More allegations coming.
WARNING: SENSITIVE & GRAPHIC CONTENT
Some disturbing and abusive video content will be in this article ranging from child abuse, emotional abuse, extreme spiritual abuse, public humiliation, ‘demonic’ deliverance which controversially captures what some regard as sexual abuse.
This article is a repository of relevant documents, videos, PDF’s, reports, tweets and posts that are relevant to the controversial life and ministry of Larry Sebastian.
Casey City Church is an interesting example of why the New Apostolic Reformation cult is dangerous.
Because of this, the following repository exists to learn of the history of Larry Sebastian and his Casey City Church journey.
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We break down this article into a few sections.
-
- Introduction
- Resources exposing Larry Sebastian
- Timeline
- Sermons available.
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1. INTRODUCTION
LARRY SEBASTIAN CHURCH’S WEBSITE LINKS AND SM PLATFORMS:
Website: caseycity.church
Youtube: youtube.com/@caseycitychurch (Joined May 7, 2008)
Facebook: facebook.com/caseycitychurch
Instagram: instagram.com/caseycity.church
About Pastor Larry Sebastian.
It is important to establish the fact that not all ministries need to be big to have lasting impact on society – for all the wrong reasons. Some smaller cults in the New Apostolic Reformation (and those wanting to tap into the Evangelical Industrial Complex) deliberately fly under the radar, impacting communities with their dominionist agendas.
Larry Sebastian was one such man who has attempted to fly under the radar in some capacity while also wanting certain levels of recognition and prominence in others. So what mountain (out of the seven in the Seven Mountain Mandate) did Larry want to be a part of?
It appears that his nephew, Guy Sebastian, was the first winner of the hit musical gameshow Australian Idol helped him kick-start his ministry in 2003. As an opportunist, Larry Sebastian quickly became known as a pastor and the uncle of Guy Sebastian.
“As a 21-year-old from Adelaide, the young singer was only looking for an outside chance at a music career when he auditioned for Australian Idol in 2003.”
Source: By Jonathon Moran, Daily Telegraph, https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/stellar/i-dont-get-why-people-would-like-to-glorify-me-guy-sebastian-on-fame-family-and-australian-idol/news-story/, Published December 03, 2023. (Accessed March 25, 2024.)
An older profile of Larry Sebastian on the Casey City Church website reads:
“Pastor Larry and Christa Sebastian are the Senior Ministers of Casey City Church which they had pioneered 2003. They have a deep passion to see the church step out of its walls into the community by strengthening the local church.
He is well known for his relationship with the City of Casey and has worked to reach the city by building bridges with the council and other groups to break down the walls that have divided our community”
Source: Larry Sebastian, Casey City Church, https://www.caseycity.church/users/larry-sebastian. (Accessed October 04, 2022.) [Archived]
With one foot on the business mountain, it seems he also wanted to have his other foot on the Business/Finance mountain… and on the Government/Law mountain.
Our research suggests through various sermon examinations that Larry Sebastian was inspired by his ‘spiritual father’, Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin of The Potters House International Ministries. The video and description below is from the Casey City Church Facebook page:
Church news for this week!
Featuring footage from Jacksonville.
Source: Casey City Church, Casey City Church News – July, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/caseycitychurch/videos/435486670134,
[If removed – Download here]
The video states that McLaughlin’s ministry is “touching the nations with a local church workforce of over 5000 strong” and that it “continues to go boldly where no other church and ministry has gone before” (this statement is important). This organisation sounds further cult-like with it’s claims that it “flies under the radar no longer.” Words like ‘touching the nations’, ‘visionary leadership’, ‘kingdom manifestation’, ‘traditional barriers’, ‘marketplace wonder’ and ‘divine initiative’ are concepts and language that aligns it’s theology to the dominionist cult of the New Apostolic Reformation.
McLaughlin claims his vision is based on Luke 19. The voice over and messaging in the following video reads:
OCCUPY TIL I COME. The word ‘occupy’ is broken down to mean:
- to barter,
- to trade,
- to literally do the work of a banker.
Source: TPHJax, Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin – Breaking the Mold, Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbkw0udrJcU, Uploaded August 4, 2021. (Accessed 25, 2024.)
[If removed – Download here]
It appears Ps Larry Sebastian used his inspiration and model of success to climb up by influencing his local area in Melbourne to potentially and financially grow his ministry endeavours. The video also captures McLaughlin purchasing and renovating building complexes – something Larry Sebastian did with his purchase of Light up Australia (which became Casey City Church).
