Support On The Road : The Local Church

We are a Christian family, travelling Australia. Back in Adelaide we have a village @citylight church.. For 7 years we went to this church, it is our home church, and we miss them.

However, I am so grateful for the people, inside the churches that we have visited so far on our travels.

I wanted to share this because churches can be a great resources for travelling families. There are a lot of misconceptions regarding Christian Churches and I wanted to set the records straight so that others can benefit from this amazing resource we have in local towns that we visit across Australia.

You Don’t Have to be Religious to Go to Church

Did you know, you don’t have to believe in God or be religious to visit a church?, in fact if you aren’t a believer you will probably be a guest of honour! People in the local church will love that you have taken an interest in them and what they believe and will be in complete ore of what you are doing (as a full time travelling family) and I know they will want to hear all about it.

Your Kids will meet other local Children

My kids love going to different churches around Australia, they get to meet “new best friends”. It is your choice as a parent, if you put your child into a kids church program, or whether they sit with you during the service.

As a parent travelling without my babysitter (AKA - Nanna), I highly recommend you do put them in the program… you get a mental break and they get an hour or so of fun with other kiddies- win win!

Elevation Church in Cairns had an epic play centre for the kids to play on, all free of charge. They also have a vibrant playgroup program, which is open to visiting families as well as local families.

Child Safety Requirements

It is good to note that it is a  legal requirement for anyone who works with children in Australia, to have a working with children criminal history check…

It has different names, depending on which state you are in, but it is my understanding that it is essentially the same clearance. All adults who work with children, in a church will have this clearance. so you can be assured that your kids are safe while in their care

Church Service - what is involved?

You don’t have to do anything! Much like a wedding (or funeral) there are songs, that members of the church like to sing, called worship. You can either stand or sit.

After the singing, the minister will do his “sermon” - which is often an uplifting motivational “speech” or encouraging message that you can choose to apply to your own life.

You won’t be ask to participate in any way. You can simply observe if you like.

Our Little Miss Maddie aged 3.

Coffee Time

After the service, it’s time for Tea, Coffee (often barista coffee - maybe a free one!) and sometimes a small catered morning tea.

You get to talk and mingle with other members of the church AKA locals in the place you are visiting. This is our favourite part because we love meeting new people and learning more about the locals and their life stories.

We also enjoy sharing our own unique lifestyle and experiences as we often have people say that our life is what they dream about (a humbling moment of gratitude often is felt in these moments).

And, of course, we like to network for business purposes (Brad), I love chatting with other mums (Nicky). In saying that, it is exactly like home, where you can’t really have a proper conversation due to constant child interruptions, however it is nice to engage with another mum, no matter how much actual “engagement” we get (haha).

Often we exchange some phone numbers, get some local tips, e.g. top fishing spots, best places for coffee, meals, where to get your hair done … the list goes on.

And, if you don’t speak to someone who can help you if you’re in need, chances are they know someone in the church who CAN help you.

a example of a delicious after church spread from 'City Light Church Glenelg' (our home church in Adelaide). There are usually some delicious treats - you just need to get in before the kids!

What We Have Gained From Visiting

Mechanic recommendation and “mates rates”: we needed to get our car fixed ASAP and nothing was open. Chatted to someone at church who had a very prominent plumbing business in the local community. He made a call, and we got in the next day, and got the royal treatment, because this guy was a “very good customer”.

Brakes on the Caravan were squeaky and Brad was worried. He booked the caravan in for a weeks time at the repairer (it was the soonest we could get in). We went to church that Sunday, met someone, who has a friend who is a mobile mechanic. He was more than happy to visit us at our caravan park the next day on his way home from work, and he didn’t charge us.

An afterschool program for our kids!! while we were in Mildura, we had quite a lot of stress easing into our new lifestyle. We needed a mental break from the kids and this was perfect. They had fun, got fed dinner and met new friends. Win win!!

We have joined Home-School Groups with local families, gone to BBQs, connected with school teachers (helped with kids school work), offers to park up for free in the church car park, joined playgroups and toddler music programs, and so much more!

Finally

I would like people to know that churches aren’t an exclusive “club” for religious people. Quite the opposite actually.

Much like a community library, or community centre, they are a great place to reach out and connect with members of a local community. I am not suggesting that people abuse their good will and desire to help, however if you have a genuine need whether it be assistance or connection, don’t overlook the humble community church.