Sometimes the idea of going to Church can be a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! At Kalgoorlie Baptist Church, we want to make sure it’s a friendly, welcoming experience that will leave you wanting to come back and be part of our church family.
Basically, we are a bunch of people just like you: miners, teachers, business owners, students, mums and dads and many others who aim to live our lives according to God’s word, the Bible. Our Pastor and team of leaders encourage us in this journey.
You will be welcomed at the door by one of our greeting team and given a welcome pack and a smile. It’s a good idea to come a few minutes early so you can find a seat and perhaps meet a couple of people or pause to pray before church starts.
The service (Church meeting) begins with music and songs that celebrate God. It also includes a welcome message, news about what’s happening in our Church community as well as information about what our Church is doing in the wider community. There’s also a message brought from the Bible that gives people inspiration and God’s truth about how to live and grow to be more like Jesus. We also pray to God. After the service you are invited to stay with us for morning tea where you can meet and chat with other people who come to church … we’re a very friendly bunch!
Absolutely! People of all age are important to us, and God! We have lots of families with little ones, from new-born, toddlers, pre-school and school ages. There is a crèche, ‘Sunbeams’ (for kids 1-4 years) that is on during the sermon (message time) where your little ones can be cared for while you have a chance to listen and reflect without interruption. (Our crèche workers have WWCC and police clearances to ensure your peace of mind.)
There is a special program for kids in Pre-Primary to Year 6 called Life Finders. You can find out more information by clicking here.
If you prefer to keep your kids with you in the main church auditorium, you are very welcome. They can have snacks and you can bring toys to keep them happy.
There is no dress standard (but we do appreciate modesty). You’ll find most people attending KBC are dressed smart casual. No suits, ties, or formal dress are required, and even bare feet are acceptable.
The only thing we ask is that you turn your phone off or to “silent” during the service.
No, there is no prior knowledge of the Bible or God required to come along to KBC.
Kalgoorlie Baptist Church is renowned for welcoming people, no matter where you come from or what your life journey has been.
We want you to feel comfortable (the church is air conditioned for summer and heated in winter, and the chairs are soft), but you may feel uneasy if church is a totally new experience for you.
We welcome your feedback if you do come and feel uncomfortable or awkward … we don’t get everything right all the time!
Communion (also known as Eucharist, Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper) is one of the most central Christian traditions, begun by Jesus Christ Himself, so that His followers can remember His death and resurrection. A small piece of bread and small glass of grape juice are the symbols of his body and blood, which were broken (body) and poured out (blood) when He died on the cross, to make forgiveness and eternal life available to all people.
At KBC, a short message about the significance of communion is given, then people use the single use communion cup & wafer that was offered on your way in. After a time of personal reflection, each person eats the bread, then we all drink together in celebration of Jesus’ sacrifice and promise to return.
If you are a follower of Jesus, no matter what church you have come from, you are welcome to participate in communion. If you aren’t sure what it’s all about, you are invited to chat to the Pastor, or anyone else who is involved in the service, and they will explain it in more detail.
At Kalgoorlie Baptist Church, believers can choose to be baptised by being fully immersed under water. After people become a Christian, they can decide to get baptised:
- to publically declare they have chosen to be a disciple of Jesus
- to follow Jesus’ example and be obedient to God’s word
- to symbolise death to sin and rising to new life, like Christ’s death and resurrection
The person being baptised will give a testimony to the church, sharing about the journey that has led them to their decision to be baptised. The Pastor or close Christian mentor will assist in the process of baptism, then they will pray for the person.
The Bible says:“While everyone else was being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. Then as he prayed, the sky opened up, and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.” Luke 3:21-22
What is praying?
Prayer is a conversation between yourself and God. Prayers can be said out loud or in your head. Prayers can be formal (like the Lord’s prayer) or informal, but it’s just like talking to another person.
What do I say?
1. Ask God to forgive the bad things you have done, called sin. The Bible gives us commands for living, the way God wants us to. When we don’t do this, we sin; therefore we must ask for God’s forgiveness.
2. Tell Him your needs, wants, desires, dreams. Tell Him about your day, or what is on your mind.
3. Pray for the needs of others, your family, friends, work colleagues, politicians, your pastor, anyone!
4. Thank the Lord for all He has done and for who He is, this is called praising Him.
How do I say it?
