Our Story
Our story begins with the God who put on flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood in the person of Jesus.
“We exist to follow Jesus into the neighbourhood with an embodied message of faith, hope and love.”
— Purpose Statement
Beginning with a team from Mill Park Baptist Church, we began meeting regularly in 2021 in a home in Olivine Estate, Donnybrook.
Donnybrook is an area of astounding growth, and multiethnic diversity in Melbourne's North. We spent a year listening… to God, local stories, and one another to discern how best to join in God’s activity.
In June 2022, we held our public launch at Kirrip Community Centre in Wollert, with our inaugural service commissioning the newly established Donnybrook Community Church as ‘sent ones’ to embody the faith, hope and love of Jesus in our neighbourhood.
As of 2023, we are a recognised faith community of the Baptist Union of Victoria. We now meet at Hume Anglican Grammar (Kalkallo).
A New Thing…
Our Team.
Our team is led by Kathryn Jensen, an ordained Baptist minister. Kathryn served as an Associate Pastor at Mill Park Baptist Church for 12 years before following God’s call to plant Donnybrook Community Church. She has been shaped by ‘a ministry of reconciliation’ (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) and loves nothing more than seeing people find belonging and purpose through Jesus. She also enjoys good coffee, karaoke, and storm-chasing!
Suzi Kirkham is our Associate Pastor / Administrator. Suzi is driven by a passion for social justice and deep faith in our merciful God. With a heart for community and a commitment to mission, Suzi actively engages in various ministries, bringing a message of hope and purpose to those in need. Suzi is a self-proclaimed foodie and an avid lifelong learner. Whether sharing stories or savouring a cup of coffee, Suzi finds joy in fostering a sense of belonging and purpose within the community.
Our church leadership team is comprised of Kathryn Jensen, Wil Burger, Bryan Keef, Ros Devenish, Suzi Kirkham and Jeff Ryan. Our team are a gift to Donnybrook Community Church and the broader community!
Our Gift to You!
As our gift to you, you are welcome to join our subscription to Right Now Media (think, the ‘Christian Netflix’ of streaming content!)
Use the link below to create your own free account and start streaming!
In September 2024, we underwent a ReVisioning process to discern who God is shaping us into over the next 5 years. Our “All-In” Vision was born…
“All-In” Vision: who we are becoming over the next 5 years
Donnybrook Community Church is all-in, no plan B, welcoming all who would come to our table. We are pursuing the transformation of HEARTS into the likeness of Jesus; forming a HUB to unite our diverse neighbourhood through service; creating a HOME where the family of God are recognised by their love; and embodying the HOPE of heaven.