ACC EMAG #3 (2019)

#3 2019

EMAG

quarterly publication for acc leaders

STORIES OF

HOPE

HELPING THOSE IN THE DROUGHT

BELIEVE IMPACTING NATIONS

TOP 5 FOR STRENGTHENING OUR CHURCHES CAN CAN ROBOTS ROBOTS REPLACE REPLACE PASTORS? PASTORS? WHAT WHAT THE THE ARMY ARMY TAUGHT TAUGHT ME ME ABOUT ABOUT TRAINING TRAINING

UNDER THE SURFACE OF PENTECOSTALISM

INFLUENCING INFLUENCING TEENS TEENS IRL IRL OUT OUT THE THE BOX BOX Christmas Christmas in in your your community community 1

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BELIEVE This edition of EMag focuses on the many stories out there that show the love of Jesus– from Planetshakers Believe campaigns to local churches initiatives to help those in the midst of drought.

STORIES OF HOPE Wayne Alcorn shares inspiration from the stories of hope, when people of God rise up and shine.

Christian Women Leaders in Canberra

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WHY I SUPPORT 1DAY Sean Stanton explains why the 1DAY partnership

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NEWS

Cover photo: Timothy Wee

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COVER STORY: Believe Fiji

is so important to him and his church STORIES OF HOPE

BRINGING HELP AND HOPE TO OUR DROUGHT RAVAGED LAND Joel & Julia A-Bell share their journey to drought affected areas and how we can help.

INSPIRING HOPE: What can you do to bring hope?

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OUT THE BOX Paul Bartlett encourages churches to think outside the box this Christmas in their community

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TOP 5 FOR STRENGTHENING CHURCHES ACC General Manager, Jeffrey Bartlett, shares five areas churches can be strengthened

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UNDER THE SURFACE OF PENTECOSTALISM Dr Jacqueline Grey addresses the media’s fascination with the Pentecostal church in Australia.

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WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE ARMY ABOUT TRAINING Ralph Estherby shares interetsing insights from his career as an army chaplain.

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CAN ROBOTS REPLACE PASTORS? Mal Fletcher looks at the technological advances of society and addresses the question whether robots will ever replace pastors.

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INFLUENCING TEENS IRL [in real life] Amelia Dingle gives a youth perspective on what influences young people and how youth leaders can provide a positive example.

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DISCOVER THE LAND JESUS CALLED HOME Q & A with Moshe Gabay and Marnix van Ede of Keshet Journeys and why they are passionate for Christians to visit to the Holy Land .

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IGNITE THE FIRE Alphacrucis on transforming leaders and has new facilities in their Melbourne campus.

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NEWS ACC Ministry news Q& A with Laine & Ros Willis

NEW RELEASES Books and Music

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STORIES OF HOPE

BY WAYNE ALCORN

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ime after time, in the midst of a tragedy or crisis, I’ve been so moved when the people of God rise up and shine. We see this all across our movement, when churches reach out to their communities, or our chaplains come alongside those who may have lost their homes in destructive bushfires.

These stories of hope are so inspiring. I am especially encouraged by the ACC pastors and churches who are rising up to find effective ways to help those struggling and suffering in the drought ravaging Queensland and New South Wales.

I’m inspired by Dave ‘Jacko’ Jackson and Westernair Care, with truckloads of hay, making runs to provide desperate feed to farmers and their livestock. There is Oasis Church that made headlines by simply buying a washing machine that provides locals with their laundry in the midst of strict water shortages. And the team from Petersham AOG, Cornerstone Epping and New Life Katoomba who went to support the hay deliveries and host a Farmers & Families Day in the community. Joel and Julia A’Bell have also gone west to visit the driest communities to see what more we can do. You can read their stories in this edition from page 8, and feel inspired to pray, give, support or even go.

ADOPT A CHURCH CAMPAIGN The facts are grim, with conditions over the past three years being called the driest on record for many regions. As we take to our knees to pray across the nation, let us also consider what more we can do to bring hope. We will be launching an ‘Adopt a Church’ campaign across our movement in the upcoming months, which I believe will enable us to demonstrate the love of God in significant ways. I will be sharing more details in the days ahead.

In the meantime, let’s remain in prayer for rain to break the drought, and seeking the Lord for ways we can bring hope to those in the dark and desperate seasons. Together, we can make a massive and long-lasting impact in this drought.

Thank you for all you do for the Kingdom.

Wayne Alcorn is the ACC National President. He pastors the multi-campus Hope Centre in Brisbane together with his wife, Lyn.

Photo: Westernair Care 3

COVER STORY

BELIEVE FIJI IMPACTS NATION In August, Believe Fiji 2019 impacted tens of thousands of Fijians over the two week campaign across the island nation, with approximately 40,000 gathering at the final rally.

The Believe campaigns are an initiative of Planetshakers Church.

In 2015, stirred by their mandate to empower generations to win generations, Planetshakers founder, Russell Evans, and International Director, Neil Smith, pioneered the Believe Global movement.

Daring to believe that the body of Christ can truly make disciples of all nations and feeling a sense of call to the Pacific Islands, Believe Global started its first missions trip in Papua New Guinea.

Believe Global has since been involved in both Papua New Guinea and Fiji, seeking to bring sustainable change and development through impacting five key spheres of influence leadership, business, education, health and the Church.

The Believe Team are convinced that this is the opportune time in history to build a movement that will release a nation’s greatest asset - her people.

Believe Fiji 2019 Believe Global sent 300 people to Fiji in August for this year’s Believe Campaign.

Over a two week period, missions teams ran programs in marketplaces, schools, hospitals, children’s homes and prisons.

In this time, the Believe Schools tour presented a governmentendorsed motivational program to 38 primary schools and 36 secondary schools, impacting about 50,000 students face-toface. In each school, 95-100% of students responded positively to the message, making a commitment to be the change that Fiji needs.

Night rallies were also held in Labasa & Lautoka, and two ‘Nights of National Celebration’ were conducted in Suva. Over three nights of regional rallies in Labasa and Lautoka, 83,000 people attended and over 40,000 responded to the gospel message. There were many testimonies of instant healing and

miracles as the Lord moved powerfully each night.

As part of the campaign, Planetshakers wrote an song for exclusive release in Fiji called ‘Brighter Day’. Across the campaign, this song was launched on radio stations and profiled on TV shows all across the country, releasing a powerful sound to a generation.

National Celebration The Believe Fiji 2019 campaign concluded with a huge crowd of approximately 40,000 in the outdoor carpark of Vodafone Arena in Suva. This ‘Night of National Celebration’ was broadcast live across the nation on FijiTV and streamed to the globe via FijiTV’s online streaming service, as well as Planetshakers Facebook Live.

After this significant time in Fiji, Director Neil Smith stated, “We were face to face with over 15% of the population in 14 days. We are believing that it was a tipping point for a move of God in the nation of Fiji.”

Indeed, we look forward to a brighter day for Fiji as the body of Christ works together in unity and strength.

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NEWS

CHRISTIAN WOMEN LEADERS IN HISTORIC VISIT TO AUSTRALIA’S CAPITAL Canberra— 40 leaders from Australia’s leading church denominations and Christian organisations joined together for an historic visit to Canberra, addressing in part the shocking levels of violence toward women and children in the Pacific while asking elected leaders to reinforce partnership efforts with the Australian and Pacific Church.

With every mainline denomination represented, the cohort was the largest delegation of female Christian leaders to travel to Federal Parliament.

Their unified effort was coordinated through the efforts of Micah Australia, and comes in part from the gravity of the Pacific situation where nearly 87% of children and one in four adolescent girls across eight countries experience physical violence regularly. One in ten experience sexual violence, according to a recent report from Australia’s leading aid and development NGOs. The leaders met with Senior Ministers and Members of Parliament from both major political parties, including the Prime Minister, advocating for policies supporting and protecting vulnerable women and children in the Pacific, while also encouraging continual leadership around Australia’s commitment to advocacy for a just world.

The ACC was well represented with Darlene Zschech, Ally Cawthorn (WA), Donna Hall (SA), Deb Van Bennekom (QLD), Lucy Konda (ACT), Bronwyn Bonnell (NSW) Donna Crouch (Hillsong) and others involved in this significant event.

With Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Darlene Zschech, Donna Crouch & Bronwyn Bonnell

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WHY I SUPPORT 1DAY – SEAN STANTON

1DAY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF CHANGED LIVES It’s a simple idea that continues to change the lives of people all around the world – give one day’s salary to help ACCI reach families and communities in need. This year marks the tenth year of ACCI’s 1Day campaign and also the tenth time Canberra’s Life Unlimited Church will take up this life-changing offering. Pastor SEAN STANTON explains why this partnership remains so important to him and his congregation.

“I have been on a number of missions trips and seen the amazing work our field workers are doing in developing nations. One thing always stands out – if there was a little bit more resource, how much more they could do to impact the communities they live and serve in. When Alun Davies first raised the idea of the 1Day campaign, I knew immediately that it would be an incredible way of focusing our congregation on missions and creating opportunities for them to personally become involved and give beyond themselves to change lives.

Pastors Lynda & Sean Stanton of LifeUC in Canberra

the field workers and it’s very well organised. We know the funds will be managed, that the field workers will be supported and held accountable, and there will be best practice in the way projects are carried out.

We initially held 1Day in our church at mid year; then about four years ago, we moved it to a Christmas campaign.

