated on it, legs swinging to music while they rendered the walls. New hall and extensions dedicated on 20th July. ANZAC Day over 100 men gathered (some in uniforms and medals) to have dinner. Dinners, Coffee Nights, Newcomers’ Lunches and all hospitality/events were made so much easier by the new equipment and facilities.

» Two morning services.

» Buildings fully used most days: play groups, craft groups, child clinic, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, various youth activities, schools used facilities for their end of year concerts and other events.

Growth was unquestionable and inevitable for the new building was frequently filled and for special events the foyer had to take the overflow. In his thesis, Martin Boutros analysed the growth concluding that 63.3% of church members were baptised prior to attending and that 8.8% of members were either non or infrequent attenders before attending our church. So, very few had been integrated into the church community from a radically non religious background. There is a fairly successful assimilation of

church people who are prepared to cross denominational boundaries. During the 3 years following relocation to the new site, membership had risen by about 40% whilst attendance level had risen by about 250%.

Alan Nunn, Neville Kellam and Martin Boutros complemented one another, working together as a smooth running team. This team activity was to culminate at the close of 1988 with the ordination of Neville and Martin and their subsequent resignations.

There was a strong call to prayer and a lively promotion of cell or home groups. Newcomers’ Luncheon was an important feature. Missionary outreach was brought closer to home and a thriving fellowship was planted at Mill Park under the leadership of Gary McGinty.

In 1988, with 50 hours of counselling in one month, Margaret Nunn made it possible for a grant from the local Bicentennial Committee for a Counselling Centre to be secured.

This and extensions to the Nursery were the two building operations which virtually completed the whole development.

The work and activity in the church and community was enormous. Robert Williams served as Senior Pastor between 1989 and 1997, taking over this role from Geoff Blackburn who served in the interim before Robert Williams arrived and Geoff stayed and served under Robert until 1993. Brett Mitchell served as Associate Pastor from 1994 till 1997 and Janice Marriott from 1990 to 1997.

Paul Craig returned to Diamond Valley Baptist as Senior Pastor in 1999 and held that role until 2013. Paul brought a strong missional and biblical preaching focus. His passion for mission found expression in the establishment of Alpha courses which saw numbers of people come to faith in Christ, some of whom are still members of DVBC today.

Paul was also instrumental in establishing DVBC’s response to the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Those fires caused widespread devastation and the greatest loss of life from fire since colonisation. Under Paul’s leader-

ship a Community Development Officer (John Graham) was appointed for a threeyear period to coordinate our response to the disaster. At the time DVBC became a key ‘drop off’ point for donations from the community which were made available to those in need. The Nillumbik Shire and local community formally recognised DVBC for their contribution to the relief effort.

In 2011–12 Paul oversaw the development of a new governance structure which resulted in the appointment of a new Church Council in June 2013.

Paul concluded his ministry at Diamond Valley Baptist in November 2013. Bob Fergie was appointed as an interim pastor, while the search began for a new senior pastor.

In 2015, Martin Boutros returned to DVBC as Senior Pastor. With a strong focus on developing and equipping leaders, and building connections between the church and the broader community, much of the early part of Martin’s tenure involved significant investment of time and resources into empowering ministry leaders to take ownership of their ministry areas and equipping church members to consider themselves “on

mission” in their community. Leadership was intentionally decentralised, with the day-to-day responsibilities for key ministry areas assumed by a growing team of associate pastors and trainee/intern staff. Preaching and teaching supported the vision of a church “on mission” and in 2019 serious plans were underway to re-evaluate the use of the land and building. Change was afoot. In 2020, COVID-19 struck and the church adapted to navigate a season that proved lengthy and taxing for all involved. Online services commenced immediately, and ministry leaders adapted to new technologies and new ways of connecting. Demand for pastoral care skyrocketed. Ministry leaders, small group leaders and staff were cons-

tantly innovating, as we moved in and out of lockdowns and navigated complex, everchanging restrictions. We lost some members in the wake of government vaccination mandates and drew in new members, who discovered DVBC through one of the online outreach ministries that ran during lockdowns. A number of new families joined, eager for connection and a sense of something greater than themselves. As the post-COVID world became our new normal, the face of the congregation and the way we do church was forever changed. Fortnightly (or even monthly) attendance became the new normal, particularly among younger members. Entire lifestyles were reconsidered and overhauled in the wake of years spent working

and learning from home. Connection became a priority, as did engagement with the local community. We’re still navigating this new normal and discerning what church looks like in the future. What we know is there is still (and always will be) a need for Jesus in our community. In the years ahead, the foundations Martin laid building up DVBC as a people “on mission in our communities” will serve us well, as we seek to be a church people who live like Jesus in our communities.

Men from DVBC help rebuild the local Eltham North Adventure Playground, following a fire in 2019.

Appendix 3: Timeline of Events

Year Significant Events & Building Works

1954 Registered as Baptist Church Land on the corner of Greensborough Rd and Hobson Street was purchased from The Home Mission Society and dedicated to “The Fellowship”. Repaid within 2 years.

1956 Multi purpose hall built

1958-1960

1959 13 Teresa Street block of land purchased to build a manse for a full-time pastor

1960 Church extensions opened in Feb 1960 to include space for Sunday School and other activities

1961-1966

1967 - 1973

1970 Renovations: new vestry, toilets, extended kitchen, platform and pulpit furniture

1977-1980 Current land was purchased

1980 Current building constructed

1984 Nov 27, 1984 dedication of new building and property at 309 Diamond Creek Rd Plenty.

1988 Church Plant in Mill Park

1989

1989 - 1997

1998 - Nov 2013

1998 Refurbishment of manse, new carpets, painting, drapes

1999 Extension to Lounge One, Tennis courts constructed Prayer Room, Reception relocation

2000 Office renovation, open space format created with four work stations

2001

2004 Toilets upgrade

2005 Playgroup room refurbishment

2006 Deck and pergola added to rear of manse

2008 Kitchen upgrade

Tennis Club pavilion

Manse Kitchen and family room renovation

Senior Pastor

Gordon and Margaret Brown -home church

Frank Potter

Jim Paice

Bert Reeves

Peter Neil, Trevor Farmilo and Frank Bennell

Alan Nunn

1989

Geoff Blackburn (interim)

Robert Williams

Paul Craig

Andrew Newbold led Church Plant in South Morang

Year Significant Events & Building Works

2009 Community Development Officer role created in response to Black Saturday bushfires.

Support Lounge created out of Lounge 2

2010 Valley Café

Platform refurbishment

2011 Garden and Landscaping works - ongoing

2012 Refurbishment of interior walls/restore and paint Recarpeting of majority of building

Senior Pastor

2013/2014 Paul Huglin (acting SP)

2013-2014 Extensive work on garden maintenance

2014 Celebration of 30 years 30 Years more Project - exterior building upgrade

April 2014 Bob Fergie (interim)

2015 - 2023 Martin Boutros

2015 2 exhaust fans installed in auditorium New colorbond roofing

2016 Office Space - leased to Uniting Church ended 2022

Replacement of old seating pews to seating Termite treatment - ongoing

2017 Lease part of land/car park to Aurrum - ongoing

Creation of cubby house in play area

2020 Hydronic heating and boilers upgraded - now annually

2022 Creation of Contemplative garden

Upcoming Plan

Upgrade of electrical system for safety

July 2023 Upgrade of plumbing between car park and tennis courts

Arborist has identified 27 trees that need some work. Work has begun and first 5 have been attended to

For more information about our church, check out our website at www.dvbc.net