Build the House

Surf Coast Build the House Campaign

The Bible tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. From day one, City on a Hill Surf Coast has endeavoured to see what God is doing and to join Him in it. We believe He is calling us to a season of trust in Him to build His house.

God has placed us in a location that has been the gateway to the Surf Coast and a lighthouse for the good news of Jesus for the last 160 years. The chapel and grounds we inherited are full of history and charm, but they are tired and strained by growth. We believe God is inviting us to join Him to “Build the House” – creating a clean, beautiful, and welcoming home where the gospel is preached, disciples are formed, families are strengthened, and our community is reached.

Big vision. Big plans. Big God. Together, we can make this house a reality. Will you step into this story and help build the house?

Download Booklet

Help us raise $1.5 million to Build the House

Stage I – Strengthen the Foundation

Essential repairs, upgrades, and accessibility improvements that create a safe, welcoming, and fully functional base for our current and near‑future ministry needs.

Stage II – Expand Our Capacity

New dedicated spaces for children, youth, and mid‑week community ministry, plus a flexible main hall, to accommodate growth and deepen discipleship across all ages.

Stage III – Prepare for the Future

A hospitality hub, staff offices, additional toilets, meeting rooms, and covered outdoor areas that position our church to serve the Surf Coast generously and sustainably for generations to come.

An Invitation To Partner

Pray

Seeking God’s help and guidance, we commit to praying regularly for Build the House—for wisdom, favor with our community and authorities, and generous hearts. Join us in prayer with the Weekly Prayer Guide.

Commit to Pray

Pledge

Commit to giving sacrificially by pledging a specific amount over the next one to three years, joining our church family in faith to raise the funds needed to strengthen, expand, and prepare this house for gospel ministry.

Help us spread the word. Share the vision with friends, family, and others who might partner with us in prayer or generosity.

Frequently asked questions

Am I able to give financially now?

At this time, we are not yet accepting financial gifts as we are waiting for our dedicated Build the House bank account to be approved and set up. However, we warmly invite you to begin by pledging. Pledging is making a commitment before God for a specific amount you plan to give over the next one to three years, once our giving channels are ready. Pledges help us understand the level of support God is stirring in our partners and to allow us to plan with confidence. As soon as our bank account is approved, we will open giving and begin receiving both one‑time gifts and regular payments.

I know someone who might be able to help. What should I do?

Thank you for thinking beyond yourself. A key part of this project is sharing the vision with others who may want to partner in prayer or generosity. You can pass on this webpage, share the video, or connect them directly with one of the staff at City on a Hill Surf Coast.

How do I know that my gift will be used wisely?

We are committed to stewarding every dollar with transparency and care. The Build the House budget has been carefully planned, with clear stages and cost ranges for each component of the project. Oversight is provided by our leadership and the City on a Hill Movement Board, and regular updates will be given to our church so you can see how funds are being used to strengthen, expand, and prepare our facilities for gospel ministry.

I can only pledge to give a small amount. Is it worth giving?

Absolutely. This is a whole‑church project, not just for a few large donors. Just as the body of Christ is made up of many different parts, we believe God will use gifts of all sizes to Build the House. As each of us gives what we can, God weaves it together into something far greater than any one of us could do alone.

Why focus on buildings? Shouldn’t we just spend money on ministry?

Buildings are never the ultimate goal, but they are powerful tools in the hands of a church. Given our visibility on a prominent roundabout, many people say they have attended our church because “I drove past and saw your sign!” Also, our current facilities are limiting the ministry we can offer and are in need of significant renewal. By strengthening, expanding, and preparing our buildings, we are creating a base for worship, discipleship, hospitality, mercy, and mission for decades to come.

Looking back and looking forward.

In 1944, after a fire destroyed the original bluestone church, some of the remaining stones were laid into a rock garden beside the new timber building. At the dedication, the Archbishop preached from Joshua 4:21: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’” He encouraged the church:

“The stones might one day be forgotten, but faith will abide.”

In the same way, this extension project may one day be a distant memory. Yet by God’s grace, we pray He will use it to continue building His house for the glory of Jesus, making His name known and causing faith to continue to abide.