Planting a church in Kiama

Nathan and Esther's story:

We first connected with Generocity Church Kiama simply as locals, drawn to the fresh expression of faith and community it was offering. There was something about the way church was being done that carried potential — a sense that God was doing something new in our town, and we wanted to be part of it. That decision to lean in as ordinary people soon grew into something more. In January 2020 we stepped into the role of Associate Pastors, excited to serve and build on what had begun. But just eight weeks later, everything changed. COVID-19 lockdowns hit, and our young church suddenly found itself scattered and struggling. Being right on the edge of the Sydney Metro boundary meant half our people were living under one set of restrictions, while the other half were under another. Gatherings of around 100 dwindled, and then came a new challenge: our Lead Pastors, weary from the season, stepped aside. It left us with a leadership vacuum and a hurting congregation. What we had expected looked nothing like the reality before us. Yet in that season of disruption, God’s call was clear — stay, shepherd, love.

The months and years that followed became a crash course in what planting and pastoring really look like. We learned to encourage people through hardship while navigating our own, to choose presence over polish, and to keep pointing people to Jesus even when everything felt uncertain. Nearly two years later, in January 2022, we became the Lead Pastors of Kiama — not because the road was easy, but because God had proven Himself faithful. Through it all, one of the greatest gifts was the support of the wider Generocity family. Senior leadership, the board, and fellow pastors continually stood with us, reminding us we were never alone. Looking back, Kiama’s story is not one of perfect plans but of God’s grace, the power of community, and the courage to keep showing up. For anyone considering planting, know this: the challenges will stretch you, but God’s faithfulness and the strength of His people will carry you further than you imagined.