Our Mission
Towards Jesus
Northreach Church exists to passionately disciple people towards Jesus. We foster individual growth in love for Him, encouraging the embodiment of His kingdom values across all aspects of life. As part of our community, we extend our faith beyond Sunday gatherings, shaping our character through intimate daily communion with God.
Authenticity is at our core. We support each other in bringing every concern into the light, allowing mutual sharpening through God’s Word. Embracing the priesthood of all believers, we empower each person to uncover and use their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the Church.
Northreach is a diverse, inclusive family where every individual, regardless of background or age, is welcomed to participate fully. We embrace the privilege of sharing God’s diverse revelations, inviting others to discover Jesus for themselves.
OUR Values
Loving
God’s love towards His people is a love like no other. Pure and beautiful and true, perfected in the self-sacrificial love of Jesus for humankind. This love compels us to love others in the same way. We honour and serve each other, building communities that display this love to the world in radical ways.
Relational
God’s nature is relational, existing for eternity in a perfect unity of Father, Son, and Spirit. Jesus modelled relationships as He chose to engage with the world through rich friendships and open arms. We actively choose to live authentic lives in community with each other. Our church, neighbours, family and friends are all integral to a full and healthy life.
Generous
God’s incredible gift of grace epitomises His nature as a generous king. We receive the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers through grace and respond generously to others. Our lives overflow with thankfulness, giving our time, attention, support and finances as we wholeheartedly serve Him and those around us.
Simplistic
In everything we aspire to achieve, we ask ourselves, “does this take our community towards Jesus?” Church, Theology, and the complexities of life can be difficult to navigate. Our commitment is to keep Jesus as the central focus. Jesus simplified the commandments, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”, and “love your neighbour as yourself.” We challenge church excesses and ensure that we make the main thing the main thing – a Jesus-centred life.
Empowering
Every believer has an integral role to play in the Kingdom of God. We value the input of anyone who knows a relationship with Jesus and encourage individuals to participate in the development of God’s church. As individuals express their God-given gifts, ministries thrive, and the church experience becomes richer.
our history
Balga church
Encounter Church began in 1965 as an outreach initiative of the Nollamara Church of Christ, initially holding ‘Sunday School’ sessions at North Balga Primary School. After three years, the congregation moved to Warriapendi School. The first communion Service took place in April 1971, followed by the inaugural Gospel Service in October of that same year. Originally named Balga Church of Christ, the first permanent building, a chapel, was established at the corner of Heyshott Road and Climbing Street in Balga.
Encounter church
In 2004, amidst a period of revitalization, the church leadership decided to relocate to Wangara and adopted the new name Encounter Church. Throughout its history, Encounter Church has maintained a steadfast commitment to empowerment and community engagement. The ongoing story of Encounter Church continues to unfold, and we warmly invite you to contribute your own chapter to our shared journey.
Northreach church
In 2021, a small group of six individuals gathered in a home in Tapping, driven by a vision to create a new church community in Perth’s Northern Suburbs. By 2022, this community had grown significantly, necessitating a move to utilize the assembly area of a local primary school. The official launch of Northreach Church took place in 2023, and shortly thereafter, in the following year, the congregation relocated to the Tapping Scout Hall, where they continue to gather today.
