...THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH AND UNDER THE EARTH, AND EVERY TONGUE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.
(PHILIPPIANS 2:10-11 NIV)
NATIONAL PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Nationwide & Beyond
The faithfulness of God frames everything that has happened across the ACC over the past two years. I can see the hand of God everywhere: from local churches supporting their communities, and field workers in far-off countries; to young people in youth groups and kids programs, and students in our bible college hubs; to pioneers planting new churches; and new believers at the altar accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. This is why we serve Him in ministry – day in and day out – it is all because of Him Alone.
ACC Family
I have had the privilege of 16 years of serving and leading our incredible 88 year-old ACC fellowship. Our Movement is so much more than just a denomination or an organisation. We have always been Family – a growing multi-generational family at that. Together we number more than 3,300 credentialed pastors, along with their families and ministry teams. Our friendships run deep; we span geographical areas across states, nations and continents; and we cheer each on in our spiritual and ministry endeavours that change lives. There is nothing like it on earth.
ACC Churches
Our ACC national team remains committed to the health of our 1,100 churches. Our heart for church planting has never been stronger, as we have aimed
to plant from strength and strengthen our plants since 2009. In 2023 and 2024, we have planted 81 churches. This puts us on track to plant 500 churches between 2023 to 2033, as part of our MM33 commitment.
It is always a great joy to open new church buildings and facilities, because this sends a message to the community that we are here to stay for the long haul. In April 2024, we hosted the ACC Build Summit to share ideas and discuss everything related to church property and facilities. This was an incredibly inspiring gathering at Calvary on the Sunshine Coast, that was supported by ACS Financial who assist churches with loans and financial management. We are believing to see many more churches find themselves in the position to put a stake in the ground and able to purchase property in the future.
Beyond the Walls of the Church
Loving and caring for our neighbours has always been at the heart of our Movement. Since the Covid pandemic years, we’ve seen ACC local churches actively support programs and projects in their communities. Our Community Engagement Department and Chaplaincy Australia provide a vast array of initiatives and courses to equip churches to go beyond the walls of the local church.
We have been blessed by the ongoing generosity of
our churches to ACCI Appeals, to help people in dire situations both here and overseas. In the conference period, our Appeals have helped those in Australia affected by the devastation of severe flooding and cyclones, and as far afield as the Middle East, Thailand floods, and recent Myanmar earthquake.
Next Gen Initiatives
Cheering on the next generation of faith-filled leaders has gained even greater momentum in the past two years.
We celebrated forty years of Youth Alive at the 2023 National Conference. Since then we have received incredible reports about Youth Alive state events around the country seeing a surge in the numbers of young people on fire for Jesus. Thank you to the Youth Alive National leaders, the State Youth Alive directors and their teams for all they do so young people can have a real and dynamic encounter with Christ.
Looking at innovative ways to engage and connect with Next Gen young adults, especially university students is the exciting new initiative called Univs, being launched at our 2025 National Conference.
Our ACCKids ministry has expanded to equip local churches to help provide parents with excellent resources to disciple their children at home, in conjunction with their local church kids’ ministry. One
of the initiatives launched in 2024 was the Parenting Thoughts Youtube Channel. Lyn and I enjoyed discussing the parenting faith journey on the first episode.
Raising & Training Leaders
Alphacrucis University College continues to train godly leaders across Australia and the globe with an everexpanding wealth of study options. Well done to Prof Stephen Fogarty and the AC staff for always seeing limitless opportunities for ongoing education.
National Engagement
Our churches have rallied their congregations to pray together and keep our government leaders aware of the great need for a Religious Freedom bill in our nation. These efforts have been spear-headed by our ACC Political Engagement Representative, Mark Edwards, who co-ordinated the Religious Freedom Sundays in May in 2023 and 2024. We are most appreciative of his tireless efforts as he actively meets with and makes innumerable submissions to government at State and Federal level on our behalf.
We continue to learn more and engage with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Our ACC Indigenous Initiative has been led by Will & Sandra Dumas since 2013, and they continue to provide resources to build cultural awareness and engagement >
Inaugural meeting of WAGF Oceania Region in 2024
within our churches with our ACC State Indigenous reps. In this conference period was the launch of a grassroots Indigenous church-planting initiative called Indigenous Hope Ltd, chaired by Grant Hobbs. I-Hope is passionate about planting culturally relevant, local churches in every indigenous community across Australia.
Missions
The Great Commission to ‘go into all the world and make disciples’ has been our heart for Missions since our Movement began. ACCI has introduced some exciting new initiatives in this conference period. These include making prayer and financial support for missions accessible to everyone with their wide range of projects across the nations. In 2022, ACCI hosted the first International Conference in Thailand, where ACC pastors and leaders spent three days with our incredibly inspiring ACCI field workers. This event will be held every two years, in the year when there is no ACC National Conference.
Global Participation
It is a privilege for the ACC to be involved in many international Pentecostal meetings. Over the years we have become increasingly more involved in the World Assembles of God Fellowship (WAGF). We have
committed to support the MM33 goals for the decade until 2033, and support the annual Global Concert of Prayer broadcast continually for over 50 hours to the nations.
In 2024, I had the privilege of meeting with the leaders of the Pacific nations for the inaugural WAGF Oceania Region. It was an honour to be elected at the chair of the meeting and collaboration of the national movements of our neighbouring nations.
Prayer
Prayer has always been the bedrock of our endeavours. Our National Prayer Zoom meetings in January 2024 and April 2025 have been significant times of unity as our National Executive and State Presidents have led our people in prayer.
Our ACC Prayer Network has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of Wendy Megchelse since September 2023. She co-ordinates a team of faithful intercessors who cover our pastors and their families in prayer.
State Collaboration
The working relationship between National and State leadership continues to grow in unity and strength. Our State Conferences have increased with even greater attendance. Our thanks and gratitude go to all our
2023-2025 National Executive: Matt & Franca Heins Joel & Sharon Chelliah, Mark & Jemima Varughese, Ally & Steve Cawthorn, Wayne
State Executive teams, including the two new State Presidents elected in 2024: Christie Blaikie (Western Australia) and Mark Zschech (New South Wales & ACT).
The ACC has so many outstanding men and women who serve across our regions, states and nationally on Executive teams, boards or national departments. They are gifts to us all.
Over the two-year conference period, we have seen more women emerge in leadership positions on boards and executive roles. Ally Cawthorn has held this portfolio for four years and has been pivotal in carving pathways and inspiring many ACC women to take a step into leadership roles.
Our Emeritus pastors are highly esteemed and honoured in our Movement. Their wisdom and experience is valuable to us all. Pastor Laine Willis has been an inspiring national leader of the ACC Emeritus pastors since 2019. He has encouraged, inspired and shared openly about a different season, following transition and retiring from the frontline. We honour and thank Laine and Ros for the six years they have served as oversight of ACC Emeritus.
ACC National Leadership
At our Outpouring Conference in 2023, our National Executive team officially welcomed Ben Naitoko and
Mark Zschech to the team of John Hunt (Vice President), Sean Stanton (National Secretary), Ally Cawthorn, Joel Chelliah, Matt Heins, and Mark Varughese who remained on the team with me. I am immensely grateful for each of them and what they individually brought to the table. This team has been a joy to serve alongside and I’d like to take the opportunity thank each of them, and their families and churches for releasing them, to serve our Movement.
Thank you
As I conclude this final Conference report as ACC National President, Lyn and I thank God for the absolute honour it has been to serve for 16 years as the national leader, and for a total of 26 years on the ACC National Executive. I could not have done this alone, in my own strength – it was through His grace, and the incredible people who have run alongside me, including my family, my church, Executive members, our National office, and the entire body of ACC pastors and staff. My heart is so full of appreciation, and gratitude.
Wayne Alcorn ACC National President
Wayne & Lyn Alcorn, John & Francine Hunt, Sean & Lynda Stanton, Ben & Trish Naitoko, Mark & Darlene Zschech
ACC23 Conference: John Hunt (ACC Vice President) , Sean Stanton (National Secretary) and Wayne Alcorn (National President)
NATIONAL SECRETARY'S REPORT
Strength to Strength
It has been a great privilege to serve our Movement during the two-year conference period. The ACC National team is dedicated to supporting, resourcing, and equipping our churches and pastors so they can grow and thrive in every area of ministry.
2023 Conference Business
The 2023 National Conference, themed Outpouring, was exceptional. The National Executive elected to serve during this conference season from May 2023 to April 2025 were Wayne Alcorn (National President), John Hunt (Vice President), Sean Stanton (National Secretary/Treasurer), Ally Cawthorn, Joel Chelliah, Matt Heins, Ben Naitoko, Mark Varughese, and Mark Zschech.
All the remits presented to the 2023 Conference were accepted, resulting in changes to the ACC United Constitution and ACC Child Protection Policy. This included changing the SMC title from ‘certificate’ to ‘credential’ and adding voting rights for PMC and SMC holders.
Ministry Credentials
The ACC has over 3,300 credentialed pastors. Being awarded the title of ‘pastor’ is a significant honour that comes with increased responsibilities, competence, and compliance. The resolutions passed at the 2023 National Conference have granted OMC and SMC holders new opportunities and voting rights. The requirement for PMC holders to advance to either an
OMC or SMC within a five-year period has involved extensive consultation with the State Executives.
A special thank you to Dr. David Perry and the team from Alphacrucis University College for their assistance in establishing pathways with viable options for PMC holders to complete the necessary theological studies required to obtain an OMC.
Safer Churches
Our Safer Churches strategy further reinforces our commitment to creating safer places for everyone, ensuring that each local church understands its responsibilities in this area. I want to commend our Safer Churches national leader, Allyson Parker, and her team for delivering relevant training and keeping us updated about new legislation and current resources.
Child Protection training has been mandatory for our credential holders for many years. Starting in 2025, only the ACC Safer Churches training will be accepted for our ACC Credential holders. This change aims to ensure compliance with new legislation that requires the ACC to provide training on its policies and guidelines.
Resourcing Churches and Pastors
We continually provide our pastors and churches with essential resources to assist them with management and governance procedures through state and national communication channels. We achieve this by regularly reviewing our policies and procedures to
ensure that up-to-date information is available. I would like to commend our national Position Paper Committee, which has been reviewing all of our Position Papers and developing new papers on relevant subjects. These positions provide our pastors with a solid theological foundation and practical guidelines for pastoral care in response to pertinent social issues.
During this conference period, we sought legal advice regarding reviewing the Human Sexuality position paper, particularly to reinforce our biblical definition of marriage in our position papers, marriage rites, and other ACC policies. I remind you that starting in June 2024, all authorised marriage celebrants will be required under the Marriage Act to meet with each party to the marriage separately and in person before solemnising the marriage.
