Come and see
Jesus did not hand his disciples a schedule. He said come and see, and they spent their days with him. That is still how we do this — most days of the week, not just Sunday. Come whenever suits you. Someone is usually here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Come and see — and the one to see is Jesus.
Whatever brought you here, one of these doors is open for you.
Meet Jesus
The Gospel of Mark opens with its answer in the very first line: "The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." He cast out unclean spirits, and the spirits knew him. He stilled the storm, and the disciples said to one another: Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? It was Peter who finally said the answer aloud: You are the Christ.
He said it most plainly himself: "For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." And he did exactly that — crucified, dead, buried, and raised on the third day. The centurion who stood facing his cross said: Truly this man was the Son of God.
For two thousand years, people have come and seen. We came and saw too — and having seen, we became certain that he truly is the Son of God, the Christ, and we stayed. The church is simply this: a company of people who have seen. So when you come among us, what you see will not only be us. May you, through the Scriptures we read together and the worship and life we share, come to see Jesus with your own eyes — just as we have.
Don't take it second-hand — hear him say it himself: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." (John 14:6) "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) "I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." (John 10:10)
Can I just listen without committing? — Absolutely; no one will press you. Will believing cost me a lot? — First find out who he is; everything else can be talked through step by step. I have many questions. — Bring them; questions are most welcome at the study table.
The enquirers' course in six lessons: Knowing the Bible (introductory) | Creation | Sin | The Birth of Jesus | The Cross and Resurrection | Redemption and Justification in Jesus Christ. Taught in person, with honest questions.
Our enquirers' course follows the framework of the Alpha course used by churches around the world — Who is Jesus? Why did he die? How do I pray? — taught in person, with honest questions and deeper unpacking.
Lay Down Your Burdens
Do I have to come on a Sunday?
No. There is something on most days — morning worship before work, Bible study, prayer, theology night. Many people find a weekday easier for a first visit, because it is smaller and there is more room to ask questions.
What language is it in?
Preaching is in Mandarin with professional live English interpretation, and headsets are at the door. Our pastors speak English too, so you can talk with them before or after without needing a translator.
What should I wear?
Whatever you are comfortable in. You will see jeans, work clothes and the occasional jacket in the same row, and nobody is keeping score.
What happens with my children?
Children are welcome to stay in the service, and Sunday school runs alongside it for those who would rather. Tell us their ages when you write and someone will be ready for them.
How do I find it, and where do I park?
We are at 1 Church St in Burwood, with street parking on and around Church St. Come a few minutes early and there will be someone at the door expecting you.
A Journey of True Companionship
Faith was never meant to be a solitary walk. Here you are known and valued. We share each other's joys and hold one another up through life's valleys.
Faith Beyond Sundays
Worship doesn't end when the weekend does. Through daily Scripture, fellowship, and serving side by side, the light of truth reaches into ordinary life.
Part of a Greater Body
Across cultural boundaries, we are united in Christ. Whatever your background, you will find your place and purpose in this diverse and welcoming family.
Dinner is at 6:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays — home cooking, no ceremony at the table, and you may leave whenever you like. For many people, the first visit was simply a meal.
If something heavy is pressing on you, write it down and someone will pray for you by name; the church also offers Christian counselling support for those who need it. You don't have to carry it alone.
For those far from home, there is a familiar dinner table here, and people who know you by name. Language is not a barrier, and loneliness doesn't have to stay.
Monday to Friday, nine to five, someone is usually at the church. You don't have to wait for a gathering — drop in as you pass by.
Not ready to come? Send us a message — or write down what you are carrying, and someone will pray for you by name.
Walk with Us
Olivet means the Mount of Olives — where the Lord taught his disciples and prayed at Gethsemane. We belong to the World Olivet Assembly, an evangelical fellowship of churches gathered for world mission: proclaiming God's word, helping people come to faith in Jesus Christ, and pursuing the Great Commission together. In Melbourne, that vision lands in very ordinary days — Scripture, prayer, evangelism, and the gifts of every member.
At New Hope, every member's trade and gifting can grow into a ministry — some going out to the front, others holding up the mission from behind. Businesses started by our own members support the work; Paul made tents while he preached. Yours may be exactly where the next one begins.
The road has stages you can see: enquirer, registered member, committed member, serving co-worker — each step with its course and its company.
Records of service are kept for account before God, not for a leaderboard; authority belongs to God, not to any person. First we walk together; then we serve together.
Driving instruction — a member already works in this trade; it has not yet become a ministry. Beauty — someone here works in it too; not yet a ministry. If your trade or gift is not listed, that may be exactly where the next one begins.
The co-worker course in eight parts: The way of the disciple | The way of the four patriarchs | The Sermon on the Mount | Exodus | Genesis | The Gospels in eighty-six lectures | Romans | Pastoral topics.
Therefore, these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we want to see Jesus."
John 12:21