The way we communicate it is: ‘You’re giving and you’re receiving gifts, so in the spirit of Christmas, why not give a gift to somebody who – on this side of eternity – may never get to thank you but it will have eternal value.’

Whenever I now go to the field, the impact continues to be profound. I often stand there amazed and so deeply moved when I see whole villages coming to know Jesus. On top of that, there’s the physical transformation of people’s lives – food, education and micro-businesses that are not only generating income but giving them hope.

The impact and lift that the Gospel gives, when it is words, faith and deeds, is extraordinary.

More info: www.1day.guide

Life UC has always been a mission-minded church.

Supporting ACCI was an easy decision because we have great personal relationships through the movement with

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FACTS ON MODERN SLAVERY • It’s estimated that internationally there are over 40 million people in modern slavery today.

Assessing the full scope of human trafficking is difficult because so cases so often go undetected.

PRAY FOR FREEDOM

The World Assemblies of God Executive Council has made October the month for focused prayer for victims of sex exploitation, slavery and human trafficking. The ACC supports this initiative and we encourage you to set aside a date in October to pray for the victims of human trafficking and declare freedom for all.

• Human trafficking generates more than $150 billion (US) every year and is the fastestgrowing criminal industry in the world.

• Globally, an estimated 71% of enslaved people are women and girls, while men and boys account for 29% • One in four victims of modern slavery is a child.

• The average age a teen enters the sex trade in the US is 12 to 14 years old. Many victims are runaway girls who were sexually abused as children.

• North Korea is the nation with the highest prevalence of modern slavery, with one in ten people affected, according to estimates from the Global Slavery Index.

Labour Slavery. About 50% of slavery toil in forced labour in industries where manual labour is needed—farming, ranching, logging, mining, fishing, and brick making—and in service industries working as dish washers, janitors, gardeners, and maids.

Sex Slavery. About 12.5% are trapped in forced prostitution sex slavery.

Forced Marriage Slavery.

About 37.5% are trapped in forced marriages.

Child Slavery. About 25% of today’s slaves are children.

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STORIES OF HOPE

BRINGING HELP & HOPE TO OUR DR ACC pastors JOEL & JULIA A’BELL have a huge heart for the great wide sunburnt land of Australia. They have made three trips to drought affected regions to see for themselves and talk to those struggling in severe conditions, to find out what we can do to help.

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ntil you see it first hand, it’s hard to believe it could be this bad. It is!

Drought in Australia is defined by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology as rainfall over a three-month period being in the lowest decile of what has been recorded for that region in the past.

Bureau of Meteorology records since the 1860s show that a ‘severe’ drought has occurred in Australia, on average every 18 years. The worst droughts to affect the country occurred in the 21st century – between the years 2003 to 2012, and 2017 to current.

The current drought we are experiencing affects everyone – our farmers, their families, our farming communities and their economies, mental and relational health and ultimately our nation.

We have taken the stance that this is our nation and therefore this drought is our problem. It’s so easy at times, in city and coastal areas, to live oblivious to the very real problems our rural, regional and outback Australians are facing.

Rising debt, marriage breakdown, mental health, stress and even suicide are just some of the results of this drought.

We have made three significant trips out west (as we live on the east coast) to see what we might be able to do.

It’s very confronting to see the scale of the drought but in the words of Denis Woolridge, ‘There is something everybody can do’ to help with this drought: HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS: 1. CARE Start by caring. We decided that this is not a farmer’s problem, this is also our problem. Our nation. Our problem. Let the farmers know we care. If you know a farmer, contact them and encourage them. Care goes a long way.

2. PRAY Pray for rain. Pray for strength. Pray for families and communities affected by the drought. Our prayers are powerful.

3. GIVE Give to reputable ‘support networks and organisations’ that are getting finances to farmers and their communities where it is most needed. Our church is partnering with Convoy of Hope, a faith-based humanitarian organisation that helps empower others to live independent lives free from poverty, disease and hunger. Convoy of Hope in Australia will ensure that giving gets to those affected by the drought in the way of much needed hay, water and A Day of Hope festival, bringing HOPE in the midst of devastation.

1. QUEENSLAND When: 7 May 2019 Where: Bongeen and Cecil Plains (just past Toowoomba) Who: We met with bush chaplains, Denis & Rose Woolridge, and Aussie farmers. We took this trip with Sue Mulhare who is pastoring a great ACC church alongside her husband Chris in Toowoomba.

4. GO Convoy of Hope in Australia are looking to do a ‘Day of Hope’ by partnering with local churches everywhere who are willing to financially contribute and take a community festival into the worst affected areas. A Day of Hope would involve delivering much needed hay (the last delivery of hay that Jacko delivered to Come By Chance farmers cost $50,000) and water whilst providing services for locals like hair cuts, pamper, rides for the kids and a free ‘feed’. In the midst of devastation, it’s amazing the joy this kind of festival brings to individuals, families and the community. We are looking to do up to 20 Days of Hope between November 2019 and June 2020.

If you or your church would like to contribute financially [giving is through ACCI and is tax deductible] or partner with Convoy of Hope and own one of these Days of Hope, contact the team here. [Insert link] This is our nation. Your care and contribution will make a huge difference to individuals and communities. Let’s love our drought ravaged nation back to life.

Thank you.

2. NEW SOUTH WALES When: 17 May 2019 Where: Broken Hill and Wilcannia Who: We went with Dave ‘Jacko’ Jackson (bush chaplain and WesternAir founder) and Caleb and Renee Dwyer (NSW ACC regional leaders).

3. NEW SOUTH WALES When: 9 September 2019 Where: Dubbo out to Walgett and Come By Chance –some of the worst affected areas in NSW Who: We went with Dave ‘Jacko’ Jackson and a delegation from Convoy of Hope and a brilliant photographer, Andy James.

Joel & Julia A’Bell are the founders and senior pastors of RVTLS Church in Cronulla, Sydney.

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ROUGHT RAVAGED LAND ‘THERE IS SOMETHING EVERYBODY CAN DO’ -DENIS WOOLRIDGE

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STORIES OF HOPE

INSPIRING HOPE WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BRING HOPE?

PRAY

On Sunday 14th July, ACC congregations across Australia united in a Day of Prayer for drought-breaking rain.

Since then, many congregations have continued to rally their congregations to pray fervently for rain and for those whose lives are in dire straits after years of unrelenting drought conditions. Let’s keep this crisis situation on the top of our prayer requests.

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SUPPORT Sometimes it is the simplest, practical ways that make a huge impact. Think outside the box and find a solution to those everyday problems - as Oasis Church did.

Glen Innes is enduring the worst drought in centuries with the longest water restrictions on record.

Graeme Bell said, “We want to be of benefit to people physically as well as spiritually, if that makes sense.”

The church has also set up a community garden plot for church members.

Pastor Graeme said, “The idea is that we teach families to grow vegetables and/or kids. Then they harvest what they produce and then they bring other stuff to cook a meal and also teach people how to cook wholesome meals as well, then they share a meal together.”

OASIS CHURCH OFFERS FREE LAUNDRY SERVICE TO FARMERS Oasis Church in Glen Innes made front page news of the local newspaper for its initiative to help local farmers facing water shortages in the drought.

Oasis church recently purchased a washing machine, set up outside its Grey street address, which they have been offering free to locals. Pastor Graeme Bell said some farmers have got a fair bit of work out of it over the last few weeks.

GIVE

GENERATION CITY CHURCH DONATES TO AID DROUGHT The annual ‘Heart for Humanity’ initiative of Generation City Church, in partnership with Newcastle Care (GCC’s Community Services arm), presented WesternAir Care with a much needed injection of funds for drought relief. Pastors Marty & Margot McCrindle were pleased to present Pastor Dave & Kerrie Jackson with the cheque. 100% of all donations received by WesternAir Care goes to supporting our farmers in drought.

Financial support can make a huge difference to farmers and those in farming communities who have lost their livelihood because of the drought.

Taking up an offering is a tangible way to show people how much we care for their situation. The ACCI Drought Appeal works with our local churches and ministries to distribute the funds to those who are in desperate need of help: CLICK HERE TO DONATE

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Photo: Westernair Care

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CHURCH TEAM BRINGS HOPE TO COME BY CHANCE COMMUNITY A local church team, co-ordinated by Andrew Hunter of Petersham AOG, went to Cumborah to help with a Hay Run and host a ‘Farmers and Families Fun Day earlier in the year.

Following the success of this, they were invited to do the same for the Come By Chance community in September.

Come By Chance is a community of approximately 190 people located 645 kilometres from Sydney between Coonamble , Narrabri and its closest (58km) town of Walgett.

“Through the generous donations of our supporters and

Taking the time, travelling the distance and coming faceto-face with the locals in the drought ravaged regions is a massive statement that says, “We care about you!”

Consider sending a team from your local church who bring love and hope by going to bless a struggling community. Contact your ACC State office to find out how you can partner with a local ministry.

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the RAA, we were able to deliver over 180 bales of hay to provide greatly needed feed to help sustain the breeding stock of over 12 farming families,” said Andrew. “We were told that this is the first feed assistance that most of these farmers had received, during this current drought, likely due to their isolation.”

The team of 20, from Petersham AOG, Cornerstone Epping and New Life Katoomba, assisted with delivering the hay and staging the event, with support from six different churches including Gilgandra, Katoomba, Narrabri, Nyngan, Petersham

and a ‘ring in’ from Hillsong London.

