A mission opportunity here at home
About
We have an opportunity to plant a church here in Sydney to reach the lost - an English-speaking church open to all, with a particular focus on the Indonesian community. This will require partnership, commitment and prayer.
RELGION PERCENTAGE
Roman Catholic 25
Buddhist 15
Muslim 14
Christian 10
Religious affiliation of Indonesian born Sydney residents, 2021 ABS census data.
indonesians in sydney
Sydney has the largest ethnic Indonesian community in Australia, with 35,000 Indonesian born people living in Sydney. Approximately a third of those live in the city or Eastern suburbs.
Many of these people come to Australia to work or study, seeking to build a better life for their families in Australia.
Top Local Government Areas have historically been Randwick, Sydney City, Canterbury, Botany, Rockdale and more recently Mascot. Access to the CBD, UNSW and airport are important factors for settlement.
The majority of Indonesian migrants living in Sydney are Chinese-Indonesian who faced discrimination in Indonesia. Their culture is shaped by minority experiences in Indonesia.
the planter
Victor and Kath Jong are Chinese-Indonesians who grew up in Australia and can bridge multiple cultural worlds. They understand the pressures, values, and aspirations of first-generation migrants. They also understand the identity struggles of second-generation Australians navigating between their parents’ culture and the broader Australian context.
They have a vision for church planting to reach out to people who share their cultural heritage, see them won for Christ and growing in His grace.
Victor is currently in his fourth and final year of Moore Theological College.
He is currently a Student Minister with Two Ways Ministries where he has been trained and mentored by Phillip Jensen who introduced them to our church.
‘I have confidence that Victor and Kath will be used by God for the spread of the gospel. Victor has strong gospel conviction and is a competent preacher and teacher. I enjoyed becoming re-acquainted with Oceanside Anglican during the retreat last year and believe it to be a good fit to partner Victor and Kath in their desire to see Indonesian immigrants won for Christ.' Phillip Jensen, Two Ways Ministries
why Oceanside anglican?
Oceanside Anglican’s mission is to ‘… make Christ known.’ Having been made new in Christ, we are committed to taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to others.
Having the Australian Asian Bible Church as a part of our background means that we relate to and understand the struggle of migrant families. We also have a vision for seeing all people groups belonging to the kingdom of God.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
More recently under New Directions we acknowledge that while past consolidation and merging of churches has been necessary for our survival, we now hope to use our strong foundations to expand.
We have been working toward New Direction priorities, which include rebranding, focus on the wider area, training, renovating our church building for today’s ministry needs and growing our partnerships (particularly with Uni Church (UNSW) and the Anglicare Chaplains at Long Bay Correction Facility).
Most importantly we have committed to depend on God through prayer.
The New Directions document has been more than a ‘wish list’ outlining ideals and aspirations, it has impacted how we minister together and new initiatives.
Oceanside Anglican is now in a solid position, with committed gospel history to provide a base for this ministry initiative.
We have good resources and grow when we stretch and imagine what is possible in the power of God.
the plan
2026 – Support raised to fund Victor and Kath for the next 3 years.
2027 – Victor joins the Oceanside Anglican staff team where he continues to grow in competence as a gospel leader and teacher. Oceanside Anglican will provide support, pastoral oversite and partner Victor and Kath in working toward a church plant. During this time Victor will be seeking ordination in the Sydney Diocese.
2028-2029 – Victor and Kath recruit from Oceanside and other local churches an intimate and private fellowship group (like a Growth Group) that will provide the core for the church plant.
2030 – The planting group sent to plant a church.
equipping the saints at OA
While praying and gathering a church planting team, Victor will be a part of the ministry team here at Oceanside Anglican. This will involve ministry such as preaching, teaching, leading and pastoral care.
Additional ministry staff will allow us to grow and improve in the focus areas of our New Directions. This will include more training and equipping our church members for serving, evangelism and maturing in Christ. Growth Groups continue to be key for growth in Christ likeness. More care, training and assistance can be given to leaders.
What will it cost?
Including stipend, accommodation and diocesan network costs, adding a new minister will cost $166,000pa.
Total costs for 3 years - $523,000
where will the money come from?
An anonymous supporter of Two Ways Ministries, who is committed to targeted church planting in Sydney, has indicated his willingness to support this project.
Oceanside Anglican will contribute $10,000pa from the External Mission Giving provision.
Our goal is to raise an additional amount through one off gifts or pledges (including external supporters).
how can i respond?
About
Please prayerfully consider how you can give?
We are aware of the stretching impact this will have on our church but have learnt to depend on God and give thanks for the generous responses of our members in the past. This church responds well to clearly articulated vision. We love being good stewards of the resources given to us and to be used for kingdom growth.
We are asking for gifts and pledges in addition to current giving to our church. We understand that some will be in a position to give while others will not. There are other ways to give that are not financial and we are grateful for all gifts.
Our goal is to raise an additional $98,000pa in 2027, 2028 and 2029. If 33 people give an average of $3,000pa for three years, our goal will be reached. Some may give more, some less.
Image: Goal: A total of $293,000 over three years.
To respond please click here to complete a form that will indicate to the Wardens your support for this project or email wardens@oceansideanglican.org.au.
Please respond by 19 July to help us discern future support for this initiative.
Bank details:-
Bank: Westpac Banking Corporation
Account name: St Mark's Anglican Church Malabar
BSB: 032-159
Account Number: 339555
Subject Line: ‘OA Church Plant’
FAQs
1. Why plant another church?
Church planting is one of the most effective ways to reach new people with the gospel. A new church enables focused mission within a specific community, with a desire to see the gospel go out to all nations.
2. Will this church be strictly for Indonesians?
No. This English-speaking church plant will be open to everyone in the area where it is planted. However, given Victor and Kath’s backgrounds, there will be a particular focus on reaching second-generation migrants in an area with a significant Indonesian population. We are trusting that God will bring many from the local community to put their trust in Jesus and grow in Him.
3. Will this church plant split away from Oceanside Anglican when it starts?
Initially, the church plant will remain under the governance of Oceanside Anglican as a congregation meeting in another location. If it becomes financially viable and the staff team is aligned, it may have the option to become independent in the future.
4. How will the church plant team be formed?
Over the coming years, Victor will seek to gather a launch team of around 50 people from different churches. This may include some members from Oceanside Anglican, neighbouring Anglican churches, and personal contacts. Gathering from multiple churches helps minimise the impact on any one congregation. If, after three years, there is not a viable launch team, the staff team will prayerfully reassess the situation.
5. Where will the plant be located?
We are prayerfully exploring locations with a significant Indonesian population, such as Mascot. The final location will also depend on venue availability. Further details will be shared once confirmed.
6. How will Victor be supported as a planter?
Victor will be serving on the staff team at Oceanside Anglican as a minister, learning and serving alongside the team. The team is committed to partnering together and supporting one another, both in the lead-up to and after the plant launches.
Victor and Kath have completed an extensive church planting assessment through Reach Australia, including written applications, referee reports, and interviews with experienced church planters. They have been recommended to plant in the coming years. Reach Australia will continue to assist Oceanside Anglican in Victor’s development through a planting cohort and mentoring both before and during the launch.