THE STAR TREK PROPHECY
[Coming]
THE DISNEY PROPHECY
[Coming]
2. RESOURCES EXPOSING LARRY SEBASTIAN
MAY 16, 2010
Video time capsule of Casey City Church uploaded on Facebook in 2010 that provides celebratory footage and information from 2003 to 2010:
Recap Video shown at our 7 year celebration. Video and photos from the last 7 years 2003 – 2010.
Source: Casey City Church, Casey City Church 7 Year Celebration, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=419751105134, Uploaded May 16, 2010. (Accessed March 05, 2024.)
MAY 10, 2020
Video time capsule of Casey City Church uploaded on Facebook in 2020 that provides celebratory footage and information from 2003 to 2020:
A celebration of 17 years from the beginnings of our church in 2003, to our anniversary today in 2020. We pray you are blessed and encouraged, and we look forward to the time when we can once again be together. Praise God for his faithfullness!
[Click to download video]
Source: Casey City Church, Casey City Church 17 Year Anniversary Video, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/caseycitychurch/videos/170591704301479/, Uploaded May 10, 2020. (Accessed March 03, 2024.)
LIVEDOC EXPOSING RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Link to LiveDoc: www.caseycc.link/agmletter
In case it is pulled, all current information from the document can be read here:
– – – – – – – – – – – –
IMPORTANT AGM REPORT
FRIDAY 22nd MARCH, 2024 by Karen Alsop
AGM Update: Thursday 21.03.2024 – 7:00pm – 9:00pm
KAREN ALSOP
Casey City Church Annual General Meeting held at
Casey Seventh-day Adventist Church
5 Rebound Court, Narre Warren VIC 3805
Function Room
REPORT BY 19 YEAR MEMBER OF CASEY CITY CHURCH: KAREN ALSOP
Report dated Friday 22nd March, 10:00am
Casey City Church AGM 21.03.2024 members report for the sake of those who:
Were refused entry at the door because their name was not on the latest member list provided by Larry Sebastian (blocked by a hired security guard)
Were unable to attend in person as a member due to concern for their own safety and mental health.
Former members who have been psychologically impacted by Larry and Christa Sebastian.
The following businesses and operations were not examined in the AGM.
Members passed the draft audited financials to proceed to ACNC, but no questions were asked.
We were denied any chance to inquire about the financials in depth. Despite my efforts to pose follow-up questions from those asked in 2023.
The 2023 minutes were not provided to members prior to the meeting (a legal requirement). They were passed by the members, even though the majority of concerns raised in 2023 have still not been addressed.
The AGM was chaired by Lawyer Johnathan Green from Mills Oakley who has been engaged by Larry (Loreyn) Sebastian for Casey City Church to work on behalf of the best interests of the church.
Johnathan Green is being instructed directly by Senior Pastor Larry Sebastian, who retains control of Casey City Church due to the constitution, despite the serious findings of the Interim Elders delivered in public meetings in November 2023.
Larry and Christa Sebastian were asked to resign by the interim elders, and external investigative team following 7 months of in-depth analysis and evidence.
Larry was disqualified on 12 counts as a Pastor and Elder, including instances of mandatory reporting to the Police and CCYP.
Larry and Christa refused the Interim Elder’s request to resign, and remain in authority over those who remain at Casey City Church.
The church is independent, with no overarching governing body and is limited to the constitutional rules of how a Senior Pastor can be removed.
Jonathan from Mills Oakley stated that the constitution is deficient and they have commenced work on reviewing and recommending appropriate changes in governance structure.
Larry and Christa Sebastian are registered with MFI – Ministry Fellowship International, however, MFI have no jurisdiction to remove Pastors. Larry and Christa are currently still listed as MFI members despite MFI leadership taking part in the investigative process. LINK to MFI
Casey City Church is a registered large charity with the ACNC operating not only a church (with a membership of approximately 35 people), but also the following substantial operations:
3C Kidz Care: https://3ckidzcare.com.au/
A Department of Education Out-of-school-hours Program in a multitude of locations
Income EOFY 30 June, 2023: $1,339,243
HASA – Hope Australia Soccer Academy: https://hasa.majestri.com.au/
A government-funded Soccer Academy – total of 2.5 million in federal funding total with 1.5 million currently from the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Grant
Income EOFY 30 June, 2023: $613,034 and 56,507
Citadel Community Care – https://www.communitycare.org.au/
“The Community Care arm of Citadel Global alliance is an entity birthed out of the community work initiated by Casey City Church.” ABN Details
Income EOFY 30 June, 2023: $46,970
Jacob’s Estate Homestead Accommodation – Link to Airbnb
50-acre farmland with a large homestead currently in use as accommodation. Cardinia, Vic, Australia.
