#2 2021
EMAG
THE
STAR BURST
quarterly publication for acc leaders
EFFECT
BREAKING THE SOUND BARRIER
ACC Conference
ISSUE
EVANGELISM
Conversation, not just proclamation DISCIPLESHIP
Are we missing the point?
Q&A
Alun DAVIES 1
Does the Church care about
Religious FREEDOM?
SIDE
Cover photo: collab. design
IN
THAT ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE
A unified Church is a great witness for Jesus. The prayer for Jesus before He faced the Cross was for unity among believers. This is the theme of the 2021 ACC National Conference.
EDITORIAL
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ONE NEWS ACC Snapshot News
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Cultural Awareness Training
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The Starburst Effect by Ralph Estherby
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Christian Leaders meet with Federal Ministetrs
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International News: ACCI
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God hasn’t forgotten the Middle East
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INTERVIEW
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Q&A with ALUN DAVIES
FEATURES Does the Church care about Religious Freedom? by Mark Edwards Evangelism: Conversation, not Proclamation
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by Brad Bonhomme
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Discipleship: Are we missing the point? by Murray Averill Heart Felt Prayers
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by Dean O’Keefe
INSIGHTS
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Breaking the Sound Barrier by Paul Bartlett
RESOURCES The Unexpected Gift by Joelle Kabamba
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New Releases
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J
esus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). Every two years, our entire movement gathers together for National Conference.There is nothing like being in a room full of our nation’s shepherds, worshipping together, being refreshed and anointed to continue building the Kingdom and winning souls for Jesus.
to being one. In this issue, the letter from Mark Edwards to pastors, raises a serious question: Does the Church care about Religious Freedom? We cannot ignore the move to legislate and restrict the Church from preaching the Word of God. It impacts our call to fulfill the Great Commission to go into all the world and make disciples. Similarly, the articles on Evangelism and Discipleship by Brad Bonhomme and Murray Averill respectively, remind and encourage us to recognise that this has always been the heart of our Movement.
The passionate prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemene is the heart of the theme of unity for this year’s Conference: “...that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23 NKJV).
This edition also pays tribute to Alun Davies, and the incredible 32 years of sevrice on the ACC National Executive. As he moves into a new season of ministry, we are deeply thankful for his faithful leadership. Take time to enjoy his journey in the interview on page 12.
A unified Church is a great witness for Jesus. Looking back over the past year, it has been amazing that despite Covid restrictions and border closures, social distancing didn’t mean we became distant. We found other ways to press in to God, and experienced the power of becoming one in spirit, despite not being able to meet in person.
We pray for every pastor and every church in our ACC family, that there is a fresh anointing from the Holy Spirit upon each and every one of you, that you will see a great and bountiful harvest in the Lord this year. Thank you for all you do for the Kingdom.
Looking forward, the strength of the Church requires us to stand together with a commitment
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NEWS
Petersham AOG – At 95 years old, Petersham AOG is Sydney’s first AOG Church. In February new senior pastors @jasonmendis & @katiemendis were inducted, while Barry & Tracey Saar were celebrated & honoured for their 23 years of incredible service in leading the church. Neuma Church Perth launched on Sunday 10th January at Morling College in the city’s south. Congratulations to @coreyturner_ @simonelturner @ jasonstaggers @oliviastag & the launch team Neuma Perth meets weekly on Sundays at 4pm in Morling College @ 20 Hayman Rd, Bentley #accsnapshot #churchplanting
Centro Church, Ipswich – Centro’s Senior Pastors from 1974-2021 Alec Alcorn, Wayne Alcorn, John Hunt and Tim Spark, at the farewell to John & Francine Hunt @centro_church
One million meals – Celebrating Planetshakers community and food relief ministry. In 2019, we gave away the equivalent of 104,583 meals in 12 months. Since launching our Food Relief Centres in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an exponential rise in the demand for food relief. Our impact has increased by nearly 900%. Our volunteers have given over 50,000 hours to make this possible.
Beyond Church, Cessnock celebrated the official opening of their new community playground located in the heart of the CBD. It was also a special Sunday for Pastor Rachel Main who received her ACC Ordination.
