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Church Life, Theology & Community at Divergent Church
Divergent Church is a Christian church committed to forming disciples and building authentic community in Canberra and Port Macquarie. This space brings together biblical teaching, theology, and real stories of church life—helping you explore faith, understand what we believe, and find a church community in Canberra or Port Macquarie. Whether you’re new to church, searching for a church in Canberra, or looking to reconnect with Christian community, these articles are designed to guide, equip, and invite you in.
Here, you’ll find a range of resources across different categories:
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News: Stay updated on the latest happenings in the life of Divergent Church and our communities.
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Teaching (Theology): Dive deep into the Bible, theology, and what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world.
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Community Focus: Explore stories, insights, and opportunities from and about our local church communities, including Canberra, Queanbeyan, and Port Macquarie.
Whether you're searching for a church home, exploring the Christian faith, or seeking Bible teaching relevant to everyday life, the Divergent Church Blog is here for you.
We’d love to welcome you into our community.
Church in Canberra
CANBERRA
A collection of articles exploring church, faith, and Christian community in Canberra.
Explore Church in Canberra →
Where Can I Meet Other Christians in Canberra?
Where Can I Meet Other Christians in Canberra? I’ll be upfront about this. Canberra can be a hard place to settle into. People arrive from all over Australia and the world, stay for a season, then move on. Relationships can feel temporary, and it’s easy to sit on the edge of community without ever quite breaking in. However, that’s not the whole story. As I have experienced, Canberra can genuinely become home. Some of the strongest friendships I’ve seen here haven’t just stay
AOG Churches Near Me in Canberra: Finding the Right Church for You
Finding the Right Church for You If you’ve searched “AOG churches near me in Canberra”, you’re likely not just looking for a location—you’re looking for a place where faith is real, community is genuine, and God is at work. That search usually comes from something deeper: A desire to grow spiritually A need for authentic community A longing for clarity about Jesus and the Bible So let’s unpack what you’re actually looking for—and how to find it in Canberra. What Is an AOG Chu
Being a disciple-making Church in Canberra | Divergent Church Canberra
What does it mean to be a disciple-making church in Canberra? Discover how Christians in Australia’s capital can follow Jesus faithfully in the centre of public life. Being a Disciple-Making Church in Canberra Canberra is a special city. Most cities in Australia are essentially cultural or commercial centres. Canberra is different. Canberra is our capital city. Our city was purpose-built to be the political centre point of our nation. Parliament House is literally at the cent
Church in Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie
A collection of articles exploring church, faith, and Christian community in Port Macquarie
Explore Church in Port Macquarie
How to become a Christian
How to Become a Christian: A Simple Journey of Faith You may have spent time contemplating faith in your life. Maybe you're just curious. Whatever brought you here, you're probably wondering: How do I actually become a Christian? The path to becoming a Christian seems like a major decision (because it truly is!), but it's also beautifully simple. Let's explore several helpful steps that can guide you on this spiritual journey. How to become a Christian Now, there is the quick
A Guide to University Life in Port Macquarie
Life for University students in Port Macquarie Thinking about studying in a stunning coastal city? 🌊Port Macquarie offers natural...
Growing in faith at Divergent Church Port Macquarie
Grow with us at Divergent Church Port Macquarie Faith isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a journey. Every journey requires both movement and...
Theology & Teaching - Convictions
Theology
Biblical teaching, doctrine, and reflections to help shape conviction and deepen faith.
Check out more at our Beliefs page.
Understanding the Nicene Creed
During more liturgical services at Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, and certain Protestant churches, you might have proclaimed a statement...
Understanding the Apostles’ Creed
If you’ve spent any time in a church—whether Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or Non-Denominational—you may have heard a...
What is sin?
Engaging in discussions about sin stands as one of our most demanding tasks as pastors and teachers, not because we are ashamed of God's...
Life at Divergent - in Community
Life at Divergent
Stories, culture, and what it looks like to be part of Divergent Church.