“We fed over 90 of the community on the day , with sausage and rissole sandwiches, as well as hot chips, drinks, fairy floss and snow cones,” said Andrew. “For the kids, there was also face painting and lollies with a jumping castle and giant slide.

And for the ladies some small care packages with hand creams and body lotion.”

Delivering three road trains of hay, providing about 80 tonnes of food, and hosting a social event for the community was a great way of showing the love of Jesus.

Photos: Westernair Care 13

COMMUNITY

OUT THE BOX

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY SEE GOD THIS CHRISTMAS

BY PAUL BARTLETT

Have you ever wondered what God’s Spirit looks like to your community?

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s Christians, we can often experience God’s tangible presence while singing or listening to our favourite worship song or listening to an inspiring message or podcast. I might be strange (don’t answer that!) but I experience God’s Spirit regularly when engaging with my community.

We often forget that in the Old Testament, God’s Spirit was often communicated as being a place you can visit. After all, there was the Ark of the Covenant housed in a tent or tabernacle. If you wanted to know where God was, someone could literally give you an address. Through Jesus, God was released from the box.

It is when we serve our community, we reveal to people that God isn’t a place or destination; it shows He’s been woven into the lives of people everyday in all environments.

A great way to illustrate that ‘God is out of the box’ is David

‘Jacko’ Jackson’s story from Gilgandra New Life Centre in western NSW. Jacko has been raising money to take bails of hay to drought affected farmers and I love how he describes what he does as “when God looks like a bail of hay.”

It’s true. Sometimes God looks like hay; sometimes He looks like a warm meal; and other times He looks like a volunteer at a local community event.

With Christmas on the horizon, we can invite people to our church address to hear about God but perhaps we can let people see Him. I encourage you and your church to let God ‘out of the box’ by showing up in practical ways into the lives of your community.

It could look like collecting toys or food to give away, or holding a Christmas Street Party.

Here are some ideas to help you think outside the box and how you can visibly bring God into your community.

Paul Bartlett is the national director of ACC Community Engagement, and senior pastor of Lighthouse Church in Wollongong, NSW. 14

PRACTICAL WAYS TO BRING GOD INTO YOUR COMMUNITY THIS CHRISTMAS families in your community and build a great relationship with your local schools.

1. Ask the question: What can we do to help? Ask your local council, and if you can’t get to the Mayor, then ask the “City Life Directors” most councils have them and they are in charge of all sorts of projects and events across your local area. Simply make an appointment and ask where they need support. You will be surprised by their appreciation of your concern and desire. Or if not council ask your local service providers in your area where you are needed to help them.

5. Make a connection with any hospitals in your area.

Find out if you can give presents this Christmas to families who have a sick child and are doing it tough. It does not have to be hundreds sometimes a more generous gift for one or two families has a better impact than a lot of cheap toys to many families.

2. Pick a significant event in your area and offer your support with volunteers. Almost everyone who is running an event like carols, fairs, fun runs, is always looking for volunteers it does not matter if you have one or two to offer or 50 people they always are appreciated.

6. Often the loneliest and forgotten people in our communities are the elderly. It is a fact that a lot of elderly people sit week in week out with out meaningful visits or interaction. This is an area that is always appreciated by nursing homes and retirement complexes. Contact them and ask them how your church can be involved.

3. Collect food or clothing for local charities. Around Christmas time, charities are always needing support. It is always better to contact them first and find out what they specifically need more of before you start collecting.

7. Pick a Charity or even a family in need or distress Find out how your whole church could be involved in helping them on one day. It could be a clean-up of a home or area in the community or a day where a local charity is doing some event or function and needs help. This sort of approach has a great impact and helps your community understand that you are interested in things outside of your church walls. It could become an annual event that you organise to support someone or something different every year.

4. Contact your local schools and ask them if you can help. It could be supplying school essentials for students whose parents are struggling to give their children school bags and uniforms, exercise books, pens and pencils for the new year. We did this a few years running and found every school has students that they are trying to support. This a beautiful way to really show practical love and support for

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GOVERNANCE

TOP 5 FOR STRENGTHENING OUR CHURCHES

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Q&A WITH JEFFREY BARTLETT Over the past six years in the role of ACC General Manager, JEFFREY BARTLETT has been instrumental in outworking the many great governance and best practice initiatives of the National Executive, to strengthen the Movement and ACC local churches. ACC E-MAG spoke to him about some of the new standards, legislation and expectations for churches in Australia.

1. NATIONAL REDRESS SCHEME ACC has been engaged in the plans for, and design of the National Redress Scheme since the first Round Table gatherings with the Royal Commission in 2014. The autonomous nature of churches in our Movement means that ACC cannot opt-in to the scheme on behalf of its members. So ACS Financial have been working with the Department of Social Services (the department responsible for the Redress Scheme) to develop a bespoke solution enabling our churches to opt-in as part of a group. You may have recall Pastor Wayne Alcorn’s encouragement at National Conference for ACC churches to be part of the Scheme.

In late August ACS advised its customers that the ACS Mutual has been formally accepted and recognised as a Participating Group under the National Redress Scheme. This will provide ACS Mutual Members with the ability to opt-in to the National Child Redress Scheme with minimum risk, cost and effort, and to provide financial protection from any Redress claims participating organsiations may face.

Q: With constantly changing legislation, how important is it for churches to remain on top of, and above board when it comes to governance?

Jeffrey: There’s of course the legal requirement to comply with legislation; failure to do so can result in fines and/or having charitable registration revoked by the ACNC. But beyond the legal requirement, I believe there’s a moral onus on us to operate our ministries at a standard of governance that is a great witness to all stakeholders, including the community at large.

It can be very daunting for our churches to navigate this space. I’d always encourage our Senior Pastor’s to gather members of their congregations around them with a mix of governance and admin skills, and to utilise the great resources provided by ACC, ACCI, ACS, professional services and government departments.

This Governmental approval of Participating Group is an exciting development - one which ACS have been waiting on and working towards for a long time. There’s some great information available from ACS to help explain the Redress Scheme further.

Q: What are some of the key current matters you’d love for our churches to be aware of?

Jeffrey: Ah great question. Here would be my top five at the moment:

More Information on the National Redress Scheme Click here to read the full ACS update.

A short video from ACS is also available here.

Queries can be directed to ACS on 1800 646 777 >

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Q: While we’re on the topic, anything else in the area of Child Protection you’d like to comment on?

Jeffrey: Yes, as we draw towards the season of renewing credentials, some of our Pastors will need to update their child protection training. It is a requirement of holding an ACC credential that Pastors complete child protection training every three years. The Safer Churches Refresher Course for credential holders can be accessed online, as can the Safer Church Induction and Safer Churches Volunteers courses.

As a general reminder, any queries to do with Child Protection matters can be addressed to your State Safer Churches Officer (call your State Office), or the National Safer Churches Helpline, 1800 070 511. In addition, the Safer Churches section of our Pastor’s Login is filled with great guidelines and templates to assist our churches: Safer Churches Courses • Safer Churches Refresher Course • Safer Churches Induction • Safer Churches Essentials (General Volunteers)

More Information on the Whistleblower Protections Whistleblower Protections Factsheet and Template Policy available on Pastor’s Login 4. FRINGE BENEFIT TAXATION EXEMPTIONS The ATO recently released a new ruling about the requirements for FBT exemption for benefits provided to religious practitioners. One of the changes in the new ruling is a tightening around the six characteristics which identify a minister of religion, where now all must apply “except in rare cases” (previously “most if not all”). The ACC Fringe Benefits and Churches Guide has been updated to reflect these changes.

More Information on Fringe Benefit Taxation The ACC Fringe Benefits and Churches guide is available on Pastor’s Login.

5. RECORD KEEPING Record keeping is an important and often undervalued administrative function in any organisation. Benefits to effective record keeping include learning from historical events, tracking the evolution of an organisation in order to continuously improve, and assisting to deliver just outcomes in legal matters.

The minimum length of time records should be kept varies according to the type of record. ASIC and employee records must be kept for minimum of 7 years, with ATO records a minimum 5 years or longer where assets are held. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommends (8.1) that institutions that engage in child-related work should retain, for at least 45 years, records relating to child sexual abuse that has occurred or is alleged to have occurred to allow for delayed disclosure of abuse by survivors.

In these days of digital storage, record keeping no longer requires large amounts of physical space, rather records can be scanned and stored. Scanning with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) also means that typed documents may be word searchable. The time or costs involved in this digitisation can be minimal when compared with the benefits provided.

2. ACNC’S EXTERNAL CONDUCT STANDARDS ACNC’s External Conduct Standards, which came into effect on 23 July 2019, guide the governance of charities’ work overseas.

These apply to all registered charities, including Basic Religious Charities, when they are operating outside Australia, or working with a third party operating outside Australia.

There are a number of common scenarios where ACC churches must comply with the External Conduct Standards include funding work overseas, sending donations to an organisation overseas, conducting activities overseas and sending other people overseas.

ACCI have put together some excellent resources to assist churches understand their obligations with regard to External Conduct Standards.

More Information on External Conduct Standards • ACCI External Conduct Standards Info • ACCI Due Diligence Self-Assessment Tool • Corney & Lind Webinar 15th October 2019

More Information on Record Keeping An article on record keeping, it’s usefulness, time frames for different records and methods can be read here. Whilst this article is written with businesses in mind, the principals can be applied to our churches and ministries.