Other helpful articles, including the effects on church staff and volunteers regarding the federal Right to Disconnect laws, have been published for pastors in the ACC Emag and Knowledge Base.
ACC Business Managers Network
In 2024, working with our State Executives, we established a database of ACC Church Business Managers and Administrators, which enabled the launch of the ACC Business Manager Network. This network provides access to ACC resources on legal issues, governance, and administration and the opportunity to network with other local church business administrators.
ACC Women in Leadership
Ally Cawthorn holds the National Executive portfolio for women in leadership. Over the past two years, she has continued to build and encourage ACC female credential holders to embrace more leadership roles in our Movement. Consequently, we are witnessing an increase in women on our State Executive and ministry boards, including the appointment of Western Australia’s first female State President in 2024.
ACC Census
A comprehensive ACC Census was commissioned for all churches in November 2024, with support from the NCLS team. This census is the first to reflect postpandemic results since the 2019 ACC Census. Currently, data is still being completed and collated.
In 2024, the ACC participated in a consultation process with the Australian Bureau of Statistics regarding the next Government Census, which is scheduled for 2026. This was constructive in discussing the question of religion, and we were able to present our request for ‘Pentecostal’ to be included as an option.
Pentecostal involvement
The ACC connects with other Pentecostal fellowships both in Australia and globally. I continue to represent our Movement at the annual Australian Pentecostal Ministers Fellowship conference. Additionally, I represented the ACC at the 2023 World Assemblies of God Congress (WAGF) held in Madrid, Spain and signed the MM33 commitment on behalf of the ACC. We are in fellowship with AOG churches around the world through WAGF. This movement of churches is the largest Pentecostal Fellowship globally, comprising over 70 million believers and more than 365,000 churches.
We also actively support the initiatives of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, particularly the establishment of the new Oceania region. Wayne Alcorn and John Hunt attended the 2025 meeting in Fiji. I have also had the privilege of meeting with the leaders of the Indonesian Assemblies of God in 2024.
State Collaboration
The synergy between the National and State administrations has continued throughout this conference period. We conduct annual meetings for State Secretaries that include both the State and National Administration teams. Twice a year, the State Presidents meet with the National Executive, which has cultivated stronger relationships and enhanced leadership cohesion across the nation.
In 2024, we held a combined annual AGM and leadership summit in Melbourne, featuring guest Dr. Sam Chand, and attended by all National and State Executives along with the National leaders of ministry departments.
Board involvement
I have been honoured to represent the National Executive at the Council meetings of Alphacrucis University College during this conference period. Alphacrucis continues to grow, providing excellent new study opportunities for our pastors and leaders.
I would also like to express my appreciation for the
ACS Financial team, under Jon Holloway’s leadership. They are celebrating 30 years of impactful service in providing insurance, lending, and investment opportunities for our churches and ministries.
I express my sincere gratitude to the members of the ACC Review Group, chaired by Ian Maynard. They offer invaluable external support and professional advice to the National Executive every quarter. I would like to extend my thanks to Ian and the team, including Carl Wood, Stacey Bonney, Stephen Crouch, Stephen Fogarty, Jon Holloway, and Jeffrey Bartlett, for their service to our Movement.
National Leadership
The National Executive team has been unified and effective in serving our Movement through their leadership and portfolio roles during the two-year conference period. I want to thank Pastor Wayne Alcorn for his godly leadership over the past 16 years. It has been a privilege to serve alongside him since 2011 in the role of National Secretary. Over the last two years, I have greatly appreciated and valued John Hunt as Vice President, along with the team consisting of Ally Cawthorn, Joel Chelliah, Matt Heins, Ben Naitoko, Mark Varughese, and Mark Zschech.
National Office
Our National Office team may be small, but they serve and support our pastors and churches. Under the leadership of our ACC General Manager, Jeffrey Bartlett, they are always willing to go above and beyond. I’d especially like to thank Jeffrey for all he does for our Movement and for everything he does to ensure excellence. He is a gift to us all.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the diligence and commitment of the National Office team: our Membership Services team members Sharon Hamman, Sandy Davies, and Linda Kaye; as well as Daryl-Anne Le Roux (Communications & Media), Vanessa Charles (Travel & Hospitality), and Srinath Fonseka (ACC IT Manager).
In conclusion, I would like to thank my wife, Lynda, and our church in Canberra for allowing me to serve our Movement. I have held the role of National Secretary for 14 years, and looking back, we have consistently sought to refine and strengthen everything we do for the Kingdom. It is an honour to serve you, our Movement.
Sean Stanton ACC National Secretary/Treasurer
New credential holders in NSW, 2023
ACC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
National Operations
Financial Statements
I am pleased to present the financial statements for Australian Christian Churches (ABN: 58 123 514 361).
The financial comparison periods presented are: 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, and 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.
If you are an ACC credential holder and would like to view the full audit reports for 2023 and 2024, or have any other queries on the financials, please write to me at general.manager@acc.org.au
2023–2024 Highlights
Financially, both reporting periods achieved a small net surplus. As experienced by most, we are feeling the effect of inflationary pressures across many expense lines and continue to make operational adjustments to limit the impact of this. We were pleased to be able to significantly increase the amount of support to some of our Ministries throughout these periods, in particular Church Planting, ACCI and ACC Kids.
This Conference marks a decade since the acceptance of the ACC Child Protection Policy. This policy and the broader Safer Churches strategy have been an important resource for our members as we continue to focus on our churches being a safe, welcoming space for all. The Safer Churches helpline (1800 070 511) has received hundreds of calls over this time with queries around implementation and reporting.
In 2024 we ran the inaugural ACC Build Summit, a gathering focused on the importance, development and use of church buildings. Feedback from attendees
highlighted the need for this to be an ongoing area of focus for ACC, drawing on the wealth of knowledge and experience within our Movement.
Another new initiative we’re developing is the Business Managers Network. This network is aimed to assist those in governance, management and operational roles in our churches. We are excited at this new initiative as we continue to expand the suite of support resources and opportunities for connection and collaboration within our Movement.
The ACC Review Group (ACCRG) continued to function throughout 2023 and 2024. As a subcommittee of the National Executive, the ACCRG is essentially an Audit and Risk Committee charged with supporting the National Executive in its' duty to govern and control entities (over 40 in total) within the Movement. The ACCRG is a skills-based subcommittee comprised of business professionals from churches within our Movement. I am very appreciative of the wise contributions the ACCRG members have made, and the additional layer of governance oversight provided by them.
In closing, let me say how much I value the ongoing hard work of our National Office team in all seasons, but particularly in the lead up to National Conference. Our small, faithful team are dedicated to serving you as best we can, outworking the needs of our Movement.
Jeffrey Bartlett General Manager
ACC MINISTRIES & DEPARTMENTS
Global Reach
It is my great privilege to submit this report, which shares a few highlights – and areas of focus – from ACCI’s work over the past two years.
Our global reach
Between April 2023 – April 2025, we onboarded five new Field Workers and six Relief Partners, while fielding new enquiries in both areas. We now have 121 people, serving in 33 countries! Through the work of our Field Workers and Partners, 28,989 people made decisions for Christ during this period. Our workers helped train a total of 16,009 leaders and planted 662 new churches.
ACCI highlights
The standout of the past two years was our 2024 International Conference, themed “Carry the Light”. The conference was our largest to date, with registration closing a month in advance due to selling out. The time spent together resulted in many reports of increased financial support for Field Workers, as well as a surge in interest from people wanting to join ACCI as Field Workers or interns.
The launch of our intern program was indeed another highlight, with our first official cohort of interns departing February 2024 and returning in time to speak at International Conference. All three interns reported that their time in the field had given them a deep understanding of cross-cultural ministry, while developing their heart for missions. Throughout 2025, another six interns will head to the field.
The number of subscribers to our monthly prayer e-newsletter has continued to grow, with more than 1,000 people now receiving these emails. A focus of these newsletters is unreached people groups around the world; it has been encouraging to see more people in our movement engaging on this topic.
Organisational focus areas
As an organisation, we have looked at how we can better care for our Field Workers who are on the frontline, tireless working in challenging environments to bring relief and share the gospel. Our new Field Worker framework streamlines the onboarding process, reduces Field Workers’ reporting load (from quarterly to half yearly) and emphasises our role in providing pastoral care, coaching and advice.
Finally, we continued to align ourselves more closely with local churches of the ACC, including by ensuring that our movement is aware of our intern program. This work is ongoing.
I'd like to extend my appreciation to our ACCI Board, chaired by Allan Davis, with Cecilia Jacob, Aaron Lovell, Craig Tomkinsom, Ben Teefy, Katria Yassi and Deborah Hiltonfor their on-going heart for missions.
As always, I want to thank our staff, Field Workers and Partners for their efforts over this recent season. I look forward to all that is to come.
John Hunt Director, ACCI
Trusted Leaders
ACS Financial are your trusted leaders in insurance, lending, investment and risk management for churches and schools. We are pleased to report for the conference period (2023–2025).
Insurance
ACS Financial insurance has experienced solid client growth in the church and school market over 2023 to 2025. We have increased our assets insured from $5.0 billion to $6.5 billion (30%) over this period. Whilst most ACC churches are our clients, we continue to reach a greater number of churches and schools who are not part of the ACC. Our non ACC clients now make up over 65% of our clients.
ACS Financial has transformed into an insurance company, delivering our insurance through our Australian based Mutual, ACS Mutual. Our private captive cell [PCC] negotiates insurance with global reinsurers in Australia, London and Singapore with little reliance on the small Australian insurance markets. This global reach means we are able to secure the very best cover and pricing for our clients, based on our claims experience.
We are starting to reap the rewards of building capital on our insurance captive balance sheet where we retain any claims surpluses that our reinsurers historically have captured. We have now reorganised our reinsurance programs in such a way as to take on most of the claims risk from our reinsurers, with these risks properly protected within our business,
This year we offered standalone Sexual Abuse cover, seperate from our General Liability cover. Many of
our competitors are no longer able to provide Sexual Abuse cover. By reorganising this cover as standalone, we believe will put us in a better position to retain this cover for our clients.
Insurance highlights include:
• Grown our assets insured by 30% ($5.0 billion to $6.5 billion
• Improved communication to our clients through better use of social media
• We are able to share testimonials and stories through digital platforms
• Improved our risk advisory and education to help our clients manage risk better in order to keep insurance premiums at the lowest possible levels
• Increased our broker resources to ensure we can maintain our high service standards in a strong growth phase
• Saved our clients time with our pre-filled online Insurance Declaration portal
• Improved our data analytics, significantly assisting negotiations with global reinsurers in Australia, London and Singapore
• Worked to improve our ability to assess, advise on and pay claims made in a timely and responsible manner. Our objective is to minimise our clients operations, post claim, as much as possible. Our strong alignment to our churches, Christian schools and ministries enables us to understand our clients needs.
