Rob Abboud is leading the plant in Blacktown in western Sydney. It’s a new campus that’s part of MBM Church. We chatted to Rob recently as he and his wife Sally did our church planting bootcamp.
When did planting a church first cross your mind?
In 2017 I was convicted to go back to western Sydney, the area I grew up in. There are other people just like me living in that area of Sydney. They’re living life thinking that they’ve found freedom and enjoyment. But I needed someone pulling me into line to tell me that I needed to care about what I was doing with my life. And Jesus is the one who’s going to decide whether you’ve got life together or not.
What's the Blacktown area like?
If I took somebody into the middle of the shopping centre blindfolded, took it off and said ‘guess what country you’re in’, I don’t think they’d be able to tell. It’s an absolute clash of worldviews, religions and cultures. The gospel is the only thing that will unite us, in the beautiful way it brings together all different people to be united around Jesus. I’m excited to see that take root in that area.
Blacktown is an embodiment of a vibrant, diverse, growing community. It is the largest city by population in NSW. 50% of residents are born overseas.
How are you feeling about planting?
Scared and excited. I’m excited to be part of a team seeing people come to know Jesus. But scared, knowing that 2 Corinthians says that we’re like jars of clay – somewhat useless without all the answers – but in our weakness God’s power might shine through us. I know I don’t have all the answers. I know I’m going to fail people, and possibly hurt others in the process through my faults and failures. But I’m trusting in a good God to work through us.
Rob and Sally Abboud praying with future church planters at a planting boot camp.
What are you most worried about? What’s keeping you up at night?
It’s me! That my failures and lack of ability will mean that I’m not able to serve God with what his church needs. Failing people, people expecting more.
Reflecting on the unique challenges of church planting at boot camp.
What do you want to say to people who haven’t thought about planting a church?
Church planting isn’t new, it’s how the church began. Church planting is part of the Bible’s vision for seeing the lost saved. At some point, we all have to think about either starting a new church somewhere or being part of a church that’s planting.
The population of Blacktown is over 400,000. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Be praying for Rob, Sally and their team as they launch this new church campus. Get more info on why Australia needs new churches on our website.
