The Centre Dural, It’s a church that sees 4000 people through its doors every week and is reaching community members from babies right through to those of older age. BFS have supported The Centre to finance a number of their building projects over the years and is encouraged to see this thriving ministry reach their community in such a practical way.
The Centre in Dural, New South Wales (36 kilometres north-west of Sydney), is a hub of Church and Sports, a unique faith community where members have “fun” in the church building through sports, recreation, hospitality, charity, and friendship. “If we were to summarise the connection we have with BFS in one word, it would be supportive. BFS is supportive of our vision and understands our world. The only way we stayed afloat during the closures of COVID-19 was through the support and understanding of BFS,” said Craig.
It may be a sports centre, but Senior Pastor Mitch Levingston and General Manager Craig Glasby say that people come to play at their church rather than church being in a sports centre! What strikes you during a visit to their amazing facilities is the reach they have into their community. In one side of the building, there is a mums and babies class, kids and adults are on the courts for sports comps, while ladies attend a high tea probus meeting in the café, and on the other side of the building, 160 men across the week attend the men’s shed – well, two sheds: one for woodworking enthusiasts and the other for metalworking!
“This is a place of belonging for so many members of our community, and our ability to connect with people from all ages and stages and be the church that they need for where they are at is a real privilege,” says Mitch.
Mitch trained as a missionary and understands how business can be used as a meeting point for mission. “This is no different here at The Centre,” he says. “We have the ability to really get to know the people who are coming to us and shine the love of Jesus into their world.”