ACC EMAG #1 2026

1 2026

EMAG

quarterly publication for acc leaders

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FAITH Saying 'YES' To God in 2026 Entrusted to Build a Legacy Faith over Fear Bold Faith: The Battle with Normal Don't Let the Donkeys Distract

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your Faith

Hold your Nerve – Stay in Faith

Q&A

Tim Hall on 50 Years of Ministry

100 Yrs Local Church Celebrations

Heritage of Church Planting

CHURCH Lessons from the Journey PLANTING Profile: David Storer No Plan B!

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FAITH I sense God inviting us to step out in faith once again. I believe 2026 will be a water-walking year for many ACC churches. A year to intentionally leave our comfort zones and say 'Yes' to God’s plans and purposes.

– joel chelliah

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acc national president

Cover: iStock wildpixel

INSIDE

NEWS

FEATURES

RESOURCES

ACC NEWS

FAITH

RESOURCES

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Saying 'Yes' to God in 2026

by Joel Chelliah

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Entrusted to Build a Legacy

by Sharon Chelliah

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Bold Faith: The Battle with Normal 22

by Mark Zschech 24

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Faith Over Fear

by Sean Stanton Hold Your Nerve, Stay In Faith

by David Hall

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ACC Snapshot News ACC stands with Jewish Community after Bondi Terror Attack

Centenary Celebrations Neuma Church Revive Church Interview | 50 years Q&A with Tim Hall

By David Hall Honour & Appreciation Paul & Annette Bartlett WIll & Sandra Dumas

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Insights What the Kimberley has taught me about Revival 16

by Christie Blaikie

Don't let the Donkeys Distract your Faith

by Matt Heins

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The Unseen Journey of Faith

by Mark Edwards

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CHURCH PLANTING

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A Heritage of Church Planting Champions

by Jacqueline Grey

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Church Planting in Indonesia

by Leighton & Grace Gallagher

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David Storer: A Kingdom-Hearted Pioneer 38

by Peter Hammer Lessons from our Faith Journey

by Ken & Chrissy Lee

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No Plan B!

by Nadia Clark

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CHURCH BUILDING RESOURCES Community Faith on the Front Foot

by Aaron Pryce

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Kids Ministry 3 Keys to Build a Strong Kids Ministry 48

by Andy Kirk Youth Ministry Building a Healthy Youth Ministry 50

by Cameron & Renee Bennett Young Adults Ministry Mobilising Young Adults

by Ryan Germain

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Safe Churches Safer Churches in a New Church Plant 54

by Allyson Parker Social Media Delay for Children under 16 Years

By Allyson Parker 55 RECOMMENDED RELEASES

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Movie: David Greg Sheridan: How Christians Can Succeed Today Cameron & Renee Bennett: Hearts on a High School Floor

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ACC NEWS

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PRAISEFEST: Divine Authority Planetshakers

UNIVS LAUNCH: 'Incredible night of encounter and

Conference 2026 @planetboom

fellowship of Univs SA launch night!' Nov 2025 @univssa

CULTURE: One big family with beautiful culture rooted in

CENTENARY: Neuma Church's 100-Year Celebration

Christ Jesus @enjoychurchmelbwest

Choir on 26 October 2025. @neuma.church

KIDS: Summer Days 26 'Our kids praised, worshipped,

100 YEARS: '100 years of God's faithfulness' Revive Church

encountered God and had tons of fun' @nationschurch

celebrations on 30 November 2025 @rvv.petersham

FULL REPORT PG 6

ACC stands with Jewish Community after Bondi Terror Attack The Bondi Beach shootings on 14 December 2025 are the deadliest terror attack on Australian soil, specifically targeting Jewish families celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. Fifteen innocent lives were lost that evening, with 40 people hospitalised with severe injuries.

The ACC responded quickly with our support for the Jewish community and those affected by the shootings, stating 'The ACC wholeheartedly supports our Jewish friends as we stand against the hatred and violence of this evil act of terrorism, which is a deplorable act signifying the escalation of antisemitism in our country.' > Read the full statement here: ACC.org.au/media-releases ACC National President Joel Chelliah travelled to Sydney for a public service with Australian government dignatories and faith leaders held outside St Mary's Cathedral on Wednesday, 17 December. Candles were lit for each of the 15 lives tragically lost at Bondi.

Pastor Joel also made time to visit the Bondi Pavilion to pay his respects and add a bouquet of flowers to the sea of floral tributes on behalf of the ACC. 'We pray for our nation, for God’s peace and healing for those who lost loved ones and those injured or traumatised by this terror attack,' said Joel. 'We stand together to declare this powerful truth: 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

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ACC NEWS | 100 YRS

Centenary celebrations 100 Years of Prayer Congratulations to Neuma Church (originally Richmond Temple) and Revive Church (originally Sydney Assembly) on achieving the remarkable 100-year milestone in 2025.

Both churches were planted by the pioneers of the Pentecostal church in Australia in the early 1900s, as the result of much prayer, bold faith and a passion to see Holy Spirit revival across our nation.

Together with Calvary Church in Queensland, who celebrated their centenary in 2024, these legacy churches testify to the faith of their leaders and the blessing of God for the incredible fruit over 100 years.

Neuma Church Richmond Temple planted in 1925 Neuma Church, known for most of its remarkable journey as Richmond Temple, stands as one of the great testimonies to God’s faithfulness in Australian Pentecostal history.

What began as humble prayer gatherings in the 1910's blossomed into a vibrant congregation by the 1920s, carrying a move of the Holy Spirit that helped ignite revival across Melbourne.

Under the pioneering leadership of Charles L. Greenwood, those early believers witnessed extraordinary moments of prayer, healing, evangelism and spiritual renewal, positioning Richmond Temple at the heart of the growing Assemblies of God movement in Australia. Their passion, sacrifice and obedience laid a foundation that continues to shape generations.

From its early meetings in the Richmond Theatre on Bridge Road to its long-standing home at 10 Griffiths Street in Richmond, the church’s physical journey reflects a story of growth, courage and God-led expansion.

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Planting churches & sending missionaries Over the decades, Richmond Temple became a launching place, where congregation members went on to plant churches and send missionaries.

A defining thread in this journey was its unwavering commitment to global mission. From the mid-20th century onward, the church sent missionaries across Asia, Africa, the Pacific and beyond, supporting evangelism, church planting, Bible-training and humanitarian aid. Alongside this, the church invested deeply in discipling children and youth, ensuring future generations were formed with the same heart for prayer, mission and revival.

In recent years, this treasured legacy has been joyfully embraced and re-expressed through the church’s renaming as Neuma Church. This new name honours more than a century of Pentecostal heritage while boldly declaring a fresh, Spirit-led vision for today. Neuma has expanded into multiple campuses across Australia and international locations, hosting vibrant worship gatherings, championing global mission initiatives, raising emerging leaders, and investing intentionally in the next generation through children’s ministry, youth discipleship, and leadership development pathways. The recent celebrations of its centennial season have highlighted the church’s enduring distinctives - prayer, global mission, evangelism, healing, worship and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Today, Neuma Church stands with deep gratitude. It celebrates the countless lives transformed, the ministries birthed, the nations impacted, and the leaders raised through the decades at Richmond Temple, Richmond AOG and Bridge Church. Yet it also looks forward with faith-filled expectation, as the church continues to plant churches, serve communities, send out missionaries, and raise future generations of Spirit-filled sons and daughters who carry God’s heart for the nations. Its mission, “Advancing God’s Kingdom across the Nations” resonates more strongly than ever, carrying the same Spirit-led passion that marked the church’s earliest days.

For many across Melbourne and around the world, the story from Richmond Temple to Richmond AOG to Bridge Church, and now to Neuma Church is more than just history. It is a living testament to a church continually renewed by God, joyfully following His voice and faithfully preparing the next generation to join in His global mission.

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Heart of Revival in Sydney Revive Church

Sydney Assembly planted in 1925; formerly Petersham AOG, NSW In 1925, Smith Wigglesworth, one of the most influential evangelists of the modern era, was in Australia hosting revival crusades across the country. Many were being saved, healed and set free; and a great awakening was taking place in the nation.

On one particular night in Sydney, two Baptist pastors respond to the message preached by Wigglesworth. They come forward to the altar and are radically filled with the Holy Spirit. Later that week at a pastors gathering, Wigglesworth encourages these pastors to plant a Spiritfilled church in Sydney full of the fire of God. On that day Frederick Duncan and his son, Phillip Duncan, set out to start The Sydney Assembly (which later became Petersham AOG) and today is now known as REVIVE Church.

Fast forward 100 years, the church today is full of life.

Souls are being saved. Disciples are being made. And the kingdom is advancing in the city. The generations are strong. The hunger is tangible. And the sense of revival is stronger than ever.

Ephesians 3 reminds us that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can think or imagine.

And this has been nothing short of what we have seen in the last four years. From launching new services and planting a new location, to raising leaders and starting a college, God has moved far beyond what we thought was possible. And we believe that Sydney is on the precipice of one of the greatest moves the city has ever seen.

When Katie and I first stepped into the leadership of the church, we felt like God say to us that we weren't called to just build a big church, but to win a city. This meant we had to think bigger than a building, and bigger than an 8

event. From that moment, God put a vision inside of us to pioneer a movement of church plants around the city and beyond.

This church that began as one of the pioneer churches in our movement, continues to carry the same mantle and spirit to pioneer. In fact, pioneering has always been in the DNA of the church. And the next era of the church is to Pioneer Again.

On the 29th of November 2025, we as a church got to celebrate our centenary. Hundreds gathered across the weekend to celebrate 100 years of God's faithfulness, God's goodness, and God's presence in the city.

Amazingly, after 100 years, the church has only had four senior pastors at the helm, so we felt it was important to take the time to acknowledge and highlight the four eras of leadership under Pastor PB Duncan, Pastor Tony Hallo, Pastor Barry Saar and now us. The ongoing thread that ran through the entire weekend was a spirit of HONOUR. There was a great celebration of the past, but a real sense of expectation and faith as we look forward to the next century.

