ACC EMAG #4 (2019)

#4 2019

EMAG

quarterly publication for acc leaders

2020 VISION

Health &

WELL BEING

PLUS... INTERVIEWS | CHURCH PLANTING | MISSIONS | NEWS | 1

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Cover photo: iStock

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HEALTH & WELLBEING This edition of EMag focuses on the importance of health and wellbeing for those in pastoral and ministry positions.

ADOPT A CHURCH Wayne Alcorn shares about the ‘Adopt-A-Church’ campaign to support those in rural or remote areas

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NEWS Pentecostals make all Protestants look good Red Frogs honoured Alphacrucis launches new teacher training program

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Q&A: MATT TANTTARI Interview with the young pastor who launched the #ACCsnapshot and his passion for innovative ministry

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HEALTH & WELLBEING PASTOR, ARE YOU OK? Shane Baxter on losing your joy and being ok HELP AT THE EDGE OF THE CLIFF Keith Farmer & Tim Hanna on why mentoring support is vital for ministry leaders FINDING YOUR FLOW & BEATING BURNOUT Ruth Limkin gives perspectives on avoiding burnout INTENTIONAL ABOUT WELLBEING Rebecca Loundar on how to attend to your wellbeing WELL-BEING, NOT WELL-DOING Ralph Estherby gives three tips for being effective in ministry YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU HEALTHY Paul Bartlett on why your wellbeing is important for the sake of others TAKING CARE OF OUR YOUTH LEADERS Amelia Dingle on wellbeing of youth leaders

UNDERSTANDING THE GRETA EFFECT Mal Fletcher shares insights into the new generation of influencers and reformers Q&A JOEL & JULIA A’BELL Interview with Joel & Julia A’Bell on their journey planting a new church

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SO YOU WANT TO GO TO THE MISSION FIELD? CEO of ACCI, Chad Irons, shares insights on how to get ready to the mission field.

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WORSHP IS AN HONOUR Darlene Zschech shares on how worship is all about our life, not just a lifestyle.

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NEW RELEASES New books and devotionals for 2020.

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2020 CALENDAR

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ADOPT A CHURCH

A ONE YEAR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING A CHURCH IN A RURAL OR REMOTE AREA

BY WAYNE ALCORN

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t our final National Executive meeting for 2019, we spoke at length about the health and wellbeing of leaders in ministry. As we start the new year, we are committed to ensure that every pastor and leader is refreshed and equipped to fulfil the great call on our lives.

In the midst of the severest drought across our nation, the churches in the hardest hit communities on the frontlines have had to dig deep to stand strong and be light in the desperate times. There are quite a number of pastors and churches in New South Wales and Queensland who are battle weary and need our help as we go into 2020. The Adopt A Church campaign has been launched to support pastors and churches in New South Wales and Queensland who have been doing it tough for a long time.

How you can adopt a church Prayerfully consider an initial one year commitment to serving a church in a rural or remote area. Please note this is not about ‘taking them over’, but empowering and partnering with them in this tough season. It would include: • Praying for that church and their pastors • Blessing them with gifts • Giving the pastor a holiday • Sending short term mission teams to minister there • Sowing into that church and community • Praying for rain and purchasing local products to stimulate the local community.

If you already have a relationship with a church in the bush, continue to follow the natural lines of relationship. If you would like assistance in choosing a church to ‘adopt’, please contact your ACC State Office who will work with our Queensland or New South Wales team to connect you with a church.

Let’s step out and support those in ministry who are weary and doing it tough.

This is the time that we show we are family by helping our brothers and sisters in need.is truly the time to show that we are family by helping our brothers and sisters in real need.

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

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NEWS

PENTECOSTALS MAKE ALL PROTESTANTS LOOK GOOD ACC changes the Aussie landscape

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he makeup of the church in Australia is changing as a result of “incredibly high growth” in Pentecostal churches, according to the Director of NCLS Research, Ruth Powell.

In the most recent National Church Life Survey, conducted in 2016, the Australian Christian Churches (ACC) shot up to the second largest single denomination after the Catholic Church.

It was a dramatic leap from the fifth position that ACC – then known as Assemblies of God – occupied in 1991, when the first such survey of Australian churches took place. The NCLS is the largest, longest running survey of local church life in the world. The 2016 NCLS was the sixth survey with responses from 250,000 people in 3000 churches.

“The size order of the top five denominations in Australia has changed over the past 25 years,” Powell told an Australian Community and Church Summit in Sydney on Friday, November 22.

“In 1991, if you counted the number of people who go to church, you have Catholic, Anglican, Uniting, Baptist, ACC. So ACC was fifth. Roll forward to 2016 when we did the last estimate, after Catholic, ACC is the second largest single denomination in Australia at the moment, followed by Anglican, followed by Baptist, followed by Uniting.”

Powell said the shape of the Australian Church had changed in a relatively short time thanks to the incredibly high growth of the Pentecostal movement, of which ACC represents half.

BY ANNE LIM

‘ACC IS THE SECOND LARGEST SINGLE DENOMINATION IN AUSTRALIA AT THE MOMENT’ - Ruth Powell

Powell said the top five denominations accounted for 68 per cent all church attenders.

Another encouraging finding was that Protestant churches are growing overall.

The changing face of the church was one of six features of the Australian landscape that Powell presented to the conference, gleaned from the organisation’s 25 years of research into the Australian church.

“It’s the first time I’ve been able to say that in 30 years of working.

We have growing churches overall.

Yes, when we look at the Catholic Church, which is the largest churchattending group in Australia, and mainstream Protestant churches, which include Anglican, Uniting, Lutheran, Presbyterian, you see that decline trend and that relates to an ageing profile as well. That continues over the last 25 years,” Powell said.

One positive finding from multiple sources of estimates was that church attendance has begun to plateau after many years of decline.

According to monthly attendance data, the rate of decline in selfreported church attendance from 1950 to 2019 has slowed.

And, according to head counts carefully collected within churches, the decline in weekly attendance has now plateaued.

“So we told the story in the last decade that church attendance has declined and you will have understood the narrative. Change that narrative today. Church attendance has plateaued. That’s where we’re sitting at the moment,” Powell said.

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However, another subgroup “other Protestant churches” – including Salvation Army, Adventist, Church of Christ – show moderate growth over 25 years.

“Over the 25 period since 1991, the Pentecostal churches, when considered together, have doubled in size … Now when you put that story together, the net effect is a story of growth when you combine all Protestant churches together,” said Powell.

One possibly unexpected finding was that the inflow of new arrivals has been largely

NEWS

stable. This holds true for people who change churches within the same denomination – known as transfers – and those who change denominations – known as switchers – as well as newcomers – people who were not in church in the previous five years, which is the area of greatest interest.

“Let’s dig a little deeper into that newcomer figure – we do see some erosion. There’s a story there to be aware of, it is getting tougher, but I still want to give a basic message at a high level: the story is that the inflow into churches is stable. People are still trying churches is my top message for you today,” Powell said.

Another positive finding was that local church leaders see themselves as effective in their roles. “You get ‘I’m really stressed, but I’m really satisfied in my ministry.’ ” Finally, church attenders are more likely to be positive about their church experience than they were 25 years ago, with higher ratings given for all surveyed indicators of church vitality.

“Whether they’re inspired in worship, in service, their engagement, they’re looking for opportunities to engage beyond themselves, commitment to the vision – in all of those, there are higher proportions of church attenders in church today who are positive about those aspects of church life than 25 years ago.”

First published by Eternity News (26 November 2019) Anne Lim is a writer for Eternity News.

RED FROGS HONOURED Red Frogs founder, Andy Gourley, was awarded the Keys to the City of Brisbane in December for over two decades of supporting and safeguarding young people, particularly during Schoolies Week.

“A massive congratulations to Andy and Red Frogs,” stated Wayne Alcorn

on their award. “Amazingly, only 47 Keys to the City have been awarded and few groups deserve it more than Andy and his incredible team.”

ALPHACRUCIS LAUNCHES NEW TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM Alphacrucis College has launched a ground-breaking teacher training program called the Teaching School Alliance in Sydney.

This alliance is a collaborative program between the Blue Mountains Grammar School, St Andrew’s Cathedral School, The Scots College, Inaburra School and William Clarke College to produce high quality teachers.

Aspiring school teachers accepted into this program (taught by AC faculty) are placed in the schools as part time teaching assistants during their studies, supported by mentors, enjoy subsidised tuition fees and are virtually guaranteed employment at the end of their studies. In turn, schools gain quality classroom-ready graduates whose ethos aligns with their school, resulting in lower teacher attrition rates.

