There were “tears of joy, high-fives and hugs” after Cardinia Shire Council unanimously approved Follow Baptist Church’s permit for a new place of worship in Officer, overturning a recommendation to reject the permit.

Councillors spoke out in favour of the church’s proposal, saying the church did “so much” for the surrounding community that the Shire “cannot afford to lose a group like this”, and “churches like this can do things we could never do as a council”.

Follow’s Lead Pastor Luke Williams said: “We’re really grateful to God. We have an overwhelming gratitude that He’s still the God who parts Red Seas and pulls down walls. The other emotion I felt was extremely proud of our community and the work they have done over so many years, and that has had an impact in our community. I’m proud of those who have served so much, and I’m excited that God has opened the door for us to continue that.”

Luke said he was amazed to hear the comments councillors had to say about the value of churches within local communities. “One said we’ve become a pagan nation to our detriment and our communities were built on the values of the person of Jesus. One lady said no space had been left during town planning for churches and it was impossible for them to find somewhere to meet. They asked why we were forcing churches to meet in industrial areas when they should be meeting in civic centres like in the past.”

“It felt like the Holy Spirit had taken over and was speaking  through the meeting. I’ve had some really great God moments in my life, but this is one I’ll never forget! Another local pastor said he felt this was a defining moment for our community. I was excited for the potential way being opened up for churches in the future now, too.”

The council report had raised concerns over the number of carparks, and the use of a factory for a place of worship being different in nature from the surrounding industrial businesses. Luke said the church would generally meet outside business hours and had obtained signed agreements to use parking spaces of some nearby buildings to appease these concerns. Mayor Jack Kowarzik said it was the job of councillors to consider both the planning provisions and the needs of constituents, and he believed the church would be “good neighbours” to the area.

The Follow Bless Collective is the church’s charity arm, which serves in many ways such as a weekly community meal, food pantry and school assistance programs such as providing education about social services. At Christmas time church volunteers worked with the council and the Salvation Army to pack hundreds of hampers for the disadvantaged.

“I think [the permit approval] sends a message that God can do incredible things even against the odds,” Luke said. “We’ve got to keep stepping out in faith and trusting that God will make a way where it’s his will. And we can have an impact! Jesus prayed ‘your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ – as we do that work we’re actually doing God’s will for us. I would say to other churches, continue to serve faithfully, and God will provide what you need to do this.”