About Us
The History Of Girrawheen Baptist Church
Recently celebrating over 40 Years of faithful service, the people of Girrawheen Baptist Church have prayed, laboured, given, and persevered in order that the life and witness of Jesus Christ may be evident and effective in their local community. On April 28, 1972, Rex Gabrielson was appointed as Worker Pastor. Pastor Rex had received Theological training and pastored a Methodist Church in the Eastern States prior to returning to Western Australia. He returned to Western Australia and completed one year at the Baptist Theological College. Whilst residing in Hamersley, Pastor Rex and his wife Faye, threw themselves wholeheartedly into the Yokine Outreach Work.
Beginning of Our Church
On October 14, 1973, a full time programme of Services began, with 14 members from Yokine Baptist Church plus many other supporters and inquirers. At this time, the name of the group changed from ‘The Balga Fellowship’ to ‘The Girrawheen Fellowship’.
The Girrawheen Fellowship was officially recognised by the Baptist Union of Churches in 1974 and the name was changed to the Girrawheen Baptist Church. Pastor Rex accepted a call as full time pastor initially for 3 years commencing in August 1, 1977. This was to be the forerunner of many renewal calls to Pastor Rex, showing the appreciation of the church membership of his ministry.
The new church building was opened on November 20, 1977.
What We Believe
We affirm that Jesus Christ is the sole head of the Church, and it consists of individuals who have personally accepted Him as Saviour and Lord. He is the supreme authority in matters of faith and conduct, and believers are accountable to God, called to accept one another and uphold freedom of conscience.
In alignment with other Christians, we believe in one God – infinitely good and triune in essential being. The Bible is God’s authoritative communication, and God created the heavens and the earth. He also created humanity in His image. Despite our sin, God, out of grace and love, sent His Son to save us. The Gospel is the powerful means of salvation for those who respond in repentance and faith.
The Holy Spirit grants new life to believers, residing in them permanently and empowering them for life and witness. Believers gather in local churches, worshiping and serving God, with Jesus Christ as the head, and participating in sacraments like Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Love for God and people is central, expressed through participation in proclaiming the Good News worldwide and expressing kindness to others in different ways.
Christ’s visible return is anticipated, leading to the bodily resurrection and judgment of all people. Believers will enjoy eternal blessedness, while unbelievers will face eternal exclusion from God’s presence. God’s kingdom will continue forerever without end.
In congregational life, we recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all we do. Mutual counsel and learning from Scripture shape the direction of the Church. Christ appoints leaders, and the local church affirms their call. While maintaining local church autonomy, cooperation among Baptist churches is encouraged for mutual care, support, and accountability within a Union of Churches.
Photo Gallery
Follow us on social media:
Testimonies From Our Congregation
GBC is a great fellowship with a great love for Jesus, reaching out to the local community in various ways to meet their needs and their greatest need of salvation in Jesus.
Geoff Maxwell
Band Member
I volunteer at the Op Shop when it's open once a month. The other volunteers are very friendly and polite. It offers a good range of pre-owned white goods, homewares, books, DVD's, music CD's, clothing (adults and children) and children's toys at very reasonable and affordable prices.
Michael Stonehouse
Volunteer
GBC is humble and embraces the local community in fellowship. They serve our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in many ways, meeting needs locally and globally. Biblical teachings and Christ-centered worship. As a family, we love GBC and serving Christ.
Kenny Weston
Band Member
Sunday Jan 7th
Our visiting speaker will be Antony Dandato from Zimbabwe. Antony pastors at Holy Trinity Church, Eastlea, Harare. He is a Council member of The Gospel Coalition Africa and co-founder and trainer with Ministry Apprentice Training Zimbabwe (MAT Zimbabwe).