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Discover a better way to live

We are City on a Hill Wollongong, a Christian church that exists to Know Jesus & Make Jesus Known.

Visit this Sunday (Lindsay Park Public School).
10am – Community & 10:15am – Service.

Pursue God’s
Presence

Be Formed by
the Gospel

Live Joyfully
on Mission

Don’t do life alone

Just because you live in a beautiful place like Wollongong doesn’t mean you have life all figured out.

Life is chaotic: full of work-pressures, family-responsibilities, relationship-dramas, and money-stresses. There are endless things to distract and entertain, but where exactly is the good life found?

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Maybe you want to investigate Jesus or reconnect with him. Maybe you’re considering visiting church for the first time, or the first time in a long time.

Is learning about Jesus in community the missing ingredient to the life you long for?

Find what you’re searching for

Each of us is longing for something. Deep rest. Loving community. Genuine belonging. A joy-filled life. True spirituality.

At City on a Hill Wollongong we know that with Jesus each of these things can be found.

The search is over.

We’d love for you to join us and discover the good news of how.

Visit

Jesus changed my life and he can change yours too. Each of us longs for friendship, wisdom and purpose. Jesus provides all of those things. That is why he is the foundation of our community.

Joel Deacon

Lead Pastor – Wollonging
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What it’s like to be part of our community

“I’ve never been part of a community that is so real and vulnerable. If you’ve had a bad experience with church, know that this is a place that is full of community, love and the goodness of Jesus”
Esther
“We’re part of City on a Hill Wollongong because we want to share the good news of Jesus with others. This is a safe place for people to encounter Jesus, the love of the Father and the person and power of the Holy Spirit”
Ray & Gail
“We’re stoked to be part of City on a Hill Wollongong. We’ve found an amazing community with solid bible-based teaching from Joel and our faith has grown more in the last few months than it has in the last few years. Come and join us!”
Liam & Amy

Three ways to get involved in our community

1. Visit this Sunday

All welcome! Expect a friendly community, bible teaching, worship songs, and a children’s program.

2. Join a Gospel Community

Our small group mid-week gatherings are perfect for engaging with the teachings of Jesus and making deep friendships.

3. Let’s Do Life Together

Navigate the ups and downs in authentic, consistent community. Find meaning and purpose by knowing Jesus and making Jesus known.
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Attend an event

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Listen to a sermon

Podcast Thumbnail for A beautiful life is a Holy life.

A beautiful life is a Holy life.

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Serve on the mission

Jesus invites us to be used by him in building his church. Whatever your background or skill set, there is a place for you to contribute by using your gifts to serve.
Serve

Give to the mission

God invites us to worship him in all areas of our lives, including the way we spend our money. Your generous giving fuels the health and growth of City on a Hill Wollongong.

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City on a Hill Wollongong | BSB 033 007 | ACC 103 994

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Get to know your team

Joel Deacon

Lead Pastor

Joel Deacon

Joel Deacon is the Lead Pastor of City on a Hill Wollongong. He is firmly convinced that we are designed for community, especially in a big and sometimes lonely city like Wollongong. Before becoming a pastor, Joel worked as a Civil Engineer and is always up for a chat about roads and bridges. But his greatest passion is talking to people about Jesus. Joel is married to Emma, and they have three kids Elijah, Isaac and Lily. An ideal day off for Joel would include coffee with his wife, smelling flowers with his daughter, wrestling with his boys, reading, and staying up late to watch EPL.

Rachel Shirtliff

City Kids & Admin Coordinator

Rachel Shirtliff

Rachel is the City Kids and Administration Coordinator at City on a Hill Wollongong, where she has been attending since the church launched in 2022. Rachel is married to Cody and together they have a son. She loves Jesus and has been leading the Wollongong City Kids team since 2023. Previous to her role at City on a Hill, Rachel taught acrobatics to children and ran her own business. During the week, Rachel loves reading with her son, going to Gospel Community, and spending time with family.

Sam Edmunds

City Kids & Admin Coordinator

Sam Edmunds

Sam has been attending City on a Hill Wollongong for the past three years and is so grateful to call it home. She is excited to be serving the church by stepping into the City Kids Administration role for the next few months while Rachel is on maternity leave.

Sam came to know Jesus through youth group as a teenager and has been growing in her love for him ever since. Married to Zac, Sam is mum to a sweet and curious daughter and shares her home with a gentle Great Dane who has an even bigger heart.

A primary school teacher for over a decade, Sam is passionate about helping children and youth learn, grow, and love Jesus, and delight in the world God has created and in His people. When she’s not teaching or spending time with family, you’ll often find her enjoying a coffee with friends, hiking, swimming in an ocean pool, or curled up with a good book.

We’re part of a larger movement

One Movement,
Many Churches

Currently, City on a HIll exists across 13 local churches, in 6 cities, and three states. Our Wollongong church launched in 2022.