Commercial Lending
Our vision to substantially increase our funds to lend to our churches and schools is now starting to come to fruition. We are making steady progress towards securing access to the capital required to lend to the church and Christian school market directly. Currently this market relies on non aligned commercial banks, poor service levels and understanding of church, which come with these providers. Our goal is to greatly improve access to funding for our clients, the ACC Movement and churches and schools.
In late 2024 we secured a new partnership for our lending business. Our partner, Uniting Financial Services (NSW), provides access to up to $1 billion for new lending to churches and schools. Over coming years our objective is to progress this partnership, and obtain other sources of funding, to take full control of this funding pool ourselves.
This substantially expands our existing lending from our ACCumulator fund. We believe it is the next step in our longer term strategy of lending to our churches and schools, from start up to maturity, from our own funds.
To this end, we are now expanding our Lending team, with a recent appointment of a new National Lending Manager. More additions to the team are on the way as we grow our lending business. We believe we understand and service our unique clients better than most financial services organisations.
Investment Management
We have grown our ACCumulator fund to $37 million at 31 December 2024 ($33 million at 31 December 2022). We continue to offer the best interest rates in the market to our investors. The increase in deposits has facilitated an increase in loans to churches to $23 million. We maintain prudential margins in church loans to protect investors.
Goals and Vision
It is an exciting time for ACS Financial, being in a strong position for growth over the coming years. By the end of 2025, we aim to have our debt fully repaid and our balance sheet in a strong position to embrace our future plans.
Our team is more focused than ever at continuously improving products and services to you, our clients. We continue to look for other opportunities to grow and strengthen our business and financial performance. We are continually looking at ways to increase our annual financial contribution of our Movement (over $500,000 in 2024).
Recently we adopted a new three year plan. The plan focuses on three objectives:
1. Continuously improving our insurance offerings to churches and schools
2. Greatly improve access to funding to our clients by growing our lending division
3. Diligently look for development opportunities and best use our property in Melbourne
Leadership
The ambition of the ACS Financial team is to serve with professionalism and dedication. I believe the team deeply understand the business, our clients and the market in which we operate. Jon Holloway, our Chief Executive Officer, has led the team with strength and grace over this time.
As a board, we continue to be committed to building the value of the ACS Financial business. I am grateful for the care our board members take and diligence they give when exercising their duties. Our desire is to see the team and the business flourish.
We are grateful to our clients, the ACC Movement, and our staff for their support of ACS Financial.
Dr Stephen Crouch Chair of Board - ACS Financial Group, including
ALPHACRUCIS REPORT
Growth & Progress
Alphacrucis University College (AC) celebrated its 77th Anniversary on 14th February 2025. We are the oldest and largest Pentecostal college in Australia, and we have had a long and fruitful relationship with Australian Christian Churches (ACC). AC alumni have provided significant leadership and ministry to the Pentecostal church in Australia and around the world.
Here is an excerpt from the original 1948 prospectus: Hopes realised! Dreams come true! Faith becomes a reality! For years this has been the greatest need in Australia. The young men and women filled with the Holy Spirit, called of God into definite service and no place to prepare – no place to “study to show themselves approved unto God” – no opportunity to equip themselves to be that which God had called them to be. At last it is here! … Monday, February 16th the Assemblies of God in Australia Bible College will officially open!
Today, 77 years later, we continue to serve the ACC and contribute to the impact of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on our nation and world.
2023 and 2024 have been fruitful years of growth and progress. We achieved enrolment growth and improved financial performance. Of note:
• Increased student enrolments to approximately 4,000 students;
• Increased donation income to approximately $800,000 annually;
• Funding of 12 Research Projects amounting to $1.8 million over the next three years;
• Increased bequest commitments amounting to several million dollars;
• Commencement of aged care training in Fiji and elsewhere;
• TEQSA granted AC Unlimited Self-Accrediting Authority. AC is the only non-University provider Australia-wide to be approved for unlimited selfaccrediting authority under the new Standards;
• Increased overall student satisfaction in the Student Experience Survey, placing us in the top 20 higher education institutions Australia-wide;
• Commencement of new church partnerships with City Harvest Church Singapore, Futures Church, Kings Church, and Kingdomcity;
• Development of new micro-credentials on our ACx platform, including Responding Pastorally with Gender Identity Issues, Disciple 2.0 and Lead.
• Commenced 20 new Local Church Colleges in partnership with local churches.
• Renewed partnerships with Youth Alive and ACCI.
TEQSA, the government risk-based regulator, continued to rate AC as low risk to students in 2023 and 2024. The 2024 Student Experience Survey, conducted by the government, has seen overall student satisfaction with AC increase from 84% to 86%. This result places us in the top 20 higher education institutions Australia-wide. We care about our students, and they sense it.
We now have more than 10,000 Alumni on our database, many of them pastors or former pastors. We are grateful for their fruitful ministry and their continuing support. AC is one of the shared experiences for many ACC ministers and we have recently instituted new alumni programs to provide opportunities for people to remain connected with AC and with each other.
We are looking to the future with expectation of God’s continuing blessing. Our next strategic focus will be on the goal of becoming a global Christian University transforming neighbourhoods and nations. Achieving university status will be a significant challenge and will require growth, quality education delivery, investment into research, and enhancement of all aspects of operation. It will also require strong support from our movement. This is not a path we can walk alone, nor would we want to.
Leadership and Structure
The leadership of AC has remained stable during this conference period. Stephen and Sandra Fogarty celebrated 31 years of leadership and service to AC in January 2025. Several staff received Dedicated Service Awards, celebrating 10, 15, or 20 years with AC.
AC remains closely aligned to ACC in leadership and governance. The governing body of AC is the Council which is elected by the Members of the Company at the Annual General Meeting. The Members of the Company are the elected National and State Executive Members of ACC.
The Council members are: Ps Michael Murphy (Chair), Mr Mark Burgess (Deputy Chair), Prof Lily Arasaratnam-Smith (Chair of Academic Board), Dr Stephen Crouch, Mrs Zosia Ericksson, Prof Stephen Fogarty (President), Associate Prof Martin Hovey, Prof Paul Oslington, Mrs Wendy Simpson, Ps Sean Stanton, and Mr Paul Vinton.
Members of the Executive Team are: Prof. Lily Arasaratnam-Smith (Deputy Vice President Faculty), Mr Greg Cortese (Vice President Operations), Prof Stephen Fogarty (President), Mr Tony Jose (Chief Financial Officer), Mr Michael Lu (Chief Marketing Officer), AssocProf David Perry (Provost and Vice President Academic), Assoc Prof Alistair Symons (Deputy VicePresident Learning and Standards), Mrs Amanda Winchester (Chief of Staff), Ps Jesse Winchester (National Director).
Statistics and Facts
AC is both a Higher Education Provider and a Registered Training Organisation. It is one of only eight University Colleges in Australia and the only University College with Unlimited Self-Accrediting Authority which is the same level of authority as universities. This demonstrates the government’s high level of trust in our quality and standards. AC offers courses at Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, Masters, and Doctoral level.
• Total enrolled students increased from 3,400 in 2023 to 3,900 in 2024.
• AC has campuses in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
• AC partners with over 130 churches and colleges in Australia and overseas.
• AC has Higher Education Third Party Arrangements to deliver AC degree courses with: City Harvest Church (Singapore); Futures Church (Adelaide and Atlanta); Hillsong College (Sydney); Kingdomcity (Perth); National Institute for Christian Education (Sydney); Iso Kirja College (Finland); and Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (Philippines).
• AC operates Learning Centres at St Philip’s Christian College, Hunter Valley (Education Hub), C3 Oxford Falls, and Iglesia El Lugar de Su Presencia in Bogotá, Colombia.
• AC offers courses in four Languages Other Than English (LOTE): Korean, Spanish, Finnish, and Italian.
• AC was able to maintain its annual revenue within a steady range between $24.7m in 2023 and $27.3m in 2024.
• Net equity is currently at $37m which has the University College in a healthy Balance Sheet position.
• Total permanent staff at the end of 2024 was over 170, with over 200 casuals and sessional lecturers able to be called upon.
Training, Equipping, Resources
AC continues to serve ACC through developing resources, providing training, partnering with ACC departments, and offering professional development for leaders. During 2023 and 2024, in addition and apart from regular educational offerings, AC has provided:
• A range of Professional Credential courses, including Leading Through Crisis, Understanding Revelation, Leading Change, and the upcoming Responding Pastorally with Gender Identity Issues. This range will increase in 2025.
• Expertise to the ACC National Executive developing positional papers on current issues.
• Expertise to the ACC National Executive revising the ACC doctrinal statement.
• Support for pastors to move from their PMC to OMC through a national offer of a special RPL pathway.
• Professional Development at ACC Regional Meetings and Pastors’ Intensives.
• Leadership and discipleship resources for ACC pastors and leaders including Disciple, Disciple 2.0, and Lead.
• Training for chaplaincy for Chaplaincy Australia.
• Training in support of the ministry of Youth Alive.
• Training in support of ACC Community Engagement initiatives, working closely with national and state leaders in this area.
• Local Church College program and resources designed specifically for discipleship and leadership development within local churches.
• A number of free online masterclasses featuring topics such as 'staying focused in a world of distraction', 'women in leadership', and 'public leadership in a hostile environment'.
Highlights
• Continued strong history of partnering with churches and aligned organisations.
• Commencement of aged care training in Fiji and elsewhere.
• Increased student enrolments.
• Increased donation income and bequests.
• Significant funding of research projects to pursue university status.
• Continued high student satisfaction ratings and low risk ratings.
• Development of new micro-credentials on our ACx platform, including Responding Pastorally with Gender Identity Issues, Disciple 2.0 and Lead.
New Initiatives
• Continued expansion of aged care courses in partnership with significant faith-based healthcare providers.
• Developing short courses and micro-credentials which could serve as short and topical training programs for pastors who are seeking continuing professional development.
• Expanding our fundraising program. We have an annual donation target of $1 million and are seeking to increase the number of Bequests to 40.
• Commencing funded research projects in Business and Education.
• Reconfiguring and relaunching the Bachelor of Business Leadership involving structure and curriculum, leadership, promotion strategy for Christian Schools, and internships with faith-based businesses as integral to the curriculum.
• Achieving the growth target of 1,900 new students.
• Developing new church partnerships. We are currently in advanced discussions with international church movements.
