Corinne, from Phillip Island Baptist Church, is part of an Empowered Faith Community (EFC) with a heart for genuine connection and transformation—her journey taking her from participant to now leading a community group.
After previously being involved in the Rosebud Community Group (EFC), she witnessed firsthand how meaningful relationships can change lives. When she and her husband moved to Phillip Island after COVID, they recognised a growing need for intentional community, especially after a season marked by isolation and disconnection.
“We saw a real need for people to reconnect in a meaningful way,” she shares. “So we started building a space where people could belong.”
For the past year and a half, Corinne has been helping lead a local community group which is focused on relationship, consistency, and care. And through that, she’s seen God at work in powerful and unexpected ways.
One story that stands out is a single mum with six children (three biological and three foster) who has gradually become part of the community. Through ongoing connection, she began attending Sunday church.
Her son, who is autistic, has developed a deep interest in Jesus and now regularly attends the community gatherings.
“He just wants to be where Jesus is,” Corinne explains. “And he loves being part of the community.”
While the boy faces behavioural challenges, Corinne describes a moment that revealed the deeper impact of the community. After hearing a vulnerable story shared by another participant, the boy began to see the real-life consequences of certain choices.
Later, his mum reflected on the moment with gratitude.
“She said, ‘When I tell him how to behave, it doesn’t always land. But seeing the impact of someone’s life, that’s what will speak to him.’”
For Corinne, this is what this group is all about, creating safe, relational environments where transformation can happen naturally over time.
Her passion is deeply personal.
“I was once in a vulnerable place myself,” she shares. “I was a single mum, and I had used drugs. But I encountered people in church who loved me, supported me, and never gave up on me.”
That experience now shapes how she shows up for others.
“I see people now and think, someone did this for me. So I can keep going, even when it takes time and perseverance.”
Looking ahead, Corinne holds onto a simple but powerful hope:
“That people would come to know Jesus through relationship, love, and service. As my daughter says ‘let’s make heaven crowded.’”