• ACNC for more information and a webinar 3. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS A new section of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (1317AI) has been introduced which aims to encourage ethical whistleblowing and discourage white collar crime, while holding employers accountable for protecting eligible whistleblowers.

From 1 January 2020, certain companies and incorporated associations will be required to have a whistleblower policy that complies with this new section of the Corps Act. This requirement (to have a policy in place by 1 Jan 2020) carries a $12,600 penalty for non-compliance. Severe civil and criminal penalties will apply to employers who breach the whistleblower protections.

To assist our churches, ACC has had developed a factsheet and template policy which can be adjusted to suit your church and then adopted.

Q: Anything else as we close?

Jeffrey: Yes, as you can see from the above, there are many resources that are made available on our Pastor’s Login – it’s such a great ‘go-to’ for our churches as they work through complex issues. The current site is not the easiest to navigate, so we’re developing a new site with much greater searching capability. I’ll be talking about this more when it goes live in coming months.

Jeffrey Bartlett is the General Manager of the Australian Christian Churches.

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LENDING FOR CHURCHES & SCHOOLS Lending and finance landscape When it comes to church loans, too often it can feel like a David and Goliath scenario. The challenge of obtaining finances for a church or Not-For-Profit can seem completely overwhelming and impossible to achieve. Remember where your help comes from.

The challenge for churches

The ACS Difference

It can seem an insurmountable task acquiring all the documentation required and proving to lenders why your church is suitable for a loan.

The biggest challenge churches face when it comes to acquiring a loan is being a church and "not fitting" the standard lending model, just like Saul’s armour didn’t fit David. Some banks won't even consider an application from a church or Not-For-Profit, as they simply struggle to understand the way a church operates.

We get Church. We understand the ins and outs, and our deep understanding of church finance and our faith values means we can simplify the process for you from end to end. The Banking sector rarely knows where to start with church lending and some lenders even contact ACS for help, as churches are known for having complex structures which can make securing a loan very difficult.

Our team of experts can provide the right advice and ensure you are getting the right product for your needs. We can also help you avoid excessive fees that can often be associated with lenders.

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1800 952 373 www.acsfinancial.com.au commerciallending@acsfinancial.com.au

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UNDER THE SURFACE OF PENTECOSTALISM

BY DR JACQUELINE GREY

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here has been a surge of interest in Pentecostals in recent months.

This has mostly been sparked by the association of the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, with this Christian community. The mainstream Australian media has also jumped on the bandwagon.

Journalists have attended Pentecostal church services to observe and comment on their experience. Jacqueline Maley’s observations in a Sydney Morning Herald article highlight the positive vibes and welcoming smiles of their worship services. Other journalists, such as Elle Hardy’s article in the Guardian, have emphasised the popular appeal of Pentecostals who have (she purports) developed historically “with less content, more show”. She caricatures Pentecostals as religious entrepreneurs with an inspirational message and a product to sell.

Their reporting exemplifies a tendency in the media to stereotype Pentecostalism as superficial.

Yet, because a Kardashian occasionally attends a Pentecostal church, does that make it a shallow form of Christianity?

Is there any substance behind the ‘trendy image’ projected by Pentecostals?

In her visit to Horizon church, Jacqueline Maley meets various members of the congregation and staff. This includes the media manager, Kristy. Kristy is described as “a pretty blonde woman with a soft floral scarf floating around her neck and a brilliant, bone-white smile.” From this definition, you would expect a person whose highest qualification is an Instagram account. Yet a basic internet search reveals that Kristy is an ordained pastor, serves as Executive Pastor at Horizon church, and preaches regularly. She is also on the board of an international aid agency and has degrees in Arts and Education, as well as a Masters (International Studies) from Sydney University.

The theology of her preaching on a church podcast emphasises hope amid suffering. While this female Pentecostal pastor is dismissed in the Maley article as a ‘pretty blonde’, there is more substance behind the image than the reporting allows.

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Similarly, the Hardy article harshly critiques Pentecostalism as essentially peddling spiritualized self-help. She dismisses their worship services in global urban centres as a combination of “uplifting songs” and sermons disguised as “self-help courses”.

Yet, Hardy does not seem interested to look beyond the packaging. While she notes that under their street-smart image Pentecostalism is not much different to other evangelical groups within Christianity, she is not interested in understanding the purpose and function of the packaging. Instead, she dismisses it as shallow. Yet, the form of the message is a big part of the content of the Pentecostal message. The form – the packaging of Pentecostalism – unashamedly utilises contemporary language and style. The worship songs sound like the contemporary music heard on popular media. Their services are creative, often using the sound and lighting of a concert. The preachers will speak to practical issues and use contemporary communication techniques. However, this is not just spiritualised entertainment. The form matches the content: God is real, they are declaring, and speaks your language.

BECAUSE A KARDASHIAN OCCASIONALLY ATTENDS A PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, DOES THAT MAKE IT A SHALLOW FORM OF CHRISTIANITY?

This is not to deny the pitfalls of such grassroots movements.

Pentecostals have sometimes uncritically embraced secular practices. They have not been immune to the pervading challenges of money, sex and power. Pentecostals can find it difficult to separate some of the unhelpful aspects of cultural forms from the helpful, such as untethering personal empowerment from Western individualism, or materialism from flourishing. Yet, while outsiders might scoff that true community cannot be found in a mega-church, attendees of Pentecostal churches are some of the most committed in the country.

Orthodox Christians hold that central to the message of the gospel is that God came to earth, taking on human form.

Jesus Christ was born in a particular historical moment, lived among and spoke the language of the community of that time.

He died and rose again to reconcile us back to God. The form is important: Christ took on human form to reach humanity.

Mirroring this principle, Pentecostals use contemporary language, communication methods and music to reach out to the current generation. Specifically targeting youth, but reaching out to all generations, Pentecostals seek to go into the world using culturally applicable methods to point to Jesus Christ.

Recent NCLS data shows Pentecostals to be the second highest average weekly attendees of churches in Australia - second only to the Catholics. Pentecostal attendees now represent half of active Protestants in Australia. This is primarily not simply because of their happy environment and trendy image, but due to a deep theological conviction that the Holy Spirit empowers all believers regardless of their age, gender, class, education or ethnicity.

This is not new; there is a long tradition in the Church using contemporary methods of communication and of adapting secular or folk tunes for worship. In fact, this idea goes even further back to the worship of ancient Israel that also used forms of worship common to the unbelieving nations around them. Yet in each case, the various forms were not simply adopted, but adapted. The original purpose and use of these creative forms from the world (whether music, tunes, or communication styles) have been transformed for the worship of our Creator God.

For Pentecostals, the use of contemporary forms of communication and worship has pneumatological significance.

That is, they believe that the Holy Spirit is at work to empower believers to reach the lost. As a community, the church is called and empowered by the gifts of the Spirit for its mission to the ends of the world. Therefore, within the Australian Pentecostal community, a “pretty blonde” can be an ordained pastor – as can an older Tongan man, an outback jillaroo, and a young ‘surfer dude’. Each person can represent Christ to the world through the empowering of the Spirit.

Transformation is a key word for Pentecostals. As Hardy quotes, Pentecostals are “looking not to save souls, but transform societies.” In this, Hardy is partially correct.

Pentecostalism does seek to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ and see them changed in all areas of their lives. It is holistic change; that relationships will be restored, families reconciled, financial situations redeemed, their vocations and work given purpose. For this reason, many Pentecostal pastors will say that they preach to help people on Monday, not just Sunday. They seek to empower their church community with practical and theological tools to live holistically the message of Jesus Christ. Is this self-help? In some sense, it is. However, the purpose of the practical emphasis is the transformation of people, communities, society and creation to live as consistently as possible with the gospel. It is not, as Hardy fears, a political movement per se – its transformative impact, however, is widespread.

For the broader Australian society struggling to see the relevancy of Christ, Pentecostals seek to create a bridge and speak the language of our community for the purposes of the furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the substance behind the image of Pentecostalism. No doubt, that is what Hardy (and others who reduce all of life to politics) most fear – that in fact there is more to life than is dreamed of in the Guardian, and that large numbers of ordinary people in the West may well have gone off in search of it.

Dr Jacqueline Grey is the Dean of Theology and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Alphacrucis College. This article originally appeared in Eternity News in May, 2019.

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WHAT THE ARMY TAUGHT ME ABOUT TRAINING...

BY RALPH ESTHERBY

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he Australian Army exists to defend our borders and to support those around the world who are in need. To achieve this end, the army is (and has always been) a training organisation. Soldiers are only ever going to be effective if they are well trained – the last ten years have taught me many things but one of the most important things I have gleaned from that time has been the truth regarding the importance of training.

Where does training fit in your church and in your personal ministry?

Culture of Personal Responsibility In the Army, everyone is responsible for their own development.

You are responsible for your own physical fitness, your mental toughness and your knowledge of the job you are required to do. When things change, you are responsible to adapt.

How intentional are you about upskilling yourself, your leaders and your people in the abilities they need to effectively live their lives and impact their communities?

Ministry is a self-regulated industry insofar as the responsibility is ours to develop our skills and improve our practice. We cannot wait for someone else to do it for us or to us – we have to make a decision to take the responsibility for ourselves.

