The Rock

As you stroll down one of the main streets of Sumner you will see a window full of surf boards for hire and surf gear to buy. Entering inside, you find so much more: an Art Gallery displaying the work of local artists available to purchase, a seating area with high tables and bar stools, and a lounge at the other end. 'What is this place?', you inquire. Surprisingly, you discover that this is a church and a place where anyone is welcome to pop in during the week for a chat. It is a place that offers Surf Therapy, a combination of being taught to surf and being introduced to the love of Jesus and his healing. It is a place you can hang out and sometimes listen to local musicians. You will be welcomed and invited to come for breakfast on Sunday, hear about Jesus, have a chat about what that means for our lives, and then go surfing together. It’s a Church for those who want to explore Christianity.

Behind the scenes is a team of six with varied and complimentary skills; a team who prays a lot and waits for God’s revelation of what to do; a team who watches to see where God is moving and aims to keep in step; a team excited that God is at work, and they get to go along for the ride; a team who has seen lives touched and hearts transformed as they share the gospel.

Article July 2020