Know Jesus and
Make Jesus known

Our churches are united around this mission. We want many to experience the life-giving and life-changing joy of knowing him.

10 Cities
Vision

City on a Hill’s vision is to reach 10 cities with the beauty, truth and relevance of Jesus, by planting 50 churches.
Visit

Visit this Sunday

We meet at 10am at Lindsay Park Public School.

All are welcome to our inclusive, casual and friendly Sunday gatherings. From 10am we have a time of community, a great chance to grab a cup of tea or coffee and get to know others.

At 10:15 we start our service, which consists of Bible teaching, worship songs, and a kids program.

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Tell us you’re coming

Frequently asked questions

What should I expect on Sunday?
We gather together at 10am for coffee, tea and community. At 10:15am, we gather for our church service where we learn about Jesus from the Bible, worship together, pray together and take communion. Afterwards, we share morning tea and continue connecting with one another.
Everyone is welcome, whether you are new to following Jesus, interested in learning more about Christianity or have been a Christian for many years.
Is there a kids program?
Yes! We love children and want church to be the highlight of their week.
We have a covered outdoor area where parents with young, creche-aged children can relax and listen to the sermon. During winter, this space moves indoors.
We also have a City Kids program for primary-aged children and a casual youth program for teenagers.
Because we meet at a school, we also have access to a basketball court, soccer field and playground where kids can play before and after church.
Can I just show up on a Sunday?
You sure can! There is no need to let us know you are coming.
But if you do let us know, we can save you a seat and make a plan to connect with you before or after the gathering.
What denomination are you?
City on a Hill Wollongong is an independent church that is part of the City on a Hill movement of churches. Some City on a Hill churches are independent churches, while others are Anglican churches.
What do you do in community?
Every Monday, we run a ministry called Monday Free Meal at 11-15 Maynes Parade, Unanderra. From 5:30pm, we provide a free meal for anyone who would like to come. We build friendships, offer prayer and care for people in our community. At 7pm, we run an evangelistic Bible study where people can explore Christianity, ask questions and learn more about Jesus.
What is City on a Hill’s vision?
The vision of City on a Hill is to reach 10 cities with the beauty, truth and relevance of Jesus by planting 50 churches.
What is City on a Hill Wollongong’s vision?
Our vision at City on a Hill Wollongong is to see revival in Wollongong and make deep disciples of Jesus. We want to see deep disciples who pursue the personal presence of God through prayer and worship, who are formed by the gospel and the study of God’s Word, and who live joyfully on mission.
What does “Deep Disciples” mean?
Deep Disciples is our vision for the kind of followers of Jesus we want to become at City on a Hill Wollongong. Inspired by the parable of the sower, we want to be deep disciples who bear 100x fruit. We define deep disciples as those who a) pursue the personal presence of God through prayer and worship, b) are formed by the gospel and the study of God’s Word, and c) live joyfully on mission.
A deep disciple isn’t simply someone who attends church. A deep disciple is someone who is increasingly becoming like Jesus, abiding in him, being formed by his Word and joining him in his mission.
What does your church want to be known for?
We want to be known for bold prayers, passionate worship, courageous mission, deep disciples, gospel formation, generous hearts, a love for the Bible and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
What ministries does your church have?
We meet on Sundays for church at Lindsay Park Public School.
We have Monday Free Meal on Mondays in Unanderra, which is our missional and mercy ministry. We have a larger prayer meeting once a month in Unanderra.
We also have Gospel Communities, which are Bible studies that meet throughout the week in people’s homes, as well as smaller weekly prayer meetings.
From time to time, we also do evangelism and hand out food in social housing communities.
Why do you meet in a school?
Church buildings can sometimes feel intimidating or become a barrier for people who have never been to church before. A school is a neutral environment that many people already know and trust.
We also love the school where we meet. It is a beautiful, light-filled space with plenty of room for children and young people to play. It is also close to local cafes and other facilities.
Why plant new churches?
We believe church planting is one of the most effective ways to make new disciples of Jesus and grow the broader church.
New churches create new communities and new opportunities for people to connect with or reconnect with a church community.
Church planting also stretches Christians to pray, serve and live on mission as they share the good news of Jesus with others.
What is the gospel?
The gospel means “good news.” It is the good news about Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Son of God who became truly human. He lived a perfect life, died a brutal death on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead.
The gospel begins with the bad news that we have all sinned and rebelled against God. But the good news is that through Jesus we can be forgiven, reconciled to God and given new life. Following Jesus is an invitation into a new way of living, marked by joy, peace, hope and a relationship with God.
What do you believe about the Bible?
We believe the Bible is God’s revelation to us. The words of the Bible are divinely inspired and without error in the original writings. We believe the Bible is sufficient and authoritative for knowing God, understanding the gospel and learning how to live as followers of Jesus.
What do you believe about Jesus?
We believe Jesus is the God-man, fully God and fully human. He was a real historical person who came into the world as God in the flesh.
