EDITORIAL ONE

Jesus 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. 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). 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. Looking forward, the strength of the Church requires us to stand together with a commitment 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. 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. 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.