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You're Welcome Here

Whoever you are, wherever you're from, you belong here.
What Happens on Sundays
Planning Your Visit
Our Story
Our Vision
Our Values
What We Believe
Staff Team and Leadership
FAQ

You're always welcome here. Different backgrounds, stories, and faces make us who we are... there's also a place here for you. Come join our family!

What Happens on Sundays

Sundays 9:00am and 6:00pm whether you join us in the morning or the evening, you're welcome at both. If the morning doesn't work for you, the evening service is a genuine space to fellowship and experience church, not a lesser option, more contemporary in style, and actively growing. Like the free morning tea after the 9am service, there's a free supper after the 6pm evening service too.
If you’re familiar with church culture this will all make sense. But if you’re not, we’d love to help you prepare your expectations and settle the nervousness about visiting a church. First, we want to you to know you’re welcome to come and observe. You don’t have to do anything we are doing, or you can get involved as much as you like. Christians often call getting together ‘worship’. This is because our priority focus is God. We want to know him, serve him, and experience him in our lives. Some of things you’ll experience in church ‘worship’ is singing with our live band, prayers, bible talks, and being together in community
If you have small children, in the morning service we have a parent’s room open if you feelself-conscious about your toddlers making noise and a discrete separate space if you need to feed your baby. But if you’re happy with your kids playing on the carpet during the service, that’s fine too. We don’t stress about the noise children make. If you have preschool and primary aged children, we have a fun program that runs in the morning service just for them each week during school term. You will need to sign your kids in and there’s no cost. Our children go out to their program part way through the service (about half an hour after we start). Our service host will let you know when it’s time.

Our church worship services usually go for about an hour and a quarter or so. Don’t stress if you’re running late, you’re still welcome to join in. Likewise, if you need to leave early that’s OK.

Lots of people hang around afterwards talking, sometimes until midday or later. We also have a free morning tea on offer. You’re welcome to hang around and connect – we’d love that… it gives us a chance to get to know you.

Planning your Visit

Sundays 9:00am and 6:00pm
whether you join us in the morning or the evening, you're welcome at both. If the morning doesn't work for you, the evening service is a genuine space to fellowship and experience church, not a lesser option, more contemporary in style, and actively growing. Like the free morning tea after the 9am service, there's a free supper after the 6pm evening service too.

Parking: plenty of parking on site, enter via the traffic lights on Norman Rd at the end of Farm St. If the car park is full, drive through and park on the grass. What to wear: whatever is comfortable, there is no dress code. Kids: kids of all ages are genuinely welcome, from babies through to high schoolers. There's a parents' and creche room for the littlest ones, available during Sunday services and other church events like camps and Family Fun Day, Faith Kids runs downstairs from 18 months through to preschool age, and Kingdom Adventurers runs every Sunday morning for Prep through to Year 6. Sunday Youth runs alongside the morning service for high schoolers, and Friday Night Youth runs during school terms for that same age group. Everything is free, and every child is signed in and out so we always know who's in our care. Accessibility: our main car park has designated disabled parking, with a covered, ramped drop-off at the building entry, and the auditorium and ground floor have full universal access, including accessible toilets. Wheely walkers are available on site if needed. We don't currently have a hearing loop, but we do have earplugs on hand for anyone with sensitive ears.

New to Christianity

We appreciate that many of the people that visit our church are quite new to Christianity.

If this is your story, you’re welcome here.

You are welcome to attend our church service, or any of our other activities, and just

observe. If you want to jump right in and do what we’re doing, go your hardest. If you have any questions, we’re happy to answer them.

Some great steps to finding out more about Christianity are attend church several times, reading sections of the Bible can be very enlightening (the Bible is like a library with 66 different books in it. We suggest a good place to start is reading Mark or Luke, and then Acts. Genesis is also helpful. You can find where each book starts by looking up the index in the front of the Bible), attending an Alpha course is a great beginning step if your exploring Christianity, and adding prayer into your daily routine is very significant. Please make your self-known to our welcome team when you arrive or one of the leaders you see up on stage. We’d love to meet you and help you discover more. We’ve all been in the same shoes as you… it can be a bit freaky. Attending church, reaching out to Christians, and learning about God is worth the investment. You’re welcome.

Our Story

In 1861, Mr William Buzacott, from Bathurst Street Baptist church in Sydney, arrived in

the small gold mining town of Rockhampton to establish a local newspaper, the Morning Bulletin. With support from the pastors of Wharf Street Baptist in Brisbane and Bathurst Street Baptist in Sydney, a small group of seven believers formed the first Baptist church in Rockhampton on 25 June 1862.

