EMAG
LEADERSHIP
australian christian churches leadership online
ISSUE 2/2013
NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2013
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH JOHN HUNT
OPPORTUNITY
MILITARY CHAPLAINS
HIGHLIGHTS
Ministry To God’s Ministers
NEWS EVENTS RESOURCES AND MORE... | 1 |
CONFERENCE TEACHING ONLINE
EXCEPTIONAL MINISTRY Dear friends, Iuliano who has steered the college over the past decade to the new state-of-the-art college premises in Parramatta. Michael Murphy has now taken up the baton, and will continue building on the great legacy of our national bible college. Inspiring Teaching Our Conference guest speakers, Jentezen Franklin and Sam Chand, gave phenomenal input into our movement. Each delivered outstanding messages that brought life, wisdom and clarity to those in ministry. We have made the recording of Jentezen’s message, ‘The Lost Language of the Holy Spirit’, available on the Pastor’s Login site – a significant teaching for every Pentecostal church leader. There was an incredible response to our Church On Mission electives, which gave a practical focus to five specialised ministry areas. This issue has more details on these and other ministry news. Our vision for the future is exciting. I pray that, whether you were or were not able to be at Conference, you will catch the spirit that while we have a very rich history, we have an even greater future if we embark on it together. Let’s advance His Kingdom and make His name great - together!
Warmest regards, Wayne Alcorn (ACC National President)
EVEN GREATER Opening Night message by Wayne Alcorn
O Audio
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NATIONAL VISION SESSION Hosted by Wayne Alcorn with Michael Murphy, Gerard Keehan and Donna Crouch
O Audio
To listen to these audio messages, visit the Resource Section of Pastor’s Login: http://access.acc.org.au www.acc.org.au http://access.acc.org.au
truly memorable } ...a and inspirational
conference on so many levels, providing exceptional ministry to God’s ministers. – Wayne Alcorn
2013 National Executive team
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What an amazing few days we shared with over 2,000 members of the ACC family who gathered together for our conference on the Gold Coast. It was a truly memorable and inspirational conference on so many levels, providing exceptional ministry to God’s ministers. Conference Highlights Conference was jam-packed with so many great moments and we have uploaded the Conference Highlights video on the ACC website to give you a snapshot if you weren’t able to make it. You can also check out some of the photos on Instagram: #accnatconf New Executive Member A very warm welcome to John Hunt who was elected to the National Executive team. John is the Queensland/NT State President, and he and Francine have pastored Centro Church in Ipswich for over 25 years. We would like to thank and honour Ashley and Jane Evans for serving our movement on the Executive for 12 years. They will continue to impact our movement as they push boundaries and build their new off-shore Influencers Church campus in the USA. New College President We are also pleased to announce the appointment of the new President of Alphacrucis College. We greatly appreciate John
Follow Wayne Alcorn on Twitter: @wayne_alcorn | 2 |
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
about this last conference...
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was something }...There supernaturally special
Functioning Family For Marilyn Hunter of Encourage Church, it was the sense of family and Holy Spirit. “It was great to see our ACC Family functioning so well as a famiy – time for ministry, time for discussion, time to be mentored in so many different ways”, she said, “with ‘now’ words from the Holy Spirit through our amazing speakers. I’m looking forward to being together again in two years time.” Sybil Baskerville said it was a great conference, and “a great time to catch up with people you only see on such occasions – from the past.” Tony Ojamiren declared, “The National Conference was one of the best I have attended. Everything was well organised and the business/vision was great with a great deal of openness and the ministries were fantastic. Supernaturally Special Emmanuel and Louise Gullo said they were impacted in a ‘major way’. “We enjoy the conference every time we come,” said Louise, “but there was something supernaturally special about this last one.” Pastor Cedric from Clayton AOG agreed that the “Pentecostal experience” made it one of the best conferences. Inspired and Empowered Nev and Sue Strachan, who travelled from Byron Bay, said, “We came home so inspired and empowered. And to all the fabulous people running the kids program – our little girl loved it and made some great friends too.” Tribute to the Past The 75 year anniversary celebrations of our movement paid tribute to those who had built strong foundations for what we are today. The Conference Expo had a magnificent display of memorabilia housed in a ‘revival’ tent, and delegates enjoyed walking through history, then capturing their own vision for the future at the end. National President, Wayne Alcorn, said “I want to thank every delegate for making this conference such a great event, whose presence added to the atmosphere of faith that prevailed over the entire conference.” > Watch the Highlights video and History video clips on the ACC website: www.acc.org.au
WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE www.acc.org.au
N Video
HISTORY VIDEOS
Watch the video clips from Conference on the ACC website
www.acc.org.au/AboutUs/OurHistory.aspx
N Video
was great to see our } ...It ACC Family functioning so well as a family...
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The 2013 National Conference was marked by so many facets, from the great spectrum and depth of ministry, to honouring of the past, to the times of fun and fellowship. The feedback from delegates provide an insight into what stood out for them.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
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JENTEZEN FRANKLIN Conference delegates were blessed by three inspiring teachings from Pastor Jentezen Franklin. The Lost Language of the Holy Spirit Examining language throughout the scriptures, Jentezen declared, “There is a real danger of us losing the language of Holy Spirit if we don’t begin to pass it to the next generation.” A sigificant message for the Pentecostal church. How to Walk With God ‘The longer I am in ministry, the more I need to concentrate on my walk with God’, declared Jentezen. Teaching from Micah 6:8 “...to walk humbly with your God”, he taught how the enemy would like to hinder your walk. Permanently Inked in Your Mind People can become so permanently convinced in their minds that they set unbreakable limitations for themselves. Jentezen’s exhortation was not to allow the enemy to ‘tattoo’ your brain with guilt, condemnation and failures; things that can only be erased by Truth and the Blood.
