OUR VISION

To be a community equipped and empowered to be everything God has created us to be

OUR VALUES

  • We are building on a foundation of God and each other

  • We will accept anyone with a heart for this church

  • We are committed to each other and to the health and vision of our church

  • We strive to do the best we can with what we have, at all times

  • We have a heart to be generous in every situation

  • We have a desire to learn, grow, and be discipled

OUR PEOPLE

Senior Pastors

Pastors Matt and Rachel began their journey pastoring Encounter in 2022. They live a full life with their six children, two son-in-laws, two dogs and two cats! They are passionate about God and about seeing people live life to the full! 

Pastor Rachel has a heart for pastoral care, helping people find community and see their lives transformed. She loves a good herbal tea, a DIY night with her friends and a good walk with her two dogs! 

Pastor Matt has a conviction to help lost people, not just lost in faith people but lost in life people. You’ll often catch him on the golf course, chatting to every person he can and drinking his fave drink - a coke zero, no ice.

Pastor Matt & Pastor Rachel Ellerton

Pastor Cecilia Pople

Pastor Cec along with her husband Greg, have been a part of the Encounter community for many years. She is one of the most joyful, fun people you’ll meet and loves God and his word fervently.

Ps Cec is excellent at pastoral care and about practically helping people live life!

Pastor Cecilia Pople

  • Alinea Molinaro

    Equip Kids Coordinator

    alineamolinaro@encountercc.org.au

  • Adam Molinaro

    Worship Team Director

    adammolinaro@encountercc.org.au

  • Nathan Symes

    Move Youth Coordinator

    nathansymes@encountercc.org.au

  • Emily Symes

    YA Collective Coordinator

    emilysymes@encountercc.org.au

  • Rhonda Crozier

    Spring Chickens Leader

OUR HISTORY:

“It was not easy those early days of the sixties, every soul had to be won with tears,

but they were beautiful and wonderful days, as we saw God work”- Pastor Arthur Amery

We began in 1960 as a small group in the home of Tom and Mabel Davidson. In 1963, under the ministry of Pastor Arthur Amery, that home group became a church under the name ‘Shepparton Assembly Of God’. In 1978, with over a decade of growth, we began construction of Charisma Chapel, The building we still reside in today. In 1995 we started a Christ Centered School on our land, and in 2013 we took on a new name; Encounter Christian Church.

Over the decades, as the surrounding orchards and farms have turned into neighborhoods, God has moved in powerful ways. By his grace, through the church and the school we have introduced many individuals and families to Jesus, countless young people have gone on to become missionaries, and community leaders.

Our history is not a monument to our achievements, but a testament to God’s faithfulness and grace.