My observation is that it is really easy to fall into the trap of becoming satisfied with our current skills and stalling our own development. We can easily get to the point where we think that we are an ‘old dog’ and we don’t need to learn any ‘new tricks’. The fact is, that we are surrounded by a world that is changing at an incredible pace and if we are not intentional, we will rapidly become out of date and run the risk of becoming irrelevant.

Culture of Corporate Expertise The Army is not only about what I know and what I can do – it is about what we all know and what we can achieve together.

The truth is that I am constantly surrounded by people who know more than I do and are better at most things than I am. When I choose to ‘lean in’ and play my part, together we become awesome.

At the point when I joined the army, I had completed 20 years of ministry. I felt that I was effective, passionate and creative, but I was stuck in a pattern of doing similar things year upon year. From the moment I started, the Army shook me up and changed my culture and I started to grow in every way. It revolutionised my ministry, my church and my expectation for the future. It is a culture that I would recommend we adopt within our churches.

Do you view yourself in isolation – within your church or within your movement?

Together there is strength and unity of purpose. Remember, the whole is more than the sum of its parts.

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Culture of Continual Improvement Every year – built into ever Officer’s annual review is a question regarding what you are doing to improve yourself – Physically, Professionally and Mentally.

Since I have joined the army, I have been encouraged every year to undertake training and development to improve my understandings, skills and effectiveness. This has led me into areas of developing skills in PTSD, Mental Health, Strategic Leadership, managing of resources and advanced conflict management skills.

The more I learn, the more I realise there is to learn. None of us would take our car to a mechanic who has not done any updated training since 1995 – why would we expect the community to come to us if we are not up to date with what we should know. There is room for improvement!

Culture of Unhesitating Teamwork “If you can do it by yourself perhaps you are doing it wrong.”

Being part of the army challenged my fierce independence. It forced me to ask the questions: “Who can help you achieve the task faster, or more effectively?” or “Who can you be training to learn this task?”

Teamwork should not be an option; it should be a constant attitude we cultivate. There are skills within your church, skills within your team and skills within the community that are just waiting to be brought together to transform your current reality.

So, what have you learnt in the last 12 months, and what are you going to need to learn in the next 12 months?

What plans have you made for your development so that you and your church can be ready for all that the Lord has for you?

Maybe it’s time to enrol in a course, time to upskill your pastoral care skills; maybe it’s business skills you are lacking,; maybe a fresh look at theology or preaching and presentation skills.

Whatever it is – it is up to you to do it.

Let’s never stop training and lets never stop making difference!

Ralph Estherby is National Director of Chaplaincy Australia and is an Army Chaplain.

Visit www.chaplaincyaustralia.com for more details on training and self-development opportunities.

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TEAMWORK SHOULD NOT BE AN OPTION; IT SHOULD BE A CONSTANT ATTITUDE WE CULTIVATE.

CAN ROBOTS REPLACE PASTORS?

BY MAL FLETCHER In May 2017, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, German technologists introduced a robotic priest. They christened it BLESS U-2.

It was a very rudimentary entry into the burgeoning field of robotics: you pushed a button and received a spoken blessing. The designers’ goal, however, was much loftier than their creation suggested.

They wanted to spark a debate on whether machines might one day replace pastors and priests.

Much is spoken and written about automation, industry 4.0, smart cities and the like. Most of it struggles to keep up with developments in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Every week there are announcements about potential breakthroughs in medicine, manufacturing, building and even the arts, which involve sophisticated robots.

Bless U-2

Many church leaders will struggle to see the relevance of this to their calling and day-to-day work.

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addressed this very issue in a keynote to a London summit entitled Robotics and the Church. I reminded people that artificial intelligence and robotics are already adding value to the human experience.

For example, they’re helping to design advanced prosthetic devices that can be more accurately fitted to the human body.

Meanwhile, wireless mind-machine connectivity offers great benefits for people whose movement has been restricted by strokes and other conditions.

In the workspace, robots will potentially reduce the number of routine tasks human beings carry out. This may free people to spend more time on more rewarding tasks, such as formulating new ideas.

Along with the potential benefits, though, there are clear challenges ahead. Projections suggest that up to 800 million jobs will be automated in the next 15 to 20 years, on a global basis.

One study suggested that 40 per cent of current jobs in Australia will be automated in that time. We’re not talking here simply about jobs involving manual labour. Robotics will radically impact high-end occupations, too.

Already, AI-driven systems are changing the practice of law, medicine, journalism and even symphonic composition.

Of course, every new technology gives rise to new types of human employment - that is the record of history. (Before the printing press, nobody worked as a type-setter.)

The challenge of our time, however, is the sheer pace of change. Will people be able to transition quickly enough, not simply from one job to another, but from one entire livelihood to another?

This is where things start to get interesting for church leaders.

Influence is born out of our capacity to consider and engage the likely future before it happens.

There is only One who can definitively predict the future.

Yet we are blessed by Him with the capacity to identify likely emerging needs, given current developments we see around us.

We do this using curiosity, imagination, experience and a heart that recognises that all the earth is the Lord’s and he is vitally interested in every aspect of it (Psalm 24:1).

We do it by adopting Israel’s commitment in the time of Nehemiah, to work for “the common good” (Neh. 2:18b NRSV). In our case, that means working for the benefit of the wider humanity, doing good for those who aren’t interested in our core message, or who won’t repay us in kind (Luke 6:3236).

Church leaders can engage and influence the era of automation in several important ways.

Pastors can launch programs to teach people transition skills.

A leader might, for example, adapt principles used in cognitive behavioural therapy (some of which reflect biblical principles anyway).

These or other mental and behavioural skills can be taught in small groups, which cater to people who are going through employment transition.

They could also be offered to university students. (The many students I speak to are already aware that they’ll face several career transitions.)

Church leaders can also teach practical measures for protecting privacy. In the past few years, several Big Tech companies have issued warnings about their smart devices.

EMPATHY REQUIRES SHARED HUMAN EXPERIENCE. THIS, BY DEFINITION, IS THE ONE THING A ROBOT CANNOT HAVE.

Smart-TVs, smartphones and other voice-enabled gadgets are now able to record private conversations. They store these recordings online, where hackers can access them and use them for identity theft.

Church leaders can also teach people how to be proactive about future change in general.

In my experience, as both a minister and a futurist, when it comes to the future people need hope even more than information.

That is not to say, though, that informing people about emerging change is useless - far from it. Faith is always wellinformed because it is born out of and motivated by the pursuit of truth.

We must train people to take practical steps in positively engaging change, because, as someone has said, “hope alone is not a strategy”.

There’s one more thing Christian leaders can do in the face of a growing reliance on AI and robotic devices. It relates to that question: “Can a robot do the work of a pastor?”

If by “work of a pastor” we mean running a church service, perhaps the answer is, yes. That’s certainly true if the service is highly mechanical and liturgical.

If, however, we mean articulating and modelling empathy for human beings; if we mean using that empathy to devise strategies for change in the community, then the answer is a resounding, no.

Empathy is one human skill robots will never master. To empathise is to place oneself in the shoes of another. It is to apply imagination and experience to help oneself feel what another person is feeling.

Empathy requires shared human experience. This, by definition, is the one thing a robot cannot have.

Today, social bots in Japanese aged care homes can emulate human emotion.

Robots will soon be even more “intuitive” and responsive then they are today. Yet empathy will still elude them, for emulating emotion is not the same as truly sharing it.

As we place more emphasis on the empathic sides of our work – in our contacts with people, our leadership and our preaching – we can bear witness to what makes people truly human.

We can help people recognise that while machines might emulate us, we remain unique creatures under God’s heaven.

Mal Fletcher is an ACC pastor and founder and chairman of 2020Plus based in London. © Mal Fletcher, 2019. First published 2030plus.com 25

YOUTH FOCUS

INFLUENCING

TEENS * IRL * [ IN REAL LIFE ]

Photo: Youth Alive UWS Queensland 26

Who has the greatest influence on a teenager’s life?

Peer groups Teachers, coaches, youth leaders Parents or family Social media/music/media Close intimate relationship Celebrities The reality is that any of these has an influence on a teenager today – it just depends to which degree each is positive or negative. Some are concerned that the influence of social media or popular culture are having a greater influence than ever before, as so many young people having their own digital device.

AMELIA DINGLE examines the ecology of influence and how youth leaders can be positive role models as opposed to fictional or fantasy figures.

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he first law of ecology is that everything is related to everything else, which means the power of influence in one area affects the power of other influences.

TV, movies, video games, fan-fiction, books, videos, social media and music influence all of us in some way; each can have a constructive or destructive impact.

The danger is when behaviours, values and beliefs are learnt from fictional characters, in fictional worlds (presented as real) where the content does not show what would happen if people behaved like this in real life.

Imitation occurs when one learns a new behaviour through observation and then imitates it, Instigation can be seen when the likelihood of a certain behaviour is increased due to influence.

Consider content with heavy violence. Many TV shows, movies and video games can depict the heroic figure as a lawbreaker or having violent tendencies. Glamourising aggression or what is really criminal activity can often presented as justifiable and courageous. Often war is used as a form of recreation, yet in reality, war is not a form of entertainment where there is a winner and loser; in real war everyone experiences loss.

