The Antioch Resource Centre consists of a small network of household churches located in the Latrobe/Spreyton area of Northwest Tasmania. The centre is a relational network of a handful of very dedicated and enthusiastic believers who share the desire to see new churches planted throughout their local region and beyond, to the very ends of the earth.
This centre facilitates travelling gifted men (a Pauline team) similar to that of Paul and is responsible for the publishing and supply of BILD materials to the network. It also provides a visible model of the BILD paradigm (church-based theological education) as well as its fruit: believers evangelising, maturing in their faith and planting churches. This is the central networking point for the entire ministry.
The Centre holds a variety of facilities located within the believers' households that are equipped to assist the ministry. They include a main office, (computers, wireless internet, projector, discussion area, accommodation, library and spacious gardens), print shop (for the production, storage and distribution of the BILD resources), SIMA Centre - "motivated by design", household church meeting places, accommodation etc. These physical facilities are made available by believers belonging to the Connexions Network who view their resources as instruments for the gospel and their homes as mission centres.
Christian Connexions began with serious Bible Study, through BILD International's Leadership material, as the leaders explored how the early Church expanded and what it was that made the gospel literally unstoppable, as seen in the book of Acts. This study proved to be solid ground work for us as we planted Christian Connexions in 2005, first as a cafe style church then moved towards a mission oriented household church model in 2006, with mentoring from The Crowded House Network in the UK.
Our present situation is that of a small but growing, mature and enthusiastic group of believers who are seeking to strengthen ourselves as we serve one another and impact the community around us. Our strategy is that of forming gospel communities to reach our immediate neighbours and towns. We have taken the "long term, low key and relational" approach to mission exampled to us by The Crowded House.
God willing, the future of Christian Connexions will be that of an ever-expanding movement of churches and gospel communities throughout Northern Tasmania, providing a Centre of operations for Antioch Initiative as a church based ministry. In the immediate term we have our sights set on Latrobe and Ulverstone areas as the most logical places to plant, with our long-term vision and strategy set on the wider region.
