Here's what you'll need to know if you are considering joining us as pastor

New City Church (NCC) is a welcoming, inclusive community right in the heart of Glebe. We’re a diverse and eclectic group of people, united by our faith and our commitment to our core values of Jesus, Justice, and Community.

NCC was formed by a small group of LGBTQIA+ people who were  uncomfortable or plain unwelcome within mainstream Christian churches. Coming together, we found a space where we could freely and authentically explore faith and discover Jesus in fresh and exciting ways, all while being welcomed as our true and authentic selves. A church was born!

Now, 5 years down the track, we proudly stand as an LGBTQIA+ affirming church providing a safe space where all people can faithfully follow Jesus. This is irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, theological questions, or particular doctrinal lens.

NCC participants gather from far and wide and represent a broad spectrum of ages, backgrounds, and church experience. We know we don't always get it right, but we are committed to learning together as we create safer spaces to explore faith.

 

OUR CHURCH

 

Approximately 65 people call themselves “regulars” at NCC, with a significantly larger group orbiting the community. Currently on any given week, 25-35 people gather together.   

Our leadership team is made up of two paid employees and two volunteer coordinators. The paid staff includes the lead pastor and an administrative worker, while the volunteer coordinators oversee the community groups. Our church is overseen by the Board, which is a group of volunteers that consists of the lead pastor, a chairperson, the treasurer, secretary and two additional members.

At the heart of NCC are three core values: 

Jesus - We strive to be a place that grounds itself in the person and work of Jesus, as revealed to us in the Bible.

Community - In line with the ancient rhythms of Christians through the ages, we work out our faith in the context of togetherness and love.

Justice - Just as Jesus challenged those wielding power, so too do we strive to be a community that seeks justice in our modern world.

We're a diverse bunch from all across NSW, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. We're especially proud of our predominantly LGBTQIA+ community and the safe and welcoming space we've created for everyone.

 

GATHERINGS

 

Our Sunday afternoon gatherings are somewhat relaxed and informal, recognising that just being in ‘church’ is for many a complicated and potentially triggering space. To this end, Sunday attendees are encouraged to engage and move around the meeting space in whatever ways make them feel comfortable and at home.

These (usually weekly) meetings are centred around welcoming each other with tea/coffee/snacks, a time of singing/worship and a message or teaching slot. At each Sunday gathering, space is also given for questions, interaction and engagement and this regular format is abandoned from time to time for something of a more social nature.

 

ACTIVITIES 

 

NCC strives to be a space which people can call ‘home’ even if they feel uncomfortable attending a traditional Sunday ‘church style’ gathering. NCC activities to date have included regular community groups (meeting in homes), whole community retreats, a book club, worship nights, newcomers dinners, social events, and entering a Mardi Gras float!

 

BUILDING AND SURROUNDING AREA

 

NCC currently meets in the Sydney Presbytery Church Building, leased from the Uniting Church. This space comfortably seats 50–75 people. It offers ample room for a full band setup, a refreshments table, and a sound-desk/production area. The facility also features a full kitchen and a basement for equipment storage.

Conveniently located in the heart of Glebe, near the Glebe Hotel and lively Glebe Point Road, the church is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, making it easy to enjoy a meal before or after the service.

 

WIDER CONNECTIONS

 

We have friendly connections with a range of LGBTQIA+ affirming churches (e.g. Leichhardt Uniting Church) and the broader Uniting Church community. However, we're a non-denominational church and operate independently, without a formal connection to any specific denomination.