Living the early church today: The Salvation Army in Goodna

The first-century church wasn’t just a historical moment – it was a blueprint for Spirit-filled community, writes Ameet Londhe.

BY AMEET LONDHE

In Acts 2, we read about a church that gathered daily, shared meals, worshipped together and supported one another in every aspect of life. At The Salvation Army in Goodna, this isn’t just a story from the past; it’s our present reality.

Our congregation is made up entirely of people from the Goodna community. We don’t just meet on Sundays, we live life together every day of the week. From shared meals to worship, support groups to celebrations, our ministry is a modern expression of the first-century church.

Three times a week, volunteers from the community prepare and serve meals, creating spaces of connection, dignity, and joy. These gatherings are more than just food, they’re moments where strangers become friends, and love is expressed through hospitality. Alongside this, we offer free shower and laundry facilities, emergency clothing, cutlery, and small furniture, ensuring that practical needs are met with compassion and care.

At The Salvation Army in Goodna, we are not trying to replicate the past; we are trying to live it out in a way that is real, relevant, and rooted in Jesus.

Weekday chapel services bring the community together to worship God in a simple, heartfelt way. Our small groups, which included men’s and women’s groups, Indigenous women’s gatherings, kids’ drop-ins, Bible reading circles, and chaplaincy services, offer spaces for spiritual growth and relational depth. We celebrate life’s milestones together – birthdays, anniversaries, and even the small victories that matter. Our community Christmas celebrations are a highlight, bringing joy, music, and shared meals to everyone.

We actively raise up lay leaders from within the community, empowering them to teach, lead, and serve. Everyone has a role in building the Kingdom, reflecting the early church’s Spirit-led leadership. Generosity is a cornerstone of our ministry. We share food, barista coffee, tea, bread, vegetables, fruit, and flowers – simple gifts that carry deep meaning and reflect the love of Christ.

Ameet Londhe. Image: File

All staff and volunteers are encouraged to live missionally, representing Jesus in their daily lives. Devotion to Scripture and prayer is woven into our rhythm, and spontaneous music jams with guitars and singing create an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

In the past three years, our community has tripled in size. We collaborate with other expressions of The Salvation Army and external agencies, working together to serve Goodna as one body under Christ, our Head.

The first-century church wasn’t just a historical moment – it was a blueprint for Spirit-filled community. At The Salvation Army in Goodna, we are not trying to replicate the past; we are trying to live it out in a way that is real, relevant, and rooted in Jesus.

Ameet Londhe BA(Soc)., B.Div., PG.Dip. (Applied Social Work)., Dip. (Christian Studies)., Dip (Salvation Army Ministry- Religious Studies), Cert. Supervision Skills for Health & Social Service Professionals is Mission Team Leader at Goodna Community and Youth Centre in Queensland.