FOLLOW @accsnapshot for more ACC church life 4
FOR YOUR CHURCH CALENDAR
CULTURAL
AWARENESS TRAINING
Celebrate NAIDOC 2021 from 4–11 July 2021 This year’s theme – Heal Country! – calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. NAIDOC 2021 invites you to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage and equally respect the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders as they do the cultures and values of all Australians. This Is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet. More info: naidoc.org.au ACC Indigenous Forum: indigenous@acc.org.au
In February, the NSW & ACT State Executive team and many of the state’s ministry and regional leaders attended a cultural training seminar. The three hour Indigenous Awareness seminar, was led by Sinead Dumas, the co-founder of Biyang Yukul, a company that consults and works alongside churches and senior leadership to bring about cultural safety packages and training. She was supported by the leaders of ACC’s Indigenous Committee, WIlliam and Sandra Dumas, and gave insight through a Biblical lens into historical issues that Indigenous Australians face. The seminar was greatly impacting in that it challenged our bias, leaving everyone with new perspectives, and some great ways to reach the Indigenous in our communities. From left: Will & Sandra Dumas, Sinead Dumas, Annette & Paul Bartlett at the seminar. More info on Biyang Yukul: biyangyukyul.com
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CHAPLAINCY
THE
STAR BURST EFFECT
BY RALPH ESTHERBY
N
othing enhances an ordinary photo more effectively than the ‘Starburst effect’. It occurs when a powerful point of light is allowed to radiate its impact over a wider field of view than the normal eye can see. It is attractive because it draws the eye and it causes almost everything else to dim and you are left with a clear understanding that the point of light is what you should be concentrating upon. The last 12 months has taught us all many things and brought us challenges and opportunities beyond anything and anytime we have ever known. Our churches have been limited and stretched at the same time and our creativity and responsiveness have been pushed beyond any previous limits we have set. The extended Drought followed by the Bushfire crisis, followed by COVID 19 and followed (in recent weeks) by NSW/QLD floods have all reinforced the potential for impacting our communities with light and hope. Churches all over the country have released Chaplains to ‘Starburst’ out of their congregations to bring both comfort and consolation to anyone impacted by these crises. The value of Chaplains always shines during these huge challenging times and it is great that they do – but there is a great opportunity available for all of our churches that is not being maximised – It is opportunity to structure your church so that it will constantly capture the ‘Starburst Effect’. I want you to imagine the possibility of well trained, highly skilled, motivated and passionate individuals radiating out from your church to connect and support every sector of the community which you desire to serve and save. This is potential of Chaplains within your church. On top of this, these Chaplains then are able to contribute powerfully to enhance the Pastoral Care your church offers. We are finding many are employing the strategy of making Chaplaincy part of the DNA of their church and it is reaping huge benefits. Chaplains have the opportunity to go where the Church can’t. A chaplain is seen as a non-threatening individual who can share the journey with people who are not even close to considering connecting with a church. Wherever there is a group of people – there can be a Chaplain.
2019-2021 CHAPLAINCY STATS • 500+ Chaplains and Associates currently available across 26 sectors. • 25 Chaplains involved in Rural communities during Droughts. • 100+ Chaplains engaged in direct BushFire response and long-term support of communities. • 50+ Chaplains mobilised during COVID19 in ADF, Aged-care, Hospitals, Community and other supports. • 20 Chaplains in recovery centres in 2021 Floods. We are challenged to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) This is an individual challenge but also one for our Churches to embrace. I firmly believe that a way to get the ‘Starburst Effect’ happening in your church is to empower and release Chaplains. Your community is diverse and complex, you need a multifaceted team to achieve what the Lord has put into your heart. I encourage you to think and pray about Chaplaincy and how it might shine to your community. Chaplaincy Australia would love to help you Discover the potential Chaplains in your Church, Develop them through training and, Deploy them where they can make a difference. Not only will your church be ready for the next national emergency but your community will see the continual ‘Starburst’ and be drawn towards Jesus - the true source of light! Ralph Estherby is the National Director/CEO Chaplaincy Australia. More info: www.chaplaincyaustralia.com 7
Working Together, For the Gospel. F IL L IN OUR 5 MINUTE S URVEY
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Christian leaders
meet with Federal Ministers CANBERRA– Stephen Fogarty, President of Alphacrucis, was among more than 20 Christian CEO’s who gathered in Canberra in March to seek greater understanding of the needs of Government during times of crisis. It was an in-house discussion relating to government relations and faith-based institutions, that initiated this ‘Church Community Restoration’ round table with Federal members of government, which took over eight months of intense effort and planning. The day involved a whirlwind of back-to-back visits from the Ministers for Social Services, Pacific Development, Government Services, and Legal Affairs, as well as shadow Ministers for Education and Veteran’s Affairs. All were keen to encourage the important engagement of the Church and Christian social institutes with their portfolios as part of the significant costs of COVID recovery.
A presentation by the leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese, set out his vision for the ‘overlapping values’ of churches and the Labor Party. The final appointment of the day was with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who was generous with his time, and seemingly comfortable with the group who largely shared his biblical worldview and was respectful of the difficult role he had to play. He described himself not as a ‘Christian politician’ but rather as a ‘secular leader with an open faith’, highlighting the simple pragmatics of making unprecedented decisions around border closures, billion-dollar relief funds and vaccinating an entire population during the global pandemic. He admitted that the most significant impact that his faith had had was providing the strength to continue during these seasons of great trial and highlighted his recent ‘i4give’ day push as one of the keys to continuing to strengthen relationships across society. A letter signed by all the organisations involved was delivered to the
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Government that vowed to reinforce and encourage right relationships across all spheres of community and public life—to support families who are wounded, to shine a light on darkness and despair, and to be ambassadors of reconciliation that repair broken bonds of society and state. The growing challenge of religious freedom was a point raised repeatedly throughout the day. The issue was that it was no use having holistic visions of biblical human flourishing if State legislation (such as the recent ‘anticonversion laws passe in Victoria) removed the ability for Christian institutions to articulate and practice these important truths. This event showed that the Pentecostal movement has developed to a level where it now not only has an important voice at the table but can actually use its energy to work as a key facilitator and networker across a range of spheres and denominations. Such a major role would have been almost unheard of only a few years ago, but perhaps this demonstrates a coming of age and increasing respect for the fastest growing Christian movement in our country. The project was successful in planting multiple seeds which will grow into creative and innovative opportunities for service.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
INTERNATIONAL
ACCI also works with some larger in-country national partners on a range of community development activities. In 2020, many had to pivot to respond to the needs that emerged through the COVID-19 crisis. Here’s a look at how two of them assisted their communities last year:
ACCI
CHANGING LIVES IN 2019 & 2020
VISION RESCUE, INDIA • Gave 33,417 bags of groceries to struggling families and individuals (with around half distributed in partnership with police, local government and other local charities). • Donated enough groceries for a group of community kitchens to make 78,000 cooked meals for people in need. • Provided water, food and snacks to migrant workers being sent home on buses and trains. • Provided soap and washable masks to vulnerable families, and hand sanitiser, face shields, gloves and other protective items to police and government workers.
