[The Melbourne Anglican] A west Melbourne church has seen growth in attendance numbers over the past 16 years in response to efforts to revitalize it, including introducing new ministries. St. James’ Old Cathedral has grown from 15 people and few if any young people at Sunday services to 80 worshippers, and a strong youth group, since the church embarked on its revitalization journey.
It now offers a distinctive mix of contemporary Evangelical and Anglo-Catholic traditions, and attracts children and young people.
The vicar, the Rev. Matthew Williams, said St. James’ blossomed because faithful ministry and investing in the necessary structures for church programs drove the renewal efforts. He said he avoided setting numerical goals but decided instead to follow his conviction that the most effective way to revitalize a human community was through being faithful to God.
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