Alphacrucis College is thrilled to play a role in this innovative program that is transforming how the next generation of teachers are equipped.

For more information : http://crucis.ac.edu.au/alphacrucis-collegelaunches-new-ground-breaking-teacher-training-program/ 5

INTERVIEW In 2014, a young and enthusiastic pastor from the north coast of New South Wales initiated a new social media platform to connect ACC pastors and leaders. In just five years, @accsnapshot now has well over 13,000 followers. ACC EMAG spoke to MATT TANTTARI about his passion for innovative ministry opportunities for churches.

Q&A

Matt Tanttari Q: How are you involved and connected to the ACC movement?

Matt: We are a bit of a mash up. I grew up in an ACC church, with my parents as senior pastors.

My mum got on fire for God in Sydney CLC. I did bible college at Hillsong (loved it); same with four of my siblings. We all love it and are involved with ministry across Hillsong, Glow and on the north coast of NSW. My wife Rachael got saved at C3, so really grateful for them too.

Q: How are you involved in ministry today?

Matt: Rachael and I run limitless.tv and look after quite a bit of our congregations in Ballina and Casino NSW for my heroes and parents, Kari and Kathie Tanttari, who have been pastoring for 30 years in February 2020!

Rachael and I bought in indoor kids play centre and café in Lismore and have seen growth in our church’s young families as a result of staff and our connections. It’s how we are pastoring the city.

We also own a small business called Byron Bay Surf Co. too. Growing up in the area, it’s great seeing the changes as Sydney/Melbourne/ Hollywood moves in! We wanted part of the action. Suffice to say, we are deeply involved in building the Church but also trying new strategies to love and embrace people in our region.

Q: How do you incorporate your passion for marketing and technology in your ministry?

Matt: I did an MBA and worked as a marketing manager. I like seeing what marketing and strategy and automation can do for our churches globally. People are the best assets though. They make the system work and come up with the ideas.

Q: What is your vision for the Church when it comes to opportunities with social media?

Matt: With social media, we can leverage it even more by just meeting needs of people.

People are lonely, so someone should start creating a plan to meet those people on social media. Create a ‘sales funnel’ and push towards things like Alpha or other relevant content. In fact, every church in ACC could create a ‘profile’ of someone they want to reach, and work backwards from there.

The ACC Snapshot exists because people want to belong to something bigger than themselves. It is just a tool to connect and celebrate the ACC family. Snapshot fills a need.

Q: What other avenues are you are constantly exploring and engaged in that involve building the Church for the future generations?

Matt: We think there should be more content for kids and young people to consume that pushes our ideas and our beautiful worldview.

One of our slogans we want to pursue is “Every needs kid has a reason to smile”. We’ve created an animation concept called SMILE TOWN that would look great on TV. (Funny Man Dan, if you’re reading this - help!)

I can see our buildings across Australia better used to funnel people into ‘The Limitless Life’. For example, why shouldn’t we build indoor kids play centres. We can grow seven days a week with > 6

THERE SHOULD BE MORE CONTENT FOR KIDS AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO CONSUME THAT PUSHES OUR IDEAS AND OUR BEAUTIFUL WORLDVIEW. – MATT TANTTARI

Matt & Rachael Tanttari and their kids

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THE ACC IS THE BEST PLACE IF YOU LIKE ENTREPRENURSHIP AND CREATING NEW FRESH IDEAS. – MATT TANTTARI

thought-out strategies. We did this without any finances from our church, and we did it as a couple. We’re happy to help any pastors or churches who want to do this. Imagine the possibilities using our combined resources in our churches!

The ACC is the best place if you like entrepreneurship and creating new fresh ideas. I am praying for the smartest tech and marketing people to create beautiful solutions that will enable people to connect to the limitless life and limitless God. Q: What would be some of the key tips you’d give pastors and local churches when it comes to using social media to reach and connect people?

Matt: Use your social media and ALWAYS imagine that everyday people in your community are reading (they are!).

Be passionate about something. You can create conversations around. Surf, Basketball, Gym, Cooking, Cars etc.

Create a ‘profile’ of the person you are reaching. Then create social media landing pages.

E.g. We have called ‘Spark Joy’ and the premise is: Everyone deserves a deep and real happiness.

You can use that to connect with people in your city. Our church homepage offers a free ‘Spark Joy Pack’ (check out our site: www.northcoast.

Life).

James at Collective BNE has gone after ‘loneliness’ so have a look at their strategy: www.collectivechurch.com.au There is some deep theology going on right there - but start somewhere.

ACC pastors, celebrate your church by supporting ACC Snapshot, and get your teams to use #ACCsnapshot. We are bigger than one church or network. Celebrate and empower your photographers.

End of the day, we can connect and celebrate the wins globally, but the number one priority is for each of our local churches to win the lost at any cost. Social Media is a SMALL marketing cost to pay to reach entire cities and subcultures.

Any questions or comments email SocialMediaPDF@limitless.tv

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS

By Matt Tanttari

SOME ‘DON’Ts’

1. Never, ever, ever try win a Facebook argument. Just Don’t. You might win the argument, but you probably won’t win the person There are exceptions to the rule. James 3:18 is the golden rule in this context ‘Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.’

2. Don’t buy in to the ‘world is going down the tube’ narrative.

Social media is exhausting. The last thing your followers need is 43 videos that don’t show the hope we have in Jesus. Theologically, we have a hope that is a bigger story than just societal issues. That is our main game.

3. There are some people ‘called’ to address issues in a larger context. They are graced for it. Maybe its abortion, indigenous redress, animal cruelty, modern day slavery, the environment.

It is always best to ask them privately if there are ways you can help them and not hinder them as they go about it. Be ‘wise as serpents’.

There are also other issues that are best left to ACC media releases, especially when journalists or influential bloggers are concerned.

4. It is really really awkward when churchgoers use ‘Christianese’ on social media. Maybe under a news report about a politician or sports star and their connection to your church or your faith.

5. Disagreements should happen privately. Theological debate, differences in practise: Christians involved should move it to private messenger. What unifies us is more powerful than what differentiates us. This way we aren’t throwing fellow believers ‘under the bus’.

SOME ‘DO’s’

1. Use social media to win people and connect with people. Be interesting. Write back to comments and inboxes. Take the time to acknowledge those who have connected with you.

2. Celebrate the champions in the life of your church. Those that are making a difference during the week. Take a photo of them or their business or their passion.

3. Celebrate the wins and anniversaries. Celebrate your kids and your partner 4. Connect with other pastors and churches. There is something AMAZING about getting comments under your photo from other colleagues around the world championing what you do. It feels good, it is encouraging, and it reinforces that you support what they are doing.

5. Use the algorithms to your advantage. Do social media courses.

Create content that best fits the app. Video length, “Live” or uploaded, comments and shares, make a difference in how it will appear. It is a life time of learning. Find the smartest in your church and lean on them for support. If we use this tool well, we can reach more people than ever!

TAG YOUR CHURCH INSTAGRAM POSTS WITH #ACCSNAPSHOT

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#ACCSNAPSHOT

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2020 FOCUS THE NEED TO ENHANCE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF LEADERS IN MINISTRY IS A KEY FOCUS OF THE ACC IN 2020.

THE SERIES OF ARTICLES IN THIS FEATURE ARE A STARTING POINT TO HELPING LEADERS RECOGNISE THIS AND PROVIDE PRACTICAL WAYS TO STOP, ASSESS AND REFRESH.

Health &

WELL BEING 10

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WELLBEING

Pastor

Are you OK?

BY SHANE BAXTER

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‘JOY COMES IN THE MORNING’ (Psalm 30:5)

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arlier this year, I realised I’d lost my joy. I was still doing my job as a senior pastor, turning up to meetings and events, but to be really honest, I was going through the motions.

I was there but not really there. I wasn’t necessarily paralysed but I wasn’t at my best … and I knew it.

I happened to be in Sydney at conference when I had a conversation with Pastor Chris Hodges, who told me he’d been speaking to pastors about the spirit of heaviness. It was as if the Lord said to me, “Shane, this is the issue for you. It’s a spirit of heaviness that has been waging war against you.”

The words of Isaiah 61:3 speaks of “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”

I knew in that moment I needed to put my garment of praise on. Once I did, the spirit of heaviness left me and the joy of the Lord came back.

