Creating ‘a welcoming spiritual home’

Planting a new church has always been a great step of faith. Despite that, members of Grace Lutheran Chinese congregation in Perth have taken that step to serve Chinese-speaking people in the suburb of Duncraig. This bold vision is being supported by an LCANZ Local Mission Fund grant.

Duncraig Ministry was launched earlier this year by Grace Lutheran Church Perth as a welcoming spiritual home for Chinese-speaking believers. From the very beginning, our vision as a sending church has been clear – to build a church deeply rooted in the Bible, overflowing with love and grace, where the gospel is spread, disciples grow, and God’s work is evident in our lives.

We believe that church is more than just a place of worship; it is a family in Christ, supporting and uplifting one another. Our greatest hope is to not only strengthen the faith of believers but also extend the love of Jesus to the surrounding communities, offering a place of hope and belonging to those seeking God.

To fulfil this vision, we are expanding our ministry through key initiatives:

1. Spiritual growth: We are introducing regular discipleship training courses and church prayer meetings to help believers grow in faith and experience deeper spiritual renewal.
2. Church management: Forming a deacon team will encourage more brothers and sisters to serve in the ministry, ensuring our church is organised and sustainable.
3. Pastoral care and fellowship: We are adding birthday blessings, special prayer sessions, and blessings for children and the elderly after Sunday worship, fostering a loving and caring church family.
4. Gospel outreach: Outreach efforts will include fellowships for unbelievers, such as health groups, Chinese Alpha courses, outdoor evangelistic activities like barbecues, walking prayers and community elderly care initiatives.
5. Worship ministry: We aim to establish diverse worship groups that bring together people of different ages, cultivating a vibrant and inclusive worship culture.
6. Family and daily life ministry: We plan to create fellowship and discipleship groups that target families. For example, parent-child relationship groups, couples groups, and mums and dads groups to help families live out their faith in everyday life.
7. Annual gospel events: Hosting gospel concerts will allow us to use music as a bridge to share the gospel with a wider audience.

As we embark on this journey, we recognise several challenges that require God’s guidance and the support of our community:

1. Ministry team building: Pray that God will bring more willing and passionate co-workers to serve alongside us in this holy work.
2. Gospel expansion: Pray for wisdom and effective strategies to reach and influence more Chinese-speaking families in the community.
3. Believers’ growth: Pray that every member, regardless of their stage in faith, will establish a strong foundation in God’s truth and be inspired to actively participate in ministry.

We trust that God’s faithfulness will lead us through these challenges. Let us continue to pray, serve, and support one another, making Duncraig Ministry a place that glorifies God and builds his people!

David Yap is the chairperson and secretary of Grace Lutheran Church Perth.

READ MORE STORIES ABOUT Local Mission, Local Mission Fund, mission and ministry leaders, WA