Advancing the Gospel

In 2021-22, we saw our churches start to re-emerge after navigating the effects of the pandemic. It was a time when churches started regathering and reestablishng themselves. At the start of 2023, there is much optimism across our churches and a general feeling that we are now through the Covid years and are ready to advance the kingdom like never before.

Even though affected by the pandemic, many of our projects and initiatives during 2021-22 continued to blossom.

• 22 churches were planted

• 316 pastors were credentialled

• Emerging leaders had a record number of 400 attendees during the conference period.

• Youth Alive reinstituted a state rally in 2022 with hundreds of young people coming to Christ.

• A culture of pastors health and well-being is starting to permeate through our state.

• A large offering was taken up at 2021 state conference to help a pioneer church in a nation that is closed to the gospel.

• Over 10,000 students are enrolled in ACC Christian Schools.

Leadership

At the 2022 State conference, John Hunt stood down as State President after 12 years of incredible service in that capacity as well as an additional 10 years previously serving on the State executive. We took time on the last night of conference to appropriately honour John and Francine for the legacy they have left in our state. Our state has never been healthier and much of that has to do with John’s wise leadership. I am personally grateful for the state of our movement in Queensland and appreciate all that John and Francine have done.

State Executive Leadership Transition

Ben Teefy has also stepped down from state executive as he and his wife Danielle have moved to South Australia to become senior pastors of Encounter Church in Gawler. Our loss will be South Australia’s gain and I have no doubt they will be a great blessing to that state, just like they have been to us.

I was greatly honoured to be voted in as new State President, and I would also like to congratulate Craig Tomkinson for being voted in as State Vice-President. Dustan Bell and Mark Elmendorp have both been added to the executive and I know they will add tremendous leadership and experience.

The current leadership team is

President: Ben Naitoko

Vice-President: Craig Tomkinson

Secretary: Chris Mulhare

Treasurer: Lee Dallman

Executive members: Deb Van Bennekom Dustan Bell Mark Elmendorp

Dept & Leadership Transitions

As in every conference period, seasons of leadership come to a close and others open. This is a record of those tranitions.

ACC Kids James Rossiter – Laura Douglas

ACC Chaplaincy Shane Brigg – Angie Herranz

Gold Coast region Joel Cave – Ben Naitoko –Lucas Connell

Brisbane West region Deb Van Bennekom – Tim Spark

Far North region John Wedrat – Matt Coleing

Whitsunday region Sean Casey – Jason Vernardos

Capricorn region James Hewitt – Nathan Jones

I wish to thank all our retiring leaders for their valuable contribution to our movement. I also want to congratulate all the new incoming leaders and I know that God will use them all mightily as they bring new enthusiasm and perspective to their roles.

I am super excited about the team God has put together and I am looking forward as we continually advance the gospel in ACC Queensland & Northern Territory. Our greatest days are ahead!

Events

State Conference in 2022 was an outstanding success and the largest attended in our state’s history. We had outstanding guest ministry from Andre Olivier from Rivers Church in South Africa and also had the unusual challenge of holding conference simultaneously across two locations. Our team rose to the challenge magnificently and put together one of our greatest conferences ever.

Ben Naitoko, QLD+NT State President