Divergent Church Canberra History

The Story of Divergent Church Canberra

From Woden Youth Centre to a City-Wide Movement

Every church has a story—and ours is one of vision, community, and the unrelenting faithfulness of God. At Divergent Church Canberra, we’ve grown from a small gathering in Woden to a city-spanning network of Jesus-centred communities across Canberra and the surrounding region.

Where It All Began – 2007

From Vision to Reality

Our journey began in 2007, when a small team of passionate believers launched a new church plant under the name LifeCity Church Canberra. We started meeting at the Woden Youth Centre, fuelled by a vision to be a church that was faithful to Jesus, engaged with culture, and shaped by mission.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14 (NIV)

From the start, we believed that church was more than a service—it was a people living out the way of Jesus in everyday life.

Growing Beyond One Location

A Movement, Not a Meeting

As the community grew, so did the call. In 2009, we moved fully to Canberra City with the expectation we would be back in the South and else before long.. We then next launched, 'The Point Church Canberra' ,meeting in 'The Holy Grail', a pub and events centre in the evening Soon enough we were moving to plant South, North, Queanbeyan, then North Pm. During Covid, we drew back some of these together for strength but we are positioning again to replant in the South in Tuggeranong and beyond.

Each is not simply a location, or 'campus', as some try to use but rather local church communities with shared DNA: grounded in Scripture, led by local leaders, and committed to the mission of Jesus.

“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” – Acts 2:46 (NIV)

To explore where our communities currently meet, visit our local communities page.

A New Name for a Renewed Identity – Divergent Church

Why the Change?

By 2018, it became clear that our name—LifeCity Church Canberra—no longer fully reflected who we were becoming. After prayerful reflection, we embraced a new name: Divergent Church.

The word divergent describes our calling perfectly: to go in a different direction to the culture around us—not for the sake of being different, but because Jesus has called us to live set-apart, transformed lives.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)

To be divergent is to live faithfully to Jesus in a world that often walks the other way.

You can learn more about our beliefs and identity here.

Church as a Community of Communities

Not Just a Gathering—A People on Mission

Today, Divergent Church Canberra is made up of multiple expressions, each rooted in neighbourhoods across the city. We meet in homes during the week, called LifeComs and in larger gatherings on Sundays.

Our heartbeat is found in our Communities—spaces of prayer, discipleship, shared meals, encouragement, and mission.

Whether you're exploring faith or have been following Jesus for years, our Communities are open, welcoming spaces. Discover one near you by checking out our community listing.

2018 - GOING GLOBAL

In 2018 we sent our first family overseas as part of our wider family, to live, to love and to be a witness for Jesus. This was followed by the sending of others and the inclusion of others in different countries into our wider community.

2020

In 2020 Divergent Church in Port Macquarie was started, a community we love.

What Drives Us – Our Mission and Values

Jesus at the Centre

From the very beginning, our purpose has been clear:

To make "ALL IN DISCIPLES DEVOTED TO HIS KINGDOM COME"

You can check out more about our mission and how this is developed around four 'Greats' in the scriptures.

We are:

• Jesus-centred – Everything begins and ends with Him.

• Disciple-making – We invest deeply in others, encouraging growth and multiplication.

• Spirit-led – We seek the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit in all things.

• Mission-shaped – We live on purpose, not for comfort.

• Community-rooted – We believe transformation happens in relationship.

Our Wider Church Family

Part of Something Bigger

We are part of the Australian Christian Churches, a national movement of churches passionate about seeing Australia transformed by the Gospel. Through local partnerships and international mission, we seek to live out the Good News both at home and abroad.

Our church is also committed to:

• Church planting and pioneering

• Campus and youth ministry

• Cross-cultural mission and global partnerships

The Story Is Still Being Written

Come Join the Journey

From a handful of people in a youth centre to a growing network of communities across the ACT and surrounds, our story continues to unfold. And we believe it’s just the beginning.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine… to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” – Ephesians 3:20–21 (NIV)

There’s room in this story for you.

Ready to Connect?

We’d love to meet you and help you take your next step, whether you’re exploring faith, looking for a church home, or just curious.

Here’s how to start:

• Explore our Sunday Gatherings

• Reach out via our Contact Page

Come as you are. Leave transformed.

Join us as we follow Jesus, live differently, and love deeply.