It’s amazing what we can do when we work together. In the past two years, with your support, we’ve seen: • 110 missionaries serving • 255 new churches planted • 3,927 leaders trained • 3,678 salvations • 1,608 people baptised in water • 698 people baptised in the Holy Spirit • 520,947 adults and 174,629 children assisted through community programs • 123 communities benefit from community transformation projects
4AFRICA, EAST AFRICA • Created and aired nine radio talk shows to provide critical information about COVID-19 to 1.5 million people. • Provided 144 handwashing stations in a range of locations, with a health worker stationed at each. • Created a ministry radio program for 1.5 million people to share messages of hope and encouragement, and to pray for people during tough times. • Donated personal protective equipment and medical supplies to frontline workers, and soap and jerry cans (for water collection) to vulnerable families.
Thank you for your continued support of ACCI missionaries and field workers around the world!
1DAY CAMPAIGN
In 2020, ACCI’s 1Day campaign raised $47,122 for Missions and $80,948 for Relief. These are two projects that benefited from your generosity.
Note: ACCI Relief directly handles all the Australian tax-deductible donations for each of these national partners.
MISSIONS:
Matthew and Rebekah Rodda – Teen Challenge Centre for Women, Tbilisi, Georgia In 2020, 1Day giving helped the Georgian Teen Challenge team start a centre for women in Tbilisi. The centre, which is the first of its kind in the region, aims to help women who are involved in prostitution, addicted to drugs or alcohol, or suffering from other life-controlling issues. “We expect to see changed lives, where women find lasting freedom from their addictions and discover the life-changing power of Jesus,” Rebekah says.
RELIEF: Typhoon season, central Vietnam In 2020, Vietnam endured one of the worst typhoon seasons in memory, with wave after wave of category two, three and four typhoons. 1Day funds helped the AOG WR team provide practical support to 26 communes – or around 150,000 people. Support included bleach and cleaning supplies for health stations, tablets to sterilise wells, cholera tablets, soap and a range of other essentials for families in crisis. Left Members of the AOG WR team with the items they delivered to communities affected by the typhoons. 10
GOD HASN’T FORGOTTEN THE
MIDDLE EAST J and A* live amongst the Kurds, the world’s largest stateless people group, who are spread across Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey. The Kurdish people have known decades of instability, oppression by their hosts, conflict, genocide and displacement. J and A, along with their three children, are believing that God will bring healing to these people and lay the foundations for a pioneering Kurdish church. They share their story with ACC EMAG.
Q: How did COVID-19 affect your work in 2020? A: Our organisation was given an essential service exemption last year and our clinics remained open for the entire lockdown duration. While the restrictions have eased a lot, COVID-19 continues to be a major threat to people’s wellbeing and the country’s economy. As the economy stalls, hundreds of businesses have closed, currency has devalued and government wages have gone unpaid for almost 10 months. In 2021, as we continue to navigate the pandemic and economic challenges, our goal is to remain present in our communities by showing up each day and standing alongside them. Continuing to serve these communities, as the region begins to recover, is a tangible way of reminding them that God hasn’t forgotten them.
* Names cannot be shared for security reasons.
Q: How are you helping families and communities navigate life in this difficult context? A: Our work is primarily medical but we also provide material relief – like water, food and school supplies when the situation demands. We run two emergency clinics and we also work alongside the Ministry of Health and rural clinics to implement the maternal health program throughout the region. Sometimes we deliver medical – or first responder – training to government clinics and communities that are exposed to regional conflict or unrest. We feel that providing medical assistance to families is a really beautiful way to express the Gospel. It’s important that we’re in the public space, participating in the community and putting our values on display every day. We love our projects but they’re just a platform that allow us to be present in the midst of all the trauma, corruption and conflict, and minister to those who need it so much. Through these platforms, we find people of peace, share meals with them, visit homes and work towards our ultimate goal, which is to make disciples and see the birth of the local church.
