Maitland’s Fresh Vision for Church

Introducing the Maitland church plant team: Rev Kevin Crouse and Pastor Pearl Nunn. Kevin brings a wealth of experience as a former missionary, coffee professional, and church planter, having run Mars Hill Café in Parramatta for ten years. He is passionate about “edge ministry,” exploring innovative ways to expand what people consider church. Originally from the U.S., Kevin has called Australia home for 30 years.

Pearl is equally versatile having worked as a piano and music teacher, PhD-qualified historian, theatre maker, and youth worker at Adamstown Uniting Church. A dual citizen like Kevin, she spent 15 years living in Wales, UK, before returning to Australia. Both are thrilled to bring their combined experiences and creativity to Maitland.

Dreaming Big in a Growing Town

For Kevin and Pearl, the Maitland church plant is part of a larger question: What is the future of the Uniting Church? Maitland itself is rapidly growing, nearing a population of 100,000, with around six new residents arriving each day and continual new developments. The team sees an opportunity to welcome those seeking spiritual connection and meaning in today’s world.

Their vision is to create a safe, inclusive space where people from all walks of life can explore faith together. This includes actively supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, walking the path of reconciliation with Aboriginal people, being mindful of the climate emergency, and advocating for local, national, and global social justice. The team’s hope is that this church plant will reflect the diversity of Maitland and cultivate a community where everyone can find belonging and purpose.

Honouring History While Breaking New Ground

Kevin and Pearl are mindful of Maitland’s Methodist roots, which date back to 1837 when the congregation first met in the billiards room of the Albion Hotel. To honour this tradition, the commissioning service’s “after party” was held at The Family Hotel, a local inclusive pub. Their September Open Table event also took place in a pub, reflecting Kevin’s curiosity about blending the sacred and the secular. “What does it look like to have church at a pub?” he asks. “Can secular rock concerts be held in a traditional church building?” These questions guide the team as they experiment and engage the community in open dialogue about faith, culture, and space.

Listening and Responding to the Community

Community engagement is central to the Maitland church plant. Kevin and Pearl have met with local charities and community organisers to understand the area’s needs, particularly for vulnerable populations. Their monthly Open Table events provide a platform for people eager to explore faith differently. These gatherings encourage open conversations, where curiosity and questions are welcomed and it’s okay not to have all the answers.

The team emphasises that their work is not about imposing an agenda, but about meeting people where they are and supporting them in practical and meaningful ways. Listening carefully to the community in this foundational phase is shaping how the church plant will grow and serve.

Hope and Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Kevin and Pearl hope their church plant will positively impact the Maitland community in both visible and subtle ways. Providing resources and support for those most vulnerable is a priority, while also attracting individuals who share the vision of a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable church.

This initiative forms part of a broader effort to ensure the Uniting Church remains relevant today one that values courage, innovation, and community building. Kevin and Pearl invite prayers for wisdom and courage as they step into the unknown, confident that their work in Maitland will nurture meaningful connections and lasting change.

Rev Kevin Crouse and Pastor Pearl Nunn