Southern Highland Fields

In this post, I’d like to introduce The Fields Church in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, The Fields’ Pastor, Mark Glenn, and his wife, Catherine.

Jesus once said…

“Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35).

Mark and Catherine’s story is one of ordinary people taking a series of steps in faith and continuing to do so.

Mark grew up in a non-Christian family and trained in architectural drafting. He first encountered the gospel through Catherine, a pastor’s daughter who later became his wife. Through his wife-to-be and the Christians he encountered around her, Mark discovered that Christian faith and Christian practice were genuine, approachable, and connected to everyday life.

But becoming a pastor was never his career plan. Yet, as his faith grew, Mark became fascinated by church planting: thinking seriously about how he could help shape the church they were attending into a church that continued to be serious about the gospel and was also integrated into the local community and aware of its needs.

A whirlwind trip to an Acts 29 conference in Sydney eventually led to an unplanned but incredibly fruitful three-month trip for the Glenns to The Fields Church in California. They went hoping to learn how to help their existing church. Instead, they returned convinced that God was calling them to start something new.

Back in Australia in March 2011, they began a small community group with just twelve people, including themselves. In January 2012, that group began gathering publicly as The Fields Church.

Catherine describes their decision with a reference to Jonah: if they hadn’t obeyed, they might have been swallowed by a big fish and sent to do it anyway! For them, planting a church was about obedience, not ambition.

So, what kind of church is The Fields?

Mark sums it up as “people over polish.” They don’t take themselves too seriously, but they take God’s Word very seriously. People are encouraged to come honestly, without pretending their lives are perfect. The church seeks to walk alongside those who are struggling, build genuine relationships, and share the hope of Jesus.

In the Southern Highlands, as it is in so many places in the prosperous West, behind the region’s beautiful towns and visible wealth, Mark is deeply aware of the daily struggles with poverty, isolation, addiction, and mental health. The Fields aims to bring gospel hope into that community.

One particular encouragement is the church’s young congregation. Young adults are stepping up to lead community groups, serve in worship, and take responsibility. Some who were children when the church began are now helping lead it.

How can you help? I’m so glad you asked.

As with other churches, pastors and congregations we support, prayer (genuine, heartfelt prayer to a promise-keeping, needs-providing, church-building God) is our secret weapon.

Mark has shared that ministry at The Fields is demanding. He has always worked multiple jobs alongside ministry, and Catherine works five days a week. Finding the capacity and energy, strength of purpose, and the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit to remain faithful and to shepherd and serve The Fields church for the long haul is one important prayer request.

Pray for young leaders to keep growing in faith and stepping into service.

Pray for the church to have wisdom about future steps, including the possibility of a morning service.

Pray for a steady, permanent home — a neutral, accessible place where people can come, belong, and hear the gospel.

Pray that The Fields would be salt and light in the Southern Highlands.

Above all, let’s pray that The Fields will continue to be a place where ordinary people encounter the life-changing hope of Jesus.