I am aware that it can be a fight to get our joy back. What happens when we put on the garment of praise and the joy doesn’t come back?

We are well equipped with the Word and the Spirit, but we also have a very real enemy who is determined to “steal, kill and destroy”. The Bible warn us that “your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8) so we cannot put our heads in the sand and ignore the signs. We need to get on the front foot and actively push back against the enemy coming against us.

It’s Ok not to be Ok The sticker on my youngest daughter’s car is a reminder that ‘It’s ok not to be ok’. Every year in September, RUOK Day focuses on mental health issues. This isn’t about a once a year check-up but a reminder to constantly be asking those around you if they are ok.

My question to pastors and leaders in ministry is, “Are you ok?”

If you hope to finish your race, and stay in the game, you have to answer this honestly.

Most people don’t know that the weight of being a leader in ministry is always there. We wonder why we feel tired when in fact we are always carrying everyone else’s burdens on our shoulders. I may not be a medical doctor but here are some points to help you keep your joy and remain on track.

ARE YOU OK? If your answer is YES, I am ok: If you are in a strong, healthy place, don’t take it for granted. Here are some things for you to do: 1. Visit your doctor twice a year for a check up.

You may be healthy but commit to stay on top of your health.

2. Visit a counsellor once a year for a tune up.

You may think you’re young and in the best days of your life, but a counsellor will help you stay in the best time of your life.

3. Consider your diet and maybe even go to a dietician.

Seek out advice, even if its common sense.

4. Commit to some level of exercise.

Perhaps join a gym, play sport regularly or even just walk every day, but physically exercising the body has enormous benefits.

5. Commit to a Sabbath day and have holidays. Give yourself time out.

6. Make sure your spiritual disciplines are in place.

Spend time with the Lord through daily Prayer and the Word, and seek out conferences that feed your soul.

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If your answer is NO, I’m not ok: If you are feeling emotional, depressed, alone and overwhelmed because you are always under the pump, here are some things for you to do: 1. Realise its ok not to be ok.

You may wonder, what will people think? I believe the question is, what will the right people think? Don’t try and hide it. If you had a broken leg, you wouldn’t have a problem walking in public on crutches. Own it and admit it.

2. Put up your hand for prayer.

Prayer is the start of something. He is our help and our source.

3. Tell the people who need to know. You don’t have to do the journey by yourself.

4. Seek out a professional counsellor. Find someone who is able to listen and assess where you are at, and go on the journey with you.

5. Start your journey back to being ok. When you keep it in the dark, it hangs over you. When you bring it into the light, things change.

6. Begin to do the things as if you are ok.

In Psalm 23, David wrote, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” There is hope at the other end, as you walk through the valley and come out the other side. You will find your joy, feel energised and begin to dream again.

It starts by saying ‘I’m not ok.’

Shane Baxter is the senior pastor of the multi-campus Enjoy Church, as well as a member of the National Executive and Victorian State President.

MENTORING

HATELP THE

EDGE OF THE CLIFF

WHY MENTORING SUPPORT IS VITAL FOR MINISTRY LEADERS

BY KEITH FARMER & TIM HANNA

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esults from recent surveys and research indicate that an alarming number of Christian pastors and leaders are reporting deep concern about discouragement, depression, pressure, burnout, church life difficulties and family issues.

Many of these pastors and leaders are strong, mature, experienced people whom others look up to, yet they are experiencing deep distress which in some cases has led to their needing to reassess their ministry/leadership lifestyle and model, or even leave ministry altogether.

The increasing pressures being experienced in ministry in Australia today is pushing many great leaders to the edge so the need for greater support for and resourcing of Christian leaders is needed to prevent them from falling ‘over the cliff’.

PRESSURES IN MINISTRY TODAY Why do a growing number of leaders find themselves standing on the edge of a cliff? We have identified three predicaments that pastors face today.

The nature of Pastoral leadership today compared to the Biblical model of leadership. There is a lack of definition between the roles of leadership and governance, with the unbounded 24/7 demands and lack of clearly visible results leading to discouragement and emotional exhaustion.

There has been a decline of Christian discipleship that has led to performance pressures in the context of consumerism.

There is a sense of failure as a leader because key performance indicators are flat or falling, as well as character breakdown, including moral failure, because of spiritual and emotional immaturity.

Inadequate resources and support for Pastors has been exacerbated by competitiveness, either within pastors in the same denomination and/or between the same geographic area. Similarly, a stronger emphasis on charisma rather than character has meant that ‘how to’ resources are more available rather than ‘who’ the pastor is.

MENTORING AS A SUPPORT FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERS A culture of mentoring of Christian leaders could be a significant support and resource, as mentoring primarily addresses the issue of “who a leader is” rather than “what he or she does”. It is not about having a ‘coach’ to get results, but the key issues addressed in mentoring

relate to how wise and mature a leader is in addressing the pressures and dilemmas of his/her ministry leadership role.

Mentoring primarily aims to help develop the Christian character of the leader, encompassing a 360 degree agenda (i.e. whole of life issues) that hones in on and emphasises spiritual, relational and emotional health and strongly impacts the effectiveness of leadership.

There is researched evidence that spiritual growth and maturity are important to well being.* Key leadership qualities such as sustainability and resilience are primarily character-based rather than skill-based. These ‘characterbased’ leadership capacities lead inevitably to better outcomes and performance.

A prevalent dilemma for Christian leaders is burnout or ‘emotional depletion’. Several studies have indicated that increased spirituality is helpful in combating and preventing burnout1 and mentoring which majors on qualities such as spirituality, relationships and character development is helpful to the quality and sustainability of Christian leadership.

With the exception of the presence and gifts of the Holy Spirit and the revelation of God to us in the Bible, there is nothing more important to Christianity in general, and the health and vitality of churches than the effectiveness of its leadership.

so having a long term pastoral support emphasis will ensure that fewer leaders have to be rescued from ‘the bottom of the cliff ’ or ‘half way down the cliff ’.

Along with resource and support opportunities and expectations, it will help leaders not to end up in crisis or semi-crisis.

There is already a significant pool of willing and largely ready mentors who are across generations, genders, and denominations, providing an Australiawide pool of experienced caring, wise and healthy Christian leaders who are available for individual mentoring, developing spirituality, advocating for and facilitating group support.

Let’s not wait until we hear the cries of a leader falling off the cliff; let’s build a culture of mentoring that intervenes to help those who are unwittingly walking to the edge and restores them to a place to pastor and lead as God has called them to.

Keith Farmer has a background in commece and psychology. He has been involved in local church ministries in NSW and Victoria and is passionate about helping Chirstian leaders.

Tim Hanna was senior pastor in three churches for over 30 years. He has been the CEO of Compassion Australia since 2010.

THE MENTORING SOLUTION At present it is primarily pastors or leaders who are experiencing clear signs that they are struggling, who seek help through mentoring. The proportion in this situation appears to be increasing

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*1. Wachholz, Amy & Rogoff MaiLan (2013) ‘The Relationship between spirituality and burnout among medical students.’ Journal of Contemporary Medical Education 1(2);83-91.

WELLBEING

FINDING YOUR FLOW & BEATING

BURNOUT

BY RUTH LIMKIN

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id you know that the term ‘workaholic’ was first coined in a study of ministers? When we are passionate about the cause we serve, working is fuelled with purpose and invigoration. But what happens if our enthusiasm ends up driving us to exhaustion?

CLERGY, WHETHER BI-VOCATIONAL OR FULLY EMPLOYED BY A CHURCH, ARE AT HIGH RISK OF BURNOUT.

When we run to win, we can find ourselves running so far and so fast that we end up running on empty. This can make it challenging to find an activity flow that contributes to achievement, rather than detracts from it. In addition, living in a culture that idolises being busy can make it difficult to recognise the brilliance of rhythm rather than racing through life.

An angel was sent to tell Elijah to eat a meal, have a sleep, and then eat another meal. The story of Elijah is a reminder that we are more than just spirit: we are also body and mind. God designed us wonderfully complex – body, soul and spirit. Each part of who He created us to be interacts with and influences the other. Have you ever considered that sometimes the most responsible thing you can do to build a sustainable ministry is to have a healthy meal and a nap?

How do we transform working hard into working well, where we honour God’s design for our lives? How do we shift our mindsets and become free to trust Him robustly?

How do we burn bright rather than burn out?

