The Grow Story
Grow Church was established as Westvale Christian Centre in 1985 with a vision to be an Apostolic Centre in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. From our humble beginnings in the home of our founding Pastor Brian Blacker, the church went from Stevensville Primary School, to St. Albans Technical School and then graduated to Victoria University, before purchasing the current facility in St. Albans in 1998. Changing our name to Grow Church in 2008, we have grown from a handful who attended the first meeting to a growing church family with campuses in Australia and the Philippines.
Senior Pastor – Pastor Chris and Meriel Kolle
St Albans & Aintree Campus Pastor
Pastor Chris Kolle has served as the Senior Pastor of Grow Church since April 1996. His heart is to see people grow and reach their potential in Christ. With a passion for missions, he has ministered in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, PNG, Singapore, India, and Malaysia. Pastor Chris and Meriel live in Keilor Downs and have three adult sons Joshua, Matthew and Caleb.
Diggers Rest Campus Pastor – Pastor Mick and Jo Vassallo
Pastor Mick Vassallo has served as Campus Pastor of the Diggers Rest Campus since February 2020. Coupled with a strong desire to reach the community, his heart is to see the next generation equipped and released into Kingdom purposes. Pastor Mick and Jo live in Sunbury with their three children Adrian, Samantha and Toby.
Tagum City Campus Pastor – Pastor Randy and Yayani Palanas
Pastor Randy Palanas has served as Campus Pastor of the Tagum City Campus since the campus was planted in September 2016. He has a burning passion to reach the lost and disciple people to grow in Christ. Together with Yayani, he also oversees a vibrant church in Asuncion, a half hour drive from Tagum City. Pastor Randy and Yayani live on the church property in Tagum City along with their three children Yandy, Princess and Randy Paul.