Q: What drew you to serving in such a challenging environment? A: We feel God’s pull towards nations and communities that are unreached; that don’t have national churches or local Bible translations. Before we moved here, we spent significant time in the tribal lands of India, amongst rural communities that have been largely forgotten by the government and the national church. It’s these challenging environments and regions that often host unreached and unengaged communities. It can be difficult but, at the moment, there is an open door into this part of the world. We don’t know how long the door will be open but while it is, we want to be there to love families and believe for disciples and a national church. To learn more: click here 11
INTERVIEW
Q&A with
ALUN
DAVIES
For 32 years Pastor ALUN DAVIES has sat on the ACC National Executive, and in the office of Vice President since 2005. He ends a great season of leadership at the 2021 National Conference, as well as transitioning from 12 years in the role of Director of ACCI. ACC EMag interviewed him about his incredible ministry journey so far. Q: What were some of the early influences on your life that led you to become a pastor? Alun Davies: I accepted Christ at an Easter Youth camp in Melbourne, a month after arriving in Australia from Wales. My senior pastor was CL Greenwood, one of the founders of the Australian Pentecostal Church, and a leader in the Sunshine revival that initiated the Pentecostal movement in Australia. My youth pastor was John Lewis, who had a significant influence on my early Christian growth. Spending my early years in Richmond Temple certainly shaped my values and passion in ministry. Q: The call of God would have been strong over your life. How did you move into full-time ministry? Alun: I began preaching on the streets of Melbourne 55 years ago. I started there because it was the only outlet for the call I had and the passion I felt for ministry. I learned there, and in many roles since, many fundamental values that shaped my experience in ministry. I learned to maintaining a passion to serve and minister. I learned to accept the opportunities given by God no matter how small. I learned that there are always sacrifices to be made in ministry in fact ministry is marked by the sacrifices we are willing to make. Yet our sacrifices are made out of our passion to serve the Lord and they are vital to our growth and progress in character and ministry. I attended Commonwealth Bible College in Brisbane, and graduated before the flood that destroyed the college in Graceville. I became assistant pastor at Albury NSW for two years before becoming the pastor 12
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of Charlestown AOG in Newcastle for four years. From there I returned to the Bible College in Katoomba as a lecturer before moving back to Melbourne to become the Senior pastor of Dandenong AOG (Faith Christian Church) for 30 years where I transitioned the church to Pastor Matt Heins and took over the role of National Missions Director for the ACC. Q: What were some of your dreams as a young pastor? Alun: I have always had a call and a passion to preach. I love to teach and have been blessed to be called and equipped to lead in many facets of the Church. I recall my dreams as a young student to pastor a strong missionary church that would have an influence in the nation and around the world. Q: There has been a strong leadership gift on your life. You were elected to the ACC National Executive in 1989. Can you share some of the challenges and wins for the movement in over three decades of national leadership, and including State leadership of Victoria for 12 years? ALUN: I have been privileged to be a part of the leadership of our fellowship over the last four decades. I have witnessed and participated in the explosive growth of our churches, seen the impressive impact of our fellowship in Australia and in many parts of the world. I have also witnessed enormous change. We grown from an insignificant, inward looking, small group of churches into a mature strong denomination of influence in our nation. Many things had to change on that journey – from the way we worship and the way our churches are structured. It seems that everything has been changed in some way. The result is a vital growing fellowship that has room for diversity ministry around a strong vision to be an effective influence for Christ in our communities, our nation and across the globe. Yet during this amazing transformation, we have maintained our passion for the lost planting churches, ministering to our communities, training leaders, sending and supporting missionaries and keeping our Pentecostal experience and distinctive. We have endured many challenges and there have been, and always will be, forces within and without that threaten our unity and our distinctiveness. I suppose that is the challenge that growth brings to us. We develop strong churches, strong leaders, strong ministries that require a strong sense of family and a strong unity of vision to hold us together. Q: Missions has obviously always had a special place in your heart. How has the past 12 years of spearheading ACCI Missions and Relief been a fulfilling time for you? ALUN: I have always had a strong passion for missions. I felt very early in my journey that I was called to “hold the rope” for missionaries. I have sought to be faithful to that call and privilege to serve our missionaries as Director of ACC missions and relief for the past 12 years. I am proud to have worked with some amazing people as we have developed together many new aspects of missions, such as our national disaster program, our community development programs, our Kinnected children’s initiative, the annual One Day Appeal and so much more. Though we have faced many challenges together, we have been able to be a significant help to over 2.6 million people in the past 12 years, as well as planting over 2,200 churches. Despite the challenges, we have seen much fruit for the kingdom of God as many of our churches have partnered with us. Q: What are you feeling as you transition to a new season? ALUN: I come to the end of this season of ministry feeling that I have completed the purpose of God for me in ACC Missions. For me it is job done and now I await His directions and opportunities in this next season of ministry. Right at the beginning, I made a sincere commitment to give my life to the Lord in ministry. I look forward to continuing to be His servant in anyway He wills to use me. 14
Thank You The ACC Family thank God for Pastor Alun and the decades of faithful leadership and service he has given to the movement. To Joan and the Davies family, we thank you for releasing him to follow his heart to serve the Kingdom of God over this time, and sharing in the great fruit he has produced. We love, honour and appreciate you.
WAYNE ALCORN ACC National President Alun has been a tremendous asset to me in leadership. Ever since I took on the role of National President 12 years ago, he’s given me phenomenal support. He has been a great friend and wise counsellor, through all kinds of seasons, and I’m immensely grateful for his wisdom, experience and clarity in every situation. Lyn and I want to thank Joan for releasing him and standing beside him during this leadership season They have both been a wonderful gift to our ACC Family and beyond.
