Comments from Newcomers
"Going to a church at first can be quite daunting. I remember that when I decided to attend a DCBC service for the first time I needed a small measure of courage. It’s just the fear of the unknown I suppose. The thing that struck me initially when I walked in was that there seemed to be an even mix of people of all ages in attendance, not just all young people and not just all oldies, it was good. I’m not a super-outgoing person and the first two times I went to church I didn’t talk to anyone, I just left right afterwards and I was ok about that.
On subsequent visits I was approached by at least one stranger each time, someone just saying hi and welcome. Having people come and talk with me after church was good and it made me feel less invisible but actually the biggest thing for making me feel like part of this community was the small-groups called “Hubs” which meet fortnightly at someone’s house.
Hubs are awesome for getting to know other Christians and feeling connected to the church. Being in a Hub really helped to build a sense of belonging in me." - Steven
"On our first Sunday in Dunedin we attended DCBC and sat next to a wonderful young family in the church who invited us to their home for dinner. Very soon after we were invited into a Hub which has become the platform for our involvement within the church community. Hubs have also allowed us to develop many amazing friendships which have been key in our settling so happily in Dunedin.
One of the best things we did early on in our time at DCBC was get involved in church ministry. It was amazing how quickly we felt a real sense of belonging within the DCBC community that stemmed from our serving the DCBC community." - Hilary
"I was so nervous when I first stepped into DCBC that I was shaking. I wasn't sure that I would fit in or understand anything that was going on. But my nerves were very quickly put to rest as I was so warmly welcomed in that instead, it felt like I was coming home. The people were friendly and very encouraging and genuinely excited by my new faith. The sermon was so interesting and easy to follow and the worship was full of life. I soon joined a Hub and felt well connected with a great bunch of people who were very happy to answer my millions of questions as a new Christian. By jumping in and surrounding myself with other followers at all stages and from all walks of life I very quickly felt accepted and part of the DCBC community. " - Zoie
On subsequent visits I was approached by at least one stranger each time, someone just saying hi and welcome. Having people come and talk with me after church was good and it made me feel less invisible but actually the biggest thing for making me feel like part of this community was the small-groups called “Hubs” which meet fortnightly at someone’s house.
Hubs are awesome for getting to know other Christians and feeling connected to the church. Being in a Hub really helped to build a sense of belonging in me." - Steven
"On our first Sunday in Dunedin we attended DCBC and sat next to a wonderful young family in the church who invited us to their home for dinner. Very soon after we were invited into a Hub which has become the platform for our involvement within the church community. Hubs have also allowed us to develop many amazing friendships which have been key in our settling so happily in Dunedin.
One of the best things we did early on in our time at DCBC was get involved in church ministry. It was amazing how quickly we felt a real sense of belonging within the DCBC community that stemmed from our serving the DCBC community." - Hilary
"I was so nervous when I first stepped into DCBC that I was shaking. I wasn't sure that I would fit in or understand anything that was going on. But my nerves were very quickly put to rest as I was so warmly welcomed in that instead, it felt like I was coming home. The people were friendly and very encouraging and genuinely excited by my new faith. The sermon was so interesting and easy to follow and the worship was full of life. I soon joined a Hub and felt well connected with a great bunch of people who were very happy to answer my millions of questions as a new Christian. By jumping in and surrounding myself with other followers at all stages and from all walks of life I very quickly felt accepted and part of the DCBC community. " - Zoie