We are so grateful for the amazing heritage of our church, and the many generations that came before us. We also believe that our memories can never become greater than our future - in fact the best way to honour the past, is to build something strong for tomorrow. As the church was birthed in revival, we will continue in revival - and we are expectant and full of faith for ALL that God wants to do through our church, in our city, all for His glory - In Jesus name.

By Jason & Katie Mendis, Senior Pastors Revive Church

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INTERVIEW | 50 YRS

50 Years of Ministry

Q&A

with Tim Hall INTERVIEWED BY DAVID HALL

Congratulations to Pastor Tim Hall who celebrated fifty years of ministry in 2025.

The bohemian artist was radically saved and filled with the Holy Spirit in 1974, and the following year he pioneered his first church in Murray Bridge in South Australia. Tim went on to plant a number of other churches across Victoria.

In the 1980s, Tim's evangelistic meetings grew to seeing more than 100,000 people in attendance.

With his wife Jacque, Tim has preached on every continent (excluding the Antarctic) seeing great harvests of souls and thousands of significant miracles.

David Hall, Tim's son, interviewed his father on behalf of ACC Emag, about his incredible five decades of powerful ministry.

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Q: Take us back to the moment you were saved – what did it mean to you as a young man?

Tim Hall: I vividly remember the moment that I met Jesus.

I was raised in a good, strong Methodist, church-attending home. I attended church regularly and even became a junior steward as a teenager without having come into a real relationship with Christ. I made a step toward Christ at a Baptist camp, but it was a fleeting thing. Slowly I drifted away and became caught up in the 60s lifestyle. I did everything to excess, and after three years studying in the SA School of Art, I was far from God and only had one great desire besides football and girls—and that was to be a famous abstract artist.

By 26 years of age, despite being rapidly recommended for a Senior Master position, I was a heavy drinker and somewhat paranoid as a result of some heavy paranormal experiences.

Entering Klemzig Assembly of God on a Sunday night was overwhelming. Many students from the school at which I taught were present. I didn’t know that God had spoken to Pastor Andrew Evans that, as Paul had a Timothy, He was sending a young 'Timothy' to him to be trained as a man of God. I sat in the back row of the balcony under heavy conviction as Pastor Andrew spoke. I wanted to run. Finally, he brought the challenge to find Christ. Totally shaken and not wanting to respond to the call, I felt a hand on my shoulder and found myself heading to the altar. I could feel darkness going off me, and as I stood at the front, Pastor Andrew, moved by God, walked over and, with a quivering lip, asked my name.

He knew this was his 'Timothy' (one of so many raised up under him). With eyes full of tears, he laid hands on me, and I was powerfully baptised in the Holy Spirit, speaking loudly

in tongues. From that moment until his death, he never ceased to be my pastor and mentor.

Q: When was your very first sermon—and what do you remember about it?

Tim Hall: I remember sharing my testimony at St Columba’s Anglican Church in Westbourne Park, Adelaide, shortly after being saved. The first real sermon was at our new house-church gathering in Murray Bridge 50 years ago. I don’t remember the sermon, but I do recall that two people went to sleep.

Q: How did you develop such a deep passion for the Holy Spirit and His power? Was there a defining moment that shaped your hunger for revival?

Tim Hall: I was very impacted by the reality of God’s power the night that I was saved. It was not a decision I made but a divine encounter that I experienced. I believe a hunger began that night.

A few weeks later, at a youth camp, as people fell under the power of God and demons were manifesting, I was filled with a hunger for His presence that led me into a life of intense prayer and fasting. That hunger still drives me 50 years later.

Q: Who has most influenced your life and ministry?

Tim Hall: As a young man, Pastor Andrew Evans truly took me under his wing. He invited me to go with him when he preached and to work with him praying at the altar. I remember in Tasmania at a church camp, we spent the afternoons out in the bush praying together for hours for the night meetings. He knew how to push hard in prayer until he had the witness of breakthrough.

Oral Roberts was another preacher who influenced me greatly. I listened to old cassette tapes of him preaching over and over. I even almost memorised them. I occasionally even today preach a message I borrowed from him.

Reinhard Bonnke challenged me enormously. The bigness of all that he did and the powerful authority and strength of his presentation caused me to stretch further and further. Getting to know him as a friend has been one of the great thrills of ministry life.

Rodney Howard-Browne and I developed a friendship in the early 1990s that is strong today. He believed in me, encouraged me, and inspired me through very dark and lonely times. His larger-than-life daring faith and passion for the anointing continue to challenge me to keep growing.

I have loved being part of the ACC family for 50 years. The leaders who have guided and helped me grow and the friends made over that time have been tremendous.

Q: You’ve pioneered several Assemblies of God churches. What motivated you to plant churches, and what were those early days like?

Tim Hall: When I was first in ministry, I read the book of Acts and loved the way Paul would go into a place, pioneer a church, then move on and start another one.

Seeing a house group grow into a church in Murray Bridge was thrilling, but I wanted to hand that on, like Philip in Samaria, and start again. This was really what I felt was my calling.

I look back with great satisfaction at the churches we

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started or helped start. Going back to Murray Bridge this year to preach at the 50th celebration of the church and tell the story of its start and mine together was very emotional. Time seemed to stand still, and memories flooded in of the way Jesus guided a very new Christian in starting what is now a strong work. I learned so much at that time.

Q: Your crusades have seen more than 2,000,000 people come to Jesus. Are there any specific meetings or crusades that stand out as unforgettable?

Tim Hall: Looking back, it is now a blur of meetings in around 45 nations. I think our first large mass crusade in Honiara, Solomon Islands, stands out. It was during the darkest period of my life. Owing to a family crisis, I knew that I was fighting major depression. I tried to get out of doing the crusade, as I felt unfit to preach. God had other ideas and poured strength into me that has never left.

After starting with a few thousand people on the first night, we saw the rugby ground and grandstands filled.

Major miracles broke out everywhere. A man near death was carried to the meeting. After God raised him up, the crowd erupted. I remember several thousand new converts on the last night, touched and weeping. I know that I received an addiction for soul-winning that night.

That was the first of five campaigns we have conducted in the Solomon Islands.

Preaching during the ceasefire on Bougainville 26 years ago was life-changing. I’ll never forget about six thousand people being swept down by the power of God in a few moments. I’ll never forget God healing over 30 deaf people on the platform one night in Vanuatu, or 13 blind being healed this year in Port Moresby.

Q: After 50 years, what has sustained you? What disciplines, relationships, or convictions helped you go the distance?

Tim Hall: Looking back through so many things, I am so thankful that in the beginning I learned the importance of a strong, consistent, and passionate prayer life. Times of being locked away with God in the mountains are still my favourite part of ministry. It is with Him in the throne room that we are empowered and guided. Trust and dependence on Him grow out of quality time spent with Him. I believe a strong, consistent hunger and passion for the Word is also so vital.

dependent on the Holy Spirit, giving all the glory to Jesus.

Watching people like Reinhard Bonnke and others who achieved great things, humility was a hallmark. Every time I minister, I am expecting Him to move. I don’t want to be hoping but working expectantly with Him, ready and listening to where He is wanting to move. I think the best advice is to truly love people. We must love people far more than ministry.

Q: If you could preach one final sermon, what would the message be?

Tim Hall: I would preach from my favourite scripture, Ephesians 1:15–23. I would challenge people to everyday pray Paul’s prayer for ourselves—that God would continually fill us with a Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the intimate knowledge of Him. I would stress that everything in ministry is forged in the intimate place of strong, passionate prayer and fasting. I would emphasise Paul’s desire for us to receive a divine illumination as to the certainty of our calling, the mighty weight of His power and glorious presence that we can live and move in continually, and to live in the full awareness of the surpassing, unlimited, mighty, dead-raising, nationchanging dominion power that is constantly toward us and through us. I would make it clear that we are called every day to be ministering to a dead world and to sick, broken humanity with the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead.

Q: What’s next for you? What is burning in your heart for the future?

Tim Hall: After COVID, I felt weary after everything that happened in Melbourne. I had a knee replacement and had been really slowing down. I was given a chance to preach at 'Believe' in Fiji to a huge crowd of tens of thousands. It was like a bolt of lightning through me.

People were out of wheelchairs, and miracles broke out incredibly.

I came home and made a strong decision to run harder than ever. We have run for Jesus for 50 years, and we are going to run with everything we can, knowing that time is short. The passion for souls and to stir up a new generation of evangelists is burning strong within us.

Q: What advice would you give to our 3,000 ACC pastors who want to remain faithful and fruitful over a lifetime?

Tim Hall: We have to stay fresh. I watch pastors burn out and lose their joy. I believe that whether you are a pastor or evangelist, a passion for souls keeps you fresh.

Stay passionate about seeing people saved. Establishing a partnership with the Holy Spirit is essential. The great Kathryn Kuhlman, for all her success, remained totally 12

A young David Hall with his father, Tim.

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ACC NEWS | HONOUR

Honour & Appreciation The ACC greatly appreciates and honours the national leadership of Paul Bartlett and Will Dumas, who have raised the focus and understanding of Community Engagement and the Indigenous Initiative, respectively. Both Paul and Will were honoured and celebrated for their 12 years of commitment and national leadership at the NSW State Conference in 2025.

ACC Community Engagement PAUL & ANNETTE BARTLETT We honour and thank Paul for spearheading and championing Community Engagement across our movement since 2013. He has been instrumental in challenging a shift in thinking – to go beyond church care programs to active engagement with the community on a daily basis.

'Are we a church that only tries to get people to come on a Sunday or is Monday an opportunity to be the church?' states Paul. 'Moving from Sunday to Monday is a movement, not just for the Church corporately to see their facilities and pastors as great assets to the community, but also for each person part of that church to see themselves as incredibly valuable wherever they find themselves Monday to Saturday.'