Check out more about us
How Divergent Church handles finance
Our goal is to handle finance and administration firstly according to biblical example and command and secondarily consistently with proper legal governance procedures. 1. Those who lead in spiritual matters should also lead in financial matters (Acts 4:35,37; Acts 11:29,30; 1 Timothy 3:3,8). Unlike some other Churches we hold to an Eldership lead environment, this includes decisions not only of Spiritual nature but all matters. Whilst consultation and cooperation must hap
Why we worship as we do
When you visit a Divergent Church gathering—whether in Canberra, Queanbeyan, Port Macquarie or elsewhere —you might wonder about our worship practices. You’ll see music, raised hands, clapping, dancing, moments of high energy, and times of profound silence. We aim to explain the reasons that shape how we worship. At Divergent Church, worship stems from our biblically founded Pentecostal convictions and focuses on sincerity and genuine divine connection rather than spectacle.
LEADERSHIP AT DIVERGENT CHURCH
SHORT HAND BLOG - You can read more at our Leadership Page and it's links and documents Introduction Spiritually, Jesus is the head of...
Day 21 – Until the whole world knows
Day 21 – Until the whole world knows Theme: The Great Commission Focus: God’s ongoing mission Prayer: Sending and obedience Scripture: Psalm 67; Revelation 21 “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us, so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” Ps 67:1–2 “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Rev 21:5, NIV Reflection: God’s mission has always been global God has never been focused
Jan 313 min read
Day 20 - A Church that faces outward
Day 20 - A Church that faces outward Theme: Service Focus: Living an outward facing faith Scripture: Philippians 2:3–8 (NIV) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used t
Jan 304 min read
Day 19 – Multiplication
Day 19 – Multiplication Writer: Josh Devotional: Healthy Reproduction Prayer: Pray for multiplication Scripture: Acts 13:1–3 “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had f
Jan 293 min read
Day 18 – The Poor, the Broken, and the Forgotten
Day 18 – The Poor, the Broken, and the Forgotten Writer: Elise // Divergent Church Canberra City Key Scripture “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 Focus: Gospel-shaped justice Reflection We serve a God of justice. Throughout scripture, God introduces himself as the father of the fatherless, a defender of the widows. Justice for the poor and disadvantaged
Jan 283 min read
Day 17 – Devoted to One Another
Day 17 – Devoted to One Another Writer: Ciaran // Divergent Church Canberra - NORTH “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They br
Jan 274 min read
Day 16 — The Beauty of the Body
Day 16 — The Beauty of the Body Scripture “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Writer: Noah Reflection In our current cultural moment, there are two concurrent ideas that may not always be the majority view, but are often present. One is the idea that unity in society requires sameness — “you would belong here if you’re like us”, or, “you have to agree with us if you’re going to be wel
Jan 263 min read
Day 15 - From Neighbours to Nations
Day 15 — From Neighbours to Nations Author: Josh “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV) Focus: Neighbours to nations Reflection Before Jesus commands
Jan 254 min read
Day 14 — Revival Begins in the Room
Day 14 — Revival Begins in the Room Writer: Josh // Divergent Theme: Renewal / Refocus Focus: Personal and Corporate Renewal Prayer Direction : an expectation that God will Move Reflection: Revival does not begin as some public meeting to bring people to Christ. It is not when God brings people into the Church. True revival is when those who follow Jesus are revived, empowered, and sent into the nations. Often people are praying “for revival to come” and God is still waiti
Jan 242 min read
Day 13 — The Presence That Distinguishes Us
Day 13 — The Presence That Distinguishes Us Writer: Terri Thomson // Divergent Church Port Macquarie “Then Moses said to him, ‘If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.’” Exodus 33:15–16 NIV Theme : God’s presence is our defining mark. Reflection: Moses had seen miracles. He had witnessed power. He had been entrusted with leadership. Yet when the moment came to move forward, he drew a clear line: If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us.
