OUR VISION IS

TO BE A COMMUNITY EQUIPPED AND EMPOWERED TO BE EVERYTHING GOD HAS CREATED US TO BE

COMMUNITY

A unified group of people that share common goals, interests, and beliefs. A place for people to belong.

EQUIPPED

To be given the tools, guidance, knowledge, and training to achieve goals and fulfill purpose.

EMPOWERED

To impart the confidence, strength, and authority to be who God has created you to be.

  • “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” Hebrews 10:24

    Church is not just a place we go, or a service we attend, it is a community we belong too. In a world were people so often feel alone and disconnected, the church is the place we find community. The relationships we develop with God and each other, as we walk through life together can change everything

  • “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” Romans 15:7

    Regardless of background, status, or personal struggles, If you have a heart for the church, want to belong, and care for our community, you will be welcomed and embraced. Acceptance creates a space where people can share their burdens, seek help, and build meaningful relationships that can change lives.

  • “...Let your yes be yes and your no be no…” Matthew 5:37

    We are committed to: Our Vision, Our Values, and Our relationship with each other and Jesus.

    A commitment is a decision to follow through on a promise, regardless of the circumstances, loss of enthusiasm, or inconvenience. Having integrity, being trustworthy, forms the foundation of healthy relationships, and a healthy community.

  • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23

    Excellence is doing the best we can, when we can, with what we have. It is not burning people out and wasting resources trying to maintain impossible standards and reach unreachable goals.

    We want a church that we can be proud of, where people can take pride in their service, where our passion for God and people is reflected in everything we do.

  • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

    We are a generous church. Generous with our time, resources, and talents. As a church we have many ways to contribute to the organization. But our generosity goes deep than that, as people we want to see each other succeed in life and are willing to work to that end.

  • “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Proverbs 19:20 

    We are always striving to learn, grow, and be discipled. Having the humility to admit our ignorance and mistakes, and being humble enough to ask questions and seek guidance from the people we trust. This allows us to grow both as people and in faith.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR SENIOR PASTORS

Ps Matt Ellerton

Pastor Matt has a conviction; To help lost people, Not just lost in faith but lost in life. Partnered with his wife, the two have been pastoring for over a decade. Matthew is a dedicated father to his six children, always making time for them despite the demands of church life. Between church and his family, You can catch him squeezing in a game of golf to relax.

Ps Rachel Ellerton

Pastor Rachel has a heart for people, helping them find community and seeing their lives transformed. Working with her husband Matthew she has seen God move in powerful ways in people live. A loving mother she has carefully balanced her passion for the church and raising her children. She loves a good cuppa’ tea, a night with her friends, and a long walk with her dogs. 

“It was not easy those early days of the sixties, every soul had to be won with tears, but they were beautiful and wonderful days, as we saw God work”

OUR HISTORY:

First starting as a small group in the home of the Davidson’s in the 1960’s, Three years later they officially formed a church named ‘Shepparton Assembly Of God’ under the ministry of Pastor Arthur Amery. In ‘78, they began construction of ‘Charisma Chapel’, a building we still call home. In 1995 we started a Christ Centered School on our land, and in 2013 we took on a new name; Encounter Christian Church.

Over the decades, as the orchards and farms around us turned into neighborhoods and shopping centers, God has moved in powerful ways. By his grace, through the church and the school we have introduced many individuals and families to Jesus, countless young people have gone on to become missionaries, and community leaders.

Our history is not a monument to our achievements, but a testament to God’s faithfulness and grace.