We believe Jesus lived a perfect life, suffered and died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead. We believe Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, and that everyone who follows Him will receive eternal life.
Following Jesus is not simply about what happens after we die. Jesus invites us into a new life with Him now, marked by joy, peace, hope and purpose.
What kind of church is City on a Hill Wollongong?
City on a Hill Wollongong is a Bible-centred, evangelical Christian church. We are passionate about Jesus, the gospel, prayer, worship, discipleship and mission.
We are part of the City on a Hill movement of churches, which exists to reach 10 cities with the beauty, truth and relevance of Jesus by planting 50 churches.
Where does City on a Hill Wollongong meet?
We meet at Lindsay Park Public School in Wollongong on Sundays.
We also meet throughout the week in homes for Gospel Communities and prayer, and our Monday Free Meal and monthly prayer gathering is held at a church building in Unanderra.
What time is church?
We meet every Sunday at Lindsay Park Public School.
9.45am: Prayer
10.00am: Coffee, tea and community
10.15am: Church service
11.40am: Morning tea
Our service includes teaching from the Bible, worship, prayer and communion, followed by morning tea and time to connect.
We don’t meet on the last Sunday of the year and first Sunday of the year, so our pastor can take leave.
Can I come to City on a Hill if I’m not a Christian?
Absolutely! You don’t need to be a Christian to come to City on a Hill. We love welcoming people who are curious about Christianity, exploring faith, asking questions, returning to church after many years away, or simply looking for a church community. Come as you are. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you walk through the door.
How can I become a Christian?
Becoming a Christian begins with trusting in Jesus.
The Bible teaches that all of us have sinned and turned away from God, but God loves us and sent Jesus to save us. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead.
To become a Christian is to turn from your sin, put your trust in Jesus and begin following Him as Lord. You don’t earn God’s forgiveness by being a good person. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus. If you want to begin following Jesus, you can simply come to Him in prayer and ask Him to forgive you, save you and lead you. We’d also love to talk with you and help you take your next steps.
What does it mean to follow Jesus?
Following Jesus means more than simply believing that Jesus exists. It means trusting Him, knowing Him and learning to live under His leadership. At City on a Hill Wollongong, we describe this as becoming a deep disciple of Jesus.
We want to see people who pursue the personal presence of God through prayer and worship, who are formed by the gospel and the study of God’s Word, and who live joyfully on mission. Following Jesus changes the whole of life. It shapes how we love, work, serve, give, pray, relate to others and share the good news of Jesus.
What is baptism and why do Christians get baptised?
Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus. Jesus commanded His followers to baptise those who become his disciples. Through baptism, a Christian publicly identifies with Jesus, symbolising his death, burial and resurrection and their new life in him. Baptism doesn’t earn God’s forgiveness or make someone a Christian. We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus. Baptism is an act of obedience and a public expression of that faith.
What is Monday Free Meal?
Monday Free Meal is our missional and mercy ministry in Unanderra.
Every Monday from 5.30pm, we provide a free meal for anyone who comes. We build friendships, offer prayer and seek to care for people who are doing it tough.
At 7pm, we run an evangelistic Bible study where people can explore Christianity, ask questions and learn more about Jesus.
We believe serving our community and sharing the gospel belong together. We want people to experience the love of Jesus while also hearing the good news about Jesus.
Who are the leaders of City on a Hill Wollongong?
City on a Hill Wollongong is led by Joel Deacon, our Lead Pastor. Under him there are three teams that help lead the church – our council, ministry team and group leaders. Alongside these leadership teams there is also a pastoral care team to care for the church. We believe church is a team effort. We want to see every Christian using their gifts to serve Jesus and make Jesus known
Who is City on a Hill Wollongong for?
City on a Hill Wollongong is for anyone who wants to explore Christianity, follow Jesus, grow as a Christian or find a church community in Wollongong. You don’t’ need to be religious, or know much about the Christian faith. Whether you are a committed Christian, new to Christianity, returning to church after many years, unsure what you believe or simply curious about Jesus, you are welcome.
What is worship like at City on a Hill Wollongong?
We love worship. We want our worship to be centred on Jesus and shaped by the Bible. We want to be people who delight in God and sing loudly and passionately.
Our church is made up of people from different backgrounds and faith traditions who come together to praise our good God. We want our worship to be joyful, wholehearted and dependent on the Holy Spirit.
What is preaching like at City on a Hill Wollongong?
We believe the Bible is God’s Word, so our preaching is centred on Scripture and points people to Jesus.
We want our teaching to be faithful to the Bible, culturally relevant, engaging and relevant to everyday life.
We believe information alone can simply make us smarter sinners. The goal of preaching is not simply to give people more information, but to lead us to worship. We want God’s Word to shape our minds, stir our hearts and change the way we live.
Led by the Holy Spirit we want our preaching to communicate biblical truth clearly and passionately to a world that needs Jesus.

This is your invitation to follow the way of Jesus in community.

Visit this Sunday, we’d love to see you.
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