When I stepped into my role at Redlands Church of Christ earlier this year, one of my first priorities was clear — to help plant a new congregation from an older church. Redlands has a faithful core of senior believers, but we are now prayerfully building toward a new expression of church that can reach young families, youth, and young adults across the Redlands Coast.

A Call Across Continents

While growing up in rural Uganda, I never imagined that one day I would be serving in Australia — as a missionary from Africa. After fifteen years as a pastor at Watoto Church in Uganda, God began to stir something new in my heart. Toward the end of last year (2024), He impressed on me that He was sending me to Australia — to tell people about Jesus, to teach His ways, and to lead others to Him.

In obedience to that call, my family and I moved to Brisbane in January this year (2025). Though I knew why God had brought me here, I wasn’t sure where or how to begin ministry in a country where I wasn’t yet known. So, I prayed for His guidance and began applying for pastoral roles in churches that needed new leadership.

Finding Redlands Church of Christ

One of those churches was Redlands Church of Christ in Alexandra Hills, Queensland. After receiving my application, the leadership team invited me for a conversation — which led to several others. Through prayer, discernment, and encouragement from my wife, Shirley, I accepted the invitation to become senior pastor.

Now, five months into this new role, I can see God’s hand at work.

Reaching the Next Generation

Recognising that the Redlands congregation is primarily made up of senior citizens, we’ve made it our priority to reach younger generations and plant a new congregation. We’ve launched a young adults ministry called Young Adults Connect, and we’re exploring ways to develop vibrant ministries for youth, children, and young parents.

We’ve also clarified and documented our church’s vision, mission, and core values, providing a shared foundation for the journey ahead. In February next year, we plan to launch a contemporary service designed to connect with young families, youth, and young adults. Through all this, we are trusting God to help us reach and disciple as many people in the Redlands Coast as possible for Jesus.

“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’” (John 20:21, NIV).

I am deeply thankful for all who are walking with us in this new season. May God continue to guide and multiply His church in Australia and beyond. I am also grateful for the Exponential Conference I attended this year; it was there that my heart was stirred to focus on reaching and discipling young people for Jesus. The regular articles on church planting and growth from Exponential Australia continue to encourage and equip me.

Calvin Oule
Senior Pastor, Redlands Church of Christ