SO THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE

Over the years there have been ongoing conversations between the Elders of Mildura and Red Cliffs Churches of Christ about what it could look like to partner together. One phrase that has been shaping our thinking recently is: “Uniting together for the sake of the Great Commission.” At the heart of this is a simple but exciting vision — that together we could reach more people across Sunraysia with the good news of Jesus than we ever could apart.

In John 17, Jesus prays not only for His disciples, but for all who would come to believe in Him, including us today. His prayer is striking: that His people would be one, so that the world would know that He is sent from God. In other words, Jesus links our unity with our witness. This theme of the church being “one” carries right through the New Testament (Acts 2:42-47, 4:31, John 17; Ephesians 4:1–6; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27), reminding us that unity is God’s design for His people and His mission in the world.

Becoming One is a shared journey of prayerful discernment. Together, Mildura and Red Cliffs Churches of Christ are exploring what it would look like to become one church with one vision, one mission, and one strategy.

The goal isn't a merger, it's a movement: a movement of multiplying disciples, raising leaders, planting churches, and seeing the Kingdom of God flourish across Sunraysia.

Throughout this journey we'll pray together, seek God's wisdom, listen to one another, and invite the whole church into the conversation as we discern His leading.

At this stage, nothing has been decided. That is exactly what this season is for. Decisions will come through ongoing prayer, feedback, discernment, and the outcomes of the monthly workshops. However, we believe that the way we operate will change in order to reach more people.

The Elders of both churches, together with James Thompson (Senior Minister) and Josh Tonkin (Associate Minister), will be guiding the decision-making process. We are committed to listening well along the way — so please complete the current survey, or feel free to speak with an Elder or Pastor at any time.

No. While Mildura and Red Cliffs are in different seasons of ministry, this is not a rescue
mission or a one-sided partnership. Red Cliffs is in a season of revitalisation, with faithful people, committed leaders, financial stability, and a genuine desire to see God's Kingdom advance. They are not looking to be rescued, funded, or staffed by Mildura they're looking to be part of something bigger than either church could accomplish alone.

The goal isn't a merger — it's a movement. Together, we're exploring what it would look like to become one church, united around one vision, one mission, and one strategy for multiplying disciples, raising leaders, and seeing healthy churches flourish across Sunraysia.

Each church brings unique strengths, gifts, experience, resources, and opportunities to this journey. Rather than one church carrying another, we're prayerfully discerning how God might multiply our impact by bringing our people, resources, and mission together for the sake of the Gospel.

These are important questions, and nothing has been decided yet. They will be worked through carefully in the monthly workshops, shaped by feedback, prayer, and discernment as we move forward together.

We also note that Mildura and Red Cliffs are already sharing certain expenses like Pastoral Staff.

This is something we are very mindful of. How we work together across both churches will be a key focus of our monthly Vision Days. The Elders recognise that many volunteers are already serving faithfully and sacrificially, and any future steps will be made with that reality in mind.

We believe God is leading us into something new but we also believe He is faithful to what He has already built.

We don’t have every detail mapped out yet, because this is a journey we are taking together. What we do know is that we share a vision: to see disciples multiplied, communities transformed, and the Kingdom of God advance across Sunraysia.

Becoming One is not about creating a bigger church for the sake of being bigger. It’s about becoming a church that is more effective at the mission of Jesus - a church known not by its seating capacity, but by its sending capacity.

As we move forward, we will prayerfully shape strategies, develop resources, and create new opportunities for people to discover, grow in, and share the life of Jesus. We believe God is forming a church that celebrates people being sent: to revitalise churches, plant new communities, serve our region, and reach those who don’t yet know Jesus.

At the same time, we are committed to honouring the unique history, culture, and local expression of each church. Becoming One is not about losing who we are, it’s about discovering together who God is calling us to become.

Yes! As much as this campaign is beginning with Mildura and Red Cliffs Churches of Christ, we invite all Churches to unite together “so that the world may believe.” If that is you, then reach out to us to discuss how we can partner together.