Originally known as Denison Street Baptist Church, the group later became the Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle and today is known as Rockhampton Baptist Church. The church grew and became a planting hub—establishing early mission stations in Bouldercombe and North Rockhampton, and planting churches in Lakes Creek, Nerimbera, West Rockhampton, Park Avenue, Port Curtis, Clifton Street, High Street, and the Wood Street Mission in Depot Hill.

In seasons of remarkable growth and seasons of significant challenge—including two

world wars and two global pandemics—God has continued to work powerfully through

Rockhampton Baptist Church. We have remained a steady, trusted, and faithful

presence in the community for more than 160 years.

Our Vision

This how we want to be seen by the people around us. Sometimes we do it well, sometimes not, but we will always be having a good crack at it. You’re welcome to join us.
We live intentionally with Jesus, practice faith together, equip everyday people, and pursue transformation of our region in ways that are relatable and impactful.

Our Values

There are a few things that are particularly important to us. We try and make these things a priority in how we do what we do.
Authentic
a steady & trusted church, here to stay, unhurried & completely reliant on God’s work and timing.
Belonging
a loving ‘hub’ of kingdom disciples living as a connected family embracing all generations.
Challenging
making disciples (challenging others) and crossing challenging thresholds as we send, serve, and call people to action.
Devoted
striving for excellence as salt and light, reviewing and pruning, to reach the present culture.
Engaged
people focused and missionally oriented, we demonstrate love to our community inside and out
Faith Filled
seeking to be agile in what God is doing, acting boldly, as we trust and dream without limits
Generous
fully invested contributors, having a go, and willing to take risks to achieve God’s purposes

STAFF TEAM

We have a great team of creative and passionate people who dedicate their time and effort to serving God’s purposes and helping us to do the same.
Craig Yeomans
Lead Pastor
Craig was appointed Lead Pastor in January 2024. Since then, Craig has led Rocky Baptist through a season of growth including fresh values and vision, an expanding staff team, and improvements in our public presence and ministry. Craig is married with four adult children and in his spare time enjoys woodwork, renovating their home, reading, and gardening.
Dan Keevers
Associate Pastor
Dan joined our team in November 2019 and has served across a wide range of ministries, helping them grow and become more intentional in making disciples. Dan continues to develop discipleship pathways and support anyone who wants to explore who Jesus is for the first time. Dan is married with three primary-aged kids.
Mark Chamberlain
Care Pastor
Mark, known to most as 'Chambo', is our Care Pastor and has been part of our church since 2002. He has a passion for people to find their place in the Kingdom of Jesus. Chambo is married with five adult children and has spent pretty much all his married life in Rockhampton. He loves travelling, food, fishing, and the great Australian outdoors.
Cathy Knechtli
Worship Ministry Team Leader
Cathy joined our team as Worship Ministry Team Leader in January 2025. She has a passion for Jesus and for worship, and loves seeing people released in their giftings. Cathy is married with four adult children and in her spare time runs a statewide women's ministry, loves a good K-Drama, and can often be found tearing her hair out over a particularly hard jigsaw puzzle.
Hanno De Jager
Youth Pastor & Operations Administrator
Hanno joined our team in July 2025 as Youth Pastor and moved into a combined Youth Pastor and Operations Administrator role in June 2026. He leads our youth ministries and assists with kids ministries as well, leads a Young Adults Life Group, and looks after church operations and projects alongside Craig. Originally from South Africa and raised in Brisbane, Hanno is a born extrovert who is happiest outdoors or anywhere there are people.
Jake Newport
Pastoral Intern
Jake became an intern in March 2025 after sensing a call toward pastoral ministry. He is currently leading our Young Adults ministry and prayer initiatives, as well as gaining experience across various areas of pastoral ministry. Jake is passionate about people encountering Jesus and having the gospel shape every facet of their life. Jake is married and enjoys board games, reading, walks, and gardening.
Janelle Yeomans
Bookstore Manager
Janelle joined the team as Bookstore Manager in March 2024. She leads a team of volunteers, has made changes to improve the customer experience, and has seen substantial growth in the bookstore. She loves to hear firsthand the stories of how God has been working in the lives of people in our local community. Janelle is married with four adult children and enjoys spending time with family and being creative.
Katie Thomson
Office Assistant
Katie joined the admin team in 2023, following several wonderful years working in the bookstore. She has a genuine heart for people and finds great fulfilment in supporting the team behind the scenes. Katie is married and has three teenage daughters. She loves spending time with family, relaxing at the beach, and a good coffee out.

Current Openings

No current openings, check back here as new roles become available, or enquire any time via office@rockybaptist.org.au.