Goals and Vision
AC’s Mission and Vision remain consistent. We have recently revised our Values.
Mission: To equip Christian leaders to change the world. Vision: To become a global Christian university, transforming neighbourhoods and nations.
Values: We Believe: We believe in God who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit and Scripture. We worship and seek truth in light of this revelation.
We Serve: We serve Jesus Christ, His church, our students, our stakeholders, and one another. We serve with love, faithfulness and excellence.
We Grow: We grow personally and corporately. We encourage one another in creativity and initiative to fulfill our calling and potential in Jesus Christ.
The College Strategic Plan contains a more elaborate and specific description of goals, strategies, projects, and intended outcomes. AC is on track to be Australia’s first Pentecostal University during the next five years.
I personally consider it a great privilege to serve Jesus Christ and our Movement in leading the University College alongside my wife, Sandra. I honour Pastor David Cartledge, my predecessor and my first pastor. I am serving his God-given vision of AC becoming the first Australian Pentecostal University. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.
Professor Stephen Fogarty BA, MA, PhD President- Alphacrucis
Church Planting
Pioneer Spirit
The challenge before us is great – with reports that 84% of Australians are not connected to a local church; but the growing momentum and progress toward our goal of planting 500 new ACC churches by 2032 is incredibly encouraging.
Over the past two years, it has been my privilege to lead the national church planting portfolio and witness a unified, strategic team bringing strength, alignment, and passion to this vital focus of our movement.
Leadership Church planting continues to be championed by a committed and capable team across the nation:
ACT/NSW – Darren Bonnell
QLD – Craig Tomkinson
TAS – Matt Sharples
SA - Josh Greenwood
VIC – Phil Shand
WA – Peter Hammer
Each of these leaders play a pivotal role in identifying, equipping, and releasing church planters.
Highlights
• Exponential Conference (USA): A delegation of ACC leaders attended this global gathering in Orlando, sparking fresh vision and challenging mindsets around multiplication and movement thinking.
• Church Mapping with McCrindle: By partnering with McCrindle, we’ve developed innovative mapping software to identify church presence and gaps across Australia. Our goal is to see one ACC church for every 20,000 Australians.
• Is There a Church in You? Campaign: A new promotional initiative, including a compelling 3-minute video, has stirred hearts to pioneer churches and campuses in unreached areas.
• NCLS Data: Independent research from NCLS shows that 26.6% of all reported new churches in Australia are ACC churches—a strong indicator that we are not only leading but also on track toward our shared vision.
Training & Resources
Our national training team, led by Darren and Bronwyn Bonnell alongside Craig Tomkinson, has
brought strong unity and structure to our development pathways.
• In 2024 alone, 174 potential planters have participated in Church Planting Intensives nationwide.
• The Jethro Project has continued to make tailored coaching accessible to every ACC church planter, offering wisdom, clarity, and support throughout the journey.
New Initiatives
• The Church Planting Map will soon be accessible to every ACC pastor, empowering leaders to discern and respond to planting opportunities in their region.
• We want to champion the apostolic fathers and mothers of our Movement to raise and release a new generation of church planters, creating a culture of multiplication.
Goals & Vision
Our vision remains clear:
• 500 new ACC churches in 10 years (by 2032).
• 81 churches were planted in 2023–24 alone.
• We’re championing a blend of autonomous churches and campus models, reflecting both innovation and adaptability.
Thanks
We’re grateful for the increased national budget towards church planting, which has enabled strategic resourcing, training, inspiration, and partnerships.
To our Church Planting team, State Executives, and local churches—thank you for your unity and unwavering support.
Above all, we honour and celebrate our planters and their sending communities—those courageously stepping out into cities, suburbs, coastal towns, and rural heartlands to carry the gospel to our nation.
Joel Chelliah ACC National Church Planting Portfolio
State Church Planting leaders in Melbourne 2024
ACCKIDS
Empowering Local Leaders & Families
Everyone desires to make a lasting impact in their world. In recent years, Children’s Ministry has transformed from traditional Sunday School into a dynamic, vibrant, and growth-driven force shaping the future of the local church. At ACCkids, we are committed to equipping and empowering leaders to embrace this shift — developing ministries that not only influence children but also shape families, communities, and future generations. Through conferences, training events, formal education, and mentoring, we are strengthening the Church’s ability to make a local and global impact.
Over the past two years, ACCkids has been dedicated to leadership development specifically within the sphere of Children’s Ministry. We have hosted two national Kidshaper Tour events, a five-city training experience impacting leaders across the nation, and successfully relaunched Kidshaper Conference for the first time since 2019. Our Coaching Program continues to develop and equip leaders, while our weekly Leadership Podcast inspires and challenges ministry teams. Partnering with OneHope, we have also provided churches with cutting-edge research, training, and resources to enhance their effectiveness.
In addition, we have launched the Parenting Thoughts YouTube Channel, a dedicated platform designed to equip churches with valuable parenting resources. This initiative provides practical, faith-based content to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children in
today’s world, reinforcing the vital connection between church and home.
This is more than training—it’s a movement. As we gather at our 2025 conference, we celebrate what God has done and look ahead to an even greater season of impact in Children’s Ministry. Together, we are raising up leaders who will shape the next generation and influence the world.
Leadership and structure
National Leader Andy Kirk
QLD/NT
Laura Douglas
NSW Allyson Parker
VIC
WA
SA
Todd Werner
Bek Van Sant
Alice McInnes
Training, Equipping, Resources
ACCkids has continued to expand its Coaching Program, with over 90 Kids Pastors and leaders now trained and mentored, equipping them to lead with confidence and effectiveness. In addition, the ACCkids Kids Ministry and Leadership Podcast has become a vital resource for ongoing development, providing weekly insights from leading international Kids Pastors as well as incredible Australian pastors and leaders within our movement.
Building on this foundation, we are now expanding our coaching efforts through an exciting new initiative—
KidMin Collective. This next step will create even greater opportunities for training, connection, and resourcing, ensuring that Kids pastors and leaders are supported in their mission to disciple the next generation.
Highlights
One of the most significant highlights in the past two years has been the relaunch of Kidshaper Conference, marking a renewed season of inspiration, equipping, and connection for Kids pastors and leaders. This gathering has reignited passion, provided fresh vision, and strengthened the collective momentum of Children’s Ministry across Australia.
In addition, regional relationships and support networks have continued to grow, ensuring that Kids pastors and leaders receive encouragement, resources, and collaboration beyond major events. This grassroots strengthening has been instrumental in building sustainable and thriving ministries in local churches.
Another key initiative has been the Next Gen Roundtables, designed to foster collaboration among leaders to dream, strategise, and innovate for the future of Kids Ministry in Australia. These roundtables bring together diverse voices, allowing for collective wisdom and shared vision to shape the next era of discipleship and ministry impact.
New initiatives
ACCkids has expanded its coaching initiatives
through the launch of the KidMin Collective. This dynamic community is dedicated to equipping and empowering children’s ministry leaders by providing expert coaching, tailored training, and access to over 90 ready-to-use resources. Participants benefit from monthly coaching sessions, masterclasses with global ministry leaders, and a comprehensive Learning Management System designed for volunteer training. More info: www.kidmincollective.org
Along with the growth of regional support networks and the collaborative efforts of the Next Gen Roundtables, these initiatives underscore ACCkids’ commitment to reimagining the future of children’s ministry in Australia. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence, we are collectively shaping a vibrant and impactful future for the next generation.
Goals and vision
Over the coming two years, ACCkids is committed to further growing and developing leaders in Children’s Ministry. As we continue to serve the wider church, we anticipate increased engagement across all our events and initiatives. Our focus is on expanding training opportunities, strengthening leadership networks, and equipping Kids Pastors and teams with the tools they need to thrive.
We aim to achieve this through:
• More intentional leadership development for Regional Leaders through online and in-person
>
Hope UC Kids gathering 2024
training opportunities.
• A yearly Key Kids Leaders Summit to bring top leaders together for strategic development and collaboration.
• The expansion of KidMin Collective, providing structured coaching, expert training, and a growing library of ministry resources to equip Kids Pastors and leaders—especially those stepping into new and challenging roles.
• Building and strengthening the Kidshaper Tour and Conference, ensuring leaders have ongoing opportunities to gather, grow, and be inspired.
• Developing Parenting Thoughts as a key resource hub, equipping churches with high-quality parenting content to help families navigate faith, discipleship, and everyday parenting challenges.
• Providing greater education for Senior Leaders and Ministry Staff on engaging with families and advancing discipleship strategies in their churches.
Closing thanks
As ACCkids moves forward over the next two years, our passion remains the same—to equip and empower Children’s Pastors and Leaders so that the next generation is discipled, nurtured, and released into their God-given calling.
We are deeply grateful to the ACC National Executive for their unwavering support, which enables us to continue strengthening leaders and resourcing churches across the nation.
To every Senior Pastor and church leader, we want to remind you that you are not alone in this mission. We are here to partner with you—to provide the training, coaching, and resources needed to see Kids Ministry flourish in your church. Whether it’s through KidMin Collective, Kidshaper Conference, regional leadership development, or Parenting Thoughts, our goal is to walk alongside you as you invest in the next generation.
If you’d like to explore how your church can be part of all that is available, we invite you to connect with us at info@acckids.org.au. Together, let’s build strong churches, strong leaders, and a future where every child encounters Jesus in a powerful and life-changing way.
Andy Kirk ACCKids National Leader
ACC WOMEN
Pathways to Leadership
Pathways for Women into Governance and Supporting Women in Leadership
In 2021, the National Executive determined that they needed to provide practical solutions, as well as a forum to support clear pathways for women in our movement to serve in governance positions. At the time, there were five women serving on four state executives and a small number of others serving on boards which were either departments of the ACC or closely related to the movement. Further to that, it was determined that there was still some ground to be made up in terms of the number of women who were being credentialed as well as some cultural shifts around language and further opportunities for women to lead and speak that were required.
As a result, intentional focus was given to these issues through establishing a portfolio which aimed to ensure there were women being represented in governance and leadership throughout the movement.
State Initiatives
The strategy for this portfolio initially had four strategic foci which included issues around culture, theology, credentialing and networking. Each State embraced the initiative which saw women speaking into every State through the various State conferences in every year since. Further, a network for women who were already serving on State executives, or had the desire to serve the Movement through executive governance roles was established.
Every State leader nominated a handful of women who were not only skilled, but passionate about leading in this manner. That group has met several times over the last four years. In 2022 and 2024, they participated in a retreat style workshop where there was opportunity to be encouraged by one another, trained in governance through the provision of practical knowledge and case study exploration as well as being inspired through relationship and praying for one another.
