A Christ-centered, Spirit-powered movement expanding globally through vibrant, community-focused congregations.
C3 Church Global, formerly known as Christian City Church International, is a charismatic Christian denomination that originated on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. Founded by Phil Pringle and his wife Christine in 1980, the movement has grown from a humble gathering of 12 people to an international network of over 500 churches spread across 64 countries. The Pringles’ vision was to create contemporary, relevant, and anointed churches with a strong focus on faith, community, and outreach. Their mission has always been to connect people to Jesus in a personal and transformative way, fostering communities that are generous, lively, and welcoming.
The foundation of C3 Church Global was laid on Easter morning in 1980 when the Pringles hosted a service at the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club. With modern music and a friendly atmosphere, the church quickly attracted a following, growing to 400 members within four years. This expansion led to the establishment of Christian City Church, which later evolved into C3 Church as it began to plant congregations in major cities around the world. The movement’s rapid growth is attributed to its vision of planting 10 churches in 10 cities globally, a goal that has been far exceeded over the decades.
Central to C3 Church Global’s identity is its emphasis on being Christ-centered, Spirit-powered, and connection-driven. The church aims to make everyone feel at home, regardless of which C3 congregation they attend around the world. This sense of belonging and community is a key aspect of their global appeal. Leadership within the movement focuses on empowering senior pastors and fostering a culture of community and mutual support, with a broader goal of seeing one million people attending C3 congregations worldwide every weekend.
The church is also committed to continuous growth and expansion, looking towards a future that is even more vibrant, diverse, and energetic. Their leadership team is actively involved in setting the vision and goals for the movement, as well as activating key projects to propel the church forward. With a heart for connecting people to Jesus and each other, C3 Church Global continues to play a significant role in the global Christian landscape, adapting and evolving to meet the spiritual needs of its diverse and expanding community.
The church’s significant growth has brought scrutiny, particularly regarding financial management and accountability. In some regions, C3 Church has faced criticism for its handling of finances, including the pressure placed on members to give and the transparency regarding the use of these funds. High-profile legal cases involving associated pastors, such as the case in Singapore where a pastor was found guilty of misappropriating church funds for personal projects, have also cast a shadow over the movement. These incidents have prompted discussions within and outside the C3 community about governance, financial oversight, and the ethical responsibilities of religious leaders.
C3 Church Global’s stance on various social issues has also been a point of contention. Like many religious organizations, its positions on topics such as LGBTQ+ rights and social justice have been closely scrutinized. Critics argue that the church’s views on these matters reflect broader challenges within evangelical Christianity, balancing doctrinal beliefs with a changing social landscape. The church’s approach to addressing—or not addressing—such issues has influenced public perception and, at times, led to heated debates about the role of modern churches in societal conversations.
One of the significant controversies involves allegations of sexual misconduct within the church leadership. Reports have detailed cases where individuals in leadership positions were accused of engaging in affairs with parishioners, leading to their departure from the church. The church has stated that it takes claims of sexual misconduct seriously and that its primary concern is the wellbeing of those who bring such claims to their attention.
At the heart of C3 Church Global’s controversies are questions about leadership and accountability. The charismatic nature of the church, with strong, visionary leaders at its helm, can be a double-edged sword. While it can drive growth and inspire members, it also raises concerns about power dynamics, decision-making processes, and how dissent or criticism is handled within the church structure.
image via C3 Global Network