Burnout is everywhere, and it affects pastors too. In late May 2018, the World Health Organisation classified Burnout as a medical condition in their International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) handbook. A 2014 survey from The Duke Divinity School’s Clergy Health Initiative showed that 25 percent of full-time Methodist clergy suffered from emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and a reduced sense of accomplishment: the three major symptoms of burnout. Alarmingly, these symptoms lead to poorer health and higher-than-average rates of obesity, hypertension, depression, and anxiety.

A RESPONSIBILITY TO REST The responsibility of rest can be counter intuitive in our culture. Rest flies in the face of a world that so often measures our devotion by the number of hours we spend working. Rest may also be difficult for people with driven personalities, and those who feel deeply passionate about their calling. Yet the more we learn about the way the brain works, the more we see that God’s invitation to rest produces more creativity and problem solving than toiling endlessly. But it requires trust in the God who can do immeasurably more than we can, even in our hardest striving.

Clergy, whether bi-vocational or fully employed by a church, are at high risk of burnout and have sometimes lacked a framework to mitigate this risk. Unfortunately, there have been tendencies historically to over-spiritualise issues of wellbeing.

In ‘Rest: How to get more done by working less’, Alex Pang refers to the book Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell.

Gladwell discusses excellence in vocation and references the 10,000-Hour Rule. This ‘rule’ is described by Gladwell as the key to success. Spend 10,000 hours practising a task and you become successful at it. It fits in well with our prevailing cultural narrative. Work long, hard and diligently and you will be successful.

A high profile pastor from overseas once tweeted, “A consistent prayer life is the remedy to burn out.”

While his intentions were no doubt good, he incorrectly attributed spiritual activity alone to maintaining wellbeing.

The drawback to this is that it can result in pastors (and the Christians we lead) feeling like spiritual failures if we intentionally attend to our wellbeing.

Does the Bible teach that we ‘should just pray more’?

However, Pang reflects the entirety of the study and found that work alone was not the predictor.

Pang says, “… we’ve come to believe that world-class performance comes after 10,000 hours of practice. But that’s wrong. It comes after 10,000 hours of deliberate practice, 12,500 hours of deliberate rest, and 30,000 hours of sleep.”

When we read the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 18 – 19:9, we see that Elijah experienced victory in intense spiritual battle, and engaged in prevailing prayer that broke a drought. However, after interpersonal conflict, he experienced an intense emotional low. God’s response wasn’t to tell him to pray more. God didn’t tell him to fast or worship more.

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THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT SOMETIMES SMALL CHANGES CAN PRODUCE A VIRTUOUS CYCLE OF IMPROVED WELLBEING.

Understanding the way in which God created us helps us to cultivate a life that honours His design. I am fortunate to lead a team of medical and health experts who help professionals and their families get their life back. We treat burnout, stress, depression, anxiety, pain and dependency, eating disorder, trauma and other complex health conditions. Rather than a siloed health system, we provide an integrated model of care.

The model offered at The Banyans provides a useful way to understand God’s design. It lends itself to a practical framework of developing simple strategies that enable us attend to our wellbeing.

It recognises six facets of wellbeing – physical, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational and intellectual. As the model shows, each facet influences - and is influenced - by the other. The good news is that sometimes small changes can produce a virtuous cycle of improved wellbeing.

Over a series of articles in 2020, we will provide some simple strategies that each of us can implement to build wellbeing.

What is the next step? I recommend you read the book I referenced earlier – “Rest: how to get more done by working less”. Discover how God’s invitation to trust him with rest can open up opportunities for greater success.

Ruth Limkin is a credentialed pastor with the ACC, having worked in pastoral ministry full time at Nexus Church for 14 years. Ruth and her husband Stephen volunteer at Hope Centre Brisbane while serving God in business. Ruth is the founding CEO of The Banyans Health & Wellness, a multimodel residential health retreat for those experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse, eating disorders, trauma and more.

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NTENTIONAL I WELLBEING

BY REBECCA LOUNDAR

O

ur wellbeing is foundational to us living fulfilled lives. As individuals, families and communities, we all have the opportunity and responsibility to care for and enhance our wellbeing – spirit, soul and body. As we care for and develop these areas of our lives, we are able to live more authentically and connected with our values, our calling and with those around us.

As a community we are discussing wellbeing and health more frequently and openly, which is a relief to many. By discussing topics such as mental, emotional and social health, we are able to better understand ourselves, each other, and together helpful and genuine pathways towards wellbeing. We can all make a difference when we show respect, bring hope, are kind and are intentionally present and listen to others.

Interestingly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines healthy Mental Health as “a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”

both a responsibility and an act is kindness to ourselves. From my experience, people enter ministry for the long term, and ensuring we look after ourselves supports us with our commitment and journey.

Finding ways to build one’s mental health assists people to live fulfilled lives, maintain healthy relationships and journey the challenges experienced throughout life. At different times of our life, however, we may find it more difficult to manage the challenges and our wellbeing is impacted. Finding helping solutions and the genuine support of loved ones and a community can assist people in their wellbeing journey.

Let’s not have to find ways to ‘escape the daily grind’ but rather, find ways to embrace and wholeheartedly live our days, present and engaged in our daily life, be it actively involved with our families, our ministry work, or when spending time with God.

WAYS YOU CAN ATTEND TO YOUR WELLBEING

Our wellbeing is on a continuum, which means we can experience different levels of wellbeing at different times in our life. This could be in relation to life stages and transitions we find ourselves in, times of joy and abundance, and times of challenge.

As pastors, leaders and those in roles that support others, it is imperative we are intentional and active in attending to our wellbeing needs. Serving others is a privilege, and it impacts us in a variety of ways. Looking after ourselves is

There are many ways a person can attend to our health and wellbeing.

• Firstly, remember – you matter, your health matters and you are not alone in this!

• Pause, take a breath and check in with where you are now and where you’d like to be.

• Identify some wellbeing goals – body, soul and spirit.

• From here, consider ways you could build your wellbeing on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. On a daily basis, you might pray, eat healthy food and exercise; weekly you might do something creative; while yearly, you might go on a holiday.

•Remember to check in with someone. Often in ministry, pastors and leaders aren’t sure who to speak with. Finding people you trust can take time but is worth it. In some situations, seeking professional support from a psychologist or counsellor is helpful as well.

Remember, together we are better!

Dr Rebecca Loundar is a Clinical Psychologist MAPS, and the Program Director and Senior Lecturer of Social Sciences (Counselling, Chaplaincy & Community Work) at Alphacrucis College. She currently supervises students completing Higher Degree Research.

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WELL BEING NOT JUST

WELL DOING

BY RALPH ESTHERBY

I

love fixing things; I think most of us do. There is something really satisfying when you are presented with broken pieces and you are able to reassemble them to how they are meant to be.

When people come to us with problems and challenges and we are able to ‘meet their need’ and provide them with a tangible solution, it certainly feels right and we celebrate the good things which the Lord has done through us. The problem is that this ‘strokes’ my natural tendency and I can get caught in a loop where my goal becomes ‘fixing’ everything.

There are two immediate downsides to this: Firstly, there are many (in fact most) things I cannot fix, so I end up feeling burdened and driven much of the time.

Secondly my desire to ‘fix’, forces those I am ministering to into solutions that they are not ready for or do not suit them at all. Ministry becomes a process and not the organic interaction that it was intended to be.

There is nothing wrong with the desire to do good – it is inherently part of our calling and mandate; we just have to be careful that our ‘well-doing’ does not impact our ‘well-being’.

It has been well said that “we are human beings and not human doings” but that gives us a challenge to stop focussing on just the ‘doing’ of stuff and ensuring that we are ‘being’ what we are meant to be.

THREE TIPS TO WELL BEING IN MINISTRY 1. BE STILL ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Psalms 46:10) There is a power in stillness. Our world moves at the speed of data and our lives can become caught in its wake. Every moment accounted for and every interaction having a pre-determined endpoint leads to driven-ess, urgency and a desire to give people quick solutions. We need to practice stillness, allowing the calm presence of God to mould and guide us. There is such a power in silence – both in our interactions with God and with others. Don’t just say something, sit there – you will be amazed just how articulate silence can be.

2. BE AWARE Every ministry interaction involves three players: the individual being ministered to, God who is doing the ministry, and yourself who is acting as a doorkeeper, ushering the person towards the assistance they need. This triangle needs to be held in tension as we seek to excel in our ministering.

Often our side of the triangle is neglected as we focus solely on the other two sides.

The simple truth is that ministry has an impact on us – sometimes it is good and sometimes it is not. Ensuring the well-being of those we minister to as well as our own well-being is imperative for longevity and healthy ministry.