Highly violent video games are often centred around the primary objective of killing other human characters. Video games such as Fortnite use fighting people as a form of entertainment in the quest to elevate yourself while eliminating others. The constant stimulation caused by these video games increases heart rate and releases dopamine into the brain’s reward and pleasure centres. This stimulation is addictive; as with all addictions, they constantly demand more stimulation to get the same level of pleasure.

A danger of influence is when we lose the ability to distinguish between reality and fiction.

The power of these messages is strongest when there is no-one to disagree with them.

When exploring this topic, it is critical to remember that we are influenced by more than just the media that surrounds us. Young people are often influenced more by their families, peers, role models, mentors, teachers and leaders.

This gives us the privilege as youth leaders to teach young people how to filter the messages they are continually receiving; and show them how to discern between fiction and reality. Interacting with real people and understanding real consequences will begin to disarm potentially harmful influences. > 27

A CRISIS IN THE MAKING…

DIGITAL ADDICTIONS

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igital addictions such as pornography and explicit fan-fiction leave young people with an inaccurate representation and unrealistic understanding of the world.

WE CAN BE ACTIVE AND INTENTIONAL IN SHOWING YOUNG PEOPLE HOW TO DISCERN BETWEEN FICTION AND REALITY.

A leader’s ego may be temporarily fed as they receive attention and ‘hero status’ for a short time if they push a few boundaries and maybe break a few rules.

They simply reinforce the message that ruling breaking is heroic.

As youth leaders, we can model better and more lasting ways to live. It is critical that we use our influence well. As trusted role models, we are constantly being observed. Just as the media can be imitated or instigate, so do we have the choice to use our influence positively or negatively.

Influences have the power to do so much good, but sin does what sin is so famous for doing: using the good as a cover to tempt us to do what would finally destroy us.

Reports from the AIFS show that just under half (44%) of children aged 9-16 surveyed had encountered sexual images in the last month. Of these, 16% had seen images of someone having sex and 17% of someone’s genitals.

This exposure can influence sexual practices and encourage unsafe sexual health practices, such as not using condoms and unsafe anal and vaginal sex.

Research on this topic reveals it is often the same curiosity that encourages young people to learn, grow and navigate the world that leads them into the trap of digital addictions. When there isn’t a safe place for young people to ask questions, they are left searching for answers online where they find an unrealistic representation. These representations are not just a harmless fantasy, but they become cognitive pathway which acts as a script for real life.

The overstimulation caused by pornography can often result in less enjoyment from real life sex. When young people imitate the behaviours they learn online, they are more likely to be abusive or let themselves be abused.

These digital addictions are increasing the likelihood of depression, abuse, harassment, risk taking and impulsivity, whilst diminishing rule following, attention spans, judgment, organisation, the ability to lean from past mistakes and empathy.

As youth leaders, it is important we are proactive in educating young people about the dangers of digital addictions and also a realistic understanding of the world.

The Australian government released a report which details the harm being done to Australian children through access to pornography on the Internet.

You can read the full report here .

As youth leaders, we can be active and intentional in showing young people how to discern between fiction and reality, and begin to disarm potentially harmful influences. In the midst of this big problem, we actually have a big influence – let’s make it positive!

Amelia Dingle is a youth leader in Sydney.

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Discover INTERVIEW

THE LAND JESUS CALLED HOME

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eople all over the world travel to the places where they have a personal connection. Why wouldn’t you go to the place where our faith began?

The ACC has partnered with Keshet Journeys, who believe travelling the land of Israel enables you to get to know Jesus better, to connect with Him more intimately and to understand His ministry in a more comprehensive way. ACC E-MAG spoke to the two directors of Keshet Journeys, MOSHE GABAY and MARNIX VAN EDE, about their unique tours that enable Christians to experience the land where Jesus lived.

Moshe & Marnix of Keshet Journeys

Marnix: I am came to Israel on a vacation about 13 years ago, and never really left after that. I grew up in a Christian family, and wanted to find out what faith meant for myself. I followed my parents in their walk of faith, but, it was not personal to me.

I decided to go on a vacation to Israel to find out what faith meant for myself. Here in the land, I had such an undeniable experience with God. Words in the Bible suddenly started to speak to me and I was on fire. I just said to God, “Here I am,” and it has never been the same. Coming to Israel transformed my life and now my mission is to enable others to have similar experiences. I am married and have three children.

Q: Tell us why you at Keshet are so passionate about people visiting Israel?

Moshe: The heart of our mission is to bring people closer to Jesus by journeying the land that Jesus called home. There is something here, in this land that genuinely inspires faith and somehow, when travelling through it, there are moments with God where we encounter Him in a new way.

Marnix: A lot of people come to Israel to simply visit the holy sites. At Keshet Journeys, we see it a little different. We can say that beyond a tour, this journey throughout Israel, is an encounter with God. It is a life changing experience, providing moments with God that are unique to every individual. We have seen this happen countless times.

Q: What do you love about your job and what you do?

Marnix: We love watching lives being transformed in front of our own eyes. We dare to say that we have never seen anyone leaving Israel unchanged. So, for us, we really do not see it as just a job, but rather, a mission.

Moshe: I love experiencing the impact a visit to the Holy Land has on people’s lives. We will never forget when Hillsong United come to record the music album ‘Of Dirt and Grace’. We worked 24/7 and based on descriptions of olive trees and even an army tank, we found the spots so they could accomplish what they envisioned. The album won a Dove Award and was watched by over a million people on YouTube.

Q: What was your own personal experience of visiting Israel for the first time?

Moshe: I was born in Switzerland to an Israeli father and a Swiss mum. In Switzerland, I attended a Pentecostal Church that never showed any interest in coming to Israel. At the age of 19, I decided to move to Israel and join the army for three years. After my army service, I’ve made it my mission to bring believers to Israel, to allow people to build even a closer relationship with Jesus. I am married and have two children.

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mountain and learning there about the Beatitudes, gives people a more authentic experience.

Marnix: Coming to the Holy Land, we always have to remember that it is not about where exactly Jesus stood, but how the Land tells us more about ‘His story’. Keshet is there to facilitate and to create those authentic moments, and to experience Him in that environment.

Q: Why do you think there are still so many Pastors and Christians who haven’t been to Israel yet?

Moshe: Since the Byzantine period, pilgrimages to the Holy Land were the main income for the empire and the local people. Today with the peak of tourism in all times, this has become crucial for the economy of the Israelis and the Palestinians. This is why the Holy Land industry became so commercial. Itineraries are being copied and pasted, and the tours became like hopping from one Catholic Church ground to the other, hoping to touch stones where Jesus might have been. Sometimes guides don’t even realise anymore what kind of background the group they are guiding has. We fully understand that this is not what a pastor is looking for himself or his congregation to experience.

Marnix: Another aspect is that touring the Holy Land can become political and most pastors want to stay out of politics.

Every pastor has met community members that have a very strong connection to Israel or hold a strong position for the Palestinians. Some pastors are therefore concerned that their Holy Land tour will turn into something political that can create tension or division within their congregation. The last

Q: Is there somewhere that you visit as part of a tour that you never get tired of going there?

Moshe: We love the Baptism site called Qasr el Yahud at the Jordan river: ‘Qasr el Yahud’ is the Arabic name of the baptism site, which means ‘the castle of the Jews’ and reflects on the passing of the Israelites into the Promised Land. The very same place is seen as the spot where Jesus was baptised by John.

Most certainly it is no coincidence that John picked this specific location for baptism, in order to emphasise that the Holy Spirit is changing our destiny as it changed the destiny of the Israelites.

The topographical significance of the site is the baptism site is located at almost the lowest point on earth. If you go lower, you’ll end up in the Dead Sea. The baptism site is located on a significant turning point: the last point before sweet water

From left: With Wayne & Lyn Alcorn on the Mount of Olives; With Rev. Dr. Lee and Yoido Full Gospel Church visiting the Praetorium; Chris Tomlin worshipping in Magdala’s ancient synagogue.

factor is the reality that travelling from Australia to Israel is not cheap and in general Israel is not a low cost destination.

turns into salt and dead water. From here, topographically and spiritually, you can only ascend to Jerusalem, on the top of the mountain.

Marnix: There is no question that you can encounter God anywhere in this world, but there is something very special about this land. So, we can tell you that you will never get enough of Israel!

Q: So how can pastors and churches experience the Holy Land in a different way with Keshet Journeys?

Marnix: Keshet’s strength is being sensitive to the vision and needs of each group. Therefore, no itinerary is the same. We want to adapt to your DNA, compose an itinerary based on that, and connect you with a fitting tour guide.

Moshe: To create a meaningful, non-commercial and nonpolitical experience, it is important that the main target of coming to Israel is to connect to Jesus. ‘His-story’ pierces through any tradition and religion and is giving people space to connect spiritually. Your Bible will come alive; it becomes 3D, and you will never read it in the same way again. And pastors will discover a new dimension of their teaching and preaching.

Marnix: Every group walks along the Via Dolorosa, the traditional street that Jesus did before His crucifixion. Jesus historically never walked this route and the ‘Praetorium of Pontius Pilate’ where Jesus trial took place has only recently been excavated. Visiting this excavation not only gives you the authentic site, but a private setting without any crowds.

Moshe: Around Galilee, Jesus did not give the Sermon of the Mount where the Church of the Beatitudes is standing today.

We don’t really know what exact location is, but instead of visiting the overcrowded Church, the fields surrounding the

Q: How can ACC people get in touch with you and plan their tour?