When we pray, we believe that God is real, He has the ability and desire to communicate with us and that He is in control of all things.
- Pray with faith, which is confidence that He will deliver, even if we can’t see God in a physical sense.
- With worship and reverence; in amazement of how great God is.
You don’t have to be a Christian to come to Kalgoorlie Baptist Church, just come as you are! We also want you to know that we believe following Jesus is the best decision you will ever make.
We strongly believe that everyone has the opportunity to follow Jesus. This is how it happens:
1. We must repent
The Bible says:“But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:2
What is Repenting?
Repent doesn’t just mean you are sorry for what you have done. It means you intend to never do it again. Repentance is only possible with God’s help and the support of the Church community.
Repent from what?
Our Sin. Sin is not just an old fashioned word to make us feel bad about ourselves. Sin is real and it separates us from God. Sin is the reason for all the evil in the world. Sin is a part of the human condition. It damages us emotionally, mentally and physically. We all sin, so we all need Jesus.
2. We need to put our faith in Jesus
The Bible says:“So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others.” Romans 10:9-10
The Bible says: “All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins. God sent Christ to be our sacrifice. Christ offered his life’s blood, so that by faith in him we could come to God. And God did this to show that in the past he was right to be patient and forgive sinners. This also shows that God is right when he accepts people who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-25
3. It helps to tell another Christian
If you come to Kalgoorlie Baptist Church, you will often find an opportunity to respond to Jesus (although you can respond to Jesus at any time, church is a good place to do it because of the support that is there). Sharing what God is doing in your life with another Christian that you can trust will help provide wisdom and accountability on your journey.
Tithes
Kalgoorlie Baptist Church, like any organisation, has to pay its bills. Members of the Church community contribute by giving on a regular basis through their tithes (a Biblical measure of 10% required by God of His people in the Old Testament – first part of the Bible). The Bible says everything we have belongs to God and the tithe is simply giving back some of that to Him.
Some church members choose to give by direct deposit into the church bank account.
The church bank details are:
Kalgoorlie Baptist Church
BSB 704 922
Acct 100013497
Offering
Offering is when we give to a particular need or project that we feel God is prompting us to give towards. This may include supporting missionaries in other countries, or local people or organisations who need financial assistance, or for a specific church project or event.
Visitors
If you are visiting Kalgoorlie Baptist Church you are not expected to give, but you’re also not excluded from giving to our weekly offering. During the service we have a time of focus on offering - thanking God for what He's given us, and praying that He will help us use the money wisely to grow His kingdom.
Since COVID, we don't pass a bag around to collect money, but we have the church bank details available so people can give online. Keith Cowan will also be at the back of the church at the end of the service with a bag if you would like to contribute your offering in cash in person.
At Kalgoorlie Baptist Church, giving is more than just about money; regular attenders are encouraged to also give of their time and talents so the Kingdom of God can be extended, within the church, the local community and across the world. Our church family is full of volunteers who contribute to the life and service that God calls us to.
Each person, young or old, is welcome to use the gifts God has given, for His glory. Please talk to our Pastor, Diaconate members or one of the greeting team if you would like to know more.
According to our Constitution, the Diaconate is made up from members who are elected Deacons and Elders, including any Pastors employed by the Church.
What does the KBC Diaconate do?
The Diaconate members are the persons who, as the management committee of the Church, have the power to manage the affairs of the Church. They are accountable to the KBC Membership, who entrust them to make decisions on the details and ongoing operations of any resolutions made in KBC Members’ Meetings.
Who are the members of the KBC Diaconate?
The Diaconate is made up of committed followers of Jesus who are passionate about supporting and encouraging ministries that God has birthed, and continues to empower and equip, at KBC. Diaconate office-bearers include the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
How can I be involved?
According to our Constitution, you may become a diaconate member if you are 21 years of age, have been a member of KBC for at least 12 months, are familiar with the Scriptural qualifications for Elders or Deacons and, finally, are nominated and elected by the members to fulfil the role of Pastor, Deacon or Elder. If you are interested in serving KBC this way, then contact our Administrator, Mrs O, to arrange an appointment with a member of our KBC Diaconate to discuss this prospect.
Ph. (08) 9091 4222
cnr. Lionel & Maxwell Streets, Kalgoorlie
© 2024 Kalgoorlie Baptist Church