The Rock Church has a rich history of serving the community of Port Stephens, seeing people choose and follow Jesus. Our purpose is simple, to see saved people saving people through Jesus Christ.
The message of Jesus is one of hope for the whole world so we do all we can to passionately connect people to Christ and grow in their faith. The stories of salvation, restoration, healing, freedom, and growth in faith is why we do what we do.
Our Vision
The Rock Church was founded by Pastors John & Marlene Gear in 1986. They had the vision to provide a spirit-filled church to Port Stephens and started with a prayer meeting in the downstairs lounge room of a church member. Founded in prayer, a faithful congregation believed for permanent premises, God answered their prayers with the purchase of the current property and plans were approved January 1988 for offices, kitchen and one auditorium.
Originally called Port Stephens Christian Outreach Centre it was a beacon to the developing community. The congregation quickly grew, and the building was extended allowing more office space, a reception area, book shop and café space.
In February 1992 Pastors Allan & Rhonda Ward were positioned as the new senior pastors. They expanded the vision of the church to include international missions, discipleship, and a passion to establish the next generation of leaders.
They also had a vision to establish the first Christian School in Port Stephens and after being granted approval the baton was passed to St Phillips Christian College Waratah and the St Phillips Salamander Bay Campus was birthed.
As the church continued to grow they led the way to expand the church with a 300-seat auditorium which was opened on the 21st April 2001, completely debt free. Today they continue to serve the body of Christ to the fullest of their capacity.
In February 2012 Pastors Bill & Edwina Dodds were positioned as the senior pastors under the discipleship of Ps Allan & Rhonda and have continued to serve as leaders of the church.
In 2013 Christian Outreach Centre Australia underwent a re-branding to become International Network of Churches (INC). Christian Outreach Centre Port Stephens followed the movement’s decision and, with much prayer, was re-named The Rock Church. The name represents that Jesus is the Rock, boldly declaring the community the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25
We are a church whose purpose is to see saved people saving people through Jesus Christ. We are a passionate, vibrant, power-filled, one-generation church whose heart is to see cities transformed and our nation shaped by a love that never fails, the love of God through Christ.
“We see The Rock Church as a local expression of the family of God. We are founded on our love for Jesus and obedience to His teaching. A healthy family has many generations, values diversity, and is nurturing and encouraging. In a happy family everyone finds a place of belonging, healthy boundaries are evident, and each person contributes according to their ability. We trust you have found a warm welcome here at The Rock Church.” – Ps Bill & Edwina Dodds.