Well-being is asking the questions ‘What God is doing?’ and ‘What is happening for me?’

3. BE PRESENT Distractions are everywhere and our focus is easily drawn away to the next thing. We have all made the mistake of failing to ‘be present’ – something else has had our focus or we are looking over the shoulder of the person we are currently speaking to ready for the next.

Colossians 1:27 states“...Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The best gift you can give to anyone else is your presence because you carry Christ with you.

We also need to be present in our own ‘stuff ’ – our lives, our families, the challenges, the joys and the sorrows. Sometimes ministry has made people believe that they need to suppress those things which are impacting their worlds and even to hide them away. This is a guaranteed recipe for stress and burnout. A key to well-being is to seek support, seek counsel, seek supervision and mentoring. Then we will really be able to be present and make a difference!

As we ministering to others remember you cannot do well if you are not well. Let’s make our well-being a focus so that we can do all the Lord has for us!

Ralph Estherby is the National Director Chaplaincy Australia 20

YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS

YOU HEALTHY!

BY PAUL BARTLETT

P

roverbs 11:25 says “The generous prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

positive indicators. Four hours a week I must do something for myself that ‘feels’ selfish and wasteful.

I love this scripture but what if you’ve got nothing left to give!? What if you have no margin left in your life? Mentally, emotionally, even physically depleted.

Lastly your community needs you or someone in your church to be well trained and qualified. I know us Aussies like to ‘have a go’ at reaching our community, but healthy leaders and churches get themselves trained and qualified.

I have been a Senior Pastor for almost twenty years and have realised that community engagement is something we do if we have spare energy.

The days are gone where we just show up in community without training. I have a simple solution and goal. Every church should have at least one person on their team that has a Diploma of Community Services. This will give you confidence (health) and credibility (influence) in your community.

Our communities are ready however, for leaders like you who are poised to connect, care and serve. Our challenge is we put all of our hard work into building our churches and we have nothing left for our community.

The great news is at our national Bible College, Alphacrucis, you can now do this as an RPL (Recognition of prior learning) one week intensive if you have five years’ experience OR the full course over 18 months. If you would like more information you can click here https://www.ac.edu.au/awards/diplomacommunity-services/ or please contact community.services@ ac.edu.au.

In the last ten years I have consistently led a large church and had energy and focus for those outside our walls. Not because I’m talented but I have learnt how to look after myself.

One of the most important things is, I have a mentor; in fact, I’ve been downloading on him for 14 years. I always think I don’t need my time with him but I come away feeling lighter and clearer in my mental and emotional wellbeing.

Remember you can only refresh others if you yourself have a healthy something to give kind of life. You can do it and your community will love you for it!

The other thing I’ve done is get a hobby. Fishing is my thing and I use it as gauge for my busyness. If I haven’t been fishing in months, my schedule needs adjusting. Often when I’m sitting in my boat or kayak, I think to myself ,“This is selfish; I should be helping others” or “This is time wasting”. I now use those as

Paul Bartlett is the national director of ACC Community Engagement

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Jason

LEADERSHIP

Master of A

“My time at AC really helped me see and understand the Word through a lens I had never seen before, helped me to become a better communicator practically, but most importantly, it has deepened my love for God personally.’

INTEGRATIN G FAITH AND VOC ATION The world needs more leaders who can combine responsibility with integrity and a sense of purpose – an “integrated” leader. At AC, all our programs are designed to help students integrate their faith with their lives, their callings and their vocations.

AC.EDU.AU

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

MINISTRY THEOLOGY BUSINESS LEADERSHIP EDUCATION SOCIAL SCIEN 22

n Mendis

Arts (Leadership)

SOCIAL SCIENCE “I was studying the same degree at another university when the lecturer said that our worldview affects everything we do, especially in this job.

At that moment, I realised I needed to find a new place to learn that aligns with my worldview. After asking around, I found Alphacrucis and I have never looked back.”

Abigail Comafay Bachelor of Applied Social Science

Carolin Smolek Master of Teaching (Primary)

EDUC ATION “It’s not about what you’re teaching... it’s about who you are to your students, believing in them and supporting them.”

NCE COUNSELLING CHAPL AINCY 23

WELLBEING

TAKING CARE

YLEADERS OF OUR

OUTH

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Photo by Amelia Dingle

BY AMELIA DINGLE

The energy and enthusiasm of youth ministry can be an exciting adrenalin rush, but burning the candle at both ends for too long can end up in burnout. AMELIA DINGLE looks at three case studies of volunteer youth leaders who could potentially leave ministry worn out and disillusioned if their pastoral oversight neglect to help them manage their health and wellbeing.

ANGIE is an incredible youth leader and is faithful with everything she has been entrusted with. Her oversight recognises this and asks her to take on more responsibility.

Angie knows this is a gap that really needs filling so she says yes. What her oversight doesn’t see is that she is already neglecting sleep, struggling to meet deadlines at uni, and her family only see her when she’s exhausted.

By taking on this new responsibility, she will have even less attention, time and energy for the other areas in her life she is already struggling in.

BRENDAN went straight from youth group into youth leadership. He loves God and serving as a youth leader is a great honour.

What Brendan doesn’t know is how to build his relationship with God to be as intimate as he desires. What he needs is discipling on his own journey with God, to be equipped to be the best man, son, brother, friend; and one day boyfriend, husband and father that he can be. He doesn’t feel he can go to anyone because his oversight seems so focused on the students, and he feels like they would tell him to just read his Bible anyway.

A

ngie, Brendan and Chantelle are all youth leaders and for privacy reasons, these aren’t real identities. Sadly, the circumstances they are facing are themes based off very real situations.

The emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health of our youth leaders is so important. They are as valuable to God as the students are, so they need to be treated accordingly.

The goal is not for our youth leaders to burn out; rather that they thrive for the rest of their lives. This is why it is so important to have strategies in place to ensure they are healthy and flourishing in all areas of life and to help them when they’re not.

Our youth ministries need to be a safe place for both students and leaders - emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically.

A youth leader’s responsibility should match the capacity they have in that season and allow room for rest. Taking on too much and therefore neglecting other areas in life shouldn’t be worn as a badge of honour. The best leaders have good fruit in all areas.

QUESTIONS TO ASK These are some practical questions to help identify the health of your leaders and the environment they are serving in: • How much sleep do your leaders get?

• Do your leaders have enough hours in a week to do everything they have put their hand to?

• Are your leaders flourishing in all areas - family, friendships, study, work, etc.?

• How intimate are your leaders’ personal relationships with God?

CHANTELLE has been struggling within herself. No one knows, but events from her past, mixed with the issues she is helping her students with, are taking their toll. She has been feeling out of her depth and anxious about her capability to lead a group of teenagers. Another leader already tried talking to their oversight about how they were struggling, but the response was “Stop feeling that way” so Chantelle has decided there is no point telling anyone, but it keeps getting worse.

• Would your leaders be active in church if they weren’t currently leading?

• How are your leaders being equipped to be better men/women, sons/daughters, brothers/sisters, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, husband/wives and father/mothers?

• What strategies are in place to help your leaders process what they are assisting students in working through?

• How do your team respond when they see a leader struggling emotionally, mentally, spiritually or physically?

Amelia Dingle is a youth leader in Sydney.

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TIME magazine has named her the ‘Person of the Year’. She has been called the ‘Joan of Arc’ of our century. However you perceive the influence of 16 year old Greta Thunberg, MAL FLETCHER addresses why leaders need to recognise the voice of Milennials at this time.

UNDERSTANDING THE

GRETA EFFECT

A NEW GENERATION OF REFORMERS COMES OF AGE

BY MAL FLETCHER

I

n August 2018, a teenager from Stockholm decided it was time for action on climate change. She had very little to use as leverage in support of her cause, so she went on strike. She refused to attend school, setting up a one-person demonstration outside the Swedish Parliament.

The fact that Greta sits, in terms of age and global recognition, near the top of her generation, may help to explain her unusual commitment to the cause - and its impact.

I have been engaged in generational research since the 1980s, partly because generational change is a major factor in shaping the future.

Since that time, Greta Thunberg has found herself at the apex of an international movement. Her recent speech to the United Nations inspired some who watched it and saddened others.

I’ve found that each successive generation carries with it a unique set of characteristics, which have been shaped by particular sets of cultural experiences and influences.