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SEAN STANTON ACC National Secretary Pastor Alun has been an inspiration in his service to our Movement. I am proud to know him as a mentor, a colleague in ministry and a wonderful friend. Joan’s contribution and willingness to release and support him should not go unmentioned; it is undoubtedly greater than we know. I believe that only eternity will fully reveal the significance of their contribution to the Good News of Jesus Christ and the advancement of God’sKingdom in Australia and across the world. , JOHN HUNT ACCI Director (from 22 April 2021) I have never meet a man with the depth of empathy and the height of intellectual as Alun Davies. His heart to help and mind to solve puts him in rarified air, it’s been an honour to serve alongside him.
DOES THE CHURCH CARE ABOUT
Religious
FREEDOM? BY MARK EDWARDS
16
R
ecently whilst in the office of one of the most influential political leaders in our nation., the politician said that their office receives hundreds of communications every day. Staff are overwhelmed by the volume and this is true for every politician. The subjects are diverse and varied, so I was shocked to hear that they rarely include ‘religious freedom’!
I was challenged by the next question levelled at me, ‘Does the Church care about religious freedom?’ The point being made was that if the very people who should value religious freedom don’t think it is an issue, do you think the Government will place it at the top of their agenda? I walked out of that room stunned, challenged, angry, saddened, confused
Dear Pastor,
and more motivated than ever, yet what could I do? Then I thought if I could write a communication to every Pastor of Australian Christian Churches AND I could somehow guarantee that they would actually read the communication, what I would say? Perhaps it would be this...
and Ruddock and these were commenced in Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s time, not to mention several Bills have included religious freedom issues and each has had an Inquiry, for example, the Sex Discrimination Act changes in relation to schools.
Every Sunday you preach a message in church and up till now no one from Government has ever tried to interfere with what you have had to say. Very few of you when preparing your message think, ‘Will this statement discriminate against anyone?’
Finally in August 2019, the Religious Discrimination Bill, designed to protect people of faith, was launched in the Great Synagogue in Sydney by the Honourable Christian Porter. This building built by a people who would later in Europe have genocide committed against them purely because of their ethnic religious beliefs. I was there when the Attorney General passionately spoke about his belief in religious freedom.
That time is now over. Within two years it is highly likely that every Australian state will have some legislation that will restrict your freedom to speak in certain areas, including communicating some truths of the bible. No, I am not in any way exaggerating. To be blunt you have assumed you have religious freedom when in fact this right actually doesn’t exist in this nation, let alone is protected by any legislation.
Since then, the final Religious Discrimination Bill has not been presented either to interested faith groups or indeed the Parliament despite numerous roundtable discussions and submissions.
I fully realise that religious freedom is not a topic that is present at your dinner time conversations, but I speak to many people from your congregations who are scared to say they live their lives with a conviction of faith in God because they fear the consequences of that statement in their employment. These people want the freedom to practice and talk about their religion without fear of prosecution.
I can tell you without doubt that over that period various states have enacted legislation which have eroded religious freedom. In fact my academic friends tell me religious freedom is at its lowest point since Federation. Do you care enough about religious freedom now and for future generations to do something about it? Many of you will do nothing hoping it will all go away, but it won’t my friend.
Pastor, religious freedom is the oldest and most ancient of all human rights known to the human race. This is acknowledged by leaders in the fields of history, archaeology and anthropology. The oldest known cave paintings here in Australia, in Southern France and in Russia identify the painting of a deity on the wall usually beside a hunting scene. These unknown artists had the freedom in their ancient community to communicate the existence of a deity. This is the first evidence of religious freedom in action.
Here’s what you should do and what I would ask you to do: In your own words, write to the Prime Minister and cc. your local Federal Member of Parliament asking him to introduce the Religious Discrimination Bill into the Parliament as a matter of urgency, and to prosecute the Bill with all the resources possible through both Houses of Parliament. That’s a start but a significant start, believe me. The communication does not have to be long, and you are welcome to use some of the contents of this letter to help you.
Our Prime Minister believes in religious freedom. His maiden speech on February 14, 2008 mentioned this concept specifically when he said, “This is a nation where you have the freedom to follow any belief system you choose…. As US Senator Joe Lieberman said, ‘the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, not from religion’. I believe the same is true in this country.”
Frederick Douglass, African American civil rights leader of the late 19th century, was asked by a young man what he should do with his life. Douglass answered, ‘Agitate son, Agitate!’ It’s time you, Pastor did the same.
Yours sincerely,
Over the past few years there have been roundtable discussions, numerous meetings, many submissions and communications of which I have been part of them all. Two Inquiries on religious freedom have been held; Andrews
Mark Edwards OAM,
Senior Minister Cityhope Church.
