By Natalie BennettMonday 23 Jan 2023NewsReading Time: 2 minutes

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said about eight fire crews were called to Lifepointe Baptist Church on Wises Road in Buderim at about 11:15pm on Friday.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services captain Peter Pittini said arriving crews were faced with “large flames issuing from the rear of the building, quickly spreading to the front”, ABC reported.

Sunshine Coast News‘ early reports said about “60 per cent of the structure was involved“. The fire was brought under control by 12.55am on Saturday. It was fully extinguished by 4.30am. The spokesman said there was “substantial damage to the rear of the premises” and that a fire investigator would attend the scene on Saturday morning to try and determine what caused the blaze.

Lifepointe Baptist Church & Community Centre has been a part of the Sunshine Coast community for more than 25 years. The building houses a wide range of businesses, community programs and events including Christmas at Lifepointe.

“As many of you may have heard, last night our Lifepointe home was effected by a tragic fire. Although we mourn the loss of our building, we know all hope is not lost. Because we are more than a building – our people are the church!”, the church shared via Facebook on Sunday morning.

“While we are heartbroken, we stand together today in the power of God and prayer to rebuild from the ashes to continue to impact our community with the love of Jesus,” – Lifepointe Baptist Church Facebook page

At time of publishing, Lifepointe Baptist Church raised $17,395 of the $50,000 GoFundMe goal to start rebuilding.