WELCOME TO NORTHERN LIFE

The church on the hill since 1903.

Who we are

Northern Life Baptist Church have represented Jesus in the Hornsby area of Sydney’s North Shore since 1903. Formerly known as Hornsby Baptist Church, this church on the hill is one of Sydney’s oldest Baptist churches. In late 2019 we moved into our new 5-storey Ministry Centre on the corner of College Crescent and Pretoria Parade in the heart of Hornsby.

Our people embody the diversity of Hornsby; We are a church of many backgrounds, languages, experiences and giftings—all united by Jesus’ name.

We meet for weekly church services in person (at the Ministry Centre) and online. Join us on Sundays at 9:30am and 6pm at northernlife.online.church.

Our Mission

Love God, Love Others, Make Disciples.

Our Values

Press on a value to learn more.

Love God, Love Others, Make Disciples.

Known & Loved

Jesus is Worth It

God Speaks We Listen

His Grace is Enough

Love God, Love Others, Make Disciples.

Life Matters

Canvas of Colour

Find Out Help Out

Prayer Has Power

Love God, Love Others, Make Disciples.

Gospel Grounded

Life Learners

Coaching Community

Sent Senders

Our Staff

Photo of Jonathan Shanks

Jonathan Shanks

SENIOR PASTOR

Jonathan came to NorthernLife as Senior Pastor in 2015. He is passionate about teaching the Bible and seeing the Church grow to become all it can be in Christ.

Virginia Mathews

ASSOCIATE PASTOR:
COMMUNITY CARE

Virginia joined the NorthernLife team in 2019 after a fulfilling career in education. She has a heart for loving people and caring for their needs in Jesus’ name.

Photo of Virginia Mathews
Benjamin Shanks

Benjamin Shanks

ASSOCIATE PASTOR:
WORSHIP, YOUTH & DESIGN

Ben loves using music and creativity to communicate the Gospel and has a passion to see young people become deep-rooted disciples of Jesus.

Stephen Walters

PLAYGROUP COORDINATOR
Photo of Benjamin Shanks

Hamish Noble

KIDS COORDINATOR

After years of serving as a kids ministry leader, Hamish became Kids Coordinator in 2022. He loves to tell stories and meet new faces.

Helen Peters

ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

Helen came onboard at NorthernLife in 2021. As Administration Assistant, she keeps things running smoothly in the office and is an integral part of our staff team.

Photo of Virginia Mathews