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Evangelism CONVERSATION, Not Just Proclamation By Brad Bonhomme
H
ealthy churches have a passion for souls. In fact, I would dare to suggest that if we, as leaders, have no sense of call to reach the lost, then our church is missing its primary mandate. Acts 8:26-40 details an evangelistic interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. A powerful episode in Acts, it really is a playbook on effective soul winning. Using this passage recently to equip our church, we identified three principles for successful outreach: RELATIONSHIP Over Result “The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Acts 8:29 (NLT) The Holy Spirit led Philip to walk alongside – to elevate relationship over result. This is God’s heart on display! How can you authentically walk alongside of a person in need? Can you take a genuine interest in their career, goals or concerns before ever inviting them to a Church event? Jesus never treated people as merely evangelistic projects. He established real relationships with real people. RECOGNISE The Need “Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Acts 8:30 (NLT) In walking alongside of the Ethiopian, Philip was able to hear his need – and Philip began there! Effective Churches train their people to bring Jesus to bear on the need at hand. If you don’t hear the need, you won’t be moved to do anything about it. Philip was willing engage in conversation, not just proclamation. A failure to spread the Good News is not for a lack of courage, rather an unwillingness to spend the time necessary for getting into another person’s world and problems. The Spirit is willing, but the schedule is tight! RESPOND To The Invitation Acts 8:31 The man replied, "How can I, unless someone instructs me?" And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. (NLT) Because Philip was willing to walk alongside and listen, he then responded to an invitation to sit with the Ethiopian. Today’s culture is characterized by screen interaction. This has created a disconnect and an emotional detachment in people. More than ever, people are seeking out meaningful and genuine contact. “The Pentecostal power, when you sum it all up, is just more of God’s love. If it does not bring love, it is simply counterfeit.” – William Seymour The Great Commission is for all believers. ACC pastors and leaders, I pray that 2021 is a year where we communicate the urgency of this evangelistic call to the people we lead. Brad Bonhomme is the Senior Pastor of Horizon Church and ACC National Executive member. 18
JESUS NEVER TREATED PEOPLE AS MERELY EVANGELISTIC PROJECTS. HE ESTABLISHED REAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH REAL PEOPLE.
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Discipleship: Are we missing the point? By Murray Averill
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hen Jesus told his disciples to go into all the world and make disciples, there were no other disciples in the world. So He could not have been telling His disciples to go and make ‘better’ Christians. And yet, this is what discipleship can become. In light of Jesus’ last command, what if we ensure that discipleship is at least as much about disciple-making (i.e. evangelism) as disciple-growing? Let’s take it a step further - what if failing to make disciple-making disciples is why some Christians fail to grow in their faith? My memories of door-to-door and street evangelism are enough to put me in a fetal position. Let’s not go back to some of that. But what if a younger generation, in particular, have been robbed of the thrill of being part of someone else’s salvation story? No, it’s not easy. There is spiritual and cultural opposition to evangelism, especially in a postmodern world in which truth is personal and relative. Evangelism can even find opposition within the church. Recent research by the Barna Institute in the US found 47% of Christian Millennials believe it is wrong to share one’s personal beliefs with someone of a different faith in hope of conversion. Let’s not bag Millennials. Let’s think about a way forward, for them, for the whole church, and for the sake of the millions of Australians who need a relationship with Jesus, even though they currently don’t know it.
The Barna Institute in the USA found 47% of Christian Millennials believe it is wrong to share one’s personal beliefs with someone of a different faith in hope of conversion.
Is it time for discipleship in the form of Holy-Spirit empowered evangelism to become a renewed focus in our nation? We could also ask ourselves: • What is the ‘temperature’ of evangelism in my life and my church? • Does our church budget reflect a heart for lost people? • What is our methodology for making disciple-making disciples? • What is the Holy Spirit saying to us regarding evangelism? When I was a senior pastor, I was doing what I knew to increase the number of people coming to faith. We started a community care program and we thought of unchurched people when planning special events like Christmas and Easter. Yet it wasn’t until we introduced a methodology that made evangelism accessible and enjoyable, for both us and those we sought to reach, that we saw significant people coming to faith. That methodology was Alpha. Because of Alpha, not only were unchurched people brought to faith in Christ but more of our church people found a way to become disciple-makers. It wasn’t perfect. But it was a step towards discipleship the way I think Jesus had in mind. To date almost 600,000 Aussies have explored faith through Alpha. During COVID over 30,000 people have participated in Alpha Online, with many reports of people coming to faith and being filled with the Holy Spirit over Zoom. Alpha isn’t the only means of evangelism, but certainly one that God is using. If you’d like to know more, send a follow-up request to murray.averill@alpha.org.au. Murray Averill is the Acting National Director of Alpha Australia.. 21
More info: visit alpha.org.au.
Heart felt PRAYERS Isabella Rose was diagnosed as having a congenital heart defect whilst in the womb, and her parents were told she would require heart surgery after her birth. Her father, DEAN O’KEEFE, shares their journey, seeing several miracles in motion and their gratitude for the prayers of the ACC family.