The ACC greatly appreciates Paul's passion and national leadership, and the incredible fruitfulness that so many local churches now have in their communities as a result of the outstanding resources and training from Paul and his team of State leaders. Community Engagement remains a key focus of every ACC local church, with our state reps continuing to support and resource pastors and churches.

Thank you, Pastor Paul & Annette - for your heart for reaching communities.

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ACC Indigenous Iniative WILL & SANDRA DUMAS The ACC honours pastors Will & Sandra Dumas for their faithful national leadership of the ACC Indigenous Initiative since 2013. They have been instrumental in creating greater awareness and engagement across our nation, by building deeper understanding and respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture, in all our churches and communities.

The heart of the ACC Indigenous initiative has always been reconciliation and unity. Over the years, WIll & Sandra, and the Indigenous State reps, have shared valuable insights and education about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family. We are grateful for the great resources and training they have provided - including the wonderful Indigenous Conferences and compiling the Indigenous Protocols Document for every ACC pastor and church.

There has been much fruit across the breadth of this ministry over the past 12 years. Going forward, this initiative will continue to be effectively actioned through our States to equip pastors and resource churches. The ACC remains committed to advancing our Indigenous Initiative in other key ministries of the ACC by raising healthy leaders, planting more churches and making disciples in Indigenous communities.

Thank you, Pastor Will & Sandra – we honour and appreciate you greatly.

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ACC NEWS | INSIGHTS

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What the Kimberley has taught me about

Revival

By Christie Blaikie

My first ministry trip to the Kimberley was in 2022. We had just launched our ministry school, Blueprint, at Oasis Church, and took a team of ten students to Fitzroy Crossing and Derby. I didn’t know then how deeply the red dirt and the people would get into my heart.

Since that first trip, I’ve returned every year. Now, as ACCWA State President, I’ve travelled even more frequently, building relationships with pastors and leaders across the region.

Every time I go north, it resets me. Standing on the land, feeling the heat, praying with families, laughing with kids, hearing testimonies of healing — it’s the coalface of ministry. It pulls me back to the simple heart of the Gospel — not platforms or titles, but people. It keeps me grounded, and more in love with Jesus and His mission.

Consistency builds trust If there’s one thing I’ve learned about ministry in the Kimberley, it’s this: Aboriginal communities trust consistency. Relationships are not built through one visit but through returning, sitting, listening, and being present. Time moves slowly up there. If you come once and disappear, walls stay up. But if you keep coming, friendships form, conversations open, and reconciliation begins to flow.

Attuned to the Spirit Our Aboriginal brothers and sisters are deeply attuned to the spiritual realm. They pray with authority, discern quickly, and respond to the Holy Spirit with remarkable ease — people are often slain in the Spirit during ministry, and there are no catchers up there! They are very musical and love to sing.

Wonderful Healings We have seen wonderful healings in the Kimberley. I’ll never forget baby Angel. Her mum, Marisa, asked for prayer when she was very unwell. She had fevers and sores in her mouth. The following year she ran up to me beaming, 'As soon as you prayed, her fevers left.'

In 2024, one of our students prayed for Pastor Patrick’s deaf ear. I told him to stick his finger in Patrick’s ear and command healing. It was hilarious — but he was healed.

He told me again this past year, 'My ear is still good!'

Transformation Another favourite story is of Jacinta. She recently walked away from alcoholism and domestic violence. She met Jesus, and was radiant as she shared with me what she was learning about Moses.

Unity - the key to revival In 2025, we welcomed many Kimberley pastors at our WA State Conference (big thanks to Grant Hobbs). Over lunch, Phil Ayres spoke on unity — the key to revival. I believe that deeply. We honour the pastors who carry the gospel on the ground: Warren & Sheena Luscombe (Fitzroy Crossing), Jason & Renee Downs (Derby), Glenn Danaher, Brett & Val Durant (Kununurra), William Bangu and Matthew Yanawana (Bidgydanga), Lawford Smith (Wangkatjungka), Max Wiltshire and Jeke Wiltshire (Halls Creek), Itu Wiltshire (Wyndham), Patrick Nellie (Looma) — and many more unseen heroes.

The Kimberley have seen moves of God before — and they long for another. For their families. For healing. For revival in Western Australia.

Christie Blaikie is the ACC State President of Western Australia. Christie & her husband Ewan are the senior pastors of Oasis Church.

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FAITH

Saying 'YES' to God in 2026

By Joel Chelliah

I’ve been reflecting on God’s faithfulness over the past decades. This year marks twenty years since Sharon and I said 'Yes' to God and stepped out in faith to pioneer Centrepoint Church. I often call it a happy-scared moment.

We knew God had placed a church plant in our hearts, but we had no idea how it would unfold or what it would look like. What if we failed? There were many logical reasons not to do it, but we chose obedience and trusted Him. At the time, we were in our mid-20s with a young family and very limited pastoral experience. Our second son was just three months old when we held our first service. I remember praying desperately that morning, 'Lord, please help me not to mess this up and send some people from the community.' By God’s grace, people came, and one person made a decision for Christ that very first Sunday.

We are deeply grateful for our senior pastors who saw beyond our inexperience and believed in us when we struggled to believe in ourselves.

Twenty years on, that single step of faith has resulted in thousands of lives being touched and welcomed into the Kingdom of God. Recently, I read an article noting that many successful organisations stop taking risks around the twenty year mark. Ironically, it is risk-taking that establishes them in the first place, but maturity often leads to playing it safe because it feels like there’s too much to lose if things don’t work out. This challenged me deeply. Every faith decision carries risk, yet without faith, it is impossible to please God. Without risk, we stagnate.

So again, I find myself asking: What’s next? What mountain is God calling us to climb? Which inexperienced leader are we called to back? What new 'crazy' initiative are we being stirred to pioneer? Nothing is impossible for God, or for His people who step out in obedience.

As we look toward a new year, I sense God inviting us to step out in faith once again. I believe 2026 will be a water-walking year for many ACC churches. A year to intentionally leave our comfort zones and say 'Yes' to God’s plans and purposes.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) 18

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Photo Pexels: – Cottonbro Studio

SAYING 'YES' TO GOD REQUIRES THREE THINGS:

1. LETTING GO OF YOUR PLANS After purchasing property for one of our campuses, we had architectural plans drawn up. These were good plans. But council requirements forced us to revise them, and the final plans were even better. To move forward, we had to deliberately let go of the first set. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

In the same way, many believers want to say “Yes' to God but they keep holding tightly to their own plans. You can’t hold onto both. A new year is a powerful time to surrender your plans afresh and fully embrace His purposes.

2. BEING AVAILABLE In the world, people are chosen for their ability; in the Kingdom, God looks for availability. When we make ourselves available, His grace supplies what we lack.

With a young family, it would have been easier for Sharon and me to say, 'Yes—but not yet'. Later, when the kids were older or when we felt more prepared. But I’ve learned that God looks for obedience now.

Our timing often differs from His, yet true obedience requires immediate availability.

God never forces us to say 'Yes', but the moment we say, 'Here I am, send me' (Isaiah 6:8), we position ourselves to be empowered to do the impossible.

3. CHOOSING COURAGE Seeing God’s plan fulfilled requires courage. Don’t allow intimidation to stop what He wants to do through you. Moses, Gideon, and the disciples all felt inadequate and they were, in their own strength. God’s call is always bigger than us and this naturally highlights our inadequacies but we must always remember: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6) There is grace for every difficult season and every impossible task.

So, what could God do with your 'Yes' in 2026? What have you said 'No' to when God is asking for 'Yes'? What have you delayed out of fear that you need to do immediately?

Now is the time to surrender afresh and pray, 'Lord, let Your plans become my plans. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in and through my life.'

Joel Chelliah is the ACC National President.

He and his wife Sharon are the Senior Pastors of Centrepoint Church in WA.

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Entrusted to Build a Legacy

By Sharon Chelliah I am excited for what 2026 holds for the Church in Australia. God is at work, moving sovereignly in hearts and lives to bring restoration to families, communities and the nation.

In Isaiah 61:4 God declares, “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.”

I believe God is doing exactly this – a generational work.

Where there has been generational ruin, God is doing an accelerated work of restoration and renewal – in every family, bloodline, people group and culture and we will see it evidenced particularly in the lives of our young adults and those younger. Many churches in our movement are already seeing and experiencing this.

As a minister of the Gospel, amidst this accelerated and sovereign move of God, how should I respond?

Joel and I have been so challenged that we are not to just consume, enjoy or even leverage this season of grace just for our own benefit, but that we are responsible to invest in the next generation so that they can carry the testimony of Jesus with purity and confidence to their generation and to the generations to come.

In Jeremiah 2: 7-8 we read this sobering warning; 'I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable. The priests did not say, ‘Where is the LORD?’ Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and went after things that do not profit.'

This is a heart wrenching passage of Scripture. In a time where God was rejoicing that He had finally brought His people into blessing – the blessing of the Lord that made them 'rich’ – they took, they consumed, and they corrupted, spending it all on selfish desires and pursuits.

And it was the leaders of the day, whose hearts first strayed. The ones who were called to lead God’s people in long obedience and the subsequent and accumulative blessing of that. The priests, teachers, shepherds and prophets squandered God’s generous grace.

I cannot help but pray, 'Lord let this not be so of us your current day leaders. Holy Spirit help us, keep us that we would be faithful stewards of your grace who live in constant reverence and awe of who you are.'

As ministers and leaders we are not called to build a legacy to ourselves – we are called to set the next generation up to walk in the way of the Lord. How wonderful would it be that we the entrusted leaders of today might be found as faithful stewards of this move of God. That we would set the next generation up to run well the race that our Good God has prepared for them.

Sharon Chelliah and Joel are the Senior Pastors of the multi-site Centrepoint Church in Western Australia.

