The Deacon Family
Joel Deacon
Joel deacon IS THE HEAD PASTOR FOR City on a hill: Wollongang, Australia . WE ARE HONORED TO PARTNER WITH HIM AND his CHURCH COMMUNITY starting January 2020.
How have you seen God working in your life?
I grew up in a beautiful family but a family that doesn't love Jesus. At 16, I was saved because someone had the boldness to befriend me and tell me about Jesus. At age 20, the Holy Spirit graciously rebuked me of some serious sins and awakened my heart to the urgency of mission. Like our Saviour, I long to see my family, my friends and more people in our world know Jesus. And for this to happen, I’m convinced more churches need to be planted. Which is why for the last decade I have been praying that God would give me the character, wisdom, giftings, resources, faith and capacity needed to plant churches and win souls for Jesus.
With sober self-assessment and the affirmation of others, I believe the Lord has given me the characteristics and convictions needed for leadership (1 Timothy 3). He has convicted me that I am to be a Deacon by name and demeanour. He has blessed me with a godly and gifted wife (Emma). His Spirit has graciously equipped me to preach, pastor, lead and evangelise. Furthermore, he has graciously given me experience as a civil engineer and pastor to sharpen my giftings, chisel my character and grow my love and affections for Jesus and his people.
How have you seen God working in your family?
We (Emma and Joel) grew up in great families but non-believing families. Both of us became Christians as teenagers after friends had the boldness to tell us about Jesus. After school, Emma studied journalism and creative writing, and worked as a conference producer, while Joel worked as a Civil Engineer before studying his Masters of Divinity and becoming a pastor.
Like our Saviour, we long to see our family, our friends and more people in this world know Jesus. For this to happen, we’re convinced more churches need to be planted, and that more churches need to be planted in Wollongong, Australia.
Emma and I both studied our undergraduate degrees at the University of Wollongong, lived in Wollongong for Joel’s civil engineering work and his first role as a pastor. We moved to Melbourne to join City on a Hill and now moving back to Wollongong to plant. We have close friends in Wollongong; some who are believers and some who are not. We believe that not only is now a good time to plant, but we are a good team to send because we know and love the city. We love the city of Wollongong and feel compelled to plant there.
How have you seen God working in your church?
City on a Hill began in Melbourne in October 2007 with a small team and a big vision to make a difference for the good of all people and the glory of God.
Meeting initially as a small group bible study in a city apartment, throughout our journey, God has done incredibly more than we could ever think or imagine. We have seen hundreds of men and women find new life in Christ and enter the waters of baptism. We have celebrated with those who have reconnected back to following Jesus. We’ve seen God inspire leaders and volunteers to care for the poor and marginalised, pioneer new ministries, train leaders, equip and send out of missionaries near and far, and open many doors for the gospel.
Today, City on a Hill is a movement of 2,500 men and women who are gathered across seven local churches, in four cities, in two states, all united around one mission – “to know Jesus and makes Jesus known”
Our vision is to reach 10 cities with the beauty, truth and relevance of Jesus by planting 50 churches. City on a Hill Wollongong will become the 8th City on a Hill church in the 5th city. The prayer is that it would be the first of many churches in the region of Wollongong. A vision we hope would awaken sleepy Christians, save souls, change the city and raise humble, courageous, sacrificial leaders to reach Wollongong and beyond.
Church Mission & Vision
City on a Hill's Mission
To know Jesus and make Jesus known.
City on a Hill's Big Vision
To reach 10 cities with the beauty, truth and relevance of Jesus by planting 50 churches.
City on a Hill Wollongong's Vision
Our heart's desire is to see more people in the beautiful city of Wollongong come to know the wonder of Jesus.
Our prayer is that this church will be:
- A sanctuary where sin is exposed, the grace of Jesus is proclaimed, and people respond with continual repentance and faith;
- A family that is bound by the blood of Jesus;
- A community where seekers and sceptics are welcomed
- A temple that shakes with praise
- A body that serves one another and our community
- A training ground for gospel leaders
- A place where kids and adults enjoy God
- A church-planting church.
If you would like to know more about Joel and City on a Hill check out their website at www.cityonahill.com.