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n 2011, I was unable to attend our ACC National Conference as we were expecting our third child. Two weeks prior to the birth my wife, Lisa, went in for a final ultrasound, and the radiologist requested that she attend a followup appointment the following day at Nepean Hospital. The next day we both attended the meeting where they confirmed our baby had a congenital heart defect known as Transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Basically, the doctor told us, the two arteries were connected the wrong way. This meant instead of blood flowing from the heart to the body to the heart and then to the lungs and back through the heart to the body, and so on. This meant, our baby, when born would start to suffocate internally. Our child required open heart surgery. This diagnosis was the first miracle. The condition was missed in our previous ultrasound appointments and it just so happened that the specialist who was filling in that day was the radiologist that trained others to recognise the condition. If this had been undiagnosed, the consequences could have been catastrophic. We were immediately transferred to Westmead Children’s Hospital who had the resources to treat this condition. For two weeks I fasted, praying for a supernatural miracle. The second miracle was the birth of our baby. We were informed that the safest place for our child was in the womb. So, no emergency delivery was planned or required and the day of the birth went as most normal deliveries go. Finally, our daughter, Isabella Rose O’Keefe was born. She went straight from the womb into an intensive care mobile unit to be transported to the children’s NICU. Bella was then checked that all her vitals were good and then prepped for her first operation. The first operation was a ‘minor’
procedure allowing her to breathe to build up her strength for the major surgery in several days’ time. After Bella came out of the first operation, another miracle, I was informed everything was progressing well. It amazes me what God does through the hands of those created in His image. In the days leading up the surgery, the ACC National Conference was scheduled. We were basically living at the hospital. Thanks to social media I was able to share our journey with friends and family around the world. Then I received a phone call from my Dad while he was at the National Conference. He had informed the ACC leadership about Bella’s operation, and during one of the sessions, the Movement, my Movement, prayed for Isabella. I could hear the prayer from the stage and cry from the crowd as they prayed for Bella and other prayer requests. On behalf of my wife and I, I want to say thank you, again. The day of surgery arrived and we were talked through all the risks associated with open heart surgery. We prayed for Bella as she was wheeled off for surgery. We were given a pager and told the operation should take around six hours. The operation was a success – another miracle. Apart from regular check-ups to ensure the scars are growing with her body, Bella will be able to live a normal life. Bella turns ten this year. She loves to play netball and enjoys calisthenics. Bella loves food and has a love for God and people. She is teaching me how to accept and love people for who they are. She has a big and strong heart. I am also realising, that as she becomes a young lady, she may cause me to experience some heart conditions! 22
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS (TEN YEARS AGO). PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THOSE IN NEED, ESPECIALLY WITHIN OUR ACC FAMILY. WE HAVE A NATIONAL ACC PRAYER NETWORK COORDINATED BY BELLA’S POP (DAVID O’KEEFE) SO MAKE USE OF IT BECAUSE PRAYER MOVES GOD. EMAIL YOUR CONFIDENTIAL PRAYER REQUESTS TO: PRAYER@ACC.ORG.AU
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BREAKING THE SOUND BARRIER BY PAUL BARTLETT
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id you know, the Church has a sound? The question is: Is it the sound God intends? I felt God ask me if it has a sound, what is it? Is it the right sound? Is it the sound He intended? Is this a sound that is music or is it preaching? I could tell however that’s not what God meant I began to realise God meant the Global Church has a collective sound. A year ago, I was on the far NSW South Coast visiting Bushfire victims with our Chaplains and volunteers. The mayor and CEO of the largest club began to thank their local Chaplain, Jeremy Fernando. They began to tell the story of the selfless acts of Jeremy and his church of just 50 people. People in the room were constantly nodding and agreeing, and I distinctly heard these words, “This is the sound of the Church.” This is the sound of people serving their community. As the year unfolded, the normal reactions from society to their first pandemic were fear, panic, or denial. I started listening to the Global Church, and sadly not all was good, with some leaders of churches telling their people Covid is a conspiracy; telling people not to wear masks or take precautions; and even worse, the politicising of Church. The church divided over their governmental leaders, all declaring their pick is God’s pick. I kept asking God, “Is this what the sound of the Church is”? Without being political, I’m asking the question as the world groaned in pain, as it ached in suffering and as it fought from every angle. Was the church making the best sound? Let me tell you something about sound: Sound has immense power. It has the ability to agitate, and it has the ability to heal, inspire and enlighten. Sound effects mood and emotions which powerfully effects decision making. Did you know, sound travels at 1230km/hr and when you exceed this speed, it’s called ‘breaking the sound barrier’. Sound comes from vibrations that create waves in the medium they move through. This means that sound is greatly affected by its environment. In a vacuum, such as deep space, there’s no sound at all. I think the sound of the Church is influenced massively by our cultural environment. For example, the Aussie Church, which is loved by many countries around the world, has a sound. “Relaxed”, “Honest”, Doesn’t take itself too seriously. This is the environment we were brought up in. You want to know something scary? We all believe our version, our emphasis is the Best one! Symphonic, diversity with harmony because everyone believes their version is right.
What if, the Church believes it is declaring truth? But the world hears anger and judgement. What if the Church believes its’ sound is taking ground for Jesus? But the world thinks we are taking rights from the under privileged. Is there a sound barrier the Church needs to break through? The corporate sound of the Church reverberates from the Christians who are members of it. So as we engage our community, what is the sound of a Christ follower? Cymbals are meant to be used to accentuate or strengthen certain moment’s in music, not slammed together incessantly through the song! (I always feel sorry for the cymbal person waiting the whole song before they clang once at the end!) “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1 – 3 NLT) Did you hear the sound of that scripture? Fighting for justice alone isn’t the sound God wants. How we do it is more important Having the wisest or most intelligent voice in the room is a clanging symbol without love. Being right, truthful, correct prophetic, a voice to the nations without love is nothing!! The sound of Love is patience and kindness. Love is never a sonic boom of jealousy and pride. Love isn’t the noise of getting your own way nor is it the noise of a pen writing down the wrongs of others. Love sounds like joyous celebration for everyone when truth wins over injustice. The sound of Love is heard in a person’s faith that never gives up hope in God. The sound of Love is when you and I choose endurance through every situation”. The sound of Love is when we serve others in our community. When we do this, guess what? We sound like the Church! Paul Bartlett is the National Director of ACC Community Engagement, adn State President of NSW + ACT. 24
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Brad Bonhomme Pastor of Horizon Church, Sydney
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NEW RELEASE
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Churches are filled with people whose single status can feel like a curse compared to couples or families. in our congregations This new book by Joelle Kabamba helps see beyond the stigma and stereotypes to being single with Kingdom purpose.