THE LOST LANGUAGE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT by Jentezen Franklin
O Audio
http://access.acc.org.au/Resources/Podcasts/ To listen to this audio message, visit the tabid/2219/ctl/Login/language/en-AU/Default.aspx?ret Resource Section of Pastor’s Login: urnurl=%2fResources%2fPodcasts%2ftabid%2f2219% http://access.acc.org.au www.acc.org.au http://access.acc.org.au 2flanguage%2fen-AU%2fDefault.aspx
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There is a real danger of us losing the language of the Holy Spirit if we don’t begin to pass it on to the next generation.
– Jentezen Franklin
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INSPIRING TEACHING
TEACHING ONLINE
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD CARD DR SAM CHAND Sam Chand’s mission is ‘to help pastors succeed’. WIth his clear, down-to-earth approach to ministry and leadership, Sam captivated the ACC pastors with his practical wisdom and insights into the challenges of effectively leading a church and building a strong culture in ministry. The Trust Factor (Part 1 and 2) “People come to your churches because they trust you” sated Dr Chand. Identifying trust as the most important ingredient that holds it altogether, he examined areas relating to character & competency, integrity & intent, and crediblity & results. Helplessness Have you ever felt totally helpless and couldn’t do anything about circumstances? Sam’s final keynote session addessed how we all have windows of opportunity and in the most helpless moment, everything can be transformed.
A limited number of conference resource cards are still available. Order now to get the nine main sessions from Conference on one card. http://access.acc.org.au http://access.acc.org.au www.acc.org.au - Pastor’s Login section
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MEET OUR NEW EXECUTIVE MEMBER
PROFILE: JOHN HUNT Welcome to John Hunt who was elected to the National Executive at the 2013 National Conference. John and his wife Francine are the Senior Pastors of Centro Church, Ipswich, where they have served for over 25 years. John has held various leadership roles in the ACC, having served as the ACCQ Brisbane West Regional Leader for 15 years and on the QLD and NT State Executive for 10 years. He is the current ACC State President for Queensland/Northern Territory.
Q: How long have you been connected with the AOG/ACC? John: My brothers pastored in the early 1970s and personally since the late 1970s. Q: Did you always want to be a pastor? John: No, I was ‘drafted’ as they say. I just kept filling in the roles in my local church till one day the role was that of the pastor. Q: What do you love about pastoring a local church? John: Watching people come to faith and grow in their knowledge of God. Q: Tell us a bit about your family? John: I have been married to Francine for 30 years. We have three daughters, two of whom are married – Aleesha (married to Tom) and Laryssa (married to James). Our third daughter, Melanie, works for us at our church. We also now have two granddaughters.
Q: What is a key scripture that sustains you in challenges? John: Jeremiah 1:5, Ephesians 4:11-12. Q: What would you like to be remembered for? John: Bringing the Bible alive to people. Q: What are you thankful to God for? John: His amazing grace and patience with me.
Q: What would you like to be remembered for?
the Bible } Bringing alive to people. – John Hunt
}
Q: How do you feel about being elected to the National Executive? John: I am excited to be a part of the National Executive as I feel its going to bring greater alignment with Queensland/Northern Territory which is a large percentage of our movement. I believe in our movement and want to be a part of handing it on to the next generation, stronger and brighter than when it was handed to us.
Left: John & Fracine at National Conference; with their baby granddaughter
Q: What makes you laugh? John: Just about anything but I love political satire. Q: What makes you angry? John: Time and ground lost for His Kingdom. Q: What do you like to do to relax? John: I love to run and watch the AFL.
www.lachlanmacquarieinternship.org.au
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ACC BUSINESS MATTERS Our Conference Business Session was where a number of remits were proposed which, following healthy discussion and debate, were accepted by the large majority of voting delegates. These involved formalising the change of name from Assemblies of God in Australia to Australian Christian Churches, by amending the United Constitution and State By-Laws, as well as the proposed Marriage Rites of Australian Christian Churches. Whilst we will officially adopt the name Australian Christian Churches, we hold our Assemblies of God in Australia heritage is high esteem and this will always be a part of our history and identity. As a movement, we will still hold all the legal rights to the name ‘Assemblies of God in Australia’ and subsequent registered trademarks, domain names etc.