Her calls for climate action have proven provocative but effective in terms of increasing public awareness. Whether they will, in the end, provide more heat than light only time will tell.

Each generation rebels against certain traits of the preceding generation, seeing its role as making up for the deficiencies of its elders.

Many people struggle to understand the Greta effect. Some, while admiring Ms Thunberg’s vision and tenacity, are concerned for her health, especially since her quest became a media phenomenon.

Much is written about the Millennial cohort - aka Generation Y. Its oldest members are now approaching early middle age.

They are, generically speaking, located somewhere between the ages of twenty and thirty-five.

To some degree, I share that concern. Greta’s story is frontpage material, a narrative of David versus Goliath proportions.

However, at the centre of the hurricane sits a young woman.

However, relatively little is written about Generation Z, which is fast making its move on the outside track.

Popularity and obscurity sit perilously close together in our age of short attention spans and the whimsical group-think of social media.

I prefer to call it Generation Edge, for two reasons. First, the ‘Z’ designation ties them too closely to Gen X and Y that went before.

From a monetary perspective, there are vast profits to be made for alternative energy companies, as traditional fuel providers are vilified. There is potential for corporate manipulation of a cause - and its spokesperson.

Second, they are on the edge of some of the greatest challenges and opportunities to face humankind in the past century or more.

None of this, however, is the subject of this article.

To anyone aged over forty, Millennials and Edgers may look much the same. They are not.

Greta Thunberg is now synonymous with Generation Z activism.

Unlike Millennials, Edgers generally display low levels of trust 26

in institutions. They’ve grown up watching banks being bailed out by taxpayers, while their CEOs collect record bonuses.

They read about mega-corporations that pay no tax, while their parents’ earning power drops, despite their long working hours.

Global research suggests that Edgers are much less trusting of institutions - including churches of all kinds - than Millennials were at their age. They are more likely to distrust promises made by institutional leaders and are far less idealistic in their outlook.

Wary of promises and grand-sounding dreams, their default outlook is pragmatic.

The question they ask of any leader is this: ‘How are you going to make the dream, the pledge, a reality?’

Despite impressions left by their global climate strikes, Generation Edgers are not for the most part rebellious for the sake of rebellion. They see themselves as reformers. Rebellion is a means to an end.

In light of the above, generically speaking, this generation has been slow to exhibit any interest in national politics. In the UK, their interest has been piqued by Brexit, but that is an issue-based interest.

They are becoming aware of global politics, based on specific concerns, such as climate change.

Until recently, Edgers have shown little tendency to engage with large-scale collective demonstrations, which owes something to their age.

For some time, though, they have been urging and pursuing reform via the digital space. Digital technology provides them with platforms for righting wrongs.

Generation Edgers feel they have a responsibility to change things. Where once whistle-blowers might have been the villains in any story, this generation sees them as role models who encourage others to fix broken systems.

The message for church, political and business is this: you can no longer expect loyalty to once-respected institutions as a given.

Neither can you expect young people to sound off in the digital arena, but otherwise stay out of sight. If nothing else, the climate strikes have put paid to that notion.

Leaders must learn to engage with the

criticism of young people in constructive ways. This does not mean simply cowtowing to demands or currying favour through photo opportunities with social media ‘influencers’ - or climate activists.

Generation Edgers will not respect acquiescence when they’re looking to their parents, teachers and leaders to provide role modelling and the benefits of experience.

At times, leadership will need to patiently - but not patronisingly challenge the thinking of Edgers, or correct misconceptions where they exist.

Leaders and parents also need to heed what this generation says in the digital space. This is where much of their activism begins.

Generation Edge will not be pacified by false expressions of agreement. They have grown up with the most sophisticated special effects in movie history; they know better than most the difference between a deep fake and the real article.

It is where nascent ideas will be personally and collectively developed over time. It is where future campaigns will be organised.

LEADERS AND PARENTS NEED TO HEED WHAT THIS GENERATION SAYS IN DIGITAL SPACE. – MAL FLETCHER

Parents, too, need to front up, taking responsibility for providing proactive guidance, rather than attempting to become peers to their teenage children.

A recent report suggested that parents are seeking the help of professional coaches because their children are ‘triple screening’ - that is, watching laptops, tablets and phones at the same time.

Why the need for coaching on this?

Why not simply play the role most parents have played for millennia?

Granted, we suffer today from a breakdown of the extended family and globalisation means that we tend to live further away from relatives than our parents’ generation. Some parents now find themselves without any hands-on access to family elders, who might once have provided advice and support.

Technology does offer us wonderful tools to help us provide oversight and contact points for our children. In the end, though, gadgets can only augment human contact. In an age of ‘high tech’, teens need ‘high touch’ and real-world face-time more than ever.

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We must also grasp that Edgers are more likely to display self-reliance than Millennials. Studies have shown that they already expect to meet opposition in the pursuit of their goals. They also believe that obstacles must be met with strength.

Leaders, educators and public service providers will need to avoid a ‘nanny state’ approach to Edgers, allowing them more room to work some things out for themselves. Any attempts at spoonfeeding are likely to be met with defiance.

Finally, in seeking to understand the mindset of Edgers, it is helpful to realise that on some moral and ethical issues they are more conservative than Millennials.

A 2014 report from the UK’s National Health Service showed that the proportion of under-20s who said they had taken illegal drugs in the month previous had halved compared to a decade earlier.

At that time, only two drugs listed as being on the rise among Edgers and both were legal. They were Ritalin and ModaSinil, both of which are stimulants that are sometimes used to power students through long study sessions.

The Greta Thunberg effect is, like most large-scale movements, partly a result of the right person and the right cause converging at the right time.

The response to it, particularly among young people, is mystifying or concerning to some adults. Yet it is understandable through the lens of not only climate concern but generational traits. © Mal Fletcher, 2019. First published at http://2020plus.net. Used by permission

CHURCH PLANTING In 2019, JOEL & JULIA A’BELL took a leap of faith and pioneered RVTLS (Revitalise) Church in the south of Sydney. ACC EMag spoke to them about their journey so far.

Q&A

Joel & Julia A’BELL

a six month period in 2018, within both of us.

We had been a part of planting many Hillsong locations around Australia, over many years. We love to pioneer. It wasn’t until the second half of 2018 we were really stirred to step out and plant a brand new church, and 2019 has been an exhilarating journey.

Q: Planting churches has always been a core value of our movement. Why do you think church planting is so important?

Joel: I know it’s simple to say this but, Jesus asked us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all people. While there are more people that need to hear the good news of God’s saving grace, we will always need more ways to reach them. Planting more churches helps us reach more people.

Julia: I think whilst there are individuals in our communities who haven’t heard the message of Love, we need a multitude of churches, that will reach every individual with this message of hope and grace in a variety of styles. Different styles of churches preaching and living the same gospel message will reach different people.

Q: There have been many different church planting models over the decades. What was your strategy?

Joel: It is true that we have had a lot of different experiences in this area but we really tried to take a back seat this time and wait for the Lord to bring us people. We responded to every person who was interested, met up with them and simply formed a gathering that started to grow. We have been doing the same thing all year.

Julia: It was a huge leap of faith for us. Practically we started the journey with nothing and watched as God, through the generosity of our movement, individuals and other churches provided what we needed to get started. We didn’t have a sound system, for example, and watched as the miracle finance came in for that! Every resource and every person that has become a part of RVTLS > has been a miracle.

Q: How did you get the call to plant a church?

Joel: Nearing the end of 2018, we drove across Tom Uglys Bridge into the Sutherland Shire and both felt a strong supernatural drawing to the area. Something happened and it was quite overwhelming.

Julia: The stirring to plant a church in the Sutherland Shire was an unfolding story, over 28

PLANTING A CHURCH ONLY REQUIRES A WILLINGNESS TO LOVE AND SERVE PEOPLE AND A DETERMINATION TO NOT MAKE IT ABOUT YOURSELF. – JOEL A’BELL

29

Q: Besides the Holy Spirit, who has been your inspiration?

Joel: The people God has brought into our RVTLS community are truly inspiring.

There have also been a few external friends, Sean, Andrew, Robin, Mik, Ben and Fred.

Julia: Our children... watching them make the transition from a well established church they grew up in, to starting from scratch has been stunning. Love them!

Individuals, couples and families... particularly the ones who joined the journey when we had nothing. Their support and faith meant everything in the very early days. Couldn’t have done it without them.

Q: How was involved in counting the cost? What kind of resources do you need to plant a church?