Land/Title in the name of Ng Hock Ching (Singapore Overseas Investor) with a verbal agreement of 20% of the property sale going to Casey City Church if sold.
Income EOFY 30 June, 2023: $48,308
Infusion Nites / Carols by Twilight – https://www.carolsbytwilight.com.au
The event arm of Casey City Church, under which the Casey Council supported and funded Carols by Twilight, Christmas Eve, operates.
Not Itemised in Audit
Cre8 Music House
Music and Performing Arts Lessons
Not Itemised in Audit
City Edge Building – Real Estate Site Link
426 Princes Hwy, Narre Warren 3805
Purchased in 2010 with a 1 million dollar interest-free loan (overseas investor Ng Hock Ching) and a commercial bank loan from the Bank of Queensland – Bank Manager Immanuel Shmuel (Preston Branch), who also generously gave many thousands of dollars back to Casey City Church. The BOQ loan was cleared by the very gracious Singapore investor Ng Hock Ching whom we were never able to pay back until the sale of the building.
City Edge (Casey City Church) 426 Princes Hwy, Narre Warren sold March 3rd, 2023 for close to 7-million dollars and settled in the middle of January 2024. The interest-free loan of close to 3-million dollars was said to be paid to Ng Hock Ching, with the remainder said to be resting with Casey City Church.
Profit from sale: Approximately $3,500,000 (Not discussed at the AGM)
Casey City Church Operations:
Tithes and Offerings income: Income EOFY 30 June, 2023: $202,832
The full audited financials will be available soon on the ACNC site:
LINK TO ACNC
Following receipt of the agenda (only 2 days before the AGM), I forwarded the following letter to Johnathan Green from Mills Oakley asking for my concerns to be tabled at the commencement of the AGM.
When this didn’t happen I addressed this during question time and Johnathan, though acknowledging receiving and reading the email, asked for me to talk to him about it at the conclusion of the meeting and did not address any of my ongoing serious concerns with the members.
Letter sent to Johnathan Green by Karen Alsop (not including the attachments, points raised in the attached letter to Johnathan outlined underneath)
Dear Johnathan Green,
Sabina (CCC admin), today forwarded the AGM Notice and the Draft Audited Report. We (Stuart and Karen Alsop) will be in attendance as members on Thursday evening 21st and request that the questions initially submitted in March 2023 – http://caseycc.link/agmletter, and additionally the questions that were sent to the Interim Elders in June 2023 be tabled at the commencement at the meeting.
Last year’s minutes will not pass unless the unanswered questions are addressed.
The minutes of last years meeting have not been included in what was sent to us. This should also be forthcoming urgently.
We were advised that the notice was posted internally in the building, notifying the church about the AGM. Of course, the exiled members have yet to receive this information, and an email to them should be forthcoming urgently as they have not had 21 days’ notice, a legal requirement. We were removed without our knowledge from the church newsletter (which Sabina said also notified members). We note that other exiled members have also been removed without their authority given and still remain members.
I have not included Larry and Christa in this email. Because of the questions presented and the content of the original email, I was fearful of them reading this in June last year, and I initially excluded them for this reason. However, as these questions still require a clear response, for transparency and accountability, I give you, Johnathan permission to work through this email with Larry and Christa. Please, Johnathan, consider doing this directly with Larry and Christa verbally, rather than forwarding them the email, as I still have very legitimate anxiety and fear.
Johnathan, please take note of last year’s AGM. The entire AGM was recorded and can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rhoc-ssQcT-CLlk25pjFARJVI67a75aj/view?usp=sharing I hope you will have time to review this prior to the upcoming AGM as many legitimate questions were asked by members that remain unanswered.
Other exiled members urgently require the AGM Notice and Draft Audit. Every member should have received these directly 21 days ago and did not.
2 Interim Elder’s responses to this email below in June 2023: REDACTED – Both emails were acknowledgement of the serious questions and confirmation that they would be addressed at the following interim elders meeting June 2023. They have still not been responded to.
