NOVEMBER 2O16 EVANGELISM -...

NOVEMBER 2O16

EVANGELISM

As a teenager, I wouldcringe whenever the churchwould announce that itwas going to run anevangelism training day,sporting the latest tools forthe trade. As a son of anelder in the church, I wasexpected to be there andparticipate in the program.

Iwould spend a day at the churchbeing trained by gifted evangelistson how to use the “4 Spiritual Laws,”

then live in fear and trepidation for thenext week, as I was expected to use thematerial somehow and report back onthe results.

Most of the “opportunities” were forcedand well quite devastating for myselfand the person I forced myself upon.Most people were gracious and listened

but had no interest in what I waspeddling. One morning as I sat on thetrain trying to work up the courage tostart a conversation with the manbeside me, a young girl walked into thecarriage announced that she had amessage for everyone on the train. In abold but nervous wavering voice shestood clinging to the seats beside her asthe train rocked and rolled andemphatically told everyone they weresinners and that they would be going to

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On my recent mission trip toCambodia I was struck again bythe overwhelming hospitalityoffered by those who hadalmost nothing.

They offer theirhomes, theirtime, their

food, and their lovewithout question. Thegenerosity of thepoor seems often toexceed that of therich, which in thatcontext includes

myself. Why is that? It seems that those whohave less in life have a lighter hold on thingsof this world and are therefore freer withtheir time and resources, being more likelyto give. The generosity of the CambodianChristians is impacting their country forChrist. Is ours?

While God calls us to give generously of ourresources, we are also called to givegenerously of our time. True hospitalityincludes the gift of both. In Australia, whilegiving generously of what we have will havesome impact, giving generously of our timewill, I believe, impact more. With the everincreasing pace of the life in Australia, andthe unceasing demand placed on us, we cryout that we are busy and time poor, andhave little time for others. Is this causing thedemise of true Christian hospitality? Is thebusyness we now wear as a badge,hindering our effectiveness for Christ?

If the gospel is relational, and it is, thenoffering time and hospitality to others mustbe one of the best gifts we can offer. Perhapswe need a hospitality revolution, whereChristians intentionally free up more time todevelop authentic community. What if weand our churches were marked by awelcoming embrace that is like the father ofthe prodigal son, always open and extremelygenerous? This would I think express thegospel in rich ways, to a society that needstime to stop and reflect. It needs us to stop,be still, and offer our time generously.

David Smith

FROM THECHAIRMAN

EVANGELISMCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

2 Connect November 2016

hell if they did not repent andfollow Jesus. As quickly as shearrived she left, leaving a carriage ofbewildered train travelers. Over thenext few weeks she appeared onnumerous occasions with the samemessage. There was no blindinglight, no-one got on their knees andsought God's forgiveness. In fact,people mocked her and hermessage. As I considered what hadhappened I was at first angry thatshe had made it more difficult forme to share with the people besideme, but as I thought about it, myprocess was no different. Ambushsomeone and retreat with a senseof fulfillment that I had completed amission. Neither approach reallyshared God's love and neithermethod was particularly helpful toanyone.

I was really discouraged anddecided that evangelism was forthe gifted only and thus not for me.

In my mid 20’s our church startedlooking at and assessing individuals’ spiritual gifts. What arelief, my bottom three gifts on thelist were mercy, evangelism andmartyr. (Was glad about the lastone, who would want that at thetop of their list). Another excuse toleave it to the gifted.

In my 30’s I came across four versesthat reinvigorated my desire toshare the good news about myLord,

Now I say to you that you are Peter(which means 'rock'), and upon thisrock I will build my church, and allthe powers of hell will not conquerit. (Matthew 16:18)

And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and ofGod's righteousness, and of thecoming judgment. The world’s sin isthat it refuses to believe in me.(John 16:8-9)

But how can they call on him to savethem unless they believe in him?And how can they believe in him ifthey have never heard about him?And how can they hear about himunless someone tells them? Andhow will anyone go and tell themwithout being sent? That is why theScriptures say, “How beautiful arethe feet of messengers who bringgood news!” (Romans 10:14-15)

I was surprised to see that it wasJesus’ job to build the church, theSpirit’s job to bring conviction tosinners and my job to tell the goodnews. What a relief that was. I didn’tneed clever words, or to makepeople feel guilty of sin. I just got toshare with my friends what I lovedabout being a follower of Jesus.

Then I found a great verse that toldme that God had placed me here, inthis time at this location on purposeto serve him. It wasn’t an accidentthat I was here with the peoplearound me.