Joel: The greatest cost to anything in this life is surrendering all to Jesus. He gives us everything and everything /everyone belongs to Him. Planting a church only requires a willingness to love and serve people and a determination to not make it about yourself. It really doesn’t have to be about size or style.

Julia: Oh wow... you have to count the cost. And we did that over a six month period. We had to let go of financial security and the security of the people and relationships we had built over 20 years. This wasn’t easy. In fact, it took a good six months of grieving what we’d left behind. In saying that, we would do it all over again, watching the miracle of RVTLS take place.

Q What were some of the things you needed to do first?

Julia: All the legal and financial stuff.

You have to establish a board to start a

church. And then you can legally establish the church name.

And yes, choosing a name took about three months. Although the name we landed on – REVITALISE CHURCH – was where we actually began. It was a good process. And we have no ‘name regrets’. Revitalise is what God has done in our lives and the lives of people who now call RVTLS family. We also established all the socials and began developing a web page with the help of our brother-in-law. We actually have done a podcast REAL TIME RVTLS that has documented the church plant week to week.

Joel: Yeah, like Jules says, a bunch of admin things in setting up an entity if you want it to be legit. Other than that, you obviously need some people to be interested in gathering together. Everything moves at the speed of trust. So we only go as fast as people want to be involved. For example, we only moved our gathering out of our home because we ran out of room and it seemed more people wanted to belong.

Q: What was your first meeting like and how did you feel?

Joel: Haha. There was a massive thunderstorm for our first meet-up in the park, which we called a “start-up party”.

I was a little nervous. Nearly cancelled it on socials but a few people showed up, then a few more, then it poured and we all took cover under a closed cafe shelter.

So memorable.

Julia: Our first meeting was a ‘start up’ party in a local park at the beach. We chose a park because it didn’t cost anything. Ha. We had no idea if anyone would turn up. And just before it was due to start it began to rain. People still came

30

in the rain. And most of the people who came are an integral part of our church.

The rain forged a robust community who would jump from location to location until we occupied our miracle facility (that’s another story).

Q: A year on, what does RVTLS church look like today?

Joel: Well, it’s only ten months on but a beautiful community of people are gathering. We have morning and afternoon services. Teams are forming, people are empowered to serve each other. We have just launched a shower truck for the homeless and displaced. We have a permanent facility to do life from and people don’t want to leave at the end of our gatherings.

Julia: it’s not a year yet... we started regular gatherings in March 2019 and didn’t officially launch until October 2019.

It’s been a wonder-filled journey marked by miracles. By far the most amazing miracles have been the PEOPLE. It’s explodes my heart thinking about the people.

And we can truly testify that Jesus marked every step of the way with miracles.

Q: I imagine there have been highs and lows along the journey. Have there been any behind-the-scenes moments that you’d like to share – the miraculous wins and maybe any dramas to overcome?

Joel: So many highlights, seriously.

Watching the worship team form so quickly. Like, from our house. The creativity has been outstanding and many people asking how to do what we do. We have brilliant minds around us who love keeping everything simple.

DO IT SCARED! DO IT IN FAITH. THERE ARE WILD MIRACLES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF YOUR OBEDIENCE

WATCHING THE WAY THE LORD LEADS US IS A WONDERFUL JOURNEY. – JOEL A’BELL

For example, Andy creates an entire lighting system for the whole auditorium that runs on wifi bulbs (even the down lights) and is all controlled on an ipad.

Lots of things like this. Each venue has been a highlight, especially when we were homeless and were taken in by Kingsway Community Church. All miracles.

Julia: Honestly, it feels like every day and been marked my miracles. We have definitely felt like we’ve been in a spiritual battle the whole way, whilst at the same time enjoying sitting in the passenger seat watching the Holy Spirit take the drivers seat and lead us exactly where we’ve needed to go. It’s been a crazy ride.

We had a couple of significant prophetic words given by both respected prophets and unexpected encounters that have definitely kept us on track.

There have been lows as well - these moments pushed me deeper into seeking God’s presence and truth. Jesus is everything.

– JULIA A’BELL

Q: Is there anything you’d do differently?

Joel: Not really. Watching the way the Lord leads us is a wonderful journey. I often say to Jules, I hope this never ends.

Julia: What I would do again... is being led step by step by Holy Spirit. Avoiding the temptation to do things in our own strength and timing. It’s so much easier giving the reigns to Him. Also avoiding the temptation to do things we aren’t called to do in this season.

Q: What kind of support does the ACC provide for church planters?

Joel: There is funding available and gatherings you can be part of to help you plan and journey. The ACC has many amazing people across the country and we would encourage you to find your people.

Julia: We are so grateful for the financial contribution of the ACC. WOW... that helped us get started. Also for friends like Sean & Lynda Stanton (ACT), Michael &

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Kirsten Geerling (VIC) and Sue & Chris Mulhare (QLD) – pastors in the ACC who came alongside us as friends and really helped us not feel alone. Thanks guys.

Q: What would you say to other couples who feel the Spirit prompting them to plant a church? What tips would you give them?

Joel: If the Spirit is prompting you, then make a commitment to follow. Timing is important but willingness in imperative.

We have documented our journey from the beginning in a podcast. You can search Real Time RVTLS online. We have also started a group to connect with church planters for support and ideas, so let us know if we can help.

Julia: Do it scared! Do it in faith. There are wild miracles on the other side of your obedience. Also, don’t do it alone... reach out and have other church leaders cheer you along the way.

More info: rvtls.church

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SO YOU WANT TO GO TO THE

MISSION FIELD?

BY CHAD IRONS

I

These are just some of the questions future missionaries can learn about through ACCI’s Intercultural Missions Course. The course, which is delivered entirely online, is focused on getting people to think about the reality of life on the mission field, so they go prepared to work through any challenges and hopefully avoid some of the pitfalls common to those starting out. We recommend all future missionaries complete this course.

was recently approached by the mission’s coordinator of an ACC church that is making plans to send out new missionaries. She was keen to know what training ACCI offered and how future missionaries could get connected with us to learn more.

As the missionary sending and support agency for the Australian Christian Churches movement, ACCI’s vision is a world where all people have the opportunity to hear the gospel and the freedom to express their faith. In pursuit of this goal, we support missionaries in 31 countries around the world and we help get future missionaries ready to go.

Here’s how.

3. SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIPS There’s no better way to get a taste of life as a missionary than to go on a short-term trip. We actively encourage people considering full-time missions to go and see some of our work up close and to spend time learning from seasoned missionaries.

1. ONE-ON-ONE COACHING AND SUPPORT

We also encourage those wanting to go to the field to attend our annual PanAsia missions conference, as it provides a great opportunity to connect with and learn from others already doing the journey.

There’s nothing like having someone in your corner, offering one-on-one support, when you’re about to embark on possibly the greatest adventure of your life! That’s why one of the first things we do for someone wanting to go into full-time missions is to pair them with an ACCI field coach (or coaches).

Our movement is still sending missionaries, so if you’re interested – or know someone who is – get in contact with ACCI now!

Working together, they identify any skills or knowledge gaps and then our field coach points them in the direction of relevant learning opportunities and training. Our coaches also provide mentoring in personal development areas, like dealing with ‘cultural bias’; which is the assumptions that each of us hold (perhaps without even realising) about the world.

Working through issues like this – as well as improving relevant knowledge and skills – is vital to people being effective in the field.

Checklist for pastors: How you can support someone wanting to go into full-time missions  Encourage them to go on a short-term mission trip  Pray with them about what and where God is calling them to  Point them to the Intercultural Missions Course, found at accimissions.org.au/imc  Put them in contact with ACCI to start their coaching journey

2. INTERCULTURAL MISSIONS COURSE – ONLINE TRAINING ‘What will day-to-day life be like on the mission field?’

‘What are my responsibilities when it comes to protecting children?’

‘Who handles the finances?’

Chad Irons is the CEO of ACCI Missions

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HONOUR THE LORD FOR THE GLORY OF HIS NAME. WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE SPLENDOUR OF HIS HOLINESS. Psalm 29:2 (NLT)

WORSHIP W HONOUR IS OUR

W

orship is not an event. Worship is more than a moment, more than a Sunday expression, more than a song, more than a euphoric experience.

Worship is a rightful posture of our inner life and a rightful and utterly appropriate response to an infinite all-loving God. Worship begins with revelation knowledge and gives expression to a life made right with God. Worshipping with our lives makes His presence visible; such is the power of worship. Worship, at every level, always means God and the priority of God. It is through worship that humanity enters into that great life of the spiritual universe which consists in the ceaseless proclamation of the Glory of God.