Questions sent to the leadership in March 2023 (Condensed)
Who is responsible for our obligations and commitments, given the government funding we have received? Do the directors and elders know what these key responsibilities are?
Are there timesheets and evidence of work that directly benefits the HASA community for staff members
Whose salaries are funded by these funds? How is this monitored and managed during the grant acquittal process?
How feasible is it for Pastor Larry to work for HASA for four days a week when the church frequently requires input from the Senior Pastor?
When travelling to conferences (ie MFI for one week, Africa for 2 weeks) as a pastor, how is the time for HASA compensated for?
What sort of turnover would be expected to consider HASA sustainable, and how would staffing change to adjust for the new format?
Is the sustainability of the church being considered in the same way? Have we looked into the stagnated growth and turnover of members and what steps need to be taken to effect change?
Is there an explanation as to why ministries and businesses are not being itemised in Xero? Xero is fully capable of handling this task. From my experience using the software extensively for my own bookkeeping, it should be possible to achieve what we need within Xero itself. Could you address this?
Our church moved from Myob to Xero 7 years ago with the same reasons given at that time and a goal to properly separate ministries and businesses moving forward.
Do we currently have a workable plan for the location of our church’s operation by January 2024, which is only 9 months away?
Questions sent to the Interim Elders and Leadership in June 2023 (Condensed)
Alongside reiterating the previously mentioned questions, I included additional significant inquiries that emerged between March and June 2023. This period was marked by the request for resignation from Larry and Christa Sebastian by the Church Eldership, their refusal to step down, and the subsequent appointment of Interim Elders to conduct an investigation. These questions were brought forth during the investigative phase but remained unaddressed, lingering as important unresolved issues.
Concerns about accountability, transparency and governance are reflected in the questions below:
*REDACTED SENSITIVE Question about the Senior Pastor’s salary and benefits
*REDACTED SENSITIVE Question about the Senior Pastor’s salary and benefits
*REDACTED SENSITIVE Question about the Senior Pastor’s salary and benefits
*REDACTED SENSITIVE *An independent audit has been requested, initiated by Kevin Manning and Peter Greene as directors and is awaiting continuation
Who has approved Larry Sebastian’s pay increases and packages over recent years? Has the eldership signed off on anything, and do they know his remuneration?
*REDACTED SENSITIVE
Have the HASA board (who is the board) approved salaries, including Larry’s and if so by whose authority? The grant falls under the responsibility of Casey City Church Inc.
As of June 2023, why is Larry Sebastian still operating as CEO and Senior Pastor given the 30+ testimonies and evidence provided? Why has he not been stepped down temporarily while the investigation is underway?
Other questions *REDACTED SENSITIVE
*An independent audit has been requested, initiated by Kevin Manning and Peter Greene as directors and is awaiting continuation
The Annual General Meeting failed to address crucial matters concerning the future trajectory of Casey City Church, including plans for investment and the utilisation of substantial profits, as well as the sustainability of all aspects of the church’s operations.
There was an appointment of the following Board of Directors:
Committee members listed on the ACNC as of 21.03.2024 were Kevin Manning, Peter Greene and Larry Sebastian.
As part of the agenda, the new ACNC Board of Directors were appointed (from the Eldership) and are listed as follows:
Larry (Loreyn) Sebastian
Christa Sebastian
Stephen Ganeshvaran
Giovanna Amarouso
Kevin Manning
I raised the concern of ‘Conflict of Interest’ with chair, Johnathan Green. I cited the relationships (Larry, Christa and Stephen are related – Larry and Christa are married, and Stephen is Larry’s brother-in-law) as a conflict of interest. As the church is working on better governance, I raised the conflict of interest clause: https://www.acnc.gov.au/tools/guides/managing-conflicts-interest
The new Board of Directors were, however, voted in by the membership and now hold authority moving forward.
I also raised the additional requirements of the External Conduct Standards for which Casey City Church is required to adhere to: https://www.acnc.gov.au/for-charities/manage-your-charity/governance-hub/acnc-external-conduct-standards
Jonathan Green acknowledged that these are standards that CCC are required to obey. I was unable to proceed with further questions and concerns in this regard. https://www.acnc.gov.au/for-charities/manage-your-charity/governance-hub/acnc-external-conduct-standards/external-conduct-standard-1
The AGM concluded at 9:00pm. Jonathan Green invited any members to speak directly and ask questions. I asked a number of questions of Johnathan, but my primary query was whether he had watched the Interim Elder’s official findings video (Nov 2023). He told me he had not. As the lawyer representing the best interests of Casey City Church I implored him to make this a priority so that he had full disclosure about Larry and Christa Sebastian (particularly Larry whom he is being directed by).
