About Us
Who We Are
We are a non-profit interdenominational organisation based at the northern end of the beautiful Sunshine Coast, QLD. Our heart is to inspire and equip a new generation to boldly proclaim salvation in Christ alone. We do this by serving the Church as a strategic resource for motivating, training, and mobilising youth to fulfil the Great Commission. We are aware that the goal of training tomorrow’s missionary today cannot be accomplished in isolation from the Church and we seek to be involved wherever we can to do our part in building up the body.
It is our passion to provide teenagers with new, eye-opening experiences, to train them in God-centered, sacrificial living, and equip them with fundamental knowledge and skills in cross-cultural ministry. There are few moments in life that will awaken our hearts to the needs of the world like active, cross-cultural involvement. After these trips, it is vital that students and leaders are nurtured beyond the experience.
History
Early beginnings in the USA – Teen Missions International was founded in 1970 by a group of men and women who were passionate about getting youth involved in missions. The founder, Robert M. Bland, spent many years as a Youth For Christ director in Chillicothe, Ohio and a recruitment director for the Christian Service Corps. The years he spent in ministry made him aware of several things that birthed the idea of Teen Missions:
There were many young people who wanted to serve the Lord in missions, but lacked training, experience and the required skills.
A young girl once said that everyone had explained to her, “Come back when you have finished college and then you can get involved in the Lord’s work.” She stated, “I want to do something for the Lord now, not five years from now.”
In many mission conferences, there were no teenagers present at all. They evidently felt that missions were for older people. Mr. Bland felt there was an obvious need to get teenagers involved since they are the next generation of missionaries and leaders.
The innovative idea of involving teenagers in missions continued to develop and the first Teen Missions team embarked on a trip to Mexico in 1971. What happened next, well, that's the story of a God whose work is BIGGER & GREATER than anyone could hope or dream...
Early beginnings in Australia
Fast forward to the summer of 1985, when Peter and Bev Salisbury were asked to come be a speaker at the Boot Camp in Florida. Previous to this, Peter and Bev had been receiving American Teen Missions teams in PNG through the work they were doing with the South Sea Evangelical Mission.
After having seen firsthand the impact Teen Missions, and in particular the Boot Camp training, was having on teenagers from America and Canada, Peter went to Bob Bland and asked, “why can’t we have something like this in Australia?,” to which he responded, “well, what’s stopping you?” After returning home and in a wonderful way, the Lord showed Peter and Bev that they should start Teen Missions in Australia.
This began the search for a property. One of the missionaries that had been working with the Salisbury’s in PNG suggested he get in contact with Des Lennox who had property in Cooroibah (Sunshine Coast). Des, who had a vision that the property was not meant to be sold and to be used for youth ministry, knew that Teen Missions was meant to use the property when he first met Peter. 6 months after their first introduction, Peter and Bev Salisbury began Teen Missions in Australia, out at the beautiful property in Cooroibah. The first team arrived from the US in the winter 1987, to begin building the property that we know and love today. TMIA then sent out their first team to Zimbabwe in the summer of 1987.
If you are interested in hearing more stories from FTM's (Former Team Members) or hearing more stories from the TMIA founders, then click the buttons below
Doctrinal Statement
This doctrinal statement is taken from the doctrine statement of Youth For Christ and is consistent with evangelical and interdenominational organisations.
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible and authoritative Word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, John 20:31, Psalm 119, Matthew 5:18
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in the three persons: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 8:6, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Colossians 2:9, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 3:21-22, 1 Peter 1:1-2
We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
John 3:3, Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13, John 1:12-13, Titus 3:5, Acts 2:38-39
We believe in the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood and His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His tangible return in power and glory.
Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:20, John 1:1,14, John 5:8, John 8:58, Exodus 3:14, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 1:8, 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 3:5, Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 2:2, Luke 24:6-7, Mark 16:6, 1 Peter 1:3, John 11:25-26, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Hebrews 9:28
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life.
Acts 2:38-39, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Ezekiel 36:27, 2 Timothy 1:14, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 8:11, Galatians 5:18, Zechariah 4:6
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:11-13, Colossians 3:13-14, John 17:23, Psalm 133:1
We believe in the resurrection of the body of the saved and lost — they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
Daniel 12:2, John 5:28-29, Revelations 2:12-13, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Acts 24:15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-44
Our Leadership
James Mitchell
Church Administrator
Brian Anderson
Worship Leader
Michael Turner
Pastor
FaithfulGathering in Numbers
Years of Fellowship
Embarking on our spiritual journey over three decades ago, we have stood as a beacon of hope, fostering a strong sense of fellowship among its members.
Worship Services
We conduct weekly worship services, bringing together an average of 300 individuals each Sunday to celebrate and strengthen their faith.
Volunteers
Over 100 dedicated volunteers actively contribute to the various ministries and services that make FaithfulGathering a thriving community.
Community Outreach Events
In the past year, we organized 20+ events, reaching over 1,000 individuals in need through food drives, clothing donations, and support programs.
What defines FaithfulGathering is the authenticity of our community. Here, you are not just a member; you are family. Our doors are open, our hearts are warm, and our shared experiences create a sense of belonging that transcends the ordinary.
Our Vision
At FaithfulGathering, our vision extends beyond the physical walls of our church; it reaches into the very fabric of our community.
Embracing Diversity, Celebrating Unity
At FaithfulGathering, our vision is a tapestry where diverse threads of lives weave together, creating a vibrant and harmonious community.
A Spiritual Family for All
In our vision for FaithfulGathering, every individual is not just a member but a cherished part of our spiritual family.
Illuminating Paths of Spiritual Growth
FaithfulGathering's vision extends beyond our physical walls; it's a guiding light illuminating the paths of spiritual growth.
Ready to make a lasting impact? Contribute to the growth of FaithfulGathering today. Your support fuels our mission, creating a thriving community of faith, compassion, and connection.
Click the button below to make a donation and be a vital part of our journey. Together, let’s build a stronger, more vibrant FaithfulGathering. Thank you for empowering our community!