WHAT WILL THE ACC NAME MEAN FOR YOU AND YOUR CHURCH? The discussions at National Conference raised some questions that local churches may have regarding the official change of name of the movement. Below are generic answers that may clarify some common questions. Q. What does a local church do when the name ‘Assemblies of God in Australia’ is mentioned in their own constitution as a reference? (e.g. “the state AOG Executive come in to sort out disputes…”) A. The Movement remains the same organisation - it has merely changed its name. If a question of interpretation arose in the meantime, it is a straightforward matter to deal with. The changes to the United Constitution of the Movement indicate the previous name and the new name. We suggest the local constitutions be changed to reflect the change of Fellowship name at the next general meeting. Q. How does this affect churches that use ‘AOG’ in their names? A. It is up to each local church whether it wishes to change its name or not. It is not breaching any law if it didn’t make the change. Practically speaking, it would be preferable if the change was made for the sake of everybody’s understanding. Q. If churches want to change their names, what do they have to do next? A. This will depend upon the structure of the church. • If unincorporated, it merely holds a meeting to change the name in the constitution according to the processes in that constitution, changes the name on the ABR and advises the ACNC. There are other practical issues such as advising the bank to change bank account names etc. • If a company, there are processes within the constitution and the Corporations Act 2001 to be followed with notifications to ASIC, ABR and ACNC in addition to the practical issues noted above. • If an Incorporated Association, there will also be processes within the constitution, approval from the State authority regulating Incorporated Associations, change of name on ABR and notification to ACNC. • If an Indigenous Corporation, add to the list the need to obtain the consent of ORIC. • If a Trust, then professional assistance will be required to draft a supplementary deed. Because some churches have changed their names (sometimes more than once) without proper legal process and relied upon simply adding a “Trading name” to their ABR entry, we recommend the legal basis for the use of the church name be clarified before the “Trading name” facility is removed from ABR by mid 2014 (recently extended by regulation from mid 2013). Use of a name, unless lawfully entitled, will require the registration of a business name from that time forward. – Sean Stanton (ACC National Secretary)
Sean Stanton
MARRIAGE RITES Please note that until the proclamation has been received and gazetted, please ensure you still marry couples under the ‘rites of the Assemblies of God in Australia’. We will notify you once this has officially changed. | 6 |
EXCELLENT ELECTIVES STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
GLOBAL CHURCH
Sean Stanton hosted the elective on Implementing Strategic Leadership, geared especially for Senior Pastors and Business Managers. Dr Sam Chand shared the five key issues that he finds ministries all over the world face: Leadership Development, Finance, Staffing, Growth and Succession planning.
The Global Church elective gave an exciting insight to the world of Missions and Relief. Well attended by many pastors and missions leaders, the elective provided a snapshot of the great achievements ACCI Field Workers have accomplished in the past two years. This included planting 667 churches, seeing 14,130 receive salvation, and assisting over 140,000 people through relief and development projects. Furthermore, ACC Churches in Australia reached the incredible milestone in this period of raising $1 million through the One Day campaign. These funds have had an amazing impact overseas, reaching thousands of lives with assistance such as access to clean water, education, and leadership training. A focus of the elective session was on ACCI’s initiative, Kinnected – Keeping Children in Families. As a Christian organisation we believe that God designed and ordained families to care for children. Psalm 68:6 states that “God sets the lonely in families”. Through Kinnected, we are assisting field workers and strategic partners to implement alternative care. This is achieved by strengthening families at risk of separation and assisting residential care facilities to reintegrate children back into families and community. Kinnected has created a strategic and sustainable way for our movement to engage with vulnerable children. As well as being in the best interest of the child, community based responses are extremely cost effective and will greatly multiply the number of children our resources can assist globally. The Global Church elective provided many church leaders with the opportunity to discuss how to integrate this best-practice care model into their outreach activities overseas. –Alun Davies
} What is your
‘discovery process’ how do you discover who is in your church?
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– Sam Chand BUSINESS TEAM PANEL The final segment of the elective involved a Q & A session with Sam Chand and five members of the ACC Business Team. These included John Dwight, George Aghajanian, Graham Corney, Stephen Crouch and Kim Hunt. They were joined by Peter Ridley (Hillsong Business Manager) with issues discussed covering a wide range of topics.
Q&A panel
All media shown by ACCI during conference is available to download here (https://vimeo. com/accistream/)for use in your church, and staff at the ACCI Operations Centre are here to assist with any further queries.
YOUTH MOMENTUM Our very first Momentum Elective for Youth and Young Adult leaders was a great success. 180 attendees were trained and equipped from some of our nation’s best youth practitioners, which included over 100 years worth of combined ministry experience. President, Wayne Alcorn launched the elective with an inspiring and challenging word for all those in attendance. The other speakers covered a broad
spectrum of issues including the key themes of building a strong youth culture and making disciples. There has been very positive feedback from the elective and we believe to see
youth ministries across the nation strengthen and grow as Youth Alive continues to REACH the lost, RAISE leaders, and RESOURCE the local church. – Cameron Bennett | 7 |
LOCAL CHURCH
EMERITUS
Close to 200 people gathered for the ‘Local Mission’ elective that focused on equipping pastors with some practical skills to enable them to reach into their communities more effectively. A great team contributed on the panels, representing various churches around Australia, and sharing from their own expriences just how easy it is to start having a powerful reach into local communities.
COMMUNITY CARE Donna Crouch hosted the Community Care session, where pastors were equipped on the “how to’s” of getting out and engaging with local community leaders and organisations. A panel included Paul Bartlett (Lighthouse Church, Wollongong); Scott Allan (Hillsong CityCare Brisbane); Brad Chilcott (Welcome To Australia; Activate Church SA); Melanie Witherspoon (Hope Centre) and Susana Faletolu (Hillsong CityCare Sydney). Members of the panel shared on practical ways to get started in setting up a Food Pantry, starting Breakfast Clubs in local schools, bringing assistance and aid to refugees and asylum seekers, and ministries that are locating and supporting people in our communities who are facing extreme isolation and loneliness. When you invest the time into finding out what ‘real needs’ are and build trust with other organisations, it is surprisingly easy to start making a contribution that will bring hope and help to the lives of people beyond the ‘four-walls-of-the-church. In fact, we just need to get rid of the walls altogether. CHAPLAINCY This session was hosted by Terry Cahill (NSW Director Chaplaincy Australia) who brought an inspiring update of the progress being made by Chaplaincy Australia. The reality is that there is always great acceptance of ‘The Padre’ in Australian society – Chapalincy is such a powerful ministry that any church can get involved in – no community has too many Padres! Ralph Esterby spoke about the increasing opportunity for the ACC to make a significant contribution as chaplains to the Australian Defence Force in the next few years. (See article on page 12 for more details) Chaplaincy Australia training is now being provided through the great team and facilities at Alphacrucis. This commitment to on-going excellence in training through our Chalpaincy course will continue to ensure that the services delivered through ACC will continue to gain even greater credibility, influence and ultimately, the ability to reach and help more people at their very real point of need.
