Urban Seed
Back in 1987, CSBC began exploring new ways to engage with its immediate neighbourhood. Under the leadership of its then pastor Rev. Ron Ham, a new expression of
ministry with the poor and marginalized in the city’s heart took root. What began as the mission arm
of the church now flourishes as an independently governed and funded missionary community with residential and ministry teams here at CSBC as well as in Footscray, Bendigo and Geelong, and with a combined staff of more than twenty people.
Urban Seed's ministries include its street and hospitality team based here at CSBC and providing lunch Tuesday to Friday for those who are homeless or struggling. Another significant program is its educational work with schools and churches around the state. Operating out of CSBC's Gospel Hall in Little Bourke Street, the youth and schools team speaks every year to thousands of school students, leading interactive walks around the city and providing educational workshops on issues of homelessness, addiction and community involvement.
You can read more about Urban Seed's ministry here
The Gospel Hall Trust
Similar to Urban Seed, the ministry of the Gospel Hall Trust at 116 Little Bourke Street began as a missionary initiative of CSBC among the poorest inhabitants of the
city and during the time of its second pastor Rev. James Taylor. Since 1998 the Gospel Hall has operated as a non-profit, incorporated charity. After a major redevelopment
of the property completed in 2004, it now provides accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness, and educational facilities for the youth and schools work of Urban Seed.
Green Collect
Green Collect is an innovative social enterprise committed to environmental change that began its life as part of the Collins Street Baptist Benevolent Society. Its city office remains here at CSBC.
Green Collect works together with businesses to achieve positive environmental change by providing innovative recycling and waste minimisation solutions. Along the way it creates new opportunities for employment and community building.
You can read more about Green Collect here