ABOUT US

LIFE LOVE LEARN

To bring Spirit-filled life through Jesus, demonstrating His love through community and mission, discipling generations to learn, grow, and lead.

Our History

With over 100 years of history, Freshwater Church has been built on the faithfulness of Christ, its dedicated ministers and congregation.

Pioneered in 1924 by the Kajewski family after being profoundly impacted by the Holy Spirit, they were stirred by a deep desire to see a move of God in Far North Queensland. It was at their home in Sheridan Street that the first Pentecostal meetings were held in Cairns, and so began what is now known as Freshwater.

In 1989, under the leadership of Pastors Norm and Kendrie Smallcombe, the Church moved to its current home - 13 lush hectares along Freshwater Creek in the heart of Brinsmead. A key expression of the Church’s outreach is Freshwater Christian College, founded in 1983, which offers Christ-centred education from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Over the last century, Freshwater has witnessed countless salvations, healings, and miracles. Today, Freshwater Church is a vibrant member of the Australian Christian Churches network, actively impacting lives through its unwavering commitment to faith, education, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work.

WATCH OUR 100 YEAR CELEBRATION VIDEO

Our Pastors

Stewart and Jane Moncrieff are the Senior Pastors of Freshwater Church. They have served in ministry for 40 years, firstly in Brisbane, building a thriving teenage ministry at Christian Outreach Centre. Later, they re-pioneered a Church in Robina Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast.

Feeling God’s call to Cairns, they accepted the role of Senior Pastors in 2007, and have been ministering powerfully and faithfully to Freshwater Church congregation and the city of Cairns for almost two decades.

Pastor Stewart is a dynamic leader and prophetic evangelist who ministers with authority, faith, and a passion to see people transformed and empowered to live a Spirit-filled life in Christ. Pastor Jane is both pastoral and prophetic, bringing great beauty and encouragement to everything she puts her hand to.

They have been married for 39 years and have two children, Joshua and Julia, daughter in law Taylor, and two beautiful grandchildren.

Our Beliefs

Freshwater is part of the Australian Christian Churches (ACC) movement.

We believe that the Bible is God’s Word. It is accurate, authoritative and applicable to our every day lives.

We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. He is totally loving and completely holy.

We believe that sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives.

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ as both God and man is the only One who can reconcile us to God. He lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life.

We believe that in order to receive forgiveness and the ‘new birth’ we must repent of our sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and submit to His will for our lives.

We believe that in order to live the holy and fruitful lives that God intends for us, we need to be baptised in water and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to use spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues which is the initial evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.

We believe that God has individually equipped us so that we can successfully achieve His purpose for our lives which is to worship God, fulfil our role in the Church and serve the community in which we live.

We believe that God wants to heal and transform us so that we can live healthy and prosperous lives in order to help others more effectively. We believe that our eternal destination of either Heaven or hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised.

  • God and His local Church, as an authentic, praying, life-giving, loving and growing community – a place where you believe as well as belong.

  • People, as healthy, whole, loving families and individuals who enjoy serving God together.

  • The Bible, as it is the key to access the power of God, and for people to make genuine, life-changing decisions for Jesus Christ.

  • The Great Commission, where every genuine, Spirit-filled believer is actively involved in local, national or international outreach.

  • The Gospel at work, preaching, teaching, healing and discipling, which require us to put our faith into action.

  • Educating generations, as the best way to significantly influence our future and create a legacy.

  • Creating a venue, a special place that will expand our capacity, and be a resource for the future, so that God’s will can be done in people’s lives.

Our Values

Our Team

  • Stewart and Jane Moncrieff

    Senior Pastors

  • Joshua and Taylor Moncrieff

    Josh: Executive Pastor; Teenage and Young-Adult Ministry.
    Taylor: Operations and Administration

  • Epssy

    Children's Church Co-ordinator

  • Rhesa

    Children's Church Co-ordinator

  • Camille

    Women's Ministry and Teams Co-Ordinator

  • Cassandra

    Hospitality Co-ordinator