To bring massive honour to our wonderful God.
Our vision is to win the lost to the Lord and to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Our calling is to support missions all over the world, Proclaiming God’s year of jubilee and filling the whole earth with the glory of God and His Love.
We exist to be and make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Spirit and to the glory of the Father in Riverstone and beyond.
To bring people to Jesus and membership in his family, develop them to Christlike maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and life mission in the world, in order to magnify God’s name
To present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in such a way that turns non-Christians into converts, converts into disciples, and disciples into mature, fruitful leaders, who will in turn go into the world and reach others for Christ
Beginning of Church
Originally, the church was established as the Riverstone-Schofields Baptist Church in 1964. However, its roots were established in the early 1900's with the Schofields Mission Hall. The 1959 Billy Graham Crusade was the catalyst for movements for the 'proudly inter-denominational' group be associated with a denomination.
New Church Established
New church opening with 200 people and 21 founding members. Jeff Richards appointed new Pastor. (Dowsley and Musgrave families arrive). Baptismal service, deacons elected (Carl Moses, Selwyn Jones, Laurie Rothwell, Wal Bliss & Mrs Bliss) and the Constitution was adopted.
Christian Community Primary School
Joan and Laurie Rothwell, members of Riverstone Baptist church, were the key instigators of the project. Under the leadership of Rev Ralph Parnwell, Riverstone Christian Community Primary School was opened on the 4 February 1980 by David Magi". Michael Carman was the Founding Principal. With an enrolment of 21 students from kindergarten to year 6, it was housed in modular buildings next to the church. By the end of 1980 it was one of three primary schools in the Christian Community Schools (CCS) family.
School's Pioneering Stage
A new Principal Stuart Pegg commenced in 1982. In 1986 the church building and land were sold to provide finances for the new complex. Five acres at the corner of Regent and McCulloch Streets were purchased and a church worship centre was incorporated in the new buildings.
Addition of High School
The big move happened in 1987 with a new Principal Mr Rodney Teds and the commencement of the first year 7 class. In 1989 new buildings were available for the High School, which had now progressed to Year 9. There were now 227 students with 23 staff.
Re-Named to Coverdale Christian School
In 1990, the name of the school was changed to Coverdale Christian School, after Miles Coverdale, Bishop of Exeter, who translated the 1st complete printed English Bible (1535) and was recognised for his commitment to scholarship.
Celebrate Church 25th Anniversary
We celebrated our 25th Anniversary of service in the Riverstone community in the church building with a special concert, BBQ outreach tea and Rev John Robinson preached Sunday morning. There was a 10% increase in church attendance with half coming through the school. "Many newcomers have been impressed by the church's friendliness."
Coverdale Christian School acquires Land
Coverdale acquired 10 acres of new urban rural land release with 30,000 planned new neighbours in "around 5 years' time".
Growth of Church
"The Source" was established and it "focused on building a community of people who follow Jesus rather than run an event" to communicate the gospel in a manner attractive to post-modern people" and "release the creativity and giftedness that is within our people." It involved music, food and special events with healthy attendances, including newcomers. We embraced the "Adopt-a-Road" scheme involved cleaning McCulloch Street.
Church Supports Norwest Christian College
In 2005, the school celebrated its 25th anniversary where the focus was on encouraging students to grow in Christ and to develop their gifts in academic studies, in co-curricular activities and service to others. However, the school was facing a crisis time, with enormous challenges related to its capacity to fulfil its ministry. As a result, in 2006, a new independent board was constituted, ably led by the late Max Pridmore and the school was renamed Norwest Christian College. This Board is still a ministry of the company, which has a number of long-term church members who are committed to the ongoing vision of the school. Mr. Ian Maynard, the Head of Secondary, became Principal.
Celebrating Church 50th Anniversary
2014 is a special time in the life of Riverstone Baptist Church as together we celebrate our story of a wonderful 50-year heritage; one grounded in the Biblical story. The church offers many examples of those who over time embodied and exemplified the meaning of the Gospel, which stands at the heart of our faith community. Part of the fabric of this rich story, is the story of Norwest Christian College which was birthed from a vision to provide a radical alternative education where students would be assisted to grow up into Christ. Though the school has been through some difficult times during its history, the Lord has remained faithful and the College has experienced the Lord's provision to fulfil its original call to provide a Christ-centred education. Here is its story!
Growth of Church
With the suburb of Riverstone, Schofields, Grantham Farms and close by suburbs expanding there are more members attending the church. Our members are from different cultures. There are kids of every age group and a huge congregation. The Vision of creating disciples among the community still continues to grow.
© 2024 Riverstone Baptist Church
