Our Story
Formerly known as Christian Outreach Centre, International Network of Churches (INC) is a growing network of churches across the world. Birthed out of a passion for God and a vision for revival throughout Australia, INC began in Brisbane, Australia, in 1974. Through powerful gospel-based preaching many thousands of people came to know Jesus Christ. From the initial 25 people meeting in a living room, this pioneering movement has exploded to include hundreds of churches in more than 40 nations.
Coffs Harbour INC (also known as Harbour Church) was founded in 1982 by Pastors Kevin and Dianne Matthewson. They served as senior pastors for 22 years. In January of 2004 Pastor Phil and Justine Campbell were welcomed as the new senior pastors.
Taree INC was founded in 1980 in a farmhouse when there was a great move of God and many farming families in the area came to know God. From Taree over 35 churches have been started through NSW. Led at first at by Pastor David and Trish McDonald who went to lead other churches and the INC movement. Pastor Ron and Lyn Jones then led the church for 22 years, and Pastor Wayne and Kathy Tyrie for 7 years. In May 2019 Ps Rick and Jenny Brewer moved from Citipointe North Brisbane to Taree INC. In 2019, Taree INC joined with Harbour Church to help each other grow the kingdom of God.
Grafton INC was founded in 1979, and in 2019 joined with Taree INC and Harbour Church. As Ps John and Lorraine Baker retired from 24 years of serving the Grafton community, Ps Danny and Lynne Whalen have been caring for the church since January 2020.
In 2020, these three INC churches welcomed Gloucester INC into its network and all collectively became known as Faith Family Church.
Our Community Impact
Foodcare
A hub for the neighbourhood at Faith Family Church Taree and Grafton; providing low cost food. It’s a place for everyone who calls their neighbourhood ‘home’. For what’s on offer at Food Care in your area, contact your local Faith Family Church.
Red Frogs
Supporting, serving and safeguarding young people between the ages of 18-30.
Young people and risky behaviour go together like peanut butter and jelly. When this classic combo get together, Red Frogs is there to help. From end of school celebrations to festivals to universities to sporting events, you’ll find the Red Frog Crew!
Red Frogs was founded to:
provide a positive presence in alcohol-fuelled environments where young people gather
educate young people on safe partying behaviours
promote alcohol-free and/or diversionary activities that engage young people in these environments.
Bali
Faith Family partners with the Bali Protestant Church to support their many areas of social justice, providing services and opportunities for those in greatest need. Many members of our Faith Family community personally sponsor children being cared for and educated in their children homes. As a church we provide support through prayer and finances as well as regular mission trips to the churches and children homes.
With the onset of COVID-19 the people of Bali have been hit hard. In response, our Faith Family have increased our giving to meet the increased needs in our partner churches and communities - we are blessed to be a blessing and together we are making a real difference in Bali for the glory of Jesus Christ and His church.
How to Give to our Bali partners
Direct Deposit
Account Name: Global Care BSB: 704 024
Account Number: 1000 1092
Reference: (Mission Project or Bali)
Announcements
Mainly Music and Kids Hub
Location: Coffs Harbour Campus
Time: 10:00AM
Date: Every Thursday in school terms
For: Young parents with pre-school aged kids.
Cost: $5 per family
| OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES
| OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES
Our Recent History
2021
The Online Service Flourishes
Despite the challenges faced globally throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our Faith Family was able to persevere and connect with one another online. We continued to do whatever we could in order to help people know God, find freedom, discover their purpose, and make a difference in the world.
We Continue To Support Others
In the midst of a near-complete economic breakdown in Bali during the COVID-19 pandemic, those that we partner with in Bali - the Bali Protestant Church and the Widhya Asih Foundation - were faithful and stewarded every aspect of support our Faith Family was able to provide with generous hearts and unrelenting kindness towards their congregations, children’s homes, local communities, and beyond. Together, our efforts made a lasting impact across the various communities we reach in Bali.
2022
The Launch of Microbusinesses
In 2022, various natural disasters hit the east coast of Australia, affecting both nearby rural areas and our local communities in various ways. Through our collaboration with Global Care Australia, our Faith Family actively fundraised and extended critical aid to those impacted. From assisting struggling families with groceries to securing new homes for those who lost everything, the combined efforts of Global Care, our Faith Family, and multiple churches nationwide played a crucial role in supporting countless individuals and communities through these challenging times.
Mates Helping Mates
We stepped up to support our extended faith community in Bali by initiating a microloan program for small business owners within the Bali Protestant Church. Initially aiding ten businesses, these microloans played a pivotal role in restoring livelihoods. Over time, these entrepreneurs banded together, forming a close-knit community of church-affiliated business owners. They've since taken charge, actively fundraising to bring more businesses into the microloan program while also diligently repaying their loans when feasible. The number of microbusinesses benefiting from this initiative continues to increase today.
Coffs Harbour Celebrates 40th Anniversary as a Church
Faith Family's main hub in Coffs Harbour marked a significant milestone in 2022 - its 40th anniversary since its establishment as a church. The "Homecoming" celebration brought together foundational congregation members, including the original founding pastors Kevin & Diane Matthewson. It was a touching gathering where cherished stories of God's unwavering faithfulness were shared, weaving together a rich tapestry of memories that have shaped our Faith Family over four decades.
2023
Child Sponsorship Program Begins
In partnership with the Widhya Asih Foundation, Faith Family Church launched its very own Child Sponsorship Program in mid-2023. Working closely with a dedicated team in Bali, the Program was initiated in Coffs Harbour and has since expanded to Taree, with other churches from across the International Network of Churches and beyond interested in getting involved to support the needs of a generation of young people in Indonesia.