Maida Vale is a peaceful community located in bushland about 16 kilometres from the Perth CBD and is home to Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC) Maida Vale. With a history dating back to 1970, WPC Maida Vale first made contact with Baptist Financial Services (BFS) in 2019 when they were looking to build a new church building. Church Elder Ivan Hunter, who grew up in a Baptist Church, along with the church building committee, suggested connecting with BFS to secure a loan.
“The missional alignment of BFS, that is here to serve Christian ministry (which let’s face it can be a fickle thing at times) makes them a great fit for our church,” said Ivan.
The church found a suitable property with an existing building that could be developed and listed their old property for sale. Another local church showed interest but was unable to secure finance from other sources. As the deal seemed to be falling through, WPC Maida Vale introduced that church to BFS, who were able to offer the necessary finance, helping both parties. “This was a great example of how BFS were able to walk beside two churches to achieve their goals, and it would not have happened if not for BFS,” said Ivan.
Two and a half years later, the new church building was at capacity, with around 270 people attending the Sunday service. In May 2022, with 35 members of the existing congregation, they planted High Wycombe Church, just six minutes down the road. In its first 24 months, the new church was already averaging around 60-70 people on a Sunday morning.
“The church plant was meeting in a building no longer used by another denomination, and recently, through another loan from BFS, we were able to purchase the building, which made the church feel less like a plant and much more established,” said Ivan.
“We recently had Shelley, our Relationship Manager, out at church, and she gave a presentation on BFS. Many of our congregation thanked her for coming, saying they were so encouraged that a ministry like BFS exists, with some considering investing with BFS as a result of hearing their heart to see ministry thrive. Not exactly the response I expected from a talk about finance at our church!” said Ivan.
“Our family have had money invested with BFS for the last seven years, and we jumped on board because we know where our money is going. We’re getting good returns, and we know the rest goes directly into supporting Christian ministry, which is something that is very important to us,” Ivan said.
Ivan says he is thankful to be working with BFS and appreciates that they provide services that your average-sized church is not going to be able to manage on their own. “Thanks to the goodness of God, the generosity of our people, and the support of BFS, we are looking towards our next opportunity to do a church plant. We have learnt a great deal in this first church plant and see God’s ways of making this a healthy part of normal ongoing church growth. This process has stirred Maida Vale to be a healthy church that plants healthy churches as often as we are able,” Ivan said.