Brett Wiltshire - Indigenous insights
John Lewis host of the Emeritus session
How significant that during the celebration of our movement’s 75th anniversary, our National President launched the Pastors Emeritus ministry. Wayne Alcorn expressed his appreciation for the incredible foundation laid by the previous generation, of which there were 118 representatives at the launch. The four main topics covered were: 1. The Life of Significance after the Pastorate. 2. Succession planning. 3. Maintaining Spiritual & Family Life. 4. Financial Planning. Each of the Pastors Emeritus state representatives were introduced at the launch. They are:
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Donna Crouch - Community Care
N.S.W. QLD. S.A. TAS. VIC. W.A.
after the pastorate... there’s so much for us to do.
Ivan & Pauline Herald (ozfame@bigpond.com) John & Val Lewis (jovall@bigpond.com) Trevor & Valmai Auritch (auritchts@adam.com.au) Ron & Marilyn Wilson (ron@gracecentre.com.au) Ian & Noelle Fenn (ianafenn@yahoo.com.au) Peter & Sandra Meyer (meyerpet@bigpond.net.au)
}
INDIGENOUS Neil Scott hosted the session on the National Indigenous Iniative, providing significant insights, particularly the difference between Aboriginal culture and Western culture. Western values are often symbolised by materialism, whereas Aboriginal people are a ‘spirit realm’ culture. There is a great need to understand this massive culture gap, with non-Indigenous Australians seeking to understand the values that are core to Indigenous people, and not get them to adjust to our western culture and even western way of ‘doing Church’. An inspiring video showed how the Holy Spirit is moving in various communities and there is definitely a rising sense of expectation that great things are happening in and through our Aboriginal pastors and churches.
– John Lewis
Val and I, along with our wonderful Emeritus State Representatives, would love to connect with you as you embrace the new and exciting season ahead of you.
Opportunities for Military Chaplains
Through intentional and strategic community outreach, we will continue to see more people being reached and helped, and experience the Kingdom of God. – Donna Crouch
– John Lewis
See page 12 To listen to this audio message, visit the Resource Section http://access.acc.org.au of Pastor’s Login: www.acc.org.au
http://access.acc.org.au
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NEW ALPHACRUCIS PRESIDENT: Michael Murphy
Your Experience Matters
After ten years at the helm of the ACC National Bible Bollege, outgoing President John Iuliano handed the baton over to Michael Murphy who will continue to build on the new name, new premises and expansion program initiated under John Iuliano’s leadership.
Sydney
are }We looking
Perth Melbourne
toward the horizon of possibly becoming the first Protestant Christian University in our nation.
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As I stood to address the auspicious audience gathered to celebrate the launch of Dr Denise Austin’s new book ‘Our College’, I became acutely aware of both the richness of our College’s heritage and the humbling responsibility being entrusted to me for the next season of its inheritance. Armed with a first class executive team led by Dr Stephen Fogarty and a strong College Council, we have before us many green fields of opportunity. It is truly an honour to support in any way I can, the expansion of AC’s educational offerings throughout each state of Australia and some of the major capital cities of our neighbouring Asian nations. What a historically significant opportunity we have to not only strengthen our heartland of theology and ministry but to also expand our schools of business, education and counselling/psychology. We will further equip world-class marketplace leaders in these respective fields of endeavor. From humble roots, standing on the shoulders of prophetic pioneers and God’s generals of the past, we are looking toward the horizon of possibly becoming the first Protestant Christian University in our nation. Though not imminently realisable, this goal can progressively become a reality over the next decade with our next stop the eminent standing of formally being recognised as a University College. With all of this vision for sustainable growth we will remain passionately committed to our Christian world-view. We will continue to maintain the healthy balance and tension between producing generationally focused philosophers and thinkers as well as exceedingly competent practitioners and leaders. I want to thank you in advance for your ongoing partnership and support for our shared noble endeavours. – Michael Murphy
– Michael Murphy
Brisbane
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NEW RELEASE: OUR COLLEGE A detailed publication of the history of our national Bible College by Denise Austin. $25 + postage Order online: https://fs25.formsite.com/AlphacrucisCollege/form40/secure_index.html | 9 |
At the ACC National Conference, we launched our exciting new initiative – the Ignite Church Planting Course. We would like to encourage you to be prayerfully considering sending potential church planters to our inaugural intake later this year. The course runs from 4th-29th November 2013 and costs $1,000 per person or $1,500 per couple. Many of our ACC National Executive members, as well as other local and international speakers, will be sowing into the lives of our future church planters. This is an opportunity not to be missed and there is always something special about being a part of the inaugural, pioneering year! Find Out More... Please call us for further information on (02) 8893 9000 or visit the website: http://ac.edu.au . To register online, please go to futurestudents@ac.edu.au – Gerard Keehan
Church Life
TIMES
1937 - 2013 www.acc.org.au
75 years of church planting
The 75 year journey of the Australian Assemblies of God movement has been built by a Holy Spirit inspired, bold and courageous pioneer spirit. Pioneer spirit This pioneer spirit has forged the path of the movement well over seven decades. Evangelism, Missions and Church Planting have gone hand in hand as churches have been planted and multitudes of individual lives have been supernaturally impacted and transformed by the Gospel. The current National Executive continues to uphold these foundations. “We have been handed a legacy
that is the result of a pioneering spirit,” said ACC National President, Wayne Alcorn. “It is exciting to see that there is still a fire burning in the hearts of many people for church planting in this generation.” He adds, “A commitment to church growth and church planting must start with a commitment to church health.” Commitment to church health National Executive members Michael Murphy and Gerard Keehan oversight the Church Life portfolio, and are committed to church planting and local church health and growth. “Planting churches is our heritage and our on-going legacy,” reports
Michael Murphy. “In our 75th year of ACC Church Planting, we are thrilled to present that we have planted over 70 churches since our last Conference in 2011.” Consistent Growth Looking back to the official formation of the Assemblies of God in Australia in 1937, the fellowship comprised of less than forty churches. Four decades later, the movement had trebled, representing over 120 churches. Yet it was under the leadership of Andrew Evans that there was a surge in church planting with phenomenal growth in the 1980s and 1990s. By the 50th anniversary, the AOG had reached its goal of 500 churches.
