The Year in Review

We’ve had an amazing 12 months at Lifeway!  At the start of 2026, we felt a clear leading from the Lord to press into Ministry, Mission and Multiplication. That is, to build the life and health of the local church, to look outwards and increase our connection to missions both at home and overseas, and to begin praying and believing for new expressions of Lifeway to be birthed in our region. It is good for us to take a moment to reflect over the year so far and see what movement has been made in these areas. The local church has certainly grown, which is seen in all areas from the kids to our older generation. We are being stretched, stepping into new things and continuing to pursue God’s mission for us right where He has positioned us. Through it all, we are so grateful for His faithfulness and for the transforming work of His Spirit as He shapes us to reflect Christ in all we do and say. 

Family Camp 

We enjoyed our third Family Camp at Elim in Foster — a wonderful weekend of fun, laughter, friendship, worship, board games, camp-fire damper – all interwoven with deep moments with the Lord and one another! We’re already planning for 2027! 

Life Youth 

Aran and Emily Dennis continue to do a fantastic job leading our youth. We are so grateful for their passion and heart for young people. Together they lead around 8–10 regular youth in Bible Studies, monthly socials, game nights, and Sunday arvo discipleship group. They’ve enjoyed the Youth Alpha course, 24/7 Prayer Course, Salvos ‘Life’ series and are now doing the Bible Simplified. 

Lifeway Kids 

Our Lifeway Kids ministry (K–6) continues to grow, with 12–28 children joining us each week. We are so thankful for our wonderful kids’ team and the way they faithfully serve our children.  As we grow, we are also beginning the process of establishing a 1–4-year-old group, which is an exciting next step for us. 

Facilities 

With Lifeway continuing to grow, we are now in conversations with the Salvos about renting their whole facility on Sunday afternoons. This would allow our main gathering to move into the auditorium, with the side halls being used for our kids and youth ministries. We’re prayerfully exploring what this next step could look like. 

Missions 

Jylan and Nathan Pattinson are flourishing in Japan and loving being part of the new YWAM base in Otaru. They have recently purchased a home as they feel led to put down roots and become deeply connected to their community. 

Through dinner tables, games nights and everyday relationships, they are faithfully sharing the gospel and building meaningful connections. We love supporting them both financially and prayerfully, and it’s wonderful to see them thriving in their calling. 

Serving Beyond Lifeway 

We continue to love leading Lifeway alongside an amazing leadership team. 

Dave serves as Secretary of the PMMA and President of Rhema Christian Radio here in Port. Caroline continues to gather pastors across the city for prayer, meets regularly with our Mayor to pray for him, helps organise a Prayer Breakfast for civic leaders, and has recently taken on the role of State Chairman of the CRC NSW/ACT/QLD State Executive.   We are deeply grateful for every opportunity God gives us to serve both our church and our wider community. 

Looking Ahead 

God is constantly faithful, and we have certainly experienced His blessing over Lifeway.  We continue to lean in close to Him, listening for His voice and pressing towards the long-term, God-given dreams we carry for Lifeway Church. We sense that God is leading us into a new season of Ministry, Mission and Multiplication, and we are excited and expectant for all that He has ahead. 

We are so thankful for the ongoing love and support of CCH Eldership, and for Kat and Paul, who continue to provide such wonderful administrative support. 

Thank you for continuing to pray, support and partner with us. We are incredibly grateful for you all and excited to see what God will do in the days ahead. 

Much love,

Dave and Caroline Dennis

Pastors of Lifeway Church Port Macquarie