Here to make a difference

We are Christ’s loving community called together for the glory of God. By the power of the Spirit at work in us, we purpose to:

  • become more Christlike

  • be as Christ to each other

  • show Christ to the world,

    bringing others to know and follow Him

Values

Rooted in our heritage as a church of God’s people, we are:

  • Christ-centred – Teaching from a Christ-centred, biblical foundation

  • Intergenerational and family-focused

  • Serving – Here to make a difference, engaging with our community practically, socially and spiritually

  • Missional – God has placed each of us where we can minister to others both “here” and “there.”

  • Journeying – A vibrant and dynamic church on God’s journey

Leadership

James Fotheringham

Pastor

Membership

History

Darfield Baptist Church is representative of over 145 years of Baptists worshipping God and serving our community. It was founded in 1872. In the early days there were gatherings in Greendale, South Malvern (Whitecliffs), Sheffield, Kirwee and West Melton. Services and Sunday Schools were also held in Hororata and Glenroy.

With the shifting population these various groups associated more and more under the umbrella of the Greendale Baptist Church. The first building at Greendale was next to the domain in 1873, but this was replaced in 1897 on the corner of Greendale Road and Adams Road. After almost 80 years on that site, in 1976 the church decided to relocate to Darfield.

By this time Darfield represented the main centre of the population and of business and schooling in the district. The church was renamed Malvern Baptist Church in 1979. Throughout this time services have continued to be held in both Darfield and Glenroy, which continues to this day. Since 2007, it has been known as Darfield Baptist Church.

Over this history, the church body has maintained:

  • a commitment to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour

  • a commitment of families who, over successive generations, have served and led ministry

  • a commitment to children’s ministry and youth work in the schools and for church families

  • a commitment to give financially to overseas mission and to send people to serve for long and short terms

  • a commitment to make a difference in the district and to provide practical, social and spiritual help to people, irrespective of their church involvement.

Darfield Baptist Church continues to be a vibrant and growing church with people of differing ages, ethnic, social, economic and church backgrounds gathering around a common desire to worship God. There is a strong family feel and down to earth faith.