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FAITH

Bold Faith The Battle with Normal

Photo: Pexels Tima Miroshnichenko

By Mark Zschech

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Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. Hebrews 11:1-2 NLT

Hebrews chapter 11 lists the great biblical heroes of faith. Among all the names, Abraham stands out for his remarkable faith as he unquestioningly obeyed God’s call to go, not even knowing where he was going. Even after he reached the land God promised him, he remained living in his tent, continuing to look forward confidently to the promise of a city with eternal foundations built by God. If you’d lived at that time, would you have admired Abraham for his faith? Perhaps you would have called him the ‘Father of Boldness’ or the ‘Father of Craziness’?

Abraham stands out because he lived full of expectation that he would see the promise of God. Even at his last breath, he died in that hope. It is no wonder that with hindsight, writers call him ‘The Father of Faith.’

Abraham’s greatest legacy was that he passed down the promise of his dreams and hopes to Isaac and Jacob.

We have to ensure that the vision stays alive inside future generations.

When Darlene and I took on the leadership of our church from the founding pastors John and Joan Pennicook, we took on the ownership of their original vision. I remember saying to John, ‘Your unfulfilled dreams are now my To Do list.’

The older I get, I realise that faith is not just about big breakthroughs—it’s about daily living and taking God at His word. We constantly have a choice as bold believers: to live with a limited view that we only have our natural resources at hand, OR we can live out our leadership journey with an expectation of the supernatural in the midst of our natural lives.

We can learn so much from Abraham’s bold faith.

1. BOLD FAITH REQUIRES SURRENDER God commanded circumcision as a sign of His covenant.

This wasn’t optional—it was a mark of total commitment.

This would not have been an easy idea to sell to all the men of the tribe. However, there is no shortcut to surrender… and pain is involved!

2: DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES BOLD PRAYERS Jesus said: ‘Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for’. (Matthew 7:7 NLT) Faith isn’t just about leaving and believing as Abraham did — it’s also about fighting for what we believe.

Bold faith doesn’t just wait passively — it wars in prayer; wrestling and reminding God of His promise.

necessary. When Abraham’s nephew Lot was captured in a war between kings, Abraham didn’t abandon him. He armed his men and went to war. (Genesis 14:11-12) Bold Faith isn’t weak; it doesn’t back down—it stands up.

• It’s strong enough to make peace when others demand their rights.

• It’s bold enough to fight when evil must be resisted.

• It’s humble enough to give God glory in every victory.

To be a bold disciple of Jesus, there is a sense that we should all have a posture of holding dreams for things yet unseen in our lives. This is one of the criticisms about Pentecostals. We are triumphant people, who are too positive and too aspirational, and are marked by hope and boldness. I am happy to be criticised for that!

FAITH FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME Hebrews chapter 11 closes saying, ‘All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. ‘(Hebrews 11:39-40 NLT) Why? Because God had something bigger and better in mind: they would not reach perfection on their own. The vision was also for the generation who came after them.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, the ACC was a brilliant Church Planting movement. Today, many of the foundational churches that we see around us, were new start-ups. They rented school halls and boldly stepped out to plant where they couldn’t see much in the natural. The fruit remains today.

To the Abrahams in our movement who have gone out, you need to pass your boldness to your Isaac and Jacob.

There are many suburbs and towns that still don’t have dynamic Spirit-filled churches.

Who will go today with a bold unwavering faith so that in twenty years from now, we will be celebrating their bold crazy steps and call them men and women of Bold Faith?

TAP TO FULL MESSAGE BY MARK ZSCHECH PREACHED AT NSW STATE CONFERENCE 2025

Mark Zschech is the NSW & ACT State President and a member of the ACC National Executive. He and his wife Darlene are the Senior Pastors of the multi-site Hope UC.

3: BOLD FAITH FIGHTS FOR WHAT’S RIGHT. Faith doesn’t back down—it stands up and fights when 23

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Photo: Unsplash - Matt Benson

FAITH

Faith Over Fear The Courage to Keep Going

By Sean Stanton

'Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.' — 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT)

1:6–7). Faith alone was not enough; they needed courage to possess. Faith believes God can; courage steps into God’s will.

Courage isn't the domain of soldiers alone; it's a daily requirement for every follower of Christ.

Courage is steadfast faith in adversity, patient love amid uncertainty, and obedience even when fear whispers otherwise.

GROWING IN COURAGE

Winston Churchill said this: 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.'

THE SUBTLE POWER OF FEAR Fear is one of the enemy’s most potent tools. It distorts our thinking, clouds our judgment, and hinders our obedience. Adam hid from God because of fear (Genesis 3:10), the servant buried his talent in the ground because he was afraid (Matthew 25:25), and Gideon questioned God’s presence when fear seized his heart (Judges 6:13).

Fear leads us to doubt God’s promises. It drives us to hide from Him, from our potential, and from the very challenges that shape us.

THE COURAGE TO FOLLOW Having denied Jesus, 'Peter followed at a distance' (Luke 22:54 NIV). Distance in discipleship often begins quietly: compromises, cautious steps, fear of being associated with Jesus in difficult situations.

We believe, but stay in shadows. However, Peter, who once trembled before a servant girl, later boldly declared Jesus as Lord. Grace restored him; Spirit-empowered courage moved him to action.

Courage grows when we live loved, renew our minds, encourage ourselves, and face our fears.

• Live loved: Remember you are a child of God, not a slave (Romans 8:15–16).

• Renew your mind: Keep God’s Word in your heart, in your thoughts, and on your lips (Joshua 1:8).

• Encourage yourself: Like David, strengthen yourself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).

• Face your fears: Run toward the battle, as David did (1 Samuel 17:45–48).

'Courage is the greatest of all the virtues. Because if you haven't courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.”'— Samuel Johnson Courage isn't the absence of fear but acting in faith despite it. Take a step forward today, knowing that 'the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.' (2 Timothy 1:7 TNIV)

Sean Stanton is the ACC National Secretary. He and his wife Lynda are the senior pastors of Life UC Canberra.

THE COURAGE TO POSSESS When Joshua was called to lead God’s people into the Promised Land, the Lord’s repeated command was clear: 'Be strong and very courageous.' (Joshua

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FAITH

'Hold your Nerve

Stay in Faith'

By David Hall

Jesus begins Mark 11:22 with a command: 'Have faith in God'. He literally means, have the faith of God. Or the kind of faith that God has.

Walking through a difficult season in our church just a few years ago, I knew that God spoke to my heart, saying, 'Hold your nerve and stay in faith'.

Stay in faith. So what I did was devour everything I could read, listen to and study about faith. I bought every Kenneth Hagin book and sermon that I could; I studied faith in scripture and I really tried to make sure everything I preach had the touch of faith. The more I learned about faith, the more amazed I am at how simple faith is.

When Jesus spoke in Mark 11:22–26, He reduced faith to its purest, simplest, most actionable form. In just a few sentences, He gives us a complete picture of how faith works, how prayer works, and how the heart must stay clear for faith to flow. Nothing Jesus says here is complicated—but everything He says is powerful.

“Have Faith in God” (Mark 11: 22) Then Jesus gave us the keys.

1. SAYING – Faith Speaks “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea…’ he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23) Here Jesus teaches that faith has a speaking component. Mountains symbolise obstacles that appear immovable. Jesus does not tell us to climb them, analyse them, or fear them. He tells us to speak to them.

Faith is for “whoever”—it is accessible to everyone.

Mountains move by words—faith speaks with God-given authority.

Our confession matters—what we continually say shapes what we continually see.

Words of faith do not describe the obstacle, they declare the will of God. If our vocabulary changes, often our outcomes change. We cannot speak defeat and expect victory. We cannot speak fear and be bold. We cannot speak unbelief and expect faith to rise.

Jesus emphasises the principle three times in one verse: he shall have whatever he says.

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2. PRAYING – Faith Asks Jesus then shifts from speaking to mountains to speaking to God: 'Whatever things you ask when you pray…' (Mark 11:24) Faith not only speaks in authority, it speaks in relationship. Prayer is where bold faith becomes personal. Jesus assumes we will pray (“when you pray”), and He commands us to pray with expectation.

I felt like God spoke to me many years ago and said, “The number one reason our prayers go unanswered is because they don’t leave our mouths!l

3. BELIEVING – Faith Believes '…believe that you receive them, and you will have them.' (Mark 11:24) This is the inner posture of faith. Faith receives before it sees. Your spirit says “yes” before the circumstance changes. Jesus highlights the danger of doubt, not passing thoughts, but heart-level doubt that can circumvent the force of our confession and our prayers.

Faith is trusting God’s promise more than our feelings or circumstances.

Remember that faith is the victory (1 John 5:4)

4. FORGIVING – Faith Stays Soft Jesus ended His teaching on faith with a surprising instruction: 'Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive…' (Mark 11:25-26) Why forgiveness? Because faith works in a clean heart. Bitterness blocks prayers. Offence can disrupt fellowship with God. Unforgiveness clogs the flow of spiritual authority.

Forgiveness keeps the heart open, the spirit soft, and faith free to work.

David Hall is the South Australian State President and a member of the ACC National Executive. He and his wife Donna are the Senior Pastors of RevivalCity Church in Adelaide.

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FAITH

Don't Let The Donkeys

Distract Your Faith

By Matt Heins

While Franca and I were ministering in Romania recently with our team, one of our key leaders prayed for a woman to be healed of her deafness. As she laid hands and prayed, the woman was miraculously healed. This leader had never been to Romania before and did not even speak the same language, but she had faith to believe for the woman to be healed.

That’s the kind of faith you and I are called to have. A faith that believes to see the power of God radically transform lives. Yet I often think that our faith can be derailed by small things. How often do we find ourselves being sidetracked by small problems or small-mindedness?

Genesis 43 tells the account of Joseph meeting his brothers again after many years. They had come to Egypt to buy food during the famine, but as they encountered Joseph, they were afraid of him. In verse 18 we read: ‘Now the men were frightened when they were taken to his house. They thought, “We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys.”’