As a result, that group has now seen three further women being elected to State executives with many reporting that it was through their involvement with that network that they found the confidence to be nominated.
Today, we have at least one woman serving on every State executive (in fact, three states have two women serving), female chairs of Chaplaincy Australia and Youth Alive, and our first female State President. It has been an honour to serve the Movement in this way and I look forward to seeing all these incredible women and hundreds of others throughout our movement continue to change history as we forge ahead together.
Ally Cawthorn Portfolio: ACC Women in Leadership
ACC leaders in Melbourne 2024
CHAPLAINCY AUSTRALIA
Care & Support
Chaplaincy Australia is our national network of Chaplains delivering support and care across every sector of Australian society. We have over 600 highly trained, motivated and accredited Chaplains delivering support and care into all industries and response agencies.
We desire to discover new chaplains, to develop and deploy them in the midst of every interest group in Australia – because we have learned something powerful, that wherever people are, a Chaplain can make a difference!
Chaplains get to stand with people from all walks of life on their best days but also on their worst days. Over the last two years we have seen Chaplains stand... next to hospital beds, in school playgrounds, in the quadrangles of prisons and at the scenes of accidents and disasters. They have deployed with the Navy, supported the Police and provided comfort for those in aged care.
They have listened as people have poured out their hearts or they have sat in silence with others when there were no words to speak. They have been available on our 1800Chaplain phone line every single day of the year. They have met people at their point of need without judgement and have provided them with personal and spiritual care regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Our chaplains have outworked the reality of Him Alone, they have carried the presence of Christ, and they have brought His presence into every situation right across the country.
We are so glad to partner with you - together we make a difference to our whole nation. The need is huge,
and the possibilities ahead are boundless. Thanks again for standing with us as we deliver the best Chaplaincy possible to the best country in the world.
Leadership and structure
Ps Ralph Estherby is the National Director/CEO of Chaplaincy Australia, and he reports to the National Board.
Whilst a ‘national entity’ the ministry of Chaplaincy happens at the ‘grass roots’ level in each of the States. Effective State teams are working with their State Executives – they ‘tailor’ their response to meet the needs of the State they serve.
The National Board is chaired by Bronwyn Bonnell who works with the other members Andrew Coghlan, Marcella Hernandez and Katie Diou. We also want to give a special thank you to Pastor John Spinella who served on the Board during this period.
We have an amazing team of excellent State Directors and Department Leaders including:
New South Wales/ACT – Deb Kuhna
Queensland/NT – Angie Herranz
South Australia – Jeff Marshall
Tasmania – Gus Yearsley
Victoria – Mark Penny
Western Australia – Jody Sisley
Supervision and Mentoring – Susan Marcuccio
1800Chaplain – Michelle Fife
Each of these leaders are supported by great teams right across the country. We want to acknowledge the incredible work that is being done and the many volunteers who make such an incredible difference!
Training, Equipping, Resources
• We have continued to develop our dual focus of Chaplaincy Training and delivery of Professional Development for all Pastors, Chaplains and Supervisors.
• Our ongoing partnership with Alphacrucis University College continues to be a great strength – between us we offer a full suite of training ranging from basic introduction to Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care through to higher education qualifications required for the most senior Chaplaincy roles. We are now offering basic +Chaplaincy training across the country to help people start their journey into making a difference in their community.
• Professional Development has been a huge growth area over the last 2 years. Specific skills have been targeted as well as bespoke training for Churches and teams as we seek to resource the movement. We continue to work with Supervisors and Mentors to ensure that they are fully equipped for the task, and we have continued to work with our Chaplains –making certain that they are effective and up to date with the latest thinking and understandings.
• Our training options include Mental Health First Aid, Domestic Violence, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Navigating complex conversations, Self-Care, De-Escalation Techniques, Suicide prevention and response. We also offer tailored solutions for individual Church teams.
• CA Training is of the highest quality delivered by excellent communicators who are also practitioners with extensive practical experience in Chaplaincy and Church leadership.
• Our goal is to support the ACC by having the best equipped Chaplains and Pastors in the nation.
Highlights
The highlight of Chaplaincy is the work of our Chaplains on the ground. Every one of them deserves to be celebrated individually. It has become normal to expect that CA will have chaplains responding wherever there is an issue – and we will!
There are so many good highlights to point out.
• 1800Chaplain functioning for 3½ years and taking over 20,000 calls!
• Over 260,000 pastoral interventions and Chaplaincy supports offered.
• Hundreds of Pastors and Chaplains accessing Professional Pastoral Supervision.
• Highly successful Conferences and Professional Development in every state.
• Workplace Chaplains placed in FIFO communities in WA.
• 32 ACC ADF Chaplains in service with representation at the highest levels.
• Opportunities to be a voice to Government and places of influence.
Goals and Vision
We want to become one of the largest and most trusted providers of Christian Chaplaincy across all sectors of the Australian Community.
We are projecting growth of 7% in the next two years. By our 2027 Conference, we will be expecting 1,097 in the network.
We continue to work towards the goal of having a Chaplaincy ministry attached to every ACC church as pastors recognise that chaplaincy is a transformational asset to impact their community.
We will build on our Professional Development and Chaplaincy Training so that we can resource all Pastors in the ACC with world-class PD to support the work they are called to do.
Chaplaincy continues to be an opportunity for your church to make an impact across every sector of your community. Imagine the star-burst effect of Godly, highly skilled, well trained and motivated individuals reaching out with passion to demonstrate the love, compassion and acceptance of Christ – what could the Lord do with that in your community? Chaplaincy Australia is ready to assist you to prepare your people, to make a difference, in your community.
Ralph Estherby
National Director/CEO - Chaplaincy Australia
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Local Impact
Community Engagement is increasingly recognised as a key priority for our churches. The exciting news is that we now have a dedicated leader in every state to drive this initiative forward.
NSW: Josh Hammann
WA: Aaron Pryce
VIC: Cheryl Forrest
QLD: Phil Cutcliffe
SA: Gary Leech
TAS: Dermot Cottuli
I would like to thank Daniel Sanders for his time as VIC Community Engagement leader as he has now passed his role onto Cheryl Forrest. National Conference 2023
The Community Engagement Stream at the 2023 National Conference was the most attended conference stream with over 300 in attendance, indicating a strong interest in learning how to engage with communities more effectively from our pastors and leaders.
The Community Engagement team covered four main topics:
• Creating transformational community programs
• Engaging with complex issues
• Building an indispensable church within the community
• Responding to community disasters
A highlight was a talk by Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, who discussed how pastors and churches can support local governments in fostering healthy communities. He emphasized the importance of respecting each other’s time in meetings and approaching conversations with a mindset of service rather than simply seeking help from the government. The event concluded with an invitation for pastors and leaders to participate in further initiatives such as Roundtables, workshops, or the Diploma of Community Services through Alphacrucis College.
Highlights
Our state leaders continued to provide nine round tables enabling over 250 local pastors and leaders on the ground training in community engagement for their churches and organisations.
Josh Hammann (NSW) successfully raised $10,000 through a special offering at a state conference to provide three church planters with innovative ‘Ground Up Grants’, ensuring that community engagement would be funded during their church inception. We will continue to track the progress of these churches and are believing that this $10,000 investment will generate $100,000 in community value in the years to come.
Training
Diploma of Community Services RPL
In 2023, we saw 31 graduates from the Diploma of Community Services RPL, and in 2024, there were 27 graduates. While the RPL program has now concluded, the full Diploma of Community Services is still available.
Additionally, we are excited to introduce a brand new course—the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Engagement. This course can be completed in just six months with only four subjects.
Vision and Goals
Our vision for Community Engagement is to empower churches to truly become the church in their communities, not just on Sundays, but every day of the week. Participation and engagement within our movement are at an all-time high. Churches are not only running effective programs, but they are also consistently recognising community involvement as central to the mission of the church.
There has been a growing emphasis on learning how to disciple individuals to Christ—not just from the moment they walk through the church doors, but from the moment we first meet them. With events like our roundtables and a new initiative called DiscipleCom, we are excited to continue training churches by combining the key principles of Discipleship and Community Engagement.
Our goal over the next two years is to help churches mobilise their people into local communities every day of the week.
We plan to achieve these outcomes through three main strategies:
1. Training
• Two Roundtables in each state each year.
• Launch of a Certificate in Community Engagement in partnership with AC College.
• Mobilisation training for churches.
2. Storytelling
• Collecting stories from churches about how community engagement has worked for them, so that knowledge and experiences can be shared.
• Teaching churches how to share these stories seven days a week across various platforms.
3. Valuing
• Rethinking how we measure the success of our churches by ensuring that we assess our efforts midweek, not just on weekends.
As we reflect on the progress made over the past two years and look ahead to the coming years, it is clear that Community Engagement continues to play a pivotal role in the growth and impact of our churches.
Paul Bartlett National Leader: Community Engagegement
EMERITUS PASTORS
Faithful Service
ACC Emeritus ministry exists to give honour, appreciation and support, to retiring pastors who have faithfully served the Fellowship, some through many decades, laying the foundation for the strong position it enjoys today both locally and internationally.
In His wisdom, God has placed each of us on a journey through specific times and seasons. 'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens'( Ecc 3:1).
Retirement is a new season for our retiring pastors who face the challenge of permanently stepping away from a lifestyle absorbed in focused leadership responsibilities into a lessdemanding life. This seasonal transition needs to be negotiated well to maintain spiritual and emotional health. The Emeritus ministry provides support and connection during this period to promote a continued sense of fruitfulness for our pastors.
Having said that, the Emeritus ministry is not a cradle to rock the weary workers to the comfort of slumber in their latter years, but more like network of wise pilgrims motivating each other to find new ways to find ministry fulfillment.
The national ministry relies on each of our State Co-ordinators who do the heavy lifting in an endeavour to maintain a healthy and vibrant resource for the ACC. This is accomplished utilising a variety of opportunities for fellowship and connection through regular coffee gatherings, luncheons, prayer and ministry events with the highlight being State Conference lunches.
These events showcase testimonies of the wide variety of ministry options available to retired pastors who have the freedom to focus on specific areas of interest. These include Chaplaincy, Seniors’ Ministry, RI in schools, Pastoral Care, Discipleship Classes, Mentoring to name a few, all highlighting the valuable resource available in our churches for the continued advancement of the Kingdom.
Our State Co-ordinators for the past two years were: Wendy Megschelse (Qld/NT); Shane Lepp (Vic); Patti Hardy (WA); Ron Wilson (Tas) and Ian Bartley (NSW). Each has served enthusiastically with dedication and innovation in their respective states.