Unexpected S
Gift
ingleness is a cycle in life that we all will experience at any given stage of our journey. Within the wider Church community, there is a population of individuals who find themselves in this phase of their life and are seeking to be acknowledged and given a voice. With the Covid pandemic came the disconnection and isolation associated with it, and the degree of loneliness coupled with grief, has only intensified, among community and in particular singles. Such precedence time has heightened awareness how to better nurture and care for singles in our community. During these modern times, our social boundaries have loosened, along with it identity and sexual orientation becoming more fluid and blurred. This has caused quite a stirring among media circles, propelling church leaders to re-assess how best to cater and assist singles to navigate through these changing times. Joelle Kabamba is an African-Australian author of two books, as well as a community activist for the vulnerable, promotes the welfare of humanity and advocates the rights of women from vast communities. Joëlle’s new book, The Unexpected Gift, is a call to recognise how divinely chosen and complete single people are in God’s eyes, specifically as a woman in the 21st century. It unpacks the stigmas and stereotypes assigned to single women historically and those in our contemporary day. Readers can negotiate through the challenges of being single and tactfully manoeuvre through the hang-ups of finding yourself single again, be it through a breakup, separation or divorce. The book deals with questions of sexuality, and age-old gender roles assigned by society, and provides an alternative perspective – God’s intended purpose for women. Joelle’s pastors at LIFE church in Melbourne, Craig and Nadia Clark, believe we can all widen our perspective and open our hearts to understand a season that may be different to our own. “Let’s make it a focus to champion those we love and support and bring change in our sphere, so we can increase the support and encouragement for those walking this journey.” Julia A’Bell, national leader of Australian Christian women, says, “It is freeing for every individual to find their identity and understand their purpose in God, a purpose that transcends their marital status.. Well done to Joëlle for embarking on this journey of bringing hope and life to every reader.” Click here to download or order your copy of ‘The Unexpected GIft’: More info: www.spacebetweenpublications.com 26
I FOUND MYSELF NOT JUST INVESTIGATING THE STIGMA OF SINGLENESS BUT ASKING EVEN DEEPER QUESTIONS. THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SINGLE PEOPLE – HOW DO THEIR NEEDS DIFFER?
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NEW RELEASES
BEING THE BAD GUYS: How to Live For Jesus in a World That Says You Shouldn’t By Steve McAlpine
The Church used to be recognised as a force for good, but this is changing rapidly. Christians are now often seen as the bad guys, losing both respect and influence. In our post-Christian culture, how do we offer the gospel to those around us who view it as not only wrong but possibly dangerous? And how do we ensure that the secular worldview does not entice us away with its constant barrage, online and elsewhere, of messages about selfdeterminism? Author Stephen McAlpine offers an analysis of how our culture ended up this way and explains key points of tension between biblical Christianity and secular culture. He encourages Christians not to be ashamed of the gospel as it is more liberating, fulfilling and joyful than anything the world has to offer. He also offers strategies for coping in this world, with its opposing values, and for reaching out to others wisely with the truth.
WHO’S IN CHARGE OF A WORLD THAT SUFFERS Trusting God in Difficult CIrcumstances By Billy Graham
“In this book my father helps the reader traverse this journey called life by pointing to the One who guides us by His mighty Spirit, helping us walk with Him in certain victory.” --Franklin Graham Why is suffering the common lot of all people everywhere--believers and nonbelievers alike--and why does it seem that the world is out of control when it comes to the problem of pain and suffering? These are not easy questions, and in reality, you will never know the answers completely until you see our Lord face to face in heaven. Nevertheless, the Bible does give you some answers. Who’s in Charge of a World that Suffers? includes an informative and inspirational new introduction by Franklin Graham that speaks to today’s reader in the midst of painful circumstances.
CLEANING UP YOUR MENTAL MESS
5 Simple Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress and Toxic Thinking By Dr Caroline Leaf Take charge of your runaway thoughts! Toxic thoughts, depression, anxiety--our mental mess is frequently aggravated by a chaotic world and sustained by an inability to manage our thought life. But we shouldn’t settle into this mental mess as if it’s a new normal. There’s hope and help available to us--and the road to healthier thoughts and peak happiness may actually be shorter than you think. Backed by clinical research and illustrated with compelling case studies, Dr. Caroline Leaf ’s latest book provides a scientifically proven five-step plan, the Neurocycle, to find and eliminate the root of anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts in your life so you can experience dramatically improved mental and physical health. In just sixty-three days, you can start to clean up your mental mess and be on the road to wholeness, peace, and happiness.
Originally titled Till Armageddon, worldrenowned evangelist Billy Graham uncovers the clues the scriptures offer you to this universal question--the question of suffering. Readers will discover what the Bible says about: • Why Christians are not exempt from suffering • Living above your circumstances • The place of prayer in suffering God’s promises for those who suffer And much more.
New releases can be ordered online from www.koorong.com 28