Jan 232 min read
Day 12 — Spiritual Authority and Humility
Day 12 — Spiritual Authority and Humility Writer: Phil Thomson “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:19–20 (NIV) Theme : Authority flows from intimacy, not ego. Reflection: Jesus speaks plainly about authority, and just as plainly about its danger. The disciples return
Jan 222 min read
Day 11 — Sent with Power
Day 11 — Sent with Power Writer: Phil Thomson // Divergent Church Port Macquarie “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8 (NIV) Theme: Sent with power. Prayer Focus: God, help me live sent, not self-centred. Reflection: The Spirit doesn’t come just to fill us up, he comes to send us out. Everywhere we look in Scripture, power never exists on its own. It’s always linked to a purpose. The Spirit is given to us not t
Jan 212 min read
Day 10 — Signs That Point to the Saviour
Day 10 — Signs That Point to the Saviour Writer – Josh “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:20 (NIV) “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29–30 (NIV) Topic: Evangelism / Power Prayer focus: S
Jan 203 min read
Day 9 — Faith Over Fear
Day 9 — Faith Over Fear Writer: Terri Thomson // Divergent Church Port Macquarie “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) Theme: Courage rooted in the Spirit’s presence. Prayer Focus: Choosing faith where fear has taken hold. Reflection: Fear has a way of shrinking our world. It narrows our vision, shortens our breath, and convinces us to settle for less than what God is inviting us into. Fear of
Jan 192 min read
Day 8 — The Kingdom Without Limits
Day 8 — The Kingdom Without Limits Writer: Josh “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20–21 (NIV) “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9 (NIV) Theme: Kingdom Vision // God’s
Jan 182 min read
Day 7. The Holy Spirit builds what flesh cannot
Day 7 — The Holy Spirit Builds What Flesh Cannot Writer: Josh // Divergent Scripture: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. " Zechariah 4:6 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 Theme: Dependence on the Spirit Prayer Focus: Yielding control to the Spirit’s work Reflection: In the life of faith, ther
Jan 173 min read
Day 6. Spirit and Truth Worship
Day 6 — Spirit and Truth Worship Writer: Noah // Divergent Church Canberra Scripture: “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.” John 4:23–24 Theme: Spirit and Truth Prayer Focus: Anchoring our lives in him. Reflection: Many people feel a tension between truth and emotion, or, ‘the mind’ and ‘the heart’. However, in the Bible, this is a false di
Jan 163 min read
Day 5. The Foolishness of the Cross
Day 5 — The Foolishness of the Cross Writer: Cathy // Divergent Church Queanbeyan Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18; Philippians 3:10; Romans 1:16 Prayer Focus: A life that reflects the cross Reflection: I’m feeling like a bit of a fool, asking the headmaster if I can start a scripture program in his high school. Our region is full of the affluent and educated who scoff at old ladies teaching outdated ideas. I feel their scorn: “We don’t need religion, just better education.” W
Jan 152 min read
Day 4. God-breathed Word
Day 4 — God-Breathed Word Writer: Ange // Divergent Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 1 Tim 3:16 – 17 Theme: The Word of God forms us and sends us. Prayer Focus: Open our hearts to be shaped by God’s Word and led by His Spirit. Reflection: At the beginning, all it took was a word and the world was formed. L
Jan 142 min read
Day 3. Beautiful Surrender
Day 3 — Beautiful Surrender Writer: Noah // Divergent Church Canberra Scripture: “She has done a beautiful thing to me.’” Matthew 26:10 (NIV) Theme: True worship flows from grace, not approval. Prayer Focus: Offering Jesus worship that is free, costly, and wholehearted. Reflection In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is anointed by a woman who breaks open a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. What appears excessive to others is named by Jesus as beautiful. In this
Jan 133 min read
Day 2. Do not conform!
Day 2 — Do Not Conform Writer: Phil Thomson // Divergent Church Port Macquarie Scripture: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) Theme: Kingdom transformation begins in the mind. Prayer Focus: Resisting quiet conformity and embracing Spirit-led renewal. Reflection: Phil Thomson // Divergent Church Port
Jan 122 min read
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