LEADERSHIP

Rocky Baptist is led by two teams working alongside our pastoral staff. Our Elders carry responsibility for the spiritual life and shepherding of our church, prayer, teaching, and the care and nurture of our church family. Our Church Council looks after the practical side, administration, policy, property, and oversight of our ministries and finances, so our pastors and ministry leaders are freed up to focus on people. Both teams are made up of members elected from within our own congregation for three-year terms, alongside our pastoral staff. Church Council: Craig Yeomans, Adam Morris, Amanda Graham, Chris Brown, Tim Guy, Kim Matthews. Elders: Craig Yeomans, Dan Keevers, Mark Chamberlain (Chambo), Aaron Schick, Adrian Tabone, Michael Menzies.
Craig Yeomans
Church Council
Adam Morris
Church Council
Amanda Graham
Church Council
Chris Brown
Church Council
Tim Guy
Church Council
Kim Matthews
Church Council
Craig Yeomans
Elder
Dan Keevers
Elder
Mark Chamberlain (Chambo)
Elder
Aaron Schick
Elder
Adrian Tabone
Elder
Michael Menzies
Elder

What We Believe

This is our full, formal Statement of Faith, the same wording our church has held for decades. It's dense reading and that's okay, you don't need to understand or agree with every line to be welcome here. If any of it raises a question, we'd genuinely love to talk it through with you.
  • We believe:

The Bible

is the inspired Word of God and the supreme and final authority in faith and life.

In one God eternally existent in three persons:

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

That Christ was begotten

by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, is true God and true man.

That man was created in the image of God;

that he sinned; and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God; and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, being sinners in thought, word and deed.

That the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins

according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and all who commit themselves to Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood.

In the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord,

in His ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven, and in His present life there for us as High Priest and Advocate.

In the personal, imminent return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

to receive His Church and to judge the world.

That all who come to repentance of sin, and faith in Jesus Christ

as their Saviour and Lord, are born again of the Holy Spirit and baptised by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ, thereby becoming children of God.

In the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust;

the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting condemnation of the lost.

That the ordinances of Believers' Baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper

are to be observed as a symbol of our fellowship with the Lord in His death, burial and resurrection, and as a reminder of the sacrifice of His body and blood for our sin.

FAQ

What time are services?
Sundays at 9:00am and 6:00pm. Most people hang around after the morning service for a free morning tea, and after the evening service for a free supper.
Where do I park?
Plenty of parking on site, enter via the traffic lights on Norman Rd at the end of Farm St. If the car park is full, drive through and park on the grass.
What should I wear?
Whatever is comfortable, there is no dress code.
What about my kids?
Kids of all ages are genuinely welcome here, from babies through to high schoolers. There's a parents' and creche room for the littlest ones, available during Sunday services and other church events like camps and Family Fun Day, Faith Kids runs downstairs from 18 months through to preschool age, and Kingdom Adventurers runs every Sunday morning for Prep through to Year 6. Sunday Youth runs alongside the morning service for high schoolers, and Friday Night Youth runs during school terms for that same age group. Everything is free, and every child is signed in and out so we always know who's in our care
How do you keep kids safe?
Every leader and volunteer who works with children or young people at Rocky Baptist holds a current Blue Card (Queensland's Working with Children Check) and has completed our Safe Church training before they ever serve unsupervised. We run under a formal Statement of Commitment to child safety and a code of conduct that every leader signs, covering screening, supervision ratios, and how to raise a concern. You're welcome to ask a leader or the office for a copy of our Statement of Commitment at any time, it's also published in full on our Policies page.
How long does it go?
About an hour to an hour and a half. Running late or needing to leave early is no problem.
Do I need to give anything?
Not as a visitor, there's no expectation and no pressure. Giving is for our regular members and attenders who call this church home, come along as our guest.
What do you believe?
A short summary sits further up this page under What We Believe, come and see us if you'd like to talk it through further
How do I get involved or serve?
Head to our Serve page to see the current teams looking for help, or chat with any of our staff, we'd love to help you find your place.
How do I get baptised?
We'd love to talk with you about it, see our Baptism section on the Exploring Faith page or speak with any of our pastors.
Do you livestream your services?
Not yet, but it's on our plans for the future. Keep an eye on our socials and this website for updates.
Is the building accessible?
Yes. Our main car park has designated disabled parking, with a covered, ramped drop-off at the building entry, and the auditorium and ground floor have full universal access, including accessible toilets. Wheely walkers are available on site if you need one. We don't currently have a hearing loop, but we do have earplugs on hand for anyone with sensitive ears.
Is there coffee or wifi?
Free tea and coffee after both services. We don't currently have guest wifi available.
I have never been to church before.
That is completely okay. Come and observe, or join in as much as you like, say hi to our welcome team and we will look after you.