Karen Alsop – 22.03.2024
First Posted Friday 5.03.2024
KAREN ALSOP
AN OPEN LETTER TO CASEY CITY CHURCH
I write this open letter publicly to address significant issues that have not yet been resolved after a year of requests. As I no longer have a way to directly contact the church body, I am publishing my letter in hopes that a response will be forthcoming.
From Karen Alsop 15.3.2024
____________________________________________________
2023 Casey City Church AGM held: 19.03.23
Following the AGM held on the 19th of March, 2023, there were many questions raised (transcript, minutes and video recording available of the AGM).
To address further inquiries stemming from discussions raised by members during the AGM, I penned a comprehensive letter to the leadership, which was sent on March 31st, 2023.
_____________________________________
Karen Alsop
Mar 31, 2023, 8:32 PM
to Leadership, Eldership, Finance Committee
Dear Pastors, Finance Committee and Elders of Casey City Church,
I would like to express my gratitude once again for the opportunity to raise questions during the AGM. Following up on that, I had a discussion with the Business Manager last week regarding some additional concerns that I would like to bring to your attention as a matter of urgency.
There has been a significant shake-up within Hillsong in recent times. Aside from the removal of Pastor Carl Lentz (New York) and Brian and Bobby Houston due to morality issues, the spotlight has also been cast on the finances of Hillsong. An MP has presented a large set of financial documents in parliament, which have been subjected to further investigation and official scrutiny. These documents are publicly available. Firstly, my concern is the potential implications of these developments on churches in Australia. Specifically, I anticipate that the government and relevant authorities, such as the ACNC, may introduce changes to money and tax legislation that will impact churches. They may in the future, conduct more thorough investigations into the financial practices of churches.
REDACTED
As per the quoted document from parliament, it has come to light that Hillsong mismanaged a government funding scheme that resulted in the complete revocation of the funds. The primary reason behind this decision was that instead of directing the funds towards their intended purpose of assisting indigenous people, one-third of the funds were utilised to employ seven individuals for operations that did not meet the grant’s criteria.
Mr SNOWDON (Lingiari) (9.36 am)—I want to talk today about the misuse and misappropriation of funds by Hillsong Church. Questions on notice asked by the shadow minister for Indigenous affairs and media reports have revealed that over $1.2 million in business development grants to the Hillsong Church’s benevolent organisation, Hillsong Emerge, have been wasted. There are very few visible results from the grants, apart from well looked after Hillsong Emerge staff. These are grants that are supposed to assist disadvantaged Indigenous Australians. Hillsong Emerge spent $315,000 from a federal government grant to employ seven people for a microcredit program in Sydney that gave just six Indigenous people a loan. The total grant for the microcredit program was $965,421, with 93 borrowers across Australia. Only $362,673 of the grant ended up in the hands of Indigenous borrowers. The sum of $610,000 was also spent by Hillsong on projects for ‘business development’ and ‘self-confidence for young women’ in Sydney, which are supposed to help Indigenous people find employment. – Parliament of Australia
Some crucial questions that I’m hoping can be tabled and discussed by the Eldership:
Who is responsible for our obligations and commitments, given the government funding we have received? Do the directors and elders know what these key responsibilities are?
Are there timesheets and evidence of work that directly benefits the HASA community for staff members whose salaries are funded by these funds? How is this monitored and managed during the grant acquittal process?
How feasible is it for Pastor Larry to work for HASA for four days a week when the church frequently requires input from the Senior Pastor?
When travelling to conferences (ie MFI for one week, Africa for 2 weeks) as a senior pastor, how is the time for HASA compensated for?
REDACTED SECTION.
During the AGM, concerns were raised about the future sustainability of HASA, prompting Larry to share that they are exploring new structures that would enable a more self-sufficient program.
What sort of turnover would be expected to consider HASA sustainable, and how would staffing change to adjust for the new format?
Is the sustainability of the church being considered in the same way? Have we looked into the stagnated growth and turnover of members and what steps need to be taken to effect change?
