Melbourne Japanese
Christian Church

Born again!

In 2021, the Melbourne Japanese Christian Church (MJCC) is relaunching. We invite all friends of Jesus & Japan to join us in this new phase of vital, Christ-focused ministry to the Japanese diaspora here in our great city.

Help us take the Gospel to 20,000+ local Japanese

J-pats, students and work-holi Japanese are now living all over Melbourne. Jesus said that,

‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’ (Mat 9:37–38).

It’s our great prayer to reach this group for Christ by building a strong local church and by faithfully preaching God’s Word in Japanese every week.

‘… not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9).

We invite you to join MJCC in praying for:

• a godly minister to take up the call to pastor the church;
• a revitalised passion for worship and the Word;
• a core group of J-believers to grow in faith and number;
• an increase in new believers baptised and discipled; and
• a deep love for the lost to impact our fellowship and outreach.

MJCC launch fund 2021*

Canterbury Presbyterian church has established a launch fund to kickstart MJCC again in 2021.
Funds raised will go directly to the employment of a Japanese-speaking pastoral worker to lead the church in serving the Melbourne J-community for Jesus.

Our goal is to raise $30,000 by January to cover the projected salary shortfall we are facing. As this is a significant financial challenge for a small group of believers, we humbly ask for help.

‘He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.’ (2 Cor 9:10).

Even small amounts make a huge difference!

Why January 2021?

2021 will mark 30 years since the Rev Stephen Young established Melbourne’s first Japanese-language ministry at Canterbury. It is still the only Japanese church in this city and its Gospel witness is as vital today as it has ever been. The church has been in vacancy for the past two years and has faced many challenges but God has stirred us to look to the future with fresh vision and renewed vigour as we place our trust in Him. To that end, we have given ourselves six months to raise funds for a new pastor to lead the church in 2021. God willing, we will relaunch in January.

Fundraising began in July and 20% of the $30,000 target was raised in the first 10 weeks. Please join us in praying for patience, faith and God’s generous provision. And of course, please consider supporting the church with a one-time financial gift and/or regular donation.

About MJCC

MJCC is the Japanese congregation of Canterbury Presbyterian Church. We are a vibrant Christ-centred, Christ-proclaiming community representing many nations. We are committed to the reformed tradition, with a focus on the preaching of the Word of God and worship and fellowship on the Lord’s Day.

Canterbury Presbyterian Church is a constituent part of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria. The supreme standard of the church is the Word of God in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. The subordinate standard of the church is the Westminister Confession of Faith (1646), as amended from time to time by the General Assembly of Australia, read in the light of the Declaratory Statement contained in the Basis of Union (1901).