I want to personally thank and honour Patti Hardy (WA) and Ron Wilson (Tas), for the excellent way they have ministered in their respective states over several conference periods and have now passed on their roles to Tony McCubbin (WA) and Gary Barnier (Tas).
It has been my joy to lead and encourage our Emeritus family for another two years and I am confident that these heroes will continue to be a blessing to the ACC in whatever level of ministry God opens up for them.
Laine WIllis National Emeritus Co-ordinator
ACC NATIONAL PRAYER NETWORK
Prayer
In September 2023 it was my privilege to step into leading our National Prayer team, following the former leader, Pastor David O'Keefe.
The ACC Prayer Network is for our pastors and their families. If you are facing a health situation, a church crisis or family challenge, your request is assured of complete confidentiality by our intercessory team. All you need to do is email me at prayer@acc.org.au and I will alert our intercessors to pray for you.
I want to take time to honour and thank the ACC intercessors – those men and women who go into battle and pray behind the scenes so His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Faithful and committed prayers.
In the 18 months, since stepping into this role, we have seen the hand of God move wonderfully in situations that seemed impossible. I love the scripture (Acts10:4) “Your prayers and charities have not gone unnoticed by God”. Our prayers are noticed, heard and answered by our God – sometimes not in the way we desired, but always heard and always answered in His way, which is always the best way and the right way.
Interested in becoming an intercessor?
At this time we have just over 100 folk on our team. If you are interested in joining the ACC intercessory team, please email me at prayer@acc.org.au and I will gladly add you to the mailing list.
To the ACC Fellowship ... let’s also be praying for this valued Prayer Team going forward from here. For answers, for faith, for miracles, as we serve and stand with you, our beloved Fellowship i.e. our ACC Family,
Wendy Megchelse ACC Prayer Network Coordinator
Communion
INDIGENOUS INITIATIVE
Inclusion & Understanding
The ACC Indigenous Initiative goals are to:
• Increase the number of Australia's First Nations leaders and pastors,
• Train and equip First Nations leaders and pastors,
• Support the planting of Australian First Nation lead churches,
• Raise awareness and create opportunities for partnerships with First Nations leaders, pastors and communities, and
• Promote inclusion, understanding and mutually respectful relationships within our churches.
Leadership
Our Indigenous Initiative Representatives that work in each State are:
South Australia - Grant & Kim Hay
Queensland - Scott Anderson
Torres Strait - Titom & Michelle Tamwoy
Tasmania - Merrilyn Billing
National & NSW - William & Sandra Dumas
Highlights
In South Australia, Grant and Kim Hay were appointed as the senior Pastors of the New Life Church Port Augusta
Scott Anderson was appointed as the Queensland State representative.
Training/Resources
• NSW -Introduces Indigenous Perspectives & Protocols in Pastors Intensives
• ACC National – The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Cultural Protocols document was endorsed by the National Executive to resource ACC pastors.
•Five Stones Indigenous Leadership Course - We continue to grow in strength with our leadership courses that are specifically equipping First Nations Leaders.
New Initiatives
The planting of Aboriginal Christian Schools In partnership with the Pacific Group of Christian Schools. Our success in our Tweed Heads plant has put the desire into us to continue to affect our communities through Christian Education, with the emphasis of addressing Closing the Gap for our First Nations Kids.
Goals & Vision
Our Goals and Vision is to continually address, through Christian Leadership Training and Christian Indigenous Education, the deficit in our societies and communities facing First Nations people.
Will Dumas ACC Indigenous Initiative National Leader
POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
Faith & Freedom
had the honour of serving ACC as their Political Engagement and Religious Freedom Representative for the past 12 years. During this time, ACC has developed a national credibility with political leaders in the area of religious freedom, making submissions on both Federal and State legislation, and personally appearing at numerous Government Parliamentary and Commission instituted Inquires.
Over this Conference period, on behalf of ACC or jointly with other faith groups, at least 30 Submissions on issues related to Religious Freedom have been made. I have also, on behalf of ACC, made personal appearances to various Inquiries including Human Rights and Legal and Constitutional Parliamentary Inquiry, Australian law Reform Commission and Productivity Commission Inquiries. This is in addition to numerous personal representations to members of Federal and State Parliaments.
Protection of religious freedom in our nation is an absolute not negotiable. It is the oldest human right, and it is essential to a truly free society. The right to adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest one’s religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching is sacred.
Here is a brief overview of the past two years.
Freedom For Faith Board
Freedom For Faith (FFF) is Australia’s leading Think Tank in relation to religious freedom. Its Board consists of leading academics and Christian religious leaders. I have been on the Board representing ACC for the past 12 years and I Chair the FFF Board of Reference, which have all the Affiliate Denominations to FFF represented.
ACC National Religious Freedom Sunday
Thank you to all the churches of ACC who participated in encouraging members of their congregations to write to their Member of Parliament. Although it is not possible to number the churches who took part, from the response of many MPs, the issue of religious freedom was certainly brought to the attention of Government and Opposition. With a Federal election due in May 2025, ACC will continue with this initiative in 2026.
National Faith Leaders
Recently I have been appointed to a working group of National Faith Leaders who formulate policy in relation to religious freedom to present a united approach to Government and Opposition. This is the first time ACC has been approached to join such a group. As a result, national faith leaders have prepared a position paper on certain issues relating to religious freedom to be send to the government and opposition to ascertain
their position after the coming election. It is an honour and privilege to be invited into this national faith leader’s group.
Legislation
In late 2024, the Prime Minister, in answer to a journalist’s question, advised that the Federal Religious Discrimination Bill would not proceed due to the lack of bipartisan support. This was despite National Faith Leaders placing before the Government and Opposition a detailed and reasonable list of viable options for the Bill to proceed. This is now the second time that a Religious Discrimination Bill has not successfully proceeded to being enacted. Both political parties must make the transition of this Bill through both Houses of Parliament a priority in the next term and work together for this result.
Although the lack of a Religious Discrimination Bill is extremely disappointing, there have been many successful achievements in terms of halting or amending legislation due to competent Submissions and hard work liaising with Governments at a State and federal level.
Even though the Religious Discrimination Bill has not proceeded, there have been significant successes in postponing, having withdrawn and amending various pieces of Legislation.
These Bills include:
• Communications Legislation Amendment (Combating Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 (Commonwealth)
• Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024 (Victoria)
• Amendments to Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Commonwealth)
• Amendments to Anti-Discrimination Act 2024 (Queensland)
• The Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024 (Commonwealth)
In addition, the Productivity Commission Report on Philanthropy and the Australian Law Reform Commission Report – both of which would have substantially affected religious tax deductibility for religious institutions and faith-based schools respectively have been shelved for the time being.
All of the above would have significantly diminished religious freedom in our nation.
Thank you to the National Executive for believing in the right of religious freedom and for the support and encouragement to me personally in pursuing this vital endeavour on behalf of ACC.
Mark Edwards OAM ACC Political Engagement Representative
Mark Edwards recording for Religious Freedom Sunday 2024
SAFER CHURCHES
Safer Churches for Everyone
It is now almost a decade since the ACC Safer Churches Strategy began to support our churches through our Child Protection Policy, Safer Churches Guidelines, Safer Churches training, National Helpline and dedicated team in each State and Territory.
Since its inception, we have continued to respond to legislative change, emerging trends we see in calls to our helpline or through other professional collaboration, and as we grow in our understanding and ability to care for those who are either at risk of or have experienced harm, the provision of best practice guidelines and response processes for all ACC People. ACC is committed to continue to keep Safer Churches at the forefront of our leadership and governance.
Safer Churches Team
The State Safer Churches Officers meet regularly to review our progress and refine our Safer Churches strategy to increase its effectiveness across all ministry areas. We thank them for their dedication and commitment.
We particularly want to acknowledge the work and commitment from Rhonda Wilson (TAS) and Ken Fisher (NSW) for their time as State Safer Churches Officers. We thank them for all they have done to serve our Movement in the State Safer Churches role. We have welcomed Joel Krigsman (TAS) and Ben Sattler (NSW) to our team since last conference.
Training and Resources
All ACC Safer Churches training was updated through 2024 and is now available with closed captions. Our training encompasses the Safer Churches Induction and Refresher, Volunteers’ Essentials and Refresher
and a Young Leader (12-15 years) training option, all of which are available online on demand. It is now a requirement that anyone holding an ACC Credential complete ACC Safer Churches training from the time their next update is required.
The ACC Implementation Kit is now easily accessible under the Safer Churches page of the ACC website. It is regularly reviewed and updated to assist churches with implementation of the Child Protection Policy and Guidelines and is an invaluable resource for our churches. You will find supporting documents to assist with implementing each of the Safer Churches Guidelines, which are the outworking of our Policy.
Initiatives
In 2023, ACC, in conjunction with Your Choicez, launched TeenFreedom for ACC youth leaders and young people. This invaluable resource in video and small group format helps young people understand consent and the value of the human person, as well as the negative impacts of Image Based Abuse, pornography and sexting.
Safer churches is visionary leadership. This is a commitment to God-honouring, life-giving and harmfree ministry through a heart that wants to bring glory to Jesus. Through the implementation of the ACC Safer Churches strategy through any ministry Governing Boards, leadership teams, volunteers and congregations not only recognise the value of each individual, but they also recognise how creating a safe culture bears witness to Christ within their community.
Allyson Parker
National Director: Safer Churches
YOUTH ALIVE
Raising Next Gen leaders
Youth Alive continues to shape this generation, engaging tens of thousands of young people across Australia with the transformative Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Leadership and Structure
I extend my deepest appreciation to our State Youth Alive Directors, whose passion and dedication fuel our mission to invest in today’s youth. Over the past conference period, we restructured the Youth Alive National Board, welcoming Elisa Colak as Chair. My heartfelt thanks go to the Board for their incredible strategic insight, passion, and Godly wisdom.
Youth Alive Directors:
• Cameron Bennett – National Director
• Dan Sheikh – WA
• David Edgar – VIC
• Isaiah Simmons – QLD
• Matt Wilesmith – NSW
• Sam Cogger – TAS
• Seth Behn – SA
Youth Alive Board:
• Elisa Colak – Chair
• Victoria Beattie
• Martyn Manual
• Juanita Lovatt
• Cameron Bennett
• Doug Parker - Secretary
A special acknowledgment to Sam Long (SA) and Andrew Williams (WA), who recently concluded their tenures as State Directors. Your remarkable contributions have left a lasting legacy—thank you.
Impact and Reach
Through our multifaceted initiatives—including large-scale citywide and regional outreach events, conferences, camps, leadership programs, coaching, high school outreach, and The Academy—Youth Alive has achieved extraordinary growth and influence. These efforts powerfully advance our vision to impact the next generation in partnership with our local churches.