At the commencement of the AGM, the issue of itemising and segregating accounts was raised, which I recall being a question at every AGM. The lack of a treasurer puts us in a precarious position, especially with the sale of the church, the revenue generated from it, and the necessity of finding a new location to rent or store equipment in the future.
Is there an explanation as to why ministries and businesses are not being itemised in Xero? Xero is fully capable of handling this task. From my experience using the software extensively for my own bookkeeping, it should be possible to achieve what we need within Xero itself. Could you address this?
Our church moved from Myob to Xero 7 years ago with the same reasons given at that time and a goal to properly separate ministries and businesses moving forward.
Do we currently have a workable plan for the location of our church’s operation by January 2024, which is only 9 months away?
As outlined in the above points, we are in a precarious situation and I’d like to propose hiring an external Risk Management auditor to provide a broader insight into our financial workings.
I understand these questions may be challenging, but I write with a sense of deep loyalty and concern. Our family have been devoted members of Casey City Church for nearly 20 years and have witnessed the ups and downs that come with being part of a community. As the public scrutiny of Christian churches intensifies, it is crucial that we confront these difficult questions head-on and prepare for what may come. We owe it to our church members to be proactive and transparent in addressing these challenges.
Thank you so much for taking the time to work through these concerns. We really do appreciate each and every one of you and thank you for your invitation to ask further questions.
From Karen Alsop
31.03.2023
(Redactions to protect privacy but should still be responded to by the church at the AGM)
____________________________________
Senior Pastor, Larry Sebastian responded (to all leadership) several days later on Monday the 3rd of April, 2023:
Larry Sebastian
Monday April 3rd, 2023,, 8:51pm
Hi Karen,
Thanks for emailing your concerns post the AGM. Really appreciate your dedication to our church community and willingness to share your thoughts to help us maintain greater transparency. These are serious concerns and want to assure you that we will take sometime to review them thoroughly with the eldership, BOD, finance team and HASA. In short this is a helpful!
We understand churches are under scrutiny, maintaining a high standard of accountability and transparency is essential, so thanks again for raining these concerns and providing us with the appropriate links.
Stuart, Karen, (and children’s names), your commitment as a family is invaluable and we are so thankful for all your contribution and dedication to the church family. We appreciate you for wanting to see the church represented in good light having due diligent processes in place.
Blessings
Larry Sebastian
____________________________________
On May 3rd, 2023, subsequent to discussions with a diverse cross-section of the church community, the Elders, independent of the Pastor and free from conflicts of interest, along with Executive Pastor Kevin Manning, convened with Senior Pastor Larry Sebastian and Co-Pastor Christa Sebastian (his wife). The purpose of the meeting was to address, while preserving confidentiality, the reported instances of spiritual abuse and bullying, and extend an invitation to Larry and Christa to voluntarily resign.
Larry and Christa refused, denied the allegations, and returned two weeks later, effectively exiling all the vulnerable victims who had bravely spoken up.
Subsequently, an external team comprising interim elders and investigators was engaged to oversee the situation. During this phase, I resubmitted my initial queries, which had remained unanswered by the leadership, along with additional concerns and pressing issues that required immediate attention. Although I no longer hold the position of Elder, I, along with my husband, had served alongside Larry and Christa Sebastian for many years and remained devoted members serving the church for nearly two decades.
____________________________________
A full year has passed, yet my inquiries, along with others raised throughout the investigation, remain unanswered. With almost two decades of firsthand experience in the workings of Casey City Church, I harbour legitimate concerns. In light of the absence of responses, I am now formally bringing these questions to public attention, urging Casey City Church, a registered charity and PBI operating in the state of Victoria, Australia, to address all points and answer each question with supporting documentation at the 2024 AGM.
ACNC Details: https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/fc89ca4e-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/profile
Update: Tuesday March 19th, 2024
KAREN ALSOP
Further to posting this letter to the Casey City Church Facebook Page seeking a response, I received the following email from Admin on Monday morning:
On Mon, Mar 18, 2024 at 11:52 AM Casey City Church Office Administrator <administrator@caseycc.org.au> wrote:
Hi Karen,
We have noted your facebook comment and will revert to you late today.
For any inquiries, please send us an email on this email id.
Blessings
Casey City Church – Admin
Having no response by Tuesday morning – 19th March I emailed the following:
Karen Alsop
9:57 AM 19th March, 2024
Thanks, who is Casey City Church – Admin? A name of who I’m talking to would be of assistance.