SPECIAL EDITION National Conference 2013
By 1997, when Andrew Evans handed the leadership baton to Brian Houston, there were 900 churches with approximately 117,000 constituents. At the 2003 National Conference, the movement celebrated over 1,000 churches in Australia. “The fact that our movement has grown from less than forty churches to over one thousand churches in 75 years reveals that God’s hand has surely been upon us,” stated Wayne Alcorn. Constituent Base One of the outstanding features of recent times has been the strong constituent growth that has been achieved as congregations have grown. In 2011 there was about a 5% increase and an 8% increase in 2012. This soul focus has built health and growth into churches which are making an increasing difference in their communities. Today the movement represents 255,547 constituents in 1,068 registered churches.
http://access.acc.org. au/News/LatestNews/ NationalReports2013/ tabid/2222/language/enAU/Default.aspx
‘
Wayne alcorn
For over 75 years, our movement has been advancing the Kingdom through the effective planting of powerful, prevailing churches. We have been handed a legacy that is the result of a pioneering spirit.
MIcHael MUrPHy
GerarD KeeHan
‘ ‘
IGNITE COURSE FOR FUTURE CHURCH PLANTERS
http://access.acc.org.au
Our ‘Main Game’ plan and strategy for planting new churches in strength and strengthening our existing churches is just hotting up. The great news is that we are winning the game!
‘
Statistically, the number of people attending church in our nation is increasing... The Ignite course is for anyone considering church planting in the days ahead.
‘
Observing the recent history of our movement quickly reveals some shifts and refinement in focus. Our movement was born as a church planting movement where 60% of the first church planters were outstanding anointed women. We saw the influence of Yonggi Cho and some ragged, raw ground breaking faith that saw churches springing up in cities and towns all across our nation. With the success of many of these plants came the era of churches pushing through the 1,000 mark with a handful onto multiple thousands. From the early days, where the only option was church planting, through the middle years of our history where again church planting was the aspiration of every young man and woman of God, through to a day when we are enjoying unprecedented success. Here’s the thing – it’s not either church planting or growing city shaking churches. It’s both. As we as senior pastors look to embrace a Kingdom mentality for our generation and cities, fresh opportunities will flow. As our wonderful District Leaders and their teams continue to give time and attention to church planting in their Executive meetings and District gatherings, it will continue to flourish. As we continue together to speak a language of discipleship, raising up next generation leadership, we will ensure the success of some of the strongest churches in our nation that are yet to be planted. We really do live in a ‘perfect storm’ era. Our movement is strong, the community need for new churches is great, our vision is buoyant, and our God is backing us and cheering us on as loudly as ever before. What a thrill to join together to reach our nation with the greatest tool that God has ever given us. The discipling of leaders and the planting of churches. Let’s go for it. Together. – Michael Murphy
CHURCH LIFE TIMES
Check out our special edition newspaper from conference on the 75 years of our church planting history.
see page 11
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CHURCH LIFE
TOWARDS OuR NATIONAL GOAL TO DOuBLE IN A DECADE:
1500 CHUrCHES and 500,000 COnSTITUEnTS BY 2020
:
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HistoryNewspaper.indd 1
18/04/13 11:32 AM
Michael Murphy – Church Life golf
ACC NAtioNAl ExECutivE iN CoNjuNCtioN with AlphACrusis CollEgE iN pArrAmAttA, Nsw prEsENts thE igNitE ChurCh plANtiNg CoursE with loCAl ANd iNtErNAtioNAl spEAkErs CoursE fEEs ArE $1000 pEr pErsoN or $1500 pEr CouplE
4 th - 2 9 th N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 3 ExprEssioNs of iNtErEst or ENquiriEs CAN bE dirECtEd to: Email: futurEstudEnts@ac.Edu.au WEb pagE: www.ac.edu.au ac.Edu.au tEl: 02 8893 9000 Gerard Keehan with emerging leaders | 10 |
ACC CENSUS 2013 The Census is a very significant tool to help us understand the size and trends for our movement across the years. It is of great importance for us to have as full a picture of our church as possible. This information is extremely helpful for us all to structure and plan for the future, so your data is extremely valuable to us. This year, ACC has chosen to partner with NCLS Research, who serve Australian churches with mission-related research. As usual, the information collected in this Census is confidential and may only be used by the appropriate national, state and regional representatives. Please note that NCLS Research has committed not to release any information about local churches in any other format. Returning the information If you have not yet completed the Census, there are two options. Please use the paper Census form you received in the mail late April or use the online survey at www.acc.org.au/census2013.