Key Statistics:
• 134,368 attendees across all events
• 22,598 responses to follow Christ
• 817 youth ministries engaged
• 331 high school programs delivered
Training, Equipping, and Resources
Youth Alive equips young leaders nationwide through a range of multifaceted programs. Across all leadership initiatives, we’ve trained 7,508 leaders, equipping them to impact their communities.
The Academy, led by Renee Bennett and her exceptional team, stands as our flagship pathway for developing future leaders. This transformative environment challenges, trains, and nurtures the call of God upon students. Many of our students have gone on to fulfil ministry roles across churches right throughout the country.
• 375 students trained in strategic partnership with Alphacrucis
Thank you to Renee and The Academy team, for your relentless commitment to raising the next generation.
Vision and Goals
Our Vision is that every young person in Australia lives their full God potential. Through all the above strategies and initiatives, Youth Alive is outworking our vision by:
1. Reaching the lost
2. Raising leaders
3. Resourcing the local church
4. Reviving a generation
Acknowledgments
My sincere thanks to Ps Wayne Alcorn and the ACC National Executive for their ongoing support and belief in the next generation.
Cameron Bennett National Youth Alive Director
Youth Alive Academy graudates
ACC STATE REPORTS
NEW SOUTH WALES & ACT
Serving Pastors & Churches
State Leadership
In 2024, I was honoured to be nominated as the new State President, being handed the batten from Paul Bartlett, who stepped down after 18 years on the State Executive (six years as our State President). We thank Paul for the incredible contribution he made during his time and thank him for placing so much value on pastors health and helping churches find new ways to reach out within their communities. We also honoured Ken Fisher for six years of service to the Executive (two as our State Secretary/Treasurer). We also welcomed to the team Ben Sattler as our new Secretary and Caleb Dwyer as a State Executive member
I am so humbled and appreciative to have exceptional people who are willing to lead our 16 regions and specialised ministry areas. Together with their local teams, they are providing leadership, connection and pastoral care to more than 953 credential holders, and support to 314 churches. In this last conference period, we have endorsed 51 Ordination Credentials, 67 Probationary Credentials and 7 Specialised Ministry Credentials. We thank Mindy Newsome and Ralph Estherby for serving as ex-officio on the State Executive team for the past two years. We thank them for volunteering their services, wisdom, and expertise.
Other leadership changes within our state include:
• Emertius Ian and Debbie Wood have stepped down from leading this Ministry. We thank them for serving our Emeritus Pastors (legends). The State Executive is looking at ways we can serve and support our Emeritus pastors moving forward.
• Sydney NorEast Region Narelle Estherby has stepped aside from leading this region. We thank Narelle for her dedication and love for the pastors in this region and believe all the best for her next season. We welcome Glenn & Clare Wysman as the new leaders for this region.
• Hunter Region Luke & Rachel Main recently setup a family business. With the needs of the new business and feeling the call to make space for what is unfolding in their lives, they made the difficult decision to resign from leading this region, they will be missed. We welcome Chris & Beth Gleeson as the new leaders for this region.
Increase in Sydney Regions In November 2024, due to the increasing number of churches within the current four Sydney-based areas, it was agreed to create two new regions and redesign all regions to be based around hub locations. This change will help regional teams provide more care, development, and credentialing within these hubs. Our State will now be broken down into 16 regional hubs. We welome to the team new regional leaders for Sydney InnerCity - Evan Peet and Sydney SouthWest -Simon & Maria Austin.
Training, Conferences & Gatherings
We continue to provide training and opportunities for professional development for our pastors. Some of the opportunities include:
• Ministry Essentials – for all pastors wanting to progress to ordination
• Starting Strong, Multisite X – for anyone interested in planting a church
• Regions are designing the best plan to serve the pastors in their regions
• Specialised ministry PD for Chaplains, Kids Ministry workers, SRE, Youth Leaders, Community workers and supervisors etc.
• Alphacrucis University College is an incredible resource within NSW and the ACT, providing masterclasses and training space for us to utilise.
State Conference 2023
The theme of the 2023 State Conference was Harvest and the keynote speakers included Wayne Alcorn, Shane Willard, Nikki Dent and Mark Edwards. We also hosted 65 pastors and leaders who travelled from the Czech Republic to attend the conference. They were very grateful for the experience and left feeling very encouraged. A new initiative was the idea to start the conference with Streams for delegates for intentional professional development. These streams were attended by 1,103 people and enjoyed by delegates. We held a special offering and raised funds to support a Strategic Children’s Ministry Scholarship for 14 applicants. This program included monthly coaching and mentoring sessions, workshops and attending Kidshaper conference.
State Conference 2024
The theme of the state conference was Generations with keynote speakers Ken Lee and Jessie Rose Rayner. Once again, we started our conference with State Ministries dinners, and Tuesday saw another hugely successful Stream morning. This was followed by a main leadership session with Ken Lee, followed by a one-hour Encounter praise, worship and prophetic session with Jessie Rayner. So many delegates attended these Streams across the day.
2025 Regional & Ministry Leaders Gathering
Our State Executive met with our Regional and Ministry Leaders to plan a two-year of momentum and impact for every church, pastor, and leader in NSW and ACT. This gathering started with the final session of Youth Alive’s Leaders Retreat. It was a joy to witness the next generation hungry for God and an honour to pray individually with every young leader in the room. When we met with our Regional and Ministry Leaders the next day, I took the opportunity to remind them of our ACC objectives and purpose of our movement: 'To Help Pastors ~ Serve Churches ~ Create Mission', which is'Field Driven and Head Office Supported.
Church
Planting In
this conference period, we were able to plant 28 churches (3 Registered, 19 Provisional and 6 Satellite churches). We have a detailed strategy to plant 20 new churches in the next conference period, as there are huge population growth areas, particularly on the outskirts of Sydney and within regional towns.
We’ve had many good reports of churches purchasing land, opening new campuses and extension services commencing. We’ve also seen new church buildings open, further development in teams, growth barriers broken through and churches connecting with their communities through various outreach ministries.
I am excited about the team God has put together and I’m looking forward to serving pastors and churches within our state and movement.
Mark Zschech ACC NSW & ACT State President
NSW & ACT State Executive
QUEENSLAND & NORTHERN TERRITORY
Health & Increase
In 2023-24 we saw our churches truly leave the Covid years behind, with significant health and increase in many areas. Some of the positive results include:
• 30 new churches were planted (exceeding our goal of 10 per year).
• 209 pastors were credentialled.
• We grew to 314 churches in 2024, the largest figure in our history.
• Emerging leaders had around 400 attendees aged 18-30 attend their retreats during the conference period.
• Youth Alive had its largest rally in many years with 5500 in attendance and 709 young people committing their lives to Christ.
• A culture of pastors health and well-being is continuing to permeate through our state.
• The 'Open House' initiative was reinstituted whereby pastors get to spend a couple of days at different churches from around the state seeing how they operate.
• ACC Christian schools currently have a combined total of 12,000 students enrolled, a significant increase by 2000 students compared to two years ago.
State Executive
The State executive has remained the same since last conference period. Each member is an outstanding leader in their own right with a great passion to serve our movement. I find them excellent to work with and am honoured to serve alongside them.
The current leadership team is:
State President: Ben Naitoko
Vice-President: Craig Tomkinson
Secretary: Chris Mulhare
Treasurer: Lee Dallman
Executive members: Deb Van Bennekom
Dustan Bell
Mark Elmendorp
State Conference
State Conference in 2024 was an outstanding success and the largest attended in our state’s history. We had outstanding guest ministry from Russell Evans from Planetshakers Church and Phil Pringle founder of C3 Church. As always the camaraderie amongst our state is amazing and it’s a great highlight of the year when we come together.
Department & Leadership Transitions
As in every conference period, seasons of leadership come to a close and others open. Here is a record of those transitions.
• Brisbane North region – from James Hensley to Luke Neale
• South West QLD region – from Shane Wallis to Gerard Alchin
• Appointment of State Indigenous Initiative leader Scott Anderson
• Youth Alive – from Cam Bennett to Isaiah Simmons
I wish to thank all our retiring leaders for their valuable contribution to our movement. I also want to congratulate all the new incoming leaders and I know that God will use them all mightily as they bring new enthusiasm and perspective to their roles.
Goals
The primary goal that we have is in line with national vision of church planting. As a Movement nationally, we have set the church planting goal of 500 churches
in 10 years. As a State and Territory, ACC QLD/NT has committed to plant 100 of those and we are already exceeding that target. However, more than that we want to focus on planting churches in towns and suburbs that don’t currently have an ACC church.
Habakkuk 2:14 says, “For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea ” So we are believing that in our state there will be no geographical 'island' without an ACC church. Already we have some churches started or about to start in areas where there was no longer an ACC church and we are believing that the entirety of Queensland and Northern Territory will be 'covered' with churches.
I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve our movement and also for all those who do so in our regions and departments. It is exciting to see what God has been doing in the last two years and I am even more excited for what God is going to do in the next conference period.
Ben Naitoko QLD & NT State President
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
God is Moving!
God is moving in South Australia! It is my immense honour and privilege to lead ACC South Australia. Across our state, churches are growing, buildings are being purchased, campuses are being added, and churches are being planted. We have also welcomed two significant independent churches into our fellowship, and this has been a huge blessing to us.
Leadership
Serving on the current Executive team are the following pastors:
State President: David Hall (Revival City Church)
Vice President: Rob Santostefano (One Heart Church)
Secretary/Treasurer: John Griffiths (City West Church)
Executive Members:
Janine Donato (Futures Church)
Josh Greenwood (Futures Church)
Sam Long (Nova Church)
Ian Zerna (iSee Church)
Youth Alive SA
Youth Alive SA has seen a very successful transition of leadership from Sam Long to Seth Behn. We have seen this incredible department go from strength to strength. Sam has been a phenomenal leader and has handed a very healthy and fruitful ministry to Seth.
Our rallies are filling the Adelaide Convention Centre, with 600+ decisions for Christ. The Youth Alive Conference has become a powerful Holy Spirit revival event where hundreds of teenagers are encountering God, experiencing the power of the Holy Ghost, receiving baptisms in the Spirit, and witnessing miracles.
Conferences and State Days
Since our last report, we’ve held two Conferences, both of which have been such an encouragement to our pastors. Over the past two years, we’ve been blessed with some outstanding speakers, and a real highlight was having Darlene Zschech close out our recent State Conference. Attendances continue to grow, and the atmosphere is really strong with an expectancy for what God is doing.