I can understand that they were afraid of being made slaves. But why were the brothers afraid Joseph would take their donkeys? It seems like such a ridiculous notion. Joseph was the second most powerful man in Egypt, a wealthy nation that was prospering despite a drought. Yet the brothers were preoccupied with a fear that he would take their donkeys!

The brothers reveal their limited thinking in their fear. They were focused on a small and limited mindset and it affected their faith. You and I can face similar challenges when we allow the smaller things in life to distract us from what God is calling us to do.

What are some of the ‘donkeys’ we can be distracted by? Our fears, our insecurities, our past failures – all these seemingly small things can distract our faith.

As we begin a new year, let me encourage you to keep focused on having faith for more. Let’s not allow the small things in life to distract us from having strong faith. I believe that God is calling us to plant churches, preach the gospel and disciple a new generation of faith-filled believers. Let’s stay focused on this in 2026 and forget the ‘donkeys’ – the small issues, the little offences, the distractions that rob us of having strong and enduring faith.

Matt Heins is the ACC VIctorian State President and member of the National Executive. He and his wife Franca are the senior pastors of Faith Chirstian Church.

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Photo: Pexels –Mikhael Mayim

FAITH

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William Wilberforce by John Rising, c.1790

The Unseen Journey Of Faith

By Mark Edwards On what everyone thought would be just another ordinary day in the British House of Commons, May 12, 1789 would be anything but ordinary. A young politician, William Wilberforce, was about to rise to his feet to speak. Four years previously, Wilberforce had converted to Christianity and initially thought he might resign from politics. Instead, he became involved in the abolitionist cause to bring about laws to abolish slavery, a cause he believed he would give his life in support.

Wilberforce, in those four years before this first major speech did everything to become knowledgeable about the cause he would devote his life to. He researched exhaustively and meticulously, read everything he could, sought wise counsel and reviewed every thread of evidence. Wilberforce refused the pressure from his abolitionist friends to jump into the public arena unprepared.

Finally, he was ready to rise on the parliamentary floor and give voice to his heartfelt calling, perhaps knowing the cost of this journey of faith. The witnesses to his speech calling for a vote to abolish slavery describe the reasoned, passionate and provocative call the young Wilberforce made yet his speech was met with mockery and dissent.

The facts he presented were brilliantly conceived however the personal selfish interests of the politicians of the day prevailed with apathy and disparagement.

To cut a very long story short, the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was finally passed by Parliament, receiving Royal Assent on March 25, 1807. This was 18 years after his first speech and 16 years after his first Bill. This vote did not abolish slavery as full emancipation of all enslaved people throughout the British Empire came with the Slavery Abolition Act 1833. Wilberforce died just three days after the 1833 Bill passed its final Commons reading. A total journey of 40 years.

The journey of faith to pursue a righteous cause is never an overnight experience nor is it for the faint-hearted.

It has been 14 years that I have undertaken my faith journey perusing a Religious Discrimination Bill in the Federal Parliament. I understand the frustrations of failed legislation and broken promises. Over this period there have been eight public Inquiries and 70,000 submissions related to religious freedom and still no legislation.

Faith is not giving up.

Faith is enduring when the road ahead seems blocked.

Faith is holding onto the dream in one’s heart when weariness of soul attempts to seize the day.

Faith is not listening to the voices of jealously that rise up and declare falsely that your voice of conviction is silent.

Faith is the unseen, unheard, hard tedious, silent activism that gains you entry into rooms of influence.

I am often asked if I feel somewhat typecast in this religious freedom sphere.

At the end of this life, what was the legacy of William Wilberforce? The calling he exercised to abolish slavery was his legacy and perhaps if I was to ask him if he felt typecast, he would reply, ‘Was there a more honourable calling for me to be entrusted by God to fulfill?’

As for me, my calling to see religious freedom in our nation not diminished but strengthened is the legacy I will pursue. As the writer of Hebrews said, ‘It was by faith...’ so shall it be with me.

Mark Edwards is the ACC National representative for Political Engagement and Religious Freedom.

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CHURCH PLANTING

WE ARE A CHURCH PLANTING MOVEMENT Our Movement was birthed by pioneers who courageously planted churches throughout Australia. Many of those churches are still bering fruit today. Some have even recently celebrated their centenary milestone – Calvary, Neuma and Revive churches.

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– joel chelliah

acc national president

Photo: Pexels - Catarina Sousa

This same pioneering spirit lives on. Remarkably, 41% of our churches were planted since 2010, and we are on track to plant over 50 new churches a year to reach the MM33 goals of 500 churches by 2033.

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A Heritage of Church Planting Champions

By Jacqueline Grey

When it comes to planting Pentecostal churches, women have always been at the forefront. Prevented from leadership in many institutions, women pioneers were led by the Spirit to pioneer churches across Australia. In fact, the first Pentecostal church was pioneered and pastored by a woman.

By 1925, eleven of the eighteen Pentecostal churches planted in Australia were founded by women. Even by 1930, twenty of the thirty-seven churches (for which information is available) were initiated by women.

Let’s look at two examples of women church planters in the pioneering days of Australian Pentecostalism.

SARAH JANE LANCASTER (1858-1934) pioneered the first Pentecostal church in Australia. In 1908, fifty-year-old wife and mother of five, Sarah 'Mother' Lancaster was baptised in the Holy Spirit. Less than a year later, she opened Good News Hall in North Melbourne. Soon her congregation numbered in the hundreds with multiple meetings during the week, focusing on tarrying for the Spirit and praying for the sick, and providing welfare relief for the poor. She had national impact through the publication of the Good News journal that she edited, sharing testimonies and teaching. In the years following, she sent out evangelists and church planters. She had fifteen affiliated fellowships by 1925. The next year they joined the newly formed Apostolic Faith Mission of Australasia. Several controversies marked her ministry and her church by the 1930s had dwindled, but she remained an important leader in Pentecostalism until her death in 1934.

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FLORENCE MORTOMORE (1890-1927) had experienced healing and firmly preached the miracle power of God as an evangelist. As a young woman, she travelled all across Queensland. Testimonies of salvation, healing and baptism in the Spirit followed her ministry. In the 1920s she had established, or helped establish, at least seven pentecostal congregations. Her and another woman, Bessie Couldrey, started a church in someone’s home in Toowoomba in 1921. Later, she spent months pioneering in Maryborough until a church formed there in 1925.

Unfortunately, Florence died a couple years later at the young age of 37.

This heritage of women church planters can inspire us today.

Dr Jacqueline Grey is an ACC pastor and Professor at Alphacrucis University College.

Sources: Barry Chant, The Spirit of Pentecost (PhD thesis, 1999); Shane Clifton, An Analysis of the Developing Ecclesiology of the Assemblies of God in Australia (PhD thesis, 2005).

By 1925, eleven of the eighteen Pentecostal churches planted in Australia were founded by women.

Right: Photo of Sarah Jane Lancaster. ) Below: Good News Hall, North Melbourne.

(Source: Barry Chant. Photos via Grace Cottrell (Sarah Jane’s granddaughter), in 2001)

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Church Planting in Indonesia

By Leighton & Grace Gallagher In 2024, we planted Waypoint Community Church in a central part of the city. Malang is an education hub, nestled in the mountains, with more than 350,000 university students and 62 universities. We are here as church planters, partnering with AOG Indonesia. We believe that Indonesia is at a ‘tipping point’ with many young people showing an increased openness to the gospel. Our heart is to see more church planters raised up and equipped to plant thriving churches which will love and disciple new believers.

Waypoint is continuing to grow and have a positive impact on the surrounding schools and universities. It’s an incredibly diverse community, with Indonesians and foreign workers from all walks of life being planted and discipled. One of our discipleship aims at Waypoint is that everybody discovers God’s missional heart and learns to share His love for the lost. To bring this about, we have been launching regular outreach activities in

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unreached parts of the city, sharing hampers, organising community clean up days, teaching toddlers, and building relationships with local community leaders – sometimes having the opportunity to pray with them and share about Jesus. We’re excited to see these efforts increase and believe that God is opening hearts.

Waypoint’s central location is a key enabler of this work.

We meet above a supermarket, in a location close to universities, schools, and commercial and residential areas. Our facility is a testament to God’s faithfulness and miraculous provision – last year we underwent an extensive renovation project to fit out our auditorium, which was possible because of the generosity of faithful supporting partners. Looking ahead, we hope to purchase the car park that we currently rent, as a car park is a condition of operation here. There is also huge strategic value in purchasing the land as it gives us a permanent presence in the community and could be developed in the

future as we continue to grow.

We have faith that God will bring this about and have been encouraged

by His words to the people of Judah in Jeremiah 29:5, when they were living in a foreign land: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.” The growth we have seen even in these early days has encouraged us greatly and we know that just as God has provided, He will surely do so again as we believe to see more church planters raised across Indonesia.

Church Planting across the globe ACCI field workers plant churches directly and in partnership with local leaders and denominational bodies, with a focus on raising and releasing future leaders.

ACCI currently supports church plants in Cambodia, Europe, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Uruguay and Thailand – to name a few!

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ACC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 PHUKET THAILAND 28-31 July, 2026

THE CALL 37

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PROFILE

ACC General Manager, PETER HAMMER, spoke with an ACC hero in the faith – Pastor DAVID STORER. David is renowned for his Kingdom-heart, his lifelong commitment to church planting, and his apostolic legacy of raising and releasing sons and daughters in the faith.

A KingdomHearted Pioneer The Journey of David Storer

By Peter Hammer

David Storer is more than a reflective leader – he is a church planter himself. Over several decades, he personally pioneered churches and helped release leaders into new works across Australia. That calling found practical expression through Harvestnet, a church planting movement committed to raising, resourcing and releasing leaders.