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DISCOVER A DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN YOUR PROFESSION & FAITH Choosing to study at CHC has given me the opportunity to grow my understanding and knowledge, strengthen my beliefs and reflect on what Godly leadership is all about. Perhaps there will never be a perfect time to start – but the journey is definitely worth the effort.” – Felicity
www.chc.edu.au
Lic. No. 33042
Australian Christian Superannuation Pty Ltd ABN 98 066 027 334 AFSL 253042 as trustee for Australian Christian Superannuation ABN 18 563 399 585.
05/13
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OPPORTUNITY
Ralph Estherby
A CHAPLAIN IN THE DEFENCE FORCE RALPH ESTHERBY was the first ACC Chaplain appointed to the ADF. He is Senior Pastor of Breakthrough Church in Hornsby and is Chaplain to 8 Signals Regiment and the Trainee Rehabilitation Wing at Holsworthy Army Barracks. Ralph gives an insight into what it means to be a chaplain in the Defence Force and the opportunities opening up to ACC chaplains.
Her hands were shaking and her eyes refused to leave the ground.There was something that she wanted to say but she did not know how to begin. She had told the Chaplain that she wasn’t religious, that she was embarrassed by the outburst of tears that had brought her to the office but she just needed to talk to someone and she knew that the Chaplain or the Padre (as she called him) was there. The Padre sat and waited, listened and waited for a few moments more, and then the deluge began. The private thoughts, hurts and sorrows which the soldier had been holding in for so long, began to flow more and more freely and the process of healing and assistance could begin. As you look in from outside, the potential topic of this conversation could be very broad: relationship breakdown; problems at home; difficulties at work; financial issues; spiritual confusion; sexual or physical abuse; and thoughts of suicide or self-harm. In fact, it could be all of the ‘normal’ issues that pastors and leaders encounter regularly but add to that the potential of ‘Battlefield Stress’ or ‘Post Traumatic Stress Disorder’; struggles with the military structure; family issues caused by regular and diverse postings; and
Over the next ten years, the ACC is well positioned to become a significant contributor to Chaplaincy within the ADF. We need to identify good candidates who are willing and able to serve within the rigorous and adventurous environment which is the modern ADF. We desire to release great men and women who are ready to minister in a complex multi-faith environment upholding the values and standards of our movement and demonstrating the reality and the life changing power of Christ to all.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE AN ACC MILITARY CHAPLAIN? · You must be physically fit and have highly developed people skills.
separations caused by active deployments and you start to see that ministry in a military context has a broad and challenging potential. A Chaplain within the Australian Defence Force is a privileged position. You serve as an Officer within the ADF but you operate outside the chain of command and so are available to support soldiers, sailors and airmen throughout all aspects of their lives. You act as a role model, a spiritual support, a listening ear and a confidant and friend. You have the responsibility to advise command and to provide subject matter expertise on issues relating to morale, welfare and the spiritual health of the men and women under command. Up until 2009 the ADF did not allow ACC applicants for Chaplaincy positions but after an initial trial phase the doors have now been opened for both Full-time and Reserve service. We now have 2 Army, 1 Navy and 1 RAAF chaplains commissioned with at least 2 more in the final stages of appointment.
· You must be endorsed by the Australian Christian Churches. · You must be an Ordained Minister (OMC) with at least two years Pastoral Experience. · You must have a Bachelors Degree in Theology or Ministry (or equivalent). · You must be willing to provide ‘unrestricted service’ for Full Time or reasonable availability (1 day per week + 2 weeks a year) if Part Time. If this sounds like you and you have a sense of calling or if you would like some more details regarding this wonderful ministry contact Ralph.Estherby@defence.gov.au
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RAISING UP CHAPLAINS
MICAH CHALLENGE
IN YOUR CHURCH One of the best ways to minister to the unchurched members of your local community is by placing a Chaplain amongst them. Every congregation has people who have a heart to help others, who are totally suited to becoming a Chaplain. One of the best investments your church can make is to get them trained up and moblised. The inaugural National Chaplaincy Conference is being held from 29–31 August at the Stanwell Tops Conference Centre in NSW. May I encourage you to send both already trained chaplains and those with potential to this significant and strategic conference. Amongst the topics to be addressed, Pastor Alun Davies will be sharing on ethical dilemmas we encounter in the community, and it will also be a fantastic opportunity to connect with Chaplains from all over Australia. For conference information and registration, visit www.chaplaincyaustralia.com or contact Julie on (02) 8893 9091.