Marnix: We have a form on our website that asks the right questions about when, how etc. We will work with you to create the best environment for a great understanding of the message and tailor-make this trip to be a life changing experience for all of the participants.

Moshe: Please feel free if you have any question, we will be more than happy to help you to come here and enjoy every moment of the Land.

Email: Moshe@keshetjourneys.com Email: marnix@kehsetjourneys.com Website: www.keshetjourneys (with the option to ‘design your own experience’)

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ALPHACRUCIS

LIGHT A FIRE! T

America, the UK, Finland, Denmark; with a president who wastes no time, busy yet buoyant and as energised as ever for the future.

Stephen Fogarty recently launched his book: ’Light a Fire: How to Effectively Motivate Volunteers in Your Church’ to pastors in Finland amidst speaking engagements for ‘Pastor Development Days’ in Paris and Strasbourg.

The message of ‘Transforming Leadership’ never gets old in fact the demand for it is ever increasing with equally impressive outcomes. The QILT government student survey results, ranked AC’s Master of Leadership as #1 in Australian universities & higher education providers.

Transforming Leadership Program In August, AC launched its first cohort on Transforming Leadership Program for the contemporary Christian leader at its Parramatta campus with a mix of senior pastors, ministry leaders, business, leaders, NFP’s and Civic and Government leaders. They came from all over Australia to get equipped with the cognitive, emotional and behavioural resources necessary to help senior Christian leaders confidently lead their organisations at this critical point in history.

he 21st century presents fresh possibilities for leaders and entrepreneurs who are willing to be bold and innovative in a fast changing landscape. Alphacrucis College (AC), the trailblazers of Christian higher education are on a serious mission: Equipping Christian Leaders to Change the World.

The message is coming in loud and clear with Alphacrucis College’s highly qualified and experienced faculty, ranking amongst world-leading researchers in their fields, is determinedly focused on becoming a Christian University College in Australia.

“AC’s student enrolment in Melbourne alone has grown by 25% over the past 2 years, highlighting the need for AC to strategically develop our campuses in centralised locations to facilitate this growth,” says Alpharcrucis College President Stephen Fogarty.

New Melbourne facilities The Melbourne CBD campus has opened its doors this month with an impressive hub right in the heart of the city. AC is continuing to change the game in expanding their global partnerships and presence across Asia, South

The new Melbourne Campus boasts spaces where students and staff can interact with each other in relaxed and open-plan environments. State of the art classrooms are designed to be flexible and interactive, allowing for best-practice learning experiences..

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A L P H AC R U C I S C O L L E G E

Dr Lily Arasaratnam-Smith is the Deputy Vice President Student Affairs at Alphacrucis College - her primary area of expertise is intercultural communication, and one of the lecturers at the cohort spoke on ‘Leading Across Cultures.’

Dr Arasaratnam-Smith says, “I want to see women equipped to positions of leadership because Christ brings equity and empowerment to all marginalized groups; as such, I think Christians should lead the way in demonstrating to the world that Christians are not constrained by historical biases towards women, that we recognise and value the unique strengths and insight God has given women.”

Pastor Kerin Jebb, who is at Life UC in Canberra and works as the Community Team Leader, an executive role that encompasses oversight of six key areas, says of the cohort, “The Transforming Leadership intensive has given me the chance to examine my own leadership style – both its flaws and its strengths. Not having studied for almost 27 years, and starting this journey in the classroom with others who were struggling with the same confidence issue, has been a good way to begin.

I am excited for what is to come, and for how God is going to expand my thinking in how to lead others into the future.”

Rated First* by Students in:

Overall Educational Experience

A L P H AC R U C I S C O L L E G E

Skills Development

A L P H AC R U C I S C O L L E G E

Transforming Leadership For senior Christian leaders

*Student Experience Survey PG Federal Government’s Quality Indicators for Learning & Teaching = QILT.EDU.AU

This executive program is designed for pastors, business and community leaders who are willing to be bold and innovative in today’s fast changing landscape.

Residential Intensive Dates: February 2020 August 2020 February 2021 August 2021

More information: www.study.ac.edu.au/tlp

Open Season

Quality of Teaching

A L P H AC R U C I S C O L L E G E

Learn more at study.ac.edu.au/tlp

Next cohort starts 17-21 February 2020.

Limited places.

Applications close 30 November 2019.

Contact Sandra Fogarty Director, Church Relations sandra.fogarty@ac.edu.au 02 8893 9002

Come to our open days to find out what’s new at AC and share a meal with us!

Beyond Ministry and Theology, AC has added new courses in Leadership, Theology, Education, Social Science and VET

AC SYDNEY

Oct 30, Oct 31

AC MELBOURNE

Nov 27

AC BRISBANE

Oct 23, Dec 4

AC PERTH

Oct 22, Nov 26

AC ADELAIDE

Oct 24

AC HOBART

Oct 31

A L P H AC R U C I S C O L L E G E

Find out more and RSVP now at

study.ac.edu.au/open

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NEWS

PanAsia 2019

For three action-packed days and four exciting nights, Australian pastors, leaders and missionaries came together in Thailand for the 2019 PanAsia conference. There was a great spirit of togetherness throughout the sessions, as well as a sense of God calling each of us to make time for rest and recovery amongst busy ministry schedules.

It was fantastic to have such a strong demonstration of support for missions from our movement, with six National Executive members in attendance this year. It was also a privilege to welcome back Pastor Tom Rawls, who served as a missionary for just over 12 years primarily in Thailand; including five years as ACCI Pen Asia Regional Director, before relocating to the UK. In the spirit of collaboration, we also welcomed our international guests Darcy and Leanne McAllister, representing the International Missions arm of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC).

Mark PanAsia 2020 in your calendar now: 3-6 August in Phuket, Thailand.

Pastor Alun Davies ACCI Missions Director accimissions.org.au

Kidshaper 2019

Hundreds of Kids pastors and leaders descended on the Gold Coast for Kidshaper 2019 ‘Level Up’.

Beth Cunningham from Church of the Highlands was one of the keynote speakers and imparted into the Australian church such wisdom, incredible strategy and has become part of the Kidshaper family.

Dave Gilpin was the other keynote speaker and ministered to the heart of everyone there, reminding them to never leave our authentic self at the cross but walk in Christ’s freedom just as we were created.

The highlights were the Speed Mentoring sessions with our National ACCKids team, Connect Groups and the insightful Electives In 2020 Andy and Christie Kirk look forward to hosting Kidshaper again as we explore Faith, Family and Future of Kids Ministry in our society, so book your teams in now for 18th - 20th August 2020. More info: acckids.org.au Pastor Andy Kirk ACCkids Director

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NEWS

United We Stand 2019

Garulbu 2019

One Friday night.

30,000 youth.

In six states across Australia.

Making a stand for Jesus Christ.

The theme of the ACC National Indigenous Conference was ‘Garulbu’ meaning Together,. and many came together at Ganggalah in Tweed Heads for this significant event.

Pastor Will Dumas, together with Paul Bartlett and Joel A’Bell brought the sticks together and the joining together as a sign of unity was declared over the conference and the nation, according to Ezekiel 37:15-26.

The 16th August 2019 was a dynamic night across across the nation for Youth Alive’s national gathering.

Held in many locations and represented by every Christian denomination, it is the largest youth gathering in the nation.

Diarise the dates for the 2020 Indigenous Conference ‘Healing The Land’ : 4-5 September 2020

More info: youthalive.com.au

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NEWS

EMERITUS LEADERSHIP

LAINE & ROS WILLIS APPOINTED AS NATIONAL OVERSIGHT The ACC National Executive have appointed Pastor LAINE & ROSLYN WILLIS as the new national leaders of the ACC Pastors Emeritus, for those no longer involved in active day-to-day ministry.

Q: Share your ministry journey with our movement.

LAINE: After graduating from CBC Brisbane in 1974, Roslyn and I began ministry as Youth Pastors in Newcastle in 1975. In the ensuing 40 plus years, we have served our Fellowship as Home Mission pastors in Mudgee, Assistant Pastors in Petersham, Senior Pastors in Redcliffe, Maryborough and finally Taigum on Brisbane’s north side until 1997.

Q: You have also had a heart for missions. Tell us about your time spent time on the mission field.

LAINE: In 1981 we felt a stirring and burden for cross-cultural missions which eventually led to our placement as AOG missionaries in PNG in 1998 with a base in Goroka in the Eastern Highlands Province. Our main ministry role was the training and development of church leaders throughout the highlands regions and Bible School teaching in the Regional Bible Colleges.

In 2002, following the official withdrawal of ACC missionaries from PNG, we moved to Mozambique to continue our ministry in Bible School teaching, Rural Church development and Pastors’ seminars. At this time, Roslyn embarked on an English teaching program also as the nation was transitioning from Portuguese to the greater opportunities available through the English language.

Q: Even though you have retired from full-time ministry, how are you still involved and connected with the movement?

Pastor Laine & Roslyn Willis LAINE: Retirement in 2016 has given us new focus as we have taken up our roles serving the Emeritus members of Qld/NT and now commencing our National role. It is our desire to encourage connection and relationship amongst our esteemed Emeritus members and create an environment of localised fellowship throughout the regions through our State Representatives’ initiatives.

Q: Are you enjoying this season?

