Bangalow Byron Bay and Alstonville Congregations to Grow Young Together

On Sunday 14 September, the congregations of Bangalow Byron Bay Uniting Church and Alstonville Uniting Church came together to celebrate the commissioning of Pastor Timothy Watts as their shared First Third of Life Ministry (FTLM) Coordinator. The service, held in Alstonville, was the culmination of years of discernment, planning, and collaboration between two rural congregations seeking to grow young and engage more deeply with their communities.

The journey began with both congregations recognising the need to focus on younger generations and families. Rev Phil Dokmanovic from Bangalow Byron Bay UC explained, “In 2021 our congregation noticed we were ageing, but also that we had a footprint in the communities around us, especially among families. That led us into the Growing Young journey, which helped us think strategically about the future. Out of that came a clear focus on families and children’s ministry.”

At the same time, Alstonville UC was also discerning its future direction. Rev Daniel Yang from Alstonville UC recalls: “Just after our mission planning process, we realised we didn’t have a clear path. Then the opportunity came to collaborate with Bangalow Byron Bay, who were already well-prepared. We’ve learnt a lot from them, and it’s been exciting to journey together.”

Despite differences in style and focus – Alstonville strong in its music program, Bangalow connected through local schools and community events – both congregations found their strengths complementary. Together, they began to plan a joint ministry role that could serve both communities.

Backing from the Synod Growth Investment Fund

With the encouragement and support of Rev Ann Perrin, Mission Catalyst Rural and Regional with Uniting Mission and Education (UME), the two congregations applied for a Synod Growth Investment Fund grant. The process required significant time and collaboration but became an important part of their shared journey.

Phil reflected, “It felt like a long process. There were lots of meetings, drafts, and refinements, but it also brought us together. We had to sit down as congregations and articulate what we hoped for. That was a gift in itself.”

Rev Ann Perrin highlighted the significance of this collaboration by saying, “Both congregations worked really hard to come together. They didn’t just split a role in half; they created an integrated ministry that would serve both communities. For me, that’s the exciting part – they’re telling a new story for their region.”

In late 2024, their proposal was successful, securing the Strategic Grant funding over five years to employ a First Third of Life Ministry Coordinator. The position was designed to build on existing ministries, connect with schools and families, and explore new expressions of intergenerational church.

When it came to filling the role, the congregations entered the search with openness and hope. In the end, they found their perfect fit. Pastor Timothy Watts was no stranger to the Northern Rivers, having served for several years in children’s and youth ministry at the local Baptist church.

Daniel shared, “I first met Tim years ago when he came to me with an idea for a children’s event. I was impressed by his passion and generosity. So, when this role came up, I immediately thought of him. He has been discerning this call for some time, and we’re grateful he said yes.”

Pastor Tim’s Call and Vision

At the commissioning, Pastor Tim spoke openly about his faith journey – from childhood experiences in remote mission churches to years of ministry and teaching. He acknowledged the challenges he has faced, including personal setbacks, but described his strong sense of God’s call back into ministry through this new role.

“I don’t want to see children’s ministry as something separate, off to the side. My desire is for children and young people to be lifelong disciples of Jesus, to know that they are part of God’s family, not a church of tomorrow but the church today.”

Commissioning of Ps. Tim Watts

The commissioning service was marked by prayer, storytelling, and a sense of anticipation. In her message, Rev Ann Perrin reminded the congregations, “Bangalow Byron Bay and Alstonville are now being called to tell a different story for their community. My hope is that the wider community will recognise the values of your churches through the ministry you will now undertake with Tim.”

For both congregations, the service was also a celebration of what they had already achieved together. Phil noted that even before Tim began, the two churches had started sharing worship and prayer, laying the foundation for this new chapter.

Looking Ahead

The long-term vision is bold: that in five years’ time, families moving into Bangalow, Byron Bay or Alstonville will know the Uniting Church as the place to go for connection, support, and community. The grant proposal outlines outcomes such as intergenerational engagement, stronger links with schools, and fresh expressions of church. These hopes echo the Synod’s wider commitment to supporting regional congregations to grow young and nurture thriving, intergenerational communities.

Daniel summed it up with joy saying, “We never expected this kind of collaboration would happen. But the Spirit has been guiding us, and now new things are happening we couldn’t have imagined.”

The commissioning of Pastor Timothy Watts marks the beginning of his ministry and a milestone in collaboration and faith.

It is a story of two congregations daring to work together, supported by the wider Church, to plant seeds of hope for our young generations.