Early in 1952, a team of Bible College students conducted a Tent Mission in Reservoir. Soon afterward, in Murray Road, Preston, a hall, where local fishermen held regular gatherings, became the meeting place for a small group of dedicated Pentecostal Christians.  By 1953 an invitation was extended to Jim Sharman to become the first pastor of this expanding work. The church continued to grow so arrangements were made to purchase two blocks of land in Broadway, Reservoir.  The bank manager looked quizzically at this unheard-of religious group and refused their request for a loan.  But faith-filled believers are not discouraged that easily!   The land was paid off by the faithful few and a church was built by volunteers at that location in 1957. Over the next few years A. T. Davidson and Colin White, Ron George, George Forbes and Tony Hallo led the church.   

George and Nancy Forbes brought a strong missionary emphasis which still continues today. Tony Hallo saw a remarkable move of the Spirit of God during his eight year ministry.   The Broadway property was now too small for the 150 or more worshippers, so Cinema North in Reservoir was rented for the Sunday services. 

In February 1981 Denis and Gwen Smith, arrived to head up the work.  A nine acre property had been purchased in McLeans Road, Bundoora however much of it was unsuitable for building. Under their leadership ten thousand truck loads of soil were brought to the property to elevate the land and the new church was constructed.  

Today, Northside is a local church in partnership with the Australian Christian Churches. It has planted a number of churches around Melbourne while maintaining a strong world mission’s vision. Northside Christian College located on the same site provides rich opportunities to young people for learning and living and prepares them to live a responsible life that serves others and honors God.     

In 1998 the responsibilities of leadership were handed over to John and Lois Spinella. Under their leadership the church has continued to expand its facilities and influence. They have a passion to reach people for Christ in the region, and the nations of the world. Northside has now become a large, strong, multinational, multigenerational, family church that impacts its community, region and world with the message of Christ. 

Recently the Northside leadership adopted the multi-site model to church planting. A multi-site church is simply ‘one church in multiple locations’. All sites share the same leadership team, budget, staff and administration. The first of these was in 2008 at Craigieburn; a church which is now effectively reaching out to its community.  Over the next few years the vision is to see a number of new church sites in the growing suburbs that surround the Bundoora church campus.