Westgate's Story


Westgate’s beginnings

Westgate Baptist Community is a Baptist Church that was formed from the coming together of three smaller Baptist Churches in 1982 after a special report on the Baptist Churches in the Western Suburbs was written by Ross Langmead.

The new Baptist Community focused on the local area which had a large sector of disadvantaged and working class people and a limited availability of community services.

A number of couples and individuals from Eastern suburbs churches moved across to join the existing members of Yarraville, Kingsville and South Kingsville churches, attracted by a more radical approach to Christian community and to reaching out to the people in the local area. Alan Marr and Ross Langmead formed the core of the pastoral leadership team during these formative years.

During the 1980’s a several innovative projects were initiated (housing, employment training, health clinic, community development), some of which continue independently to this day. Some links to these organisations are included on the links page.

The call to live as community was taken very seriously, and the church was solidly based on a network of active small groups which grew and multiplied. There were even a few close proximity 'housing communities' formed during this time.

Westgate Today

Since the mid nineties, Westgate has entered into a new phase of its life as the demographics of the area have changed and the mission projects initiated in the eighties have all become completely independent entities with their own ethos and business structure.

We see the challenge now to strengthen our connections with the local area and continue to be relevant and vital witnesses to the good news of Jesus.

We worship together on Sunday mornings and seek to include the culturally and linguistically diverse nature of our congregation and neighbourhood. Our small group and gathered life is an expression of our sense of the hospitality of God.

We have a lively bunch of children and youth in all age groups and we are committed to teaching and helping them explore Christian faith through our Sunday teaching times, youth groups and mentoring and involvement in 'hands on' mission.

last modified: 01.09.04