As the Church and the sound of our prayerful psalms continue to gather in strength across the earth, the sound of hymns and spiritual songs get louder and louder (and they must) as Kingdom culture continues to invade the natural realm.

So, we continue to dig deep into our understanding of what it means to worship, the freedom we announce in worship, and that God will not be mocked through worship. He is not a God after entertainment, but He is a God who asks for spirit and truth worship. No outside-in performances required, but inside out, wholehearted, worship of the living God. I’ve been reflecting on the life of King David, how he eventually learned the rhythm of the secret place –this place of sacred soul health, where he searched for and found his only true and lasting hope.

Psalm 63:7-8 shares his insights like this: ‘I lie awake each night thinking of you and reflecting on how you help me like a father.

I sing through the night under your splendor-shadow, offering up to you my songs of delight and joy!

With passion I pursue and cling to you.

Because I feel your grip on my life, I keep my soul close to your heart.’

There it is, friend. Keeping our soul close to His heart.

Teaching our souls to sing AND to cling. David’s example to us is that he had to teach his soul to be tethered to the heart of God, to sing above the chaos of circumstances, to give wings to his prayers through worship.

If your soul is weary today, my prayer is that you will find the strength to simply ENTER into the courts of God, sit at His table and receive from the One who knows you better than anyone.

Worship is our life, not just a lifestyle.

Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. For everything that had separated us from God is now never again to be an issue.

Nothing can separate us from His love. Up until that time in history, there was so much law in the way of personal worship.

Even as David challenged everything in the way worship was expressed, Jesus still had to make a way so that God’s presence was now not in a place for us to go to, but His presence was now amongst us, in us and through us. Never again determined by our actions, but by His goodness.

Where does worship lead us? To His presence.

God has promised in Psalm 22:3 to ‘inhabit the praises of His people’, and God is always true to His promises. Our worship provides a place of meeting with God — a place for us to encounter His very presence and embrace His invitation to join Him as He works.

Worship is like a vehicle to His presence; however it is your life that is surrendered in worship. The songs help us bring the whole of our hearts in the offering.

Scientists have found that music stimulates more parts of the brain than any other human function, a gift from heaven to gather our thoughts, emotions, reactions, intelligence and imaginations all heavenward.

Darlene Zschech and her husband Mark are the Senior Pastors of the multi-campus Life UC church on the NSW Central Coast.

Learn more about worship through Darlene’s online worship leading course at yourministrymentor.com 34

HE IS NOT A GOD AFTER ENTERTAINMENT, BUT HE IS A GOD WHO ASKS FOR SPIRIT AND TRUTH WORSHIP – DARLENE ZSCHECH

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NEW RELEASES

EAT YOUR WAY TO LIFE AND HEALTH

By Joseph Prince Discover the secrets to health, wholeness, and a long, abundant life!

Most of us eat without thinking. Yet there is a direct correlation to what and how we eat to our physical and spiritual well-being.

Let Pastor Joseph Prince unlock the healing promises from the Scriptures designed to lead you to a life of abundance.

You will learn: About the life-giving properties of the Holy Communion To experience divine healing when you “Read the Red” (aka) feed on Jesus, the true Passover Lamb How to hear and obey the Spirit of God when we eat About the health-giving power that comes from a relaxed heart By meditating on these powerful practices, you will begin to experience greater health, peace, and joy. Find satisfaction and practical application straight from God’s Word to your heart.

Be encouraged and start walking in a greater measure of health today!

BE ANGRY, BUT DON’T BLOW IT: Maintaining Your Passion Without Losing Your Cool

By Lisa Bevere

New York Times best-selling author Lisa Bevere encourages women to stop hurting the ones they love, to learn to say things so they’ll be heard, to get rid of bitterness, and to find forgiveness for themselves.

Conflict is unavoidable so each of us must learn to manage it successfully. But what if we can’t? What if anger has us out of control and out of hand?

Lisa shares how anger controlled her for years, exacting a devastating toll upon her life and relationships. Desperate, she cried out to God, and found help. If you, too, are at a turning point, Be Angry, But Don’t Blow It will help you regain control.

Sharing all she has learned about handling this powerful emotion, Lisa discusses how you can: • Learn to say things so you’ll be heard.

• Move beyond mere apologies into genuine confession.

• Yank out the defiling root of bitterness.

• Find forgiveness and release for yourself.

• Learn to channel passionate emotions constructively. Anger is not wrong, it is how we express it and how far we take it that determines the outcome.

TAKE THE DAY OFF

Receiving God’s Gift Of Rest

By Robert Morris Rest your mind, body, and spirit and focus on God’s principles for keeping the Sabbath with this helpful guide from bestselling author Robert Morris.

A constant stream of busyness can slowly wear away at us over time: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet believers often forget that taking a day of rest is one of the Ten Commandments!

When we don’t give our minds and emotions a break, our will to make good choices can often become compromised.

Resting is also important to those around you. If you have a weary soul, you can’t pour yourself into others at home, work, or wherever you are. It’s vital--you must take the day off.

In Take The Day Off, RobertMorris explains why rest is central to your wellbeing, how to do it, and how helpful it can be. You will be inspired to experience true rest and make it a priority in the rhythm of your weekly schedule. Don’t wait and delay God’s blessings in your life.

Start implementing the principle of rest in your life and you will see eternal benefits.

New releases can be ordered online from www.koorong.com or www.word.com.au 37

NEW DEVOTIONALS

HAPPY TODAY:

A Guided Journal to Genuine Joy

By Max Lucado What makes you happy? Do you live a life filled with genuine, unabashed joy? The path there may surprise you.

You aren’t in charge of the weather, the traffic, or running the country. But you can always increase the number of smiles on our planet. You can lower the anger level in your city. You, yes you, can help people to sleep better, laugh more, hum instead of grumble, walk instead of stumble. And don’t be surprised when you begin to sense a newfound joy yourself. That’s what this book is about: the unexpected path to joy.

In this 52-week guided journal, each week includes an excerpt of Max’s writing, primarily from How Happiness Happens.

Each entry also includes a scripture and a guided journal prompt, alongside journaling space with photos and beautiful illustrations on each spread.

By walking through the “one another” passages found in Scripture, Max equips you with both an overarching way of living and practical day-to-day actions that produce a life of happiness and moments of true joy. You’ll discover the secret that the Bible teaches and research affirms: doing good does good for the doer.

Meeting God Face to Face: 365 Day Devotional

By Bill Johnson

Did you know that you have the same access to God the Father that Jesus has?

Meeting God Face to Face is a 365-day devotional based on Bill Johnson’s bestselling book Face to Face With God. Each day’s reflection contains a Scripture verse, a short reading, a highlighted point to ponder, and lines for journaling.

Much of the content of this devotional and its companion book, Face to Face With God, was first preached by Bill Johnson in 2002. This message became his whole life—a life devoted to discovering and hosting the presence of God. Pursuing this goal has been costly, but it did not prevent him from making it his sole reason for living.

If you desire to grow in intimacy with God and develop a stronger sense of and appreciation for His presence, this book is for you! Deepen your relationship with God by pursuing His favor and continuing the spiritual journey you started through Face to Face With God.

LIVE IN GRACE, WALK IN LOVE: A 365-DAY DEVOTIONAL

By Bob Goff Beloved and bestselling author Bob Goff provides you with a year’s worth of inspiring, unexpected, thought-provoking teaching that will prepare you for the day ahead.

Bob Goff ’s first two books, Love Does and Everybody, Always, spent dozens of weeks each as New York Times bestsellers with their unique combination of entertaining, witty storytelling, and challenging, surprising perspectives.

Now Bob is back with a year-long devotional made up of his distinctive, entertaining, deceptively profound reflections on what it means to live every day in light of the grace of God. Built on Bob’s trademark storytelling and unique way of helping us to see things in a new way, Live in Grace, Walk in Love takes us through an entire calendar year of meditations on how we can step out in love and confidence in every aspect of our lives. More than a tweet, less than a blog post, these devotional readings--accompanied by Scripture--will inspire and galvanize you live a more liberated, love- and life-giving existence than you ever thought possible.

This guided journal will help you discover what happiness is and how to find that deep, lasting, heart-brimming-over kind of happy.

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

Get started for free at tithely.com/acc 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

2021

SAVE THE DATE

ACC21

20-22 APRIL 2021 GOLD COAST

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