Meeting Needs

The transition from the world to the church can be an overwhelming experience for anyone in any season of their life. Imagine a place where you can bring your anxiety, uncertainty, vulnerability and your questions about God without judgment. A place where you can invite members from your community, who are curious about knowing and understanding this cool kid named Jesus in an intimate setting.

This place is appropriately called 'The Meeting Place' and it was started by the dashing Ric Bollen. He gives us an insight into this newly founded ministry, held at Avalon Uniting Church.

1. What is the purpose of 'The Meeting Place'?

It is a special place to meet with other people and to meet with God. It is a place where anyone who is on a 'God' journey can explore that with freedom and without threat. There is no set format and while each night has a theme, people are free to let the Holy Spirit direct the night. It is all about relationships and listening to God for His direction.

2. What inspired you to start this ministry?

Avalon Uniting is a small neighbourhood church in a strategic location but with an aging membership. There is a need to plant a new congregation that will become the church of the future. There was also a need to establish a place where people could come Sunday by Sunday in an informal and interactive setting. For people to feel free to ask any questions about God in a non-threatening environment and without judgment; there is no formal sermon as such. God seemed to lay this on my heart and after talking with other key people, this ministry began.

3. How have you felt God has led you?

I have had the privilege of being involved with the Avalon Church for a number of years and am currently their Pastor (part time). Through relationships in the church and with contacts from outside, this need for the ministry became evident. Having prayed through the idea, I shared it with key people and with Presbytery. It seemed good to us and the Holy Spirit to move ahead and establish the ministry. At this stage we are meeting each week until God makes it clear that we should evolve.

4. What response have you received from those who attend?

We have been meeting for two months, June and July, and have had some fantastic meetings. We have averaged twelve people each night from a variety of backgrounds, both inside and outside of the church. The group has decided to keep on meeting and we look forward to what God is going to do in and through 'The Meeting Place'.

5. How can we as individuals and as a community support this ministry?

If this is to be a success for God, then the support of Pittwater Uniting Church (PUC) is essential. The five to six pm time spot is so that people could come to both 'The Meeting Place' and PUC at night. The dream is to feed those who find God at 'The Meeting Place' and encourage them to become a part of a larger Christian community at PUC, if they so desire. It is really a neighborhood church plant attached to the larger established regional church; both are essential and really are to support each other.

I'm sure you will agree that Ric has a fiery heart for God and his people and it reflects within Ric's character and through this ministry. It's really encouraging to see a need being met for God's kingdom.

If you're keen to be a part of this revolutionary ministry feel free to drop by and be praying for this fledgling church togrow and touch the people of the peninsula.