Senior leaders Pastor Ryan Black and his wife, Michelle Black, in Life Church ACC Mooroopna’s newly renovated building.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Life Church ACC Mooroopna is celebrating a new beginning as it officially reopens following extensive repairs and renovations necessitated by the devastating flood of October 2022.
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Senior leader Pastor Ryan Black, who had only been in the role eight months when the flood struck, described the journey as one of persistence, hope and faith.
“It’s like a silver lining,” he said.
“This event, which was a tragedy for many, gave us a chance to dream a little with the redesign. It became a fresh start.”
Ryan credits his faith and his familiarity with the creative process for getting him through the flood.
“It would’ve been easy to give up; a new job, the flood, it’s all too hard — but music taught me that if you stick with it, you’ll get there.
“I realised someone needs to inspire others. Today might be tough, but what’s ahead is worth it. Keep going.”
The damage sustained by the church literally ran deep.
“Structurally, we had to pull up the carpet and floorboards and the bottom of the walls were ruined, all our wires for the audio ran underneath the flooring, so that is now in the ceiling, and concrete is laid here now instead of wood floorboards,” Ryan said.
“The flood water came up halfway on every chair leg, so they needed to be inspected by a hygienist and cleaned so we could keep them.”
The church was unable to hold services in the building for more than two and a half years, instead gathering at another church in Shepparton.
“We didn’t realise it would be that long,” said Michelle Black, who leads the church with Ryan.
“It was delay after delay, but our goal was always to make this place a sanctuary again.
“It feels like we are finally coming home as a community after all this time.”
Supported by volunteers, community groups and tradespeople, the church was rebuilt with a clear vision, to serve not only its members but the broader Mooroopna community.
“We want this space to be used by all, whether it’s for weddings, funerals, seminars or even recording an album,” Michelle said.
“It’s a place of belonging.”
Life Church is a vibrant Pentecostal congregation, affiliated with Australian Christian Churches and the Assemblies of God in Australia.
It offers worship services, youth and children’s programs, life groups and specialised ministries aimed at nurturing spiritual growth.
“Church is not just about a building — it’s about people,” Ryan said.
“Whether your faith is strong, uncertain or still searching, you are welcome here.”
The reopening event will be held on Thursday, July 24, with finger food from 6pm and formalities from 7pm, featuring special guest speaker Pastor Dave Edgar.
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