|
By Marion Revelli, Bond University journalism student
Varsity Lakes residents are being urged not to dismiss their local church for being too traditional.
Robina Presbyterian Church struggles to attract new members, affecting its financial situation.
Reverend Kevin Ridley said people have a false perception of the church.
“They think Presbyterian churches are boring, not exciting or entertaining enough compared to bigger churches,” Reverend Ridley said.
“But we are studying what God and the Bible say, like the others.
“In a small community like this one, the best advantage is the complicity between people because we all know each other.”
The 2006 census found 64 per cent of Australians declared themselves Christians but church attendance is rapidly declining. This year, only four to six per cent of Australians attended to services twice a month.
“Between forty and fifty people attend the Sunday morning service at my church and the oldest one is 102 years old,” Reverend Ridley said.
He said the fall in attendance also has a financial impact for small churches like Robina Presbyterian.
“We don’t receive help from the government.
"The church is totally dependent on donations.
“But I am very proud of the commitment of my people.”
Regular attendee of Kings Christian College Aiden Wilston said he tries to give as much as he can afford to the church.
“I know if people stop giving money the church will struggle to survive,” said Mr Wilston.
“I give definitely less than before because the economic situation at the moment makes things harder and I can only give what I have.”
Caption: Reverend Kevin Ridley in front of the Robina Presbyterian Church in Varsity Lakes. PHOTO: Marion Revelli.
|