Who we are

A message to you, from our leadership team:


It is our privilege to welcome you to Catalyst Church

The name “Catalyst” outlines our mission to be agents of change through the love and power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We are a diverse community of compassionate people, spread across every generation, sharing our love for God in relevant and innovative ways. You will experience a welcoming faith community and encounter a genuine family atmosphere in which everyone is valued, as together we worhship and serve the Lord. Our services, programs and groups are designed to meet the needs of all ages. There are a wide variety of pathways through which you can easily connect, grow and participate. Whether you are just beginning to explore who God is, or are searching for a new Church home, you are welcome here. We look forward to meeting you!


Mark Wilson and the Leadership Team

Click here to meet the team


Our VISION

TO BE A UNIQUE CHURCH PROVOKING LASTING CHANGE BY SHARING COMPASSION AND HOPE


Here are the key values that capture the type of church that we are and the way things happen at Catalyst:

  • ALL PEOPLE MATTER | We believe that all people matter to God and therefore matter to us.
  • AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY | We believe in being real, honest and down to earth in our relationships with God and each other.
  • GENERATIONAL | We believe God has a plan and purpose for all generations, and we will embrace all, but we will be intentional in equipping and empowering the emerging generation.
  • RELEVANCE | We believe in remaining innovative and creative in our expression of love for God and that the communication of the Gospel message is critical to fulfilling our mission.
  • EXCELLENCE | We believe excellence honours God and inspires people.
  • MISSIONAL | We are generous in giving ourselves, our time, our resources and energy in serving God’s mission in our community.
  • TEAM BASED MISSION | We value every person and acknowledge that everyone has skills and talents to use and is most effective when serving in teams together. We are stronger together than apart.

who is catalyst?

Catalyst is a community of people who believe that God transforms lives, and that He enables us to make a difference in our community. We aim to always be relevant and exciting in the way we connect with those around us. We aim to do things in an excellent way that honours God and and inspires people, while remaining true to the Bible. We are innovators, creative and flexible in the way we express the message of the gospel. We are a church for all generations but are intentional about embracing and empowering the emerging generations.

We believe in being real, honest and down to earth in our relationships with God and each other. We genuinely care for one another, encouraging each other to grow and be more like Jesus Christ. We believe each individual is uniquely gifted to serve in their world. We are stronger together than apart, committed to authentic relationships with God and each other. 

We have a ‘Father’s heart’ for empowering the ‘local church’ in Australia and overseas. Our mission is not limited to just this city as we are intentional about sending people and releasing resources that help people connect, grow, serve and go at many other locations across the world.

Statement Of Faith


  • The divine inspiration and unique authority of Holy Scripture as given in the 66 books of the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
  • The one and living God eternally co-existent in three Persons in unity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14)
  • The inherent corruptness of man through the Fall; the necessity for repentance and regeneration by grace and through faith in Jesus Christ alone; and, the everlasting separation from God of the finally impenitent (Eph. 2:8-9)
  • The virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, triumphant resurrection, ascension and abiding intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 7:25)
  • Justification and sanctification of the believer through the finished work of Christ (Rom. 4:5)
  • The Christian practices of Baptism in water by immersion, the Lord’s Supper, and Holy Marriage (Matt. 28:19; 1Cor. 11; Heb. 13:4)
  • The security of the believer as they abide in Christ (John 15)
  • The Baptism with the Holy Spirit for believers and the subsequent gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12,14)
  • Church leadership and ministry by those spiritually gifted and called to do so (Eph. 4:11-12)
  • The personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the everlasting fellowship with Christ of all the redeemed (Matt. 25:31)

Our 2030 vision

LOADING PLAYER…

our history

Catalyst Church was founded on 7th January 1980 by Pastor Vince and Denise Esterman.
Pastor Phillip and Mandy Mutzelburg were the senior leaders who led the church for 21 years until February 2010. 
Pastor Carl Mutzelburg together with wife Pastor Jess Mutzelburg, led Catalyst Church for 14 years, finishing in April 2024.

Pastor Mark and Cheryl Wilson begin their leadership of Catalyst in May 2024.

  
The church has had a unique opportunity to help establish Ipswich as a well known spiritual centre around the world. The founding minister Vince Esterman moved from Ipswich to Paris, France where he has established a network of over 20 churches.

Our church has in recent years been the leader of an innovative movement amongst Australian churches of many denominations that want to network with their local communities. That network now comprises over 650 churches.


Catalyst Church is situated in the old Suttons Foundry at Brassall, Ipswich. When the church purchased the property, most onlookers wondered what the finished product would be like. Years later the church campus is undoubtedly one of the most innovative in the city, with significant development and improvement of our community facilities planned in the next few years. Visitors are continually surprised by the retention of the original character of the foundry while rebuilding to serve all the needs of a growing church community. 


WATCH BELOW VIDEO OF OUR HISTORY FOR MORE INFO