HELP HALVE POVERTY BY 2015 In the year 2000 Australia joined 188 other nations in a commitment to achieving eight Millennium Development Goals in order to halve poverty by 2015. Micah Challenge’s Finish the Race campaign is an invitation to all Christians in this country to make sure that we don’t leave the job of halving global poverty by 2015 unfinished. In the run up to the federal election in 2013, and with the 2015 goal line for the Millennium Development Goals fast approaching, Australia has an opportunity to save and improve the lives of millions of the world’s poorest people. Join Micah Challenge as we call on the Australian government to finish what we started when we committed to achieving these goals. www.micahchallenge.org.au/finish-the-race www.micahchallenge.org.au/finish-the-race www.bethelfunerals.com.au
Chaplaincy Australia National Conference Thursday 29 – Saturday 31 August 2013 The Tops Conference Centre www.chaplaincyaustralia.com Address: Bendena Garden Rd, Stanwell Tops NSW
www.thetops.com.au
http://insightconference.com.au/ | 13 |
TECHNICAL CHANGES FOR WIRELESS MICROPHONES
If you use, or plan to buy, wireless microphones, then you need to know important changes that may affect you. Wireless mics currently use spectrum in the 694-820MHz frequency range, but after 31 December 2014, they will no longer be able to operate in this range.You may need to retune your mics to a new frequency range or buy new equipment. A discussion paper is available for submissions to proposed regulatory changes to address the supply of wireless audio transmitters, including wireless microphones that operate in the digital dividend frequencies (694 – 820 MHz). The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently announced changes to the frequency ranges that can be used for wireless audio transmitters. The proposals in the discussion paper are but the next step in the ACMA’s on-going support of the transition of wireless audio transmitters from the digital dividend frequencies by 31 December 2014. Recent changes to the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000 mean that after 31 December 2014, wireless audio transmitters will no longer be authorised to operate in the digital dividend frequencies.
The proposed legislative amendments will require affected Australian manufacturers and importers to include information that the transmitters cannot be operated in the 694 – 820 MHz frequency range after 31 December 2014 and to cease supplying the relevant wireless audio transmitters within three months of the publication of the revision to the technical standard. The proposed changes are intended to encourage manufacturers and importers of wireless audio equipment to offer equipment that is operable after 31 December 2014 to the Australian market. Critically, they also provide support for informed purchase decisions by consumers looking to buy wireless audio devices. The ACMA encourages all interested parties to make a submission to the paper before 9 July 2013. Industry and users of wireless microphones can keep up to date with changes over the next 18 months by subscribing to the ACMA’s wireless microphoness e-bulletin. Further information on new arrangements for wireless microphones is available at www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/Newsroom/Newsroom/Mediareleases/wireless-microphones-2
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Terms and conditions apply. This promotion is subject to change without notice. This promotional rate will revert to 0.20%p.a. above standard variable rates after the specified time, until notified otherwise in writing. Refer to the ACC ACCumulator Investor Guide and Schedule of Standard Interest Rates for details. Download a copy from the ACS Financial website www.acsfinancial.com.au or call 1800 646 777. ACC ACCumulator is managed by ACS Financial Pty Ltd ACN 062 448 122 AFSL 247388 on behalf of the issuer: Assemblies of God in Australia ABN 65 004 617 467. This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your objectives, financial situation and needs into account. You should read the ACC ACCumulator Investor Guide and consider whether the product is appropriate for you, before you make a decision. 05/13 www.acsfinancial.com.au/Services/InvestmentManagement/Services/
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NEW RELEASE: GLORIOUS RUINS New Hillsong live album continues journey of personal and corporate worship The latest album from Hillsong Live ‘Glorious Ruins’ is consistent with Hillsong’s passion to resource the Church across the globe. Glorious Ruins offers the Church a new era of worship anthems that will cross multiple denominational and cultural boundaries. “Ruins can speak of crushing defeat or perhaps of something abandoned, but the good news today is that the ruins come to life,” explains Brian Houston, Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church. “Through Jesus Christ what we look at is ruins that become glorious.”
The 12 songs (14 on the Deluxe Edition) written by Hillsong team members that include Joel Houston, Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding and Matt Crocker include title track ‘Glorious Ruins’, ‘Man Of Sorrows’ - already being sung in churches globally, and ‘Glorify Your Name’, a collaboration between Reuben Morgan and Chris Tomlin. “We’ve never been diverted from viewing worship as both personal and corporate, intimate and celebratory,” said Reuben Morgan. “We don’t seek to make each project ‘better’ as such, because how can one form of worship be better than another? Instead each
project is a continuation of the journey, and we are thankful to God that so many people take the journey with us.” Glorious Ruins is an acknowledgment of humanity and a bridge to redemption. “Let the ruins come to life, In the beauty of your name, Rising up from the ashes, God forever you reign. And my heart will find refuge, In the shadow of your wings, I will love you forever, And forever I’ll sing.” (Words from the title track). Morgan says, ”This declaration of the saving power of Christ reminds us that we can look to the cross throughout life, in times of success or failure He is there with us.”
GLORIOUS RUINS TRACK LIST 1. Always Will 2. You Never Fail 3. Christ Is Enough 4. Where The Spirit of the Lord Is 5. Glorious Ruins 6. Closer 7. God Who Saves 8. To Be Like You 9. Man of Sorrows 10. We Glorify Your Name 11. You Crown The Year 12. Anchor
www.hillsongmusic.com www.hillsongmusic.com
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THIS IS REVIVAL
1-5 July Allphones Arena, Sydney Australia.
Bishop T.D. Jakes& Judah Smith& Joel & Victoria Osteen& Rick Warren& Craig Groeschel& Kari Jobe& Leeland. www.hillsongconference.com HILLSONGCONFERENCE.COM
www.ccli.com.au | 15 |
NEW RELEASES
CONFERENCE RESOURCES AVAILABLE...