Through this movement, David and his team helped pioneer Nations Church in 2004 under Ken and Chrissy Lee, followed by Centrepoint Church in 2006 with Joel and Sharon Chelliah. What began as a commitment to plant and send has since grown into a movement that has planted 14 autonomous churches operating across 27 locations, each locally led and missionally focused.

The Hippy Who Questioned Everything David’s story does not begin in church pews, but in an unsettled childhood shaped by post war displacement and instability in an unstable home. His questioning spirit found expression in the hippie movement of the 1970s. 'I wasn’t just a weekend hippie,' David laughs. 'I was bucking the status quo, asking why the world had to be the way it was.'

His search led him through alternative spiritual paths before a dramatic encounter with Jesus in a backpackers’ hostel in Cairns. 'I said, ‘Jesus, if you’re there, come into my life,”' he recalls. 'I felt what I can only describe as liquid love pouring into me.'

That moment anchored him, costing friendships but setting him on an irreversible path of faith.

Called to Ministry and to Plant With no church background and little Christian vocabulary, David entered ministry wide eyed, shaped by a culture where Bible college graduates were expected to plant churches. 'The frustration in me wanted the microphone immediately,' he admits, “but I realised how much I still had to learn.'

Looking back, David describes a defining moment in how he understood mission and growth. 'I had to make a decision,' he says. 'Am I going to expect the city to come to one location, or is it better to reach the city by planting churches throughout the city?' That > question would shape the decades that followed.

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'Am I going to expect the city to come to one location, or is it better to reach the city by planting churches throughout the city?'

– david storer

'Leaders Are Meant to Be Sent’ Over time, David became known not for gathering leaders, but for releasing them. Under his leadership, dozens of senior leaders were sent to pioneer and lead new churches.

'Leaders were never meant to be held,' he says. 'They were entrusted to be nurtured and then sent. Sending was never loss to me. It was obedience.' For David, planting was not about expansion or brand building, but about trust, believing that the Kingdom grows when leaders are released.

Importance of a Healthy Inner Life Sustaining that kind of multiplication came at a cost. By the mid 1990s, despite church growth, David’s body and soul were signalling distress.

A seemingly ordinary moment became a turning point when he read Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11.

Now at 69, David reflects with gratitude rather than nostalgia. His journey, marked by searching, surrender, wholeness and Kingdom vision, continues to shape generations of leaders who carry his heart to plant, send and serve.

David Storer is a former ACC WA State President and former Senior Pastor of Life City Church. He now serves on the pastoral leadership team of Kingdomcity Church in Perth. David is married to Sally, and is a proud father of seven, and a much-loved grandfather.

'I realised I was lost, not in salvation, but in location,' he says. 'If that was the life Jesus was inviting me into, I wasn’t living it.'

What followed was not a moment, but a process. David deliberately stepped back, reassessed his pace, and immersed himself in Scripture, particularly Jesus’ invitation to live from abiding rather than striving, allowing personal wounds rooted in his childhood to be named and healed, giving rise to one of his enduring axioms: 'the best you is a whole you.'

As David reflects on this season and his decades of ministry within ACC, one conviction stands above the rest, the health of the movement rises and falls on the inner life of its leaders. 'It’s not more information leaders need,' he says. 'We haven’t paid enough attention to what’s happening inside the leader.'

A Legacy Still Being Written David speaks about the ACC not as a critic, but as a father deeply invested in its future. 'It’s not a cranky old man shaking his fist,' he says. 'It’s a desire to see us healthy, because we carry a primary Pentecostal voice in Australia, and that matters.'

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Peter Hammer is the General Manager of Australian Christian Churches.

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Lessons from our Faith Journey

By Ken & Chrissy Lee

More than 21 years ago, with great trepidation, we said 'Yes' to planting a church. In 2004, the Australian Church landscape was very different: Multi-site churches were rare, resources were limited, and 'best practice' was largely unknown (or at least unknown to us). And we were young. Barely in our mid-twenties, we were naïve enough to think it would be easy, and bold enough in faith to take God at His word.

People may look at us now and assume we know what we’re doing. Let us be clear: God is the hero of our story.

All the glory belongs to Him alone. It hasn’t always looked like we imagined. It hasn’t always matched our ideals or preferences. Yet His faithfulness has been the unseen thread holding it all together.

As the church has grown, so have we. When we sit on panels, we’re often asked: What did you learn? What would you say to your younger selves? Below are some of our most candid answers. Our prayer is that the lessons we learned—sometimes slowly and painfully—might accelerate your growth and spare you unnecessary pain.

1. BREAK UP WITH YOUR UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH NUMBERS. Letting your joy rise and fall with attendance or metrics is an abandonment of your true identity in Christ. Refuse to reduce your blood-bought worth to a spreadsheet or dashboard. Numbers will fluctuate—but you don’t have to. And remember, heaven counts differently. Jesus only needed twelve to change the world, and even then, one missed the mark. Build a mindset that holds the tension of being content today while still believing God for much more. It is possible.

2. MINISTRY ISN’T A LADDER TO CLIMB; IT’S SEASONS TO WALK THROUGH. If you expect ministry to be linear, you will be disappointed. Ladders belong to secular thinking, where 42

each step must be bigger and more visible than the last.

The Kingdom doesn’t work that way. God doesn’t move us steadily upward, He walks us faithfully through different seasons. Look at David or Joseph—nothing about their call was ladder-like. There were seasons of obscurity, disappointment, confusion and seasons of fulfilment and acceleration. Let go of the ladder mindset. Anchor your heart in the faithfulness of your good Father, who never leaves and always loves, regardless of the season you’re in.

3. LET JESUS BE YOUR HIGHEST GOAL AND GREATEST REWARD. You’re a Christian first. You were one long before you planted a church, and you’ll (hopefully) be one long after.

Give the best of yourself to Jesus. Don’t live for applause, platforms, or polished social media moments, but for the pleasure and purpose of your Father. When you stand face to face with Him, what you did to please Him will be what matters most. Please Him with your humility, your attitudes, your purity, and your genuine love. You’ll find that these things are actually the breeding ground for answered prayer, true authority, and a life through which God moves powerfully.

There is so much more we could say, but these three truths have helped us stay in love with the Lord, in love with His church and His people, and joyful in the journey.

We hope they help you too.

Ken & Chrissy Lee are the senior pastors of Nations Church. Chrissy Lee is a member of the ACC National Executive.

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No Plan B!

By Nadia Clark

We never expected that God would call us to leave our home country of New Zealand to lead our church in Australia. It wasn’t something we had planned or imagined. But His direction was unmistakably clear, and we knew that obedience was our only response.

What I’ve found with obedience though is that it comes at a cost. It costs us our own plans so that we can fully embrace His. And if I’m honest, the greatest temptation I faced wasn’t whether we would obey, but how fully we would obey. We could commit to Australia—yet still quietly keep New Zealand as a backup plan, just in case things didn’t work out. That felt safe. It felt sensible. It felt logical.

But as we prayed, God spoke clearly to us about having no Plan B. If we truly trusted Him, then His plan had to be the only plan.

'No Plan B' meant selling our dream home—one we had bought just a week earlier. It meant coming to terms with the reality that our children would not grow up in the same country as their grandparents, uncles, aunties, and cousins whom we deeply love. It meant selling most of our possessions and, in many ways, starting again. It meant there was no turning back. Australia was now our home—the nation God had called us to.

Looking back now, I can clearly see God’s faithfulness in our obedience, and how choosing to have no Plan B was crucial in holding us steady. It sustained us through seasons of tough times where we didn’t understand what God was doing. Through moments when the cost felt great and the return felt small, and through times where it felt like, 'God, where are You?' I’m convinced that if we hadn’t fully embraced God’s plan we wouldn’t be living in the fulfillment of His promises today. See, fully committing to God’s plan gives Him complete authority and freedom to work in us and through us. It allows Him to shape us, refine us, and move us forward into everything He has prepared for us.

1 Peter 4:12–13 (MSG) says: 'Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job.

Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.”'

Without question, God’s plans for us are completely trustworthy—but how fully we experience them depends on how fully we embrace them. So let’s choose to lay down Plan B and wholeheartedly step into His plan.

Nadia Clark is a member of the ACC National Executive. She and her husband Craig are the Lead Pastors of LIFE Church Melbourne.

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COMMUNITY

Faith on the Front Foot

How New Church Plants Can Engage Their Community from Day One

By Aaron Pryce

Anytime a new church launches, we don’t see a service starting, we see hope being planted. Hope for families. Hope for young people.

Hope for those who’ve slipped through the cracks. Hope for anyone who needs to know that Jesus sees them, loves them, and hasn’t forgotten them. But hope doesn’t grow by chance. Hope grows when the church engages and is active.

START WITH PRESENCE BEFORE PROGRAMS Before you try to build a calendar, build connection. Healthy community engagement isn’t driven by impressive events, it’s fuelled by genuine presence. Walk the streets of your suburb. Learn the stories. Sit in the local café, often enough that they know your order. Show up to school events, sports days, markets, and community gatherings long before you ask anyone to show up to yours.

Presence builds trust. Trust opens hearts. And open hearts make room for Jesus.

Jesus began His ministry not with an event but with people – listening, caring, noticing. New churches can adopt that same posture from day one.

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LOOK FOR THE DIVINE OPPORTUNITIES Every suburb has needs. Every church plant has something to give. When we wrote the 52 Ideas for Community Engagement magazine, our aim wasn’t to create a checklist, it was to help churches see differently. To spot the divine opportunities where God is already inviting us to partner with Him. Small, intentional acts can open big doors: • A simple community BBQ (connecting community outside the church building) • A walk-and-pray day through local streets • Blessing local teachers with care packs (Thank you trolleys) • Chalk walks, (getting local families to create driveway artwork) • Youth games in a local park (getting young people off the computer) • Partnering with existing organisations instead of recreating the wheel Engagement doesn’t need to be flashy. It just needs to be intentional and motivated by love.

A CULTURE THAT IS 'MORE THAN SUNDAYS' AND 'MORE THAN US' At Chosen Church, these statements shape everything we do. We remind ourselves that church is not an event it’s a lifestyle of everyday mission.