Next Generation
We are seeing many new young pastors being raised up and credentialled. I am so heartened by the engagement of next-generation leaders in the ministries and events of the ACC. Pastor Wayne Alcorn's heart for the next generation has impacted South Australia.
Regions
Ben Teefy oversees our regions and has done an incredible job. He has visited many regions, connecting with pastors and churches, and I’ve had the opportunity of joining him on a few occasions. Ben is doing brilliant work and is a blessing to our state. When I first became State President, strengthening our regions was a key priority.
Our Vision
• Eighty churches by 2030.
• Strength in our Regions
• Increase in our existing churches If we can get another 5,000 people attending ACC churches in SA, we are reaching 1% of our state.
• Revival in our local churches Believe for: souls, discipleship, growth, miracles, buildings, prosperity and increase.
• Supernatural provision for every church I see ribbons being cut, existing facilities expanded, land being purchased, and leases being entered into - all through supernatural provision.
• Revival in Youth Alive, ACCKids and Alphacrucis
• Greater favour on our departments
David Hall
SA State President
South Australia State Conference 2024
TASMANIA
Building & Planting
The famous Tasmanian Huon Pine grows just millimetres per year, its trunk twisted by time, yet its wood is fragrant and among the most buoyant, making it invaluable for shipbuilding—carrying explorers and dreamers across oceans for over two centuries.
Similarly, the Tasmanian Church has grown steadily, shaped by challenges yet anchored in strength. What may appear fragile is, in reality, remarkably resilient. Our vision for this island is to see community transformation through gospel proclamation, leadership development, and global mission is clearer than ever. We are not dwelling on the past but are postured to shape the future— ready to engage in the contested spaces within society through faith and love, influencing and shaping people with conviction.
Our new State Executive team is committed to pursuing God’s will with passion and persistence. We are pleased to welcome Laura Bain as State Secretary; she has already made an immediate and significant impact. Elizabeth McLennan continues to do an outstanding job in credentialing, while Joel Krigsman,
a valuable new addition, is championing our prayer efforts.
Further strengthening our leadership, Sam Cogger (Youth Alive State Director) and Dan Phythian have joined our team as ex-officio, bringing fresh perspectives and energy. We are also profoundly grateful for Mark Bates (ACC Vic State Secretary), whose wisdom shapes key conversation and continues to play a significant role in Tasmania’s trajectory.
Over the past two years, we have seen growth. Nathan and Jacinta Humphries planted Saints Church in Wynyard, and it has flourished, attracting passionate young adults—while welcoming their first child, SelahJane. Village Church, under the leadership of Craig and Mirriam Guntrip, has secured a remarkable property in Devonport, expanding its reach across the northwest. Additionally, we celebrate Isee Church Devonport (formally Gateway Church Devonport) return to the ACC family. Chris and Beth Brown have brought tremendous energy and evangelistic passion into our state family.
Our State Conference attendance doubled in 2023, and we saw a further 50% growth for 2024. In addition, the 2025 State Launches (north and south) also doubled in attendance. Church planting workshops, marriage intensives, and a thriving Youth Alive movement have continued to bear fruit and build strong engagement. With the support of our Victorian and National ACC family, our financial position has strengthened significantly, setting us up for a more significant impact.
With a deep commitment to preaching the gospel, raising leaders, planting churches, and advancing mission efforts, the vision for Tasmania is bold. By 2030, we are committed to a 'Triple Double' strategy— doubling the number of churches and congregational size and the number of credentialed pastors equipped to engage in ministry across the state. We aim to achieve this through a Find, Foster, Father, and Fund strategy to identify and empower emerging leaders, ensuring they are resourced and ready for the work ahead.
We are humbled and thankful for our National and Victorian ACC Executive teams who have walked with us through this first season. Your generosity, encouragement and wisdom have been significant in seeing Tasmania’s game change. To every pastor, board member, mentor, protégé, prayer warrior, youth leader, evangelist, and faithful servant of God, both in Tasmania and who have acted as friends of Tasmania—thank you.
Watch this space. The ships are being built. They are beautiful. And our destination… seeing Tasmania saved.
Matt Sharples Tasmanian State President
Tasmania State Conference 2024
Fruitful Years
It has been a fruitful two years in Victoria! As I look back on all that God has done in the last few years I can’t help but reflect on the goodness and faithfulness of God!
We have seen great health within our churches and unity like never before with new initiatives and events bringing greater strength to our regions and overall as a state.
At State Conference last year we farewelled Ps Kerrin Wallis who has served for a number of years on our Executive team as he heads back to Queensland, he will be missed!
Leadership
We welcomed Ps Christina Kanagasabai to the team, who we know will be a great asset to our State. Our State Executive Team now includes:
State President: Matt Heins
State Vice President: John Spinella
State Secretary / Treasurer: Mark Bates
State Executive: Phil Linden, Graham Shand, Katrina Yassi, Christina Kanagasabai
Highlights
One major highlight over the last few years has been our State Conference. In 2023 and 2024 we saw record breaking Conference attendance with over 1,600 attending in 2024. Each year we are seeing growth not only in numbers but in our leadership and friendships.
There is such a strong sense of community each year; it is amazing to see people connecting from all across the state. Our feedback each year is how much our pastors love conference as they make deeper connections each year and feel refreshed as they continue to thrive in ministry.
Pastor Franca Heins also started a new initiative across the last two years - Women’s Regional Morning Teas. These have been a great time of connecting with the amazing ladies of our state specifically in their regional towns and suburbs. So far, we have seen over 200 ladies attend these morning teas with a great sense of unity and strength!
We have celebrated over 179 credentials pastors and 19 new churches were planted! This is something to be celebrated! We now have 725 credentialled pastors and 317 churches under the ACC Vic and we know this will continue to grow in the coming years.
Training
We are committed to training and resourcing our pastors, in the last few years we have implemented the following;
Church Planting & Multi-Site Intensive
In 2024 we conducted our first ever Church Planting & Multi-Site Intensive with 60 people in attendance. This was a great day ran by our church planting director, Phil Shand.
VICTORIA
Ministry Essentials Training
We have trained 142 leaders through the Ministry Essentials Training, as they are on the journey to obtaining their OMC credential. John & Lois Spinella always do a fantastic job hosting these training days!
Youth Alive Training
The Youth Alive team has ran many training events including Momentum Youth Leaders Training, Youth Pastors Round Tables, Regional Retreat and Female Preachers Workshop. Thank you to Dave Edgar and the team in believing in reaching and resourcing this next generation!
New Initiatives
In 2024, we launched a new initiative - The Dwell, a worship event for our creative and worship teams. We saw close to 500 people attend the first event as well as 60 churches from across different denominations attend. This event brought great unity and an incredible time of ministry.
In 2025, we are planning two Dwell Events, with great excitement and expectancy for a move of God from our creative teams across Melbourne and greater Victoria.
At State Conference 2025, we launched the Pastors Health & Wellbeing initiative, with an emphasis on professional supervision, this is an important tool for our pastors and leaders to stay strong and healthy in
ministry. We thank Grant Buchanan for all the work he has done to introduce this.
We also have launched the Ministry Training College in Partnership with Alphacrucis University College. In 2024 we welcomed our first cohort of 11 students from across the state, who are growing in their ministry calling and many who are working towards applying for their OMCs. With more students being added in 2025.
For the next two years we will continue to bring focus on strengthening our regions, planting more churches and raising up the next generation of pastors. We will be hosting more regional events, church planting intensives and youth alive events which will outwork this vision. We are excited to see what God will do, and the testimonies that will come out of our Victorian ACC churches.
Franca and I are so thankful to our State Executive Team, Staff and Regional & Department Teams as they serve and pastor our people. We are believing that the next two years in our State will continue to produce great fruit, continue to see churches grow and continue to see new churches planted so more people can come to know Jesus personally!
Matt Heins VIC State President
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
A New Season
It is an honour to serve as the ACCWA State President, and I am excited to lead our movement into a new season filled with God’s purpose for our great state. Over the past two years, we have witnessed incredible growth, strengthened leadership, and new initiatives that continue to expand the reach and impact of our churches and pastors.
At our 2024 State Conference, we honoured and farewelled Pastors Joel and Sharon Chelliah after their twelve years of faithful service as State President and State Women’s Leader. Their leadership has left WA unified and strong.
We also expressed our gratitude to Pastor Patti Hardy and Pastor Ken Fletcher who stepped off the State Executive to make room for a generation coming through.
Leadership
I am pleased to introduce the new state executive:
Christie Blaikie – State President
Phil Ayres – Vice President - overseeing regional and country churches
Grahame Barlow – Secretary/treasurer
Gareth Forsdike – overseeing Youth Alive and Community Engagement
Peter Hammer – overseeing church planting
Julian Kirtisingham – overseeing training
Nate Phor – overseeing credentialling
Further to this, we have brought on two observers who are not elected in as directors but who are learning the role and carry portfolios.
Taryn Hamilton – overseeing emerging leaders
Jess Williams – overseeing ACC kids
Together we will be focussing on the following strategic direction:
• Continue to plant healthy and life giving churches. The goal of 50 church plants in ten years (20232032) is now at nine as at December 2024 with six in the pipeline for 2025.
• Continue to implement and roll out a plan for pastor’s health and wellbeing
• Set up a regional representation of ACCWA
• Develop a strategy for how we can help churches acquire property
• Increase ACCWA pastor’s capabilities
• Pray for, plan for and steward a move of God in WA
God’s blessing has been evident in our state, with significant growth and engagement across various areas:
• Expansion of the ACC network with new churches and credentialed ministers.
• Strong participation in state leadership gatherings.
• A record-breaking attendance of 1432 people at our 2024 State Conference.
• 73 ACC Churches and campuses now established in WA.
• A powerful prayer gathering of 800 women in February, demonstrating strength of faith, unity and intercession.
• Credentials given in 2023-2024 were 52 making a total of 253.
Our state is blessed with faithful and dedicated individuals who invest their time and talents into supporting churches and pastors. Some key developments in the past two years include:
• Youth Alive Momentum. 6397 attended Youth Alive events in 2024 with 1125 faith decisions. Youth Alive Academy will launch in WA in 2026.
• Ongoing professional development for pastors including; church planting, governance and business managers sessions. Round tables workshop events will be held alongside our State Leader’s Gatherings in 2025 for pastor’s professional development including topics like; increasing tithes and offerings, succession planning, breaking growth barriers, pastoral care, planting campuses. Further to this, we are excited to launch the ACCWA podcast to upskill pastors.
• Harvestnet which is a church planting organisation serving the ACCWA continues to plant strong churches with support and resource.
Christie Blaikie WA State President
Western Australia State Conference 2024