I still haven’t received any updates to date. Could you please confirm if there’s an Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled? If so, could you provide details on when and where it will be held? Despite being a member, I haven’t received any information. Additionally, it appears that I’ve been removed from all mailing lists.
The questions posed a year ago remain unresolved, and the additional inquiries I forwarded to the leadership and interim elders in the middle of last year have also gone unanswered.
I am aware the church has a lawyer. Could you please provide me with their details so I can also send the lawyer my questions as a matter of urgency?
Thank you for providing this information.
From Karen Alsop
Communication from CCC
Update: Tuesday 19.03.2024 – 3:56pm
Casey City Church Office Administrator
3:56 PM
Hi Karen,
Thank you for your email.
An invite to the AGM has been emailed to today. Apologise we couldn’t get that to you yesterday.
We would appreciate, should you have questions to please email them to me as opposed to posting them on our public FB page as that is not the preferred forum. The email with questions sent to the advisory panel, the elders and finance team have been recently forwarded to the lawyer.
Thank you and have a blessed day.
Blessings
Casey City Church – Admin
Update: Tuesday 19.03.2024 – 3:56pm
KAREN ALSOP
We have now received the following notification and provide this information for other Casey City Church Members who did not acquire the official notification about the AGM that is scheduled for Thursday 21st at 7pm at Casey City Church –
Casey City Church Inc
ABN 30 868 896 130
(“Association”)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is given that the upcoming annual general meeting of the members of the
Association will be held on 21 March 2024 at Casey City Church, 7.00pm (Melbourne
time) at 11/25 Narre Warren- Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren
I was advised by CCC that:
Twenty-one days’ notice of the upcoming AGM of Casey City Church Inc was given to all Members of the Church pursuant to section 60 of the Association Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic) and clause 12.3 of the constitution of the Church which provides that notice is deemed served if posted on the auditorium wall and/or published in the Church newsletter. Notice was posted on the auditorium wall twenty-one days prior to the AGM.
As a courtesy and understand you are not regularly attending Casey City Church and in attendance at the church building, attached is the notice that was served.
Casey City Church Inc
ABN 30 868 896 130
(“Association”)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is given that the upcoming annual general meeting of the members of the
Association will be held on 21 March 2024 at Casey City Church, 7.00pm(Melbourne
time) at 11/25 Narre Warren- Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren
AGENDA
1. Appointment of Auditor for 2023/2024
2. The draft financials of the Association for the 2022/2023 financial year.
3. The following resolutions will be proposed at the annual general meeting:
To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following as a resolution:
“THAT the draft financials for the 2022/2023 financial be accepted, signed on
behalf of the Association and lodged with Consumer Affairs Victoria and the
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.”
4. Appointment of Board of Directors
5. Appointment of lawyer (Mills Oakley)
6. To consider and if thought fit, to pass a resolution:
“That current constitution and organisational structure be reviewed and
appropriate changes recommended by Jonathan Green of Mills Oakley”
1. ATTACHMENTS
The draft financials of the Association for the 2022/2023 financial year are
attached to this notice.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMITTEE
Signed: …………………………………
Position: Secretary
Date: 29 February 2024
An AGM is open to all and questions can be raised by members and non-members.
Only members can vote.
In the case of CCC, Stuart and I have remained members (with membership frozen in May 2023).
The Responsible People for the ACNC are:
Kevin Manning
Peter Greene
Larry Sebastian
Please note the following clause from the Draft Audit:
Responsibility of the Responsible Entities for the Financial Report
The responsible entities of the registered entity are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and have determined that the basis of preparation described in Note 1 to the financial report is appropriate to meet the requirements of the ACNC Act and the needs of the members. The responsible entities’ responsibility also includes such internal control as the responsible entities determine is necessary to enable the preparation of a financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial report, the responsible entities are responsible for assessing the registered entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the responsible entities either intend to liquidate the registered entity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Update: Wednesday 20.03.2024 – 1:12pm
KAREN ALSOP
I will continue to update this live document to ensure that all former and current CCC congregations are aware of the changing landscape of the AGM details.
I posted this earlier on my Facebook page earlier today. I’ve received messages from people stating that they did not get any information from the church about the AGM. We are still waiting for further updates.
My Personal Facebook Post:
Notice of AGM CCC – Thursday Evening (tomorrow) 7pm
Members who have not been able to attend due to the situation at hand were not sent this notification. I was informed it had been stuck to a wall inside the building for 21 days. We have no way of knowing.
