Nestled in the backstreets of the Le Fevre peninsula, the Port Church’s mantra is “spirit-filled, community driven”, and it is quite clear that this freshly Baptist church closely follows its calling.
Worship is a major ministry of the church, and there is an emphasis on allowing a spiritual freedom in the room during services. There is no stage (just a carpet!), no music director, and plenty of spontaneous moments.
The church has committed to 40 Days of Prayer before Easter. Kicked off with a prayer and worship night, Ps. Ben Carbone has been preaching with a team on God’s grace and truth. Ben has been the senior pastor of the church since its conception 11 years ago, leading the church in its decision to join the Baptist movement in 2017.
To address the “community driven” aspect of the church, look no further than their Pop-Up Kitchen. Originally launched as a community barbeque at the local skatepark, Pop-Up – as it is affectionately known – now runs as a full community dinner, clothing, and grocery giveaway on a Wednesday night.
The old Le Fevre Baptist building fills out quite easily with community members and disadvantaged folk from across Adelaide, yarning away on a dozen round tables in the church auditorium.
The next generation of community is also well serviced at The Port Church. Kids up to Year 5 can attend Kids Club on Fridays from 3:15pm – 5:15pm, with Kids Church on Sundays. Fearless Youth runs for Years 6-12 on Friday nights, with some awesome faith breakthroughs in disadvantaged young people post-COVID. The older generations are looked after too, with Pop-Up Primetime on Thursday mornings to cater for those 60 and beyond.
Although healthy, there are challenges for the church to grapple with. There is a strong Indigenous population on the Peninsula, and outreach these communities has been limited so far. Leaders are working on a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and other ways to bring about a sense of community that goes beyond lip service for our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
The Port Church is always looking for more ways to reach out and be a light in the area. Prayer in finding new ways to show God’s love to the community around them would be greatly appreciated!