More Than Sundays means that ministry doesn’t end when the last worship song fades. It means Jesus goes with us into workplaces, schools, sporting clubs, living rooms, and street corners.

More Than Us means we refuse to get comfortable. It means opening our doors, and our lives to those who don’t look like us, vote like us, think like us, or believe like us yet.

It means serving with no strings attached because Jesus loved us long before we loved Him. New church plants can weave this DNA into their culture right from the start. When they do, communities take notice and the Holy Spirit moves.

ENGAGE WITH BOLDNESS, SERVE WITH HUMILITY Boldness isn’t about personality, it’s about obedience.

Boldness doesn’t need to be abrasive or combative.

Boldness is the courage to do what God has called us to do.

Boldness says, 'God, if You’re asking me to step out, I’ll step out.'

We can walk with boldness and humility at the same time.

Church planters aren’t arriving as the heroes of the suburb; they’re arriving as servants. Servants who listen, learn, honour the local story and faithfully lift people toward Jesus.

When a church boldly declares the gospel and humbly loves people, something powerful happens.

Hearts soften, conversations go deeper and the community begins to recognise that this new church truly cares.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE SMALL BEGINNINGS Zechariah reminds us to never despise the small things.

In our community work we have seen time and time again that consistency will outrun grandiosity every day of the week.

One smile.

One meal.

One answered prayer.

One honest conversation.

One moment of kindness.

These are seeds the Holy Spirit multiplies.

Over time, that church plant stops being 'that church' and becomes 'our church'. Not because of marketing or strategies, but because love has taken root.

PLANT WITH FAITH. ENGAGE WITH BOLDNESS. WATCH GOD MOVE Church planting is a holy invitation, to believe that God is sending ordinary believers to build something eternal in the heart of their community. When new churches enter neighbourhoods with openness, warmth, bold faith, and relentless love, the gospel becomes visible.

If we stay present, look for divine opportunities, and carry a culture that is more than Sundays and more than us, our communities won’t just know we exist, they’ll know they matter to us.

And when people encounter that kind of love, they become open to the Gospel. When they are open to the Gospel, they encounter Jesus And when they encounter Jesus, everything changes, homes, streets, families, and eternities.

What a privilege to be part of what God is building!! Spirit-filled, Christcentred, community shaped, bold in faith and overflowing with love. Just the kind of churches Australia needs today.

Aaron Pryce is the senior pastor of Chosen Church, and the WA State rep for Community Engagement.

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KIDS

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3 Keys to Build a Strong Kids Ministry

By Andy Kirk

Church planting is one of the boldest expressions of faith where stepping out is often with little more than a call from God and a vision to reach people. Amidst the excitement of launching services, gathering a team and finding a venue one area that can easily be overlooked is the children’s ministry. Yet if you want your church to grow healthy and strong, investing in ministry to kids and families from day one is essential.

Here are three keys to help you start strong.

1. BUILD FOR THE LONG GAME When you’re planting a church it’s tempting to focus on the Sunday launch but great kids ministries aren’t built overnight, instead they’re built through consistent investment in people, systems and culture.

Create a safe, fun, and faith-filled environment where kids love to come and parents feel confident inviting others.

Start with excellence in the small things: clear check-in, simple curriculum and a team who genuinely loves kids.

When these are put in place early they set the tone for years to come.

2. LEAD WITH VISION, NOT JUST VOLUNTEERS

3. DON’T DO IT ALONE Planting a church can feel isolating but it doesn’t have to be!!! Every great leader needs a community around them and that’s why the KidMin Collective exists- to help Kids Pastors and leaders grow together through connection, coaching, and practical tools.

You can join a monthly Zoom cohort and be mentored by some of Australia’s best Kids Pastors sharing ideas, encouragement and wisdom for your unique context (small, medium, large or multi-site). Every participating church receives a free training platform to equip and onboard volunteers in 6 Key Areas including Child Safety making it easier than ever to build a safe and strong kids ministry from the start.

Whether you’re launching a new church or leading an established one into a new season, don’t do it in isolation.

We all know community multiplies strength, sharpens your vision, and reminds you that you’re part of something bigger — a movement of leaders shaping the next generation for Jesus.

Andy Kirk is the national leader of ACCKids.

You don’t just need people to fill rosters, you need people who share your ‘why’. When you cast a clear vision that your church exists to see children encounter Jesus, belong to His family and live out their faith boldly you attract the right kind of leaders.

Equip and empower them early by providing training and make sure you celebrate wins while modelling ministry that’s relational not just programmatic. Kids ministry isn’t childcare but it’s discipleship at the most impressionable stage of life where 80% of Salvations take place (age 4-14). When your team catches that everything changes and everything lasts.

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YOUTH

Building a Healthy Youth Ministry

By Cameron & Renee Bennett Over the decades, we have served in both large church settings right through to the challenge of pioneering a brand new church from scratch. We understand what it is to steward a well-established youth ministry with ample resources and the groundbreaking work of starting a youth ministry from nothing. While both have their challenges and advantages, there are some core principles to building a strong youth ministry, no matter the circumstances you find yourself in.

This is the very reason we wrote our leadership book, Hearts on the High School Floor. It captures our journey of witnessing the birth and rapid growth of the youth ministry that Planet Shakers came from, doing it all again 20 years later in our church plant and the core values that contributed to the success of both.

Here’s a little snapshot:

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THE GIFT OF NEEDING MORE If you are faithful in the little things, you will be faithful in large ones. Luke 16:10 (NLT) If you are a small church, a church plant or a youth pastor with a bank account that’s a little on the light side and you have minimal resources, consider this a gift!

Having little resource builds big leadership faith muscles. It teaches us character and integrity, which matter to God. It’s how we learn to value the small, so when we have more, we don’t waste it. Our best, most creative and ingenious ideas have always come from making the most out of nothing. It forces us to seek God and build by His blueprint. Having little teaches us lifelong leadership lessons that can never be learned in times of plenty.

BUILD ACCORDING TO GOD’S BLUEPRINT You’re here to be light, bringing out the Godcolours in the world'. Matthew 5:14 (MSG) Imagine our surprise when God called us from a large church and a comfortable life in Adelaide to move to Queensland, where we didn’t know a soul. Or our surprise when He asked us to start a youth Bible college (Academy). And imagine our shock when he asked us, the couple who had led a national movement, to plant a church from scratch, with only 11 people, in our lounge room.

God wants us to build according to His blueprint, not the one we see the church up the road building by on Instagram. Matthew 5 tells us it’s our job to bring out the God colours in the world and the only way to do that, is to be brave and obedient. Seek God for what He is asking YOU to do. If it doesn’t look at all like what someone else is doing, you are most likely on the right track - God’s path!

GREAT YOUTH MINISTRIES ARE BUILT OVER TIME And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Good things, beautiful things, like healthy youth ministries, are built over time. It’s not about what your church or ministry looks like right now. Every seed sown is not going to give a return straight away. The return could be a decade from now. Seeds you invest in now, can actually impact not just this generation but generations to come. They need time, care and attention and require us to keep on showing up. It’s not about slapping something together to get quick results.

Anything worth building takes time and lots of it. You can’t hurry it. There’s no easy way around. But there will always be fruit, if you wait around long enough to see it.

Let's refuse to measure ‘success’ by any human standards but by our obedience to God. Let's not count seats Sunday by Sunday but ask ourselves, Is what we are building here healthy enough to be around

generations from now? Human accolades mean nothing but our greatest dream is to hear the voice of the only One who really matters, whispering to us ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ on that glorious day.

We hope this encourages you. No matter where you find yourself in 2026, God is on your side. He has everything you need!

Extract adapted from Hearts on the High School Floor

Cameron & Renee Bennett are the National Directors of Youth Alive Australia.

READ MORE...

Hearts on the High School Floor has 52 leadership principles for building a healthy leaders and therefore a strong youth ministry.

Details: ARKHOUSE PRESS Purchase: Amazon, Koorong, Booktopia Bulk orders: Please email: renee@public.church

YA STATE DATES 2026 NSW 17-18 Feb

Youth Leaders Retreat

WA 21 Feb

Momentum Leaders Event

VIC 14 March

Momentum Leaders Event

TAS 14 March

Momentum Leaders Event

SA 14 or 21 March

Momentum Leaders Event

QLD 17-19 March

FTY CON

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YOUNG ADULTS

Mobilising Young Adults Building a Thriving YA Ministry in Your Church

By Ryan Germain How do I build a young adult ministry? This is a question I believe will become one of the most important conversations in the Australian church over the coming season. Right now—across the world, from the UK to the US, and here at home—we’re witnessing an unprecedented move of God among young adults.

Churches with a clear focus on this age group are booming. There’s a hunger, an authenticity, and a longing for a genuine move of the Spirit in our time that cannot be ignored.

Why is this happening?

Perhaps we’re living in the fruit of 40 years of legacy through Youth Alive, faithfully beating the drum for the next generation. Or perhaps the pressures, questions, and uncertainties brought on by COVID and the challenges of modern life have left this 'now generation' searching for answers they once assumed they had. Whatever the reasons, I’m grateful for one thing: leaders are asking the right questions and looking for any and every way to build and disciple young adults.

So—how do you build young adults in your church?

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I believe it comes down to three primary focuses. Yes, we all know the basics: find someone, start somewhere.

But for those reading this article, you already understand the importance of simply beginning. Let’s talk about what truly grows a young adults ministry.

1. CREATE A SPACE OF CONNECTION No matter the context—city, coast, or country—the heartbeat of every healthy YA community is authentic connection.

was preached clearly. But some of the most significant moments happened when the Holy Spirit led us to turn everything off—the lights, the LED screens, the noise—and simply worship Jesus with complete abandonment.

The feedback afterwards was unmistakable: “I’ve never encountered God like that before.”

