Draft:Larry Sebastian
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Larry Sebastian
Larry Sebastian is an Australian Pentecostal pastor and religious leader, best known as the founding pastor of Casey City Church, a Pentecostal congregation in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
Early life and education
Little is publicly documented about Sebastian’s early life, education, or theological training. He emerged in the Australian Christian church landscape during the growth of independent Pentecostal and charismatic congregations in the 1980s and 1990s.
Ministry
Sebastian founded Casey City Church in Narre Warren, Victoria. Under his leadership, the church became known for contemporary worship, conferences, youth programs, and international missions.
He has spoken at Christian conferences across Australia and overseas, with preaching described as charismatic and motivational, often emphasising themes of faith, spiritual authority, and personal transformation.
Casey City Church
Casey City Church is a Pentecostal church located in the City of Casey, Victoria, Australia. Founded in the late 20th century by Pastor Larry Sebastian, it grew into one of the most influential independent Pentecostal congregations in Melbourne’s south-east.
History
Founding: Established by Sebastian in Narre Warren, initially in temporary venues before moving to a permanent building.
Growth: The congregation expanded during the 1990s–2000s, reflecting the wider Pentecostal movement’s growth in Australia.
Programs: The church has run youth ministries, Royal Rangers, missions, and community outreach, as well as conferences that drew national and international speakers. It also established businesses including 3C Kidz Care and HASA Soccer Acadamy.
Theology and affiliation
Casey City Church identifies with the Pentecostal/charismatic tradition, emphasising:
- The authority of the Bible
- Worship through contemporary music
- Belief in spiritual gifts such as prophecy and healing
- Evangelism and discipleship
Although independent, it has had links with wider Pentecostal networks in Australia.
Pastor Larry Sebastian is registered with MFI - Ministers Fellowship International
Controversies and criticisms Allegations of abuse and leadership misconduct
A seven-month internal review by “interim elders” reportedly found Sebastian scripturally disqualified from ministry on multiple counts, with more than 30 statements from current and former members alleging “spiritual and physical abuse and manipulation”【bishop-accountability.org】.
Sebastian has also been accused of failing to report an alleged sexual assault of a minor at a church-related youth conference in 2013. He denied knowledge of the incident at the time【julieroys.com】.
Former board members and elders resigned, citing lack of transparency and concerns about governance【dailytelegraph.com.au】.
Financial and governance concerns
Reports in The Daily Telegraph detailed concerns over AUD 2.5 million in government grants linked to the church’s “Hope Australia Soccer Academy”, with allegations of poor transparency【dailytelegraph.com.au】.
A forensic accounting review was reportedly initiated into the church’s financial operations, though later suspended amid legal discussions.
Response
Sebastian and Casey City Church have denied wrongdoing. Sebastian stated that allegations were made by “a very small number of individuals” and that the membership overwhelmingly rejected the advisory panel’s recommendation for his resignation【bishop-accountability.org】.
References
“Australian Pastor Refuses to Resign, Despite Disqualification and Allegations of Abuse and Manipulation” – The Roys Report / Bishop Accountability (June 2024). Link
“Unholy row over church of Sebastian” – The Daily Telegraph (6 April 2024). Link
“Timeline and resources on Larry Sebastian of Casey City Church” – ChurchWatch Central (May 2024). Link
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