LAINE: Retirement offers so much and with less stress. We attend Church Unlimited at North Lakes on Brisbane’s northern outskirts and have discovered the joy of serving in the local church with a low profile but playing a significant ‘behind-the-scenes’ role in encouragement and connection.

We have two sons, Phil and Nathan, and just love being grandparents to our two adorable grandsons, Daniel and James.

Contact: emeritus@acc.org.au 36

OUR DESIRE IS TO ENCOURAGE CONNECTION AND RELATIONSHIP AMONGST OUR ESTEEMED EMERITUS MEMBERS

ENVIRONMENTAL VIEWS AND ACTIONS IN CHURCHES The most common responses, selected by one in five churchgoers or less, were participating in environmental events, voting on the basis of an environmental issue, or donating money. Very few attenders reported contacting an elected government member or protesting for the environment.

Recycling, composting, reducing water use and changing diet are some of the ways people are reducing their impact on the environment.

NCLS results show strong levels of churchgoer action in the five years prior to 2016, in recycling, composting and switching off lights in particular, along with reducing water and energy use at home. Some churchgoers are even changing the food they eat.

A wide range of environmental activities are reported by Australian churches, most commonly recycling, purchasing environmentally-friendly consumables, including environmental concerns in worship services and holding church celebrations.

Over half of local church senior leaders said they preached on the environment and more than a quarter of churches said they included environmental concerns in their worship services.

Several environmental measures are reportedly used by Australian churches in their buildings or on site as part of their facilities. The most common environmental measures listed were the use of rainwater tanks or water recycling, energy saving measures, water saving measures and solar hot water or solar panels.

When considering caring for the earth, how active are churches and churchgoers in taking care of the environment? What are their views on climate change?

From community gardens to recycling, from preaching to solar panel installation, NCLS Research examined the attitudes and actions of churches, church leaders and churchgoers on environmental issues.

Results from the 2016 NCLS reveal very strong convictions about caring for the earth. Some 93% of churchgoers and 96% of leaders felt that they had a Christian responsibility to care for the environment.

Over half of attenders and leaders agreed that care of earth should be part of the mission of the Church. Attitudes towards the sacredness of nature, a spiritual connection to land, along with exploitation of plants and animals yielded a range of views.

Most churchgoers say climate change is happening and steps should be taken to respond Results reveal that just over half of churchgoers said they thought climate change is happening and is largely humancaused, while just under a third thought it is a natural fluctuation in temperature.

Nearly nine in ten churchgoers felt that Australia should take steps to address the problem, almost half said even if this involves significant cost. Most churchgoers were concerned about the impacts of climate change.

In the 2016 NCLS, churchgoers in Australia were asked to indicate any civic actions they had taken regarding the environment, in the last five years. Results show limited participation in civic action.

[Source: NCLS Research www.ncls.org.au]

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NEW RELEASES BOOKS

LOVE ANYWAY

A journey from hope to despair and back in a world that’s scary as hell

By Jeremy Courtney

THE OPPOSITE LIFE

Unlocking the mysteries of God’s upside-down kingdom

By Alex Seeley

Preemptive Love founder, Jeremy Courtney, has seen the very worst of war. He’s risked his life saving lives on the front lines. He’s come face to face with ISIS, been targeted by death threats, and narrowly escaped airstrikes.

In our constant search for a life filled with blessing and abundance, we often follow our human instinct, and then wonder why we come up short. God always has a better idea. And it most often requires us to move in the opposite direction.

Through it all, the most powerful thing he’s learned is this: we’re not just at war with each other. We’re at war with ourselves. But the way things are is not the way they have to be. There is a more beautiful world. To find it, we have to we confront our fear--and end war where it starts: in our own heads and hearts.

In The Opposite Life, pastor and author Alex Seeley explains the secret to living a powerful and abundant life through the upside-down kingdom of God. Each chapter unpacks the opposite-life principles that begin with our way of thinking and yield miraculous results. They include:

With stories of people who have lived through war and terrorism, Love Anyway will inspire you to confront your deepest fears and respond to our scary world with the kind of love that seems a little crazy.

Because when we do, we become agents of hope who unmake violence and unfurl the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.

• death vs. life

Love Anyway is the story of Jeremy’s incredible journey--and an invitation to discover the more beautiful world on the front lines where you live.

We all want the blessed life but sometimes go about it in the wrong way. God’s promises are conditional. He says, “Follow Me, and I will change your weakness into strength, your foolishness into wisdom, and your nothing into everything.”

• fear vs. faith • last vs. first • love vs. hate • worry vs. worship • give vs. receive • impossible vs. possible

A LOT WITH A LITTLE The long-awaited memoir of Australia’s favourite activist and man of the people

By Tim Costello

In this evocative memoir, Tim Costello explores the people and experiences that have shaped him into a socially active fighter for the world’s most challenging issues. Tracing each defining stage of his life with stark insight and honesty, Tim untangles his ongoing struggle to align his self-perceptions with his choices and what his life represents.

Tim Costello is one of Australia’s leading voices on social justice and global poverty and has been instrumental in ensuring these issues are placed on the national and international agenda. He traveled the world for work in poverty alleviation and emergency relief as he led World Vision in Australia for thirteen years. Tim is an ordained Baptist minister and had years building community and addressing issues of justice in St Kilda and Melbourne. Tim was named in the Australian of the Year awards in 2006 and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2005.

More than a simple life story, this is a book about individual and community, public and private, spiritual and material, equality and liberty - and, most of all, about faith and its power to sustain in the face of the world’s big issues. Challenging and thought-provoking no matter what your beliefs, this is a book to savour and re-read.

New releases can be ordered online from www.koorong.com or www.word.com.au 38

NEW RELEASES MUSIC

IF ONLY YOU KNEW

Build lives, Discover purpose and Thrive as you serve the kids of your church

By David Wakerley You are a missionary into the world of children. You’re stepping into an unknown culture with its own language and customs to bring the eternal message of Jesus. If Jesus admonished the disciples when they kept the children from Him, how He must love those who bring the little ones to Him. This book is written as a reminder to those who have served children for a while, to take a step back and ‘don’t forget why you are called to this’. It’s also for those about to step into the unknown, this is a ministry too vital to be ignored with an influence that is eternal.

David Wakerley is a Kids Pastor and Creative Director of Hillsong Kids and has been part of the team at Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia for over 18 years. He is passionate about children, the generations and leadership that makes a difference.

Dave and his wife Beci have three children The book is designed to read in one sitting and we believe will encourage every reader to consider deeply serving the kids and families of your Church.

Hillsong Kids Ministry uses these books to give to every new leader and prospective leader in their ministry.

RAIN

Planetshakers Planetshakers released their newest album ‘Rain’ in September.

‘Rain’ is a live recording of all new songs from the Planetshakers Conferences in Manilla, Philippines and from their Planetshakers Conferences and home Church in Melbourne. This 12 song CD contains the perfect blend of their signature uptempo praise songs, together with wonderful rich worship moments.

All of thesongs were produced, written (or co-written) and mixed by Planetshakers’ Joth Hunt during a season in which he was battling cancer. Longing for a “refreshing touch of God’s presence” with the song Fall On Me, and “a personal encounter with God’s glory” with Rain Your Glory Down, while declaring his love for God with the song My Reason, Joth relays that God On The Throne is a song that God gave him during his battle with cancer. Joth has concluded through this experience, “No matter what circumstance we find ourselves in, God is still on the throne.”

With over 17,000 members in Melbourne, Planetshakers Church is one of the fastest growing churches with five campuses in Melbourne and additional locations in Singapore; Cape Town, South Africa; Geneva, Switzerland and Austin, TX.

WATER TO WINE Metro Church Australia

The latest album release ‘Water to Wine’ from Metro Church Australia, reflects a vulnerable collaboration of many hearts towards one vision.

Their young and up and coming worship leaders and more seasoned song writers set aside weekly sessions earlier this year to work on writing together in a collaborative process.

Praise tracks like the title track and ‘Your Love is Like’ are the result of wanting to declare profound and powerful truths with energy and a memorable melody, that can be sung by diverse congregations.

More reflective, meditative worship songs like ‘I am who I am (Yahweh)’ ponder who God is and what He has done for us as the great I AM. The lyrics for this track were penned by Metro’s Senior Pastor, Garry Mac, as he was preaching a series called ‘I AM’. It’s not about our performance, but that I am what I am, by the grace of God, we can have absolute security in who we are in Him. Turning ‘Water to Wine’ was Jesus’ first ever miracle and there simply could be no better introduction of His heart to the world. He lives to restore our dignity when we, for whatever reason, run short.

May this reflection of His grace encourage you to believe for extravagant miracles to permeate your every day. As you listen, give Him your water and just let Him do His thing.

New release music can be ordered online from www.koorong.com or www.word.com.au or through digital platforms y 39

2020 CALENDAR

JULY PANASIA MISSIONS CONFERENCE 3 - 6 August 2020 Novotel Phuket Resort, Thailand www.accimissions.org.au/panasia2020

AUGUST

www.acckids.org.au/kidshaper19

KIDSHAPER CONFERENCE 18 - 20 August 2020 Gold Coast, Queensland www.acckids.org.au/kidshaper20

SEPTEMBER INDIGENOUS CONFERENCE 4 - 5 September 2020 Ganggalah Church, Tweed Heads, New South Wales www.ganggalah.com

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