This is what young adults want. Not hype. Not lights. Not polish. They want what’s real.

Ryan Germain is the UNIVS YA director and the senior pastor of

Connection doesn’t always look the same. I’ve seen young adults gather around cars and campfires in rural towns.

I’ve seen them thrive in city cafés and busy foyers. But the common denominator is this: Is there real, meaningful human connection?

Citihope Church, Qld.

When a young adult walks into your environment, they’re asking:

Univs Young Adults exists to see every young adult reach their God-given potential. As you build and strengthen your own young adult ministry, there is something powerful about gathering your YA community into the wider movement.

• Will someone talk to me—really talk to me?

• Will someone give me an hour of their time without checking their phone?

• Will someone look me in the eyes, not over my shoulder?

This generation is surrounded by surface-level relationships. What they’re longing for is authenticity—and the church is positioned to offer exactly that.

2. GIVE THEM A SENSE OF MISSION Connection gathers young adults. Mission activates them.

Across Australia, churches are seeing incredible fruit from global mission trips, local initiatives, Red Frogs programs, Alpha film series, street evangelism, and needs-based outreach.

WHY UNIVS EXISTS

Whether it’s our university-focused environments like Getaways and Prayer Collectives, or our gatherings for the broader young adult body through Upper Rooms and Good News Tours across the nation— when young adults come together, faith rises, conviction deepens, and their sense of calling ignites.

There’s something happening right now in Australia that we must not overlook. So I’m asking for a sense of lean-in.

A willingness to recognise the moment.

A commitment not to miss what God is doing.

Together, we can build young adults.

Together, we can disciple a generation.

And together, we can steward this moment well.

Info: univs.com.au

Why? Because this generation desperately wants purpose. They want something to live for—something weighty enough to get them out of bed each morning.

If you create community without purpose, your young adults ministry will remain shallow. But when you combine belonging with mission, you form a culture that is compelling and contagious.

3. LEAD THEM INTO AN AUTHENTIC ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS Above all, everything else rises and falls on this.

UNIVS YA QLD completed our 'Good News Tour' at the end of 2025—five nights across the southeast corner in the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Yes, people came to faith. Yes, the gospel

UNIVS STATE DATES 2026 QLD 19 Feb 23-24 Feb

Getaway South (Brisbane) Getaway North (Magnetic Island)

14 March

Prayer Collective Launch

TAS 30-31 Jan

UpperRoom

SA 6-7 March

Getaway

17-18 July

UpperRoom

WA 28 Feb

Getaway

17 April

UpperRoom 53

SAFE

Safer Churches in a New Church Plant

by Allyson Parker Planting a church is a bold faith step, and in the midst of planning outreach, pastoral care and services, the requirements to ensure a culture of safety can either be missed, or be placed on the ‘to do list’ because of the key mission of reaching people. Yet a culture that is safe, is key to establishing a strong and long term-viable church.

The beauty of a church plant is that a culture of safety can be established from commencement leading to ministry that is God-honouring, life-giving and harm-free from the very first small group meeting or church service.

The ACC Implementation Kit has multiple resources to assist in outworking the ACC Safer Churches Strategy.

You will find this here. In Guideline 1, you will find a checklist for a new church plant to assist you to consider multiple facets of safe ministry as you are in the planning phase. Additionally, each State and Territory has a Safer Churches Officer who can be contacted if you want to talk through any plan or seek some advice.

As the Holy Spirit leads you on the adventure of church planting, and you dream of all the lives that will be impacted by the Gospel, and transformed by the power of Christ, let Safer Churches be that strong foundation that allows those dreams to be outworked in a culture of health and protection. Begin with the end in mind!

Allyson Parker is the national director of ACC Safer Churches.

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Social Media Delay For Children Under 16 Years CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHURCHES AND SAFE COMMUNICATION PRACTICES

The law changes came into effect on 10 December 2025. It is important to note that this is an age delay not a BAN! ACC expects all its churches to understand how this legislative change affects ministry practice and to abide by the requirements of this change. The biggest impact of the social media delay will be in the Youth Ministry context.

CONSIDERATIONS: • Use the language of ‘delay’, not ‘ban’ in any communication with children. This supports the intention of child safety in this legislation • Not all social media platforms are included in the legislation, see the eSafety Commissioner’s website for more information • Understand that the obligation to implement this legislation rests with social media platforms and while you cannot and do not have to ‘enforce’ this law, rather uphold the law.

• This may mean: o A change in communication methods with children who may previously used a social media platform to know what was happening at church, or to have a sense of community alongside others in a shared ministry group are embraced and implemented. If your youth ministry uses Instagram, YouTube or TikTok to share photos/reels of services, inviting comments and/ or to communicate what is coming up, then there needs to be new ways of communicating and including children under 16. o Change in your practices for example will be important that any ‘friend’ requests on a restricted platform that come from a person that is under 16 be declined, and any ongoing social media interactions on such a platform by someone a person knows is under 16 be discontinued by anyone in a leadership role in support of this legislated change.

Photo: Pexels - Ron Lach

o Clearly communicate changes with parents and teens. This needs to be communicated to any children in your church community in advance to prevent any sense of rejection, or questions about their value or inclusion.

REMEMBER: ACC Safer Churches guideline 10.1 - Safe Environments in relation to Safe online and digital practices.

For information, including resources for young people and parents/ carers, click here.

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New Releases

In cinemas January 2026

DAVID

Animated Movie PG Rating David is an innimated biblical musical film by Angel Studios featuring the character of David from the Old Testament.

The movie features six new songs penned by songwriter Jonas Myrin, and stars the voices of Phil Wickham as the adult David and Lauren Daigle as Rebecca.

It is a follow-up to the five-part television miniseries Young David and tells the story of a young Israelite shepherd, poet and warrior who is predestined to become the new King of Israel. He embarks on a journey from beyond the shadow of the evil Philistine giant Goliath to prove to his people that true power lies not in a kingship but in faith and freedom.

Note: PG rating with animated violence and some scenes that may scare very young children.

Watch the trailer here 56

HOW CHRISTIANS CAN SUCCEED TODAY Reclaiming the Genius of the Early Church

By Greg Sheridan The first Christians confronted a cultural environment vastly more hostile than today's. They had no powerful backers, very little money and numbered no more than a few hundred. Yet they revolutionised the ancient world and spread their movement far and wide.

There is a deep, pervasive crisis of meaning and purpose across all Western societies today. Greg Sheridan encourages us to listen to the voices of the early Christians and emulate their commitment, integrity, resilience and smarts.

Greg Sheridan shows how early Christians built communities, met persecution with courage and grace, dispensed universal mercy during plagues, pioneered equality for women, and redefined the nature and purpose of the human experience, always with Jesus Christ at the centre of their lives.

Click here to order

HEARTS ON THE HIGH SCHOOL FLOOR

Principles to Transform a Generation

By Cameron & Renee Bennett re-release by arkhouse press Twenty years ago, in a high school hall in Adelaide, South Australia, a youth group was born. Out of it came an ordinary guy and an ordinary girl, who went on to run Australia’s largest Christian youth movement, Youth Alive.

Hearts on the High School Floor contains the leadership principles they have used to transform the lives of a generation over te past decade.

'I’ve had the privilege of watching Cameron and Renee’s leadership journey for several decades. ...This book reflects the very heart I’ve witnessed in them – bold, authentic, and full of hope.'

Russell Evans, Senior Pastor, Planetshakers See extract pg 50

Click here to order

Debussy Auditorium Seat

LIFE Central, Auckland

Hagen Chair

Alloyfold Church Chair

Majestic, Christchurch

Whether a heartfelt talk between friends, or a spiritual dialogue within your congregation;

The most important conversations take place sitting down.

Seating is crucial in completing a worship space—it fosters connection, turning it into a true community hub where your congregation can gather comfortably to share, listen, and grow together.

As a social enterprise rooted in Christian ministry, Alloyfold understands what is needed to create an inspiring environment for your congregation.

We customise our seats to fit seamlessly into your space, offering various upholstery and configuration options tailored to your needs. Whether your style is traditional or modern, our versatile range will enhance and compliment your interior while providing vital comfort and support.

Kingdomcity , WA

Whether you are updating or building new, we will help you find the best seating solution for your church.

Start by viewing our range at www.alloyfold.com.au or by clicking below:

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Contact us: alloyfold.com.au | sales@alloyfold.com | 1 800 287 025

Alloyfold is an Australian registered social enterprise. 100% of our profits are invested into our ministry. Learn more about the charitable work we do at pathway.org.nz

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ACC EMAG #1 2026 Published by Australian Christian Churches.

Editor: Daryl-Anne Le Roux editor@acc.org.au Proofreader: Elba Broadhead Photography: Cover: iStock pg 2 : iStock pg 4: ACC Instagram pg 5: Ralph Estherby pg 7: Neuma Church pg 9: Revive Church pg 10: David Hall pg 11: Tim Hall pg 12: David Hall pg 14: ACC Files pg 15: ACC Files pg 16: Christie Blaikie pg 18: Centrepoint Church pg 19: Pexels - Cottonbro Studio pg 20: ACC25 Files pg 22: Pexels - Tima Miroshnichenko pg 24: Unsplash - Matt Benson pg 27: David Hall pg 29: Pexels - Mikhael Mayim pg 30: William Wilberforce by John Rising c.1790 pg 32: Pexels - Catarina Sousa pg 34: Barry Chant - via Grace Cotrell pg 36: ACCI pg 38: Kingdomcity Church pg 40: Kingdomcity Church pg 42: Nations Church pg 45: Life Church Melbourne pg 46: Chosen Church, WA pg 48 Centrepoint Church pg 50 Youth Alive Qld pg 52 Univs Qld pg 54 Pexels - Ron Lach ACC EMAG is published four times a year.

Visit www.acc.org.au/emag to read more editions.

ACC National PO Box 8093 Norwest NSW 2153 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

All rights reserved. ©2026 Australian Christian Churches.

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