Paradise Community Church - Influence

Influence

A number of people from Paradise Church have gone on to launch other mega churches such as Edge Church, Planetshakers City Church and Youth Alive.

Paradise set up Paradise College of Ministries, an accredited bible college in South Australia.

As the largest church in South Australia, Ashley Evans was appointed State President of Australian Christian Churches of South Australia in 2002, and a member of the National Executive of the Australian Christian Churches. His wife Jane Evans has been influential as the national board member of charity Compassion Australia. Paradise is regarded as ecumenical, training several key non-Pentecostal leaders, including Dean Eaton, father of radio and television host Tessa Eaton.

Paradise launched the Influencer's Conference which have attracted several celebrity keynote speakers including Bishop TD Jakes, Creflo Dollar, Samuel Chand, Joyce Meyer, Jentezen Franklin, Matt Crouch and Chris Hill. The conference is a direct competitor of Hillsong Conference, although focuses more so on the leadership.

The profile of Paradise was boosted after the inaugural Australian Idol Guy Sebastian and his girlfriend publicly announced his connection with the church as a singer, and subsequent marriage at the church. The church was also featured on A Current Affair, Compass, The Australian, and The Age. Peter Goers has commonly cited the church in rhetoric light. As a result of market perception of the church with Guy, the church launched its Paradise School of Music. Famous persons who have forayed the floors of Paradise include Channel 9 journalist Kate Collins and actress Debra Byrne. Apart from media interest, the church has also has a television program which screens in different countries and recently started airing each Sunday on Channel 9. Paradise also utilises regular television and radio advertisement for marketing communications, particularly during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Although lacking the high profile connection of Nabi Selah with Hillsong, Paradise has distinctive business influence. Paradise has also attempted to make inroads into the women's market, initiating the annual bU fashion parade which attracts 3,000 women. It is advertised as Australia's largest fashion parade.

Some political figures have connections with the church, including former Family First leader Andrew Evans. Liberal Party of Australia foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer commented positively on the church's focus on God, the Bible and the message of Christ.

Paradise has a philanthropy arm, that offers community services. In 2006, more than 10,000 clients were given food and clothing. Paradise has partnered with fast food chain McDonald's to launch Adelaide's Biggest Easter Egg Hunt and city wide Christmas carols, which although require a gold donation per capita, attracts crowds in excess of 25,000. The donations thus far have solely been redirected to the Women's and Children's Hospital, although expansive philanthropy is expected in the future.