The board of directors are Kevin Manning, Peter Greene and Larry Sebastian.
Kevin and Peter let me know they have not received this notification to date. They have not approved this agenda (it says by order of the committee and lists the secretary).
I have sent my previous letter, dated March 31st 2023, to CCC, and I have also forwarded the second letter with more questions to the CCC lawyer. http://www.caseycc.link/agmletter/
The draft audited financials were attached to the email I received from CCC yesterday. Please let me know if you require all of this as a member and I will forward to you.
I have many questions.
Stuart and I will be in attendance tomorrow night.
Update: Thursday 21.03.2024 – 9:30am
KAREN ALSOP
Last night CCC sent out an email to members (they have added us back on to the members list. There has been a CHANGE OF LOCATION for the AGM taking place tonight at 7pm:
Dear Church Members,
We are writing to inform you of a change in venue for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) tomorrow, Thursday 21st March 2024.
Please take note of the updated details:
New Venue:
Casey Seventh-day Adventist Church
5 Rebound Court, Narre Warren VIC 3805
Function Room
Date: 21st March 2024, Thursday
Time: 07:00pm
We apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Blessings & Kind Regards,
Sabina
Casey City Church – Admin
T: (03) 8790 2917
We are unsure the reasoning behind the change of venue from the church building to this other location.
3. TIMELINE
DECEMBER 18, 2015.
MP Anthony Byrne interviews Larry Sebastian of Casey City Church, admiring the facilities.
Source: AnthonyByrneMPHolt (@AnthonyByrneMPHolt), Spotlight on Holt 01 – Casey City Church – 18 Dec 2015, Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwASynF0-lk, Uploaded December 18, 2015. (Accessed March 03, 2024.)
Sermon.
Sermon
March 06. 2022.
Sermon ‘Power of One’ preached.
Make sure you save this page:
https://3ckidzcare.com.au/about-us/
Gallery | Carols By Twilight Festival
426 Princes Highway, Narre Warren VIC 3805 – Sold Shop & Retail Property | Commercial Real Estate
2013
Eldership spill. Mass exodus of members.
Kevin Manning joined the church later becoming Executive Pastor.
Parable bookstore was not viable and eventually left the premise, the church repurposing the upstairs section and “crossed over” to the upstairs section of the facility.
2011
Church continued to meet in the downstairs section. Cafe and other businesses continued. Som changes in tenants.
2010
Casey City Church start renovations and move in to new property. 1 million interest free loan and 1.8 million BOQ bank loan.
Renovations on church building continue into 2011 to establish other businesses.
[See LiveDoc – video coming]
2009
Investor from Singapore, Ng Hock Ching, purchases Cardina Property and partners with Larry. Starts building the homestead (that is now an AirBNB).
‘Light Up Australia’ property (426 Princes Hwy) is put on market.
Meetings start and continue at the MPC Christian College until 2010.
JUNE 24, 2008.
The Multipurpose Center (MPC) for a Christian College is built (a basketball stadium with mezzanine floor). Casey City Church moved into the MPC.
Casey City Church Youtube video provides update of the built facilities on June 24, 2008:
Source: caseycitychurch (@caseycitychurch), MPC Building, Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNEEEuSuBUM, Uploaded June 24, 2008. (Accessed February 25, 2024.)
2005
Church moved to a Christian College – music portables. Royal Rangers started. Offices for church were also located at the college.
2004
Moved to a Pound Road site temporarily. Moved to Berwick Church of Christ, meeting on Saturdays in the main auditorium.
2003.
Larry establishes the church. Start meeting at Berwick Scout Hall. Mostly family and some others
4. SERMONS AVAILABLE
June 07, 2020
Untitled sermon based on Matthew 12:22-29 (starts at 43:30):
Source: Casey City Church, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/caseycitychurch/videos/1172193133113106, Uploaded June 07, 2024. (Accessed March 01, 2024.)
November 27, 2022
Sermon: Power of Thanksgiving
Source: Casey City Church, Power of Thanksgiving | Larry Sebastian | 27-Nov-22, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/caseycitychurch/videos/2402895433198029/, Uploaded November 27, 2022. (Accessed March 01, 2024.)
Email all comments and questions to c3churchwatch@hotmail.com
“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Galatians 4:16
Categories: Casey City Church