ALTAR EGO By Craig Groeschel You are NOT who you think you are. In fact, according to Craig Groeschel, you need to take your idea of your own identity, lay it down on the altar, and sacrifice it. Give it to God. Offer it up. Why? Because you are who God says you are. And until you’ve sacrificed your broken concept of your identity, you won’t become who you are meant to be. When we place our false labels and self-deception on the altar of God’s truth, we discover who we really are as his sons and daughters. Instead of an outwarddriven, approval-based ego, we learn to live with an ‘altar’ ego, God’s vision of who we are becoming. Discover how to trade in your broken ego and unleash your altar ego to become a living sacrifice. Once we know our true identity and are growing in our Christ-like character, then we can behave accordingly, with bold behavior, bold prayers, bold words, and bold obedience. Altar Ego reveals who God says you are, and then calls you to live up to it. LIFE-CHANGING LEADERSHIP Discover the keys to unlocking success in life and ministry By Frank Damazio Everyone is looking for that edge, the key that will unlock success in life and ministry. The “edge” is Christ and He has given us keys that will open doors to divine encounters and strategies leading to successful leadership. Amply supported by Scripture and lessons from other successful leaders, this book closely outlines what it takes to be a successful leader in a lukewarm, confused, compromising, religious atmosphere. It defines the functions and responsibilities of leadership teams and offers insight into different leadership styles, as well as the unique temptations and challenges that face a ministry leader. Learn how to choose qualified leaders and practical ways to train them. Life-Changing Leadership will help strengthen leaders and give them strategies for building and motivating teams by setting and executing team goals that support creativity and faithfulness. THE INTOLERANCE OF TOLERANCE By D A Carson We live in a culture obsessed with the idea of “tolerance.” Any viewpoint must be accepted - unless it rejects other viewpoints - and whoever is most earnest wins. This idea of tolerance must be thoughtfully challenged, argues D. A. Carson, both for the good of the church and for the good of the broader culture. Otherwise, poorly defined, tolerance drifts ironically toward true intolerance. Carson examines how the definition of tolerance has changed. It now has less to do with recognising the right of another to disagree with us, and more to do with not saying that others are wrong. It is impossible to deploy this new tolerance consistently, so that actual practice is often whimsical and arbitrary. Worse, the word “tolerance” has almost become an absolute good, and “intolerance” an absolute bad. Tolerance and intolerance have become merely rhetorical terms of approval and disapproval. In this extremely readable volume, Carson uses anecdotes and quotes to illustrate his points and ends with practical advice on exemplifying and promoting the virtue of civil civic discourse.
All books available from: www.koorong.com.au
THE 10 BEST DECISIONS A LEADER CAN MAKE By Bill Farrell Bestselling author Bill Farrel reveals ten time-tested truths that show what every leader must know, the questions they must be prepared to answer, and the real-world issues they will likely face. Effective leaders make strategic decisions that enable others to succeed. They provide guidance, encouragement, and confidence that allow others to fully develop and employ their talents and energy. This book will help anyone who desires to lead • identify the decisions that increase their influence • increase their ability to focus on personal goals • raise their confidence level • create opportunities for others to succeed • clarify what they really care about While other books focus on leadership methods, this book focuses on characteristics that are at the core of successful leadership. The result is a book that shows readers how to become more influential, respected, and successful in the decisions they make when leading others.
AOG History
ACCI Report
‘A River Is Flowing’ ebook is an updated, interactive version of the first fifty years of AOG history. Available: www.keystoneresources. com.au
‘Making A Mark On Our World’ is a beautiful presentation of the work of ACCI over the past two years. Available: www.acci.org.au
This 10-episode television series follows Australian pastor and host, Karl Faase as he travels the world and interviews over 30 leading authors and speakers, about the top "belief blockers" of our time.
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Towards Belief
DVD & Discussion Guide / Additional Guides $5.99 each Available In-store & Online at www.koorong.com. au | 16 |
FOR YOUR DIARY... JULY 2013 1-5 July HILLSONG CONFERENCE Sydney, NSW
AUGUST 2013 5-8 August PANASIA CONFERENCE Phuket, Thailand
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THIS IS REVIVAL
1-5 July Allphones Arena, Sydney Australia.
Bishop T.D. Jakes& Judah Smith& Joel & Victoria Osteen& Rick Warren& Craig Groeschel& Kari Jobe& Leeland.
http://accim.org.au/events/panasia.html
HILLSONGCONFERENCE.COM www.hillsongconference.com
www.kidsrus.org.au
21-23 August KIDSHAPER Melbourne, VIC 29-31 August CHAPLAINCY AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE The Tops, NSW
SEPTEMBER 2013
www.chaplaincyaustralia.com.au
10-11September INSIGHT COMMUNITY CONFERENCE Wollongong, NSW
OCTOBER 2013 ACC STATE CONFERENCES
Chaplaincy Australia National Conference Thursday 29 – Saturday 31 August 2013 The Tops Conference Centre www.chaplaincyaustralia.com Address: Bendena Garden Rd, Stanwell Tops NSW
www.thetops.com.au
THE LEADERSHIP EMAG is produced for AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES pastors. ACC National Office, PO Box 8093, Baulkham Hills BC, NSW 2153 • Tel: (02) 8853-5150 • Fax: (02) 8853-5100 • Email: editor@acc.org.au • www.acc.org.au | 17 |