| Paradise Community Church | |
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Australian Christian Churches |
| Website | www.paradise.asn.au |
| History | |
| Founder(s) | Smith Wigglesworth |
| Clergy | |
| Senior pastor(s) | Ashley Evans |
| Pastor(s) | Brad Bonhomme, Chris Sutton, Michael Raj, John Villani, Jarrad Gibson |
Paradise Community Church is a multi-campus Christian church, located in Paradise, situated in north east Adelaide, South Australia, affiliated with Australian Christian Churches. The church was founded in 1907 by British evangelist Smith Wigglesworth. In 1969, Andrew Evans became its first non-founding senior pastor when it shifted to Klemzig. Under his ministry the church grew from weekly church attendance of 150 to over 2,000 people. In 1981, the church moved to its current location in Paradise. It is currently pastored by pastor Ashley Evans. In 2000, Ashley and Jane Evans took over senior pastors, and they have since grown the church from 3,000 to over 6,000 people. Ashley has also expanded the church to five locations (Adelaide, Hendon, Elizabeth Park, Perth) and introduced a Friday night service. It is the second-largest church in Australia.
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Paradise Church has played a key role in mentoring leaders who have gone on to launch other mega churches such as Edge Church, Planetshakers City Church and Youth Alive. Realising this trend, Paradise took advantage of this opportunity to found Paradise College of Ministries, an accredited bible college in South Australia. As the largest church in South Australia, Ashley Evans was crowned State President of Australian Christian Churches of South Australia in 2002, and a member of the National Executive of the Australian Christian Churches. His wife Jane Evans has attained similar influence as the national board member of charity Compassion Australia.[1] Although burgeoning the usual dissent among episcopal Christians, Paradise is regarded as ecumenical, training several key non-Pentecostal leaders, including Dean Eaton, father of radio and television host Tessa Eaton. Paradise launched the Influencer's Conference which have attracted several celebrity keynote speakers including Bishop TD Jakes, Creflo Dollar, Samuel Chand, Joyce Meyer, Jentezen Franklin, Matt Crouch and Chris Hill. The conference is a direct competitor of Hillsong Conference, although focuses more so on the leadership market.
The profile of Paradise was boosted after the inaugural Australian Idol Guy Sebastian[2][3][4] and his girlfriend[5][6] publicly announced his connection with the church as a singer, and subsequent marriage at the church.[7] The church was also featured on A Current Affair, Compass, The Australian, and The Age. Peter Goers has commonly cited the church in rhetoric light.[8] As a result of market perception of the church with Guy, the church launched its Paradise School of Music.[9] Famous persons who have forayed the floors of Paradise include Channel 9 journalist Kate Collins and actress Debra Byrne.[10] Apart from media interest, the church has also has a television program which screens in different countries and recently started airing each Sunday on Channel 9. Paradise also utilises regular television and radio advertisement for marketing communications, particularly during the Christmas[11] and Easter[12] seasons.
Although lacking the high profile connection of Nabi Selah with Hillsong, Paradise has distinctive business influence. Paradise has also attempted to make inroads into the women's market,[13] initiating the annual bU fashion parade which attracts 3,000 women. It is advertised as Australia's largest fashion parade.[14]
Some political figures have connections with the church, including former Family First leader Andrew Evans. Liberal Party of Australia foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer commented positively on the church's focus on God, the Bible and the message of Christ.[15]
Paradise has a philanthropy arm, that offers community services. In 2006, more than 10,000 clients were given food and clothing. Paradise has partnered with fast food chain McDonald's to launch Adelaide's Biggest Easter Egg Hunt and city wide Christmas carols, which although require a gold donation per capita, attracts crowds in excess of 25,000. The donations thus far have solely been redirected to the Women's and Children's Hospital, although expansive philanthropy is expected in the future.