He is the God who made the worldand everything in it. Since he is Lord

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1


November 2016 Connect 3

CHILDSAFE RISK MANAGEMENTPAUL GOULD

of heaven and earth, he doesn't live inman-made temples, and human handscan't serve his needs for he has no needs.He himself gives life and breath toeverything, and he satisfies every need.From one man he created all thenations throughout the whole earth.He decided beforehand when theyshould rise and fall, and he determinedtheir boundaries. (Acts 17:24-26)

These verses brought freedom, itremoved the feeling of performanceand guilt. It became a joy to share Jesusat the right time with the people Iworked with and socialised with.

At our last SIU Conference ("Empoweredfor Mission"), Darrell Bock gave a verypowerful talk on how we can beculturally relevant in today's changingsociety. How do we show others thatJesus is the real answer? Two of ouryounger men shared how they live forJesus in the work place and in lifegenerally. Jacob’s message had a greatimpact on me, pulling together my life’slearning about evangelism, andsimplifying it into a simple and freeingexpression of love for my Lord. As his

pretext he used the following self-explanatory verses.

Be careful to live properly among yourunbelieving neighbours. Then even ifthey accuse you of doing wrong, theywill see your honourable behaviour, andthey will give honour to God when hejudges the world. (1 Peter 2:12)

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lordof your life. And if someone asks aboutyour hope as a believer, always be readyto explain it. (1 Peter 3:15)

Jacob shared that they had challengedtheir church to consider beingpurposeful with the following areas oflife. Who do we

• Eat with?• Work with?• Celebrate with?• Recreate with?

Who do we share our time with and dowe chose to do life with friends who areunbelievers? He suggested once wespend time with people, then we should

• Listen to their stories• Bless them where the opportunity

arises by sharing what a differenceJesus has made in our lives whenit fits into their story.

Interestingly, as I look back over my life, I did have many conversations withpeople about Jesus in the work place, inmy home and on the sporting field, in anatural and engaging way and some ofthese people accepted Jesus as theirsaviour but I never saw it as evangelismas it occurred naturally and flowed outof normal everyday life conversations.

A copy of the recordings from the SIUconference are available for downloadat the CCCAust(NSW) website atwww.cccaustnsw.com/conferences/ConfDownload

As it happens, I have new neighbourswho moved in a couple of months ago.We had tea with them the otherevening and have started a friendship.My neighbour works for the air forceand sports a tattoo claiming “FreedomComes at a Price”. Just waiting for theright time to hear that story and see ifwe have opportunity to share our story.

Bradley Scott

Eighteen Churches are nowusing CCCAust endorsedChild Safe Australia SafetyManagement Online Systemto manage their children’sactivities.

It is a hierarchal based system with astate based administrator able toappoint coordinators at church level,

who in turn can appoint team leadersthat manage children’s activities withteam members, who they are able toappoint.

There are over 100 persons nowregistered on the system managing orundertaking children’s activities. Theregistered person’s and activity records

cannot be deleted ensuring they remainviewable in the future. Each level has it’sown training program which can beundertaken online and the system offersaccess to numerous resources includinga child protection policy.

It is expected that all organisationsundertaking children’s activities will atsome stage be legally required to create

and retain records of such and asChristians we have a duty of care notonly to the children but also to the paidworkers and volunteers that serve theseactivities to protect them. So let’s leadthe way and adopt this riskmanagement system before it’s mademandatory.

CONTACTSNew South Wales + ACT: Brad ScottQueensland: Shane GinnSouth Australia: Jeff SpencerTasmania: Jenny Wraight or Paul GouldVictoria: Jenny Wraight or Paul GouldWestern Australia: David Shaw


CHILDREN FOLLOWING THE REAL JESUSWENDY STRACHAN

A couple of years ago, Ishared coffee with awoman I’ve known sinceshe was a baby. Threemonths earlier, hernewborn had not made itpast the first few days ofhis fragile life. As wechatted, she saidsomething like: When wewere kids, we were told –or at least given theimpression – that Jesuswould make everythingOK. I would trust him andpray to him, and he’d lookafter me. It’s wrong.

I’m afraid that we had sold my friendshort when she was a child. We hadunderestimated her capacity to

follow the real Jesus. We didn’t mean todo it. But I wonder if we unintentionallyfail children by offering them adiminished version of Jesus that wethink is ‘enough’. We can easily ignorethe words of Jesus who told us that weadults need to learn from the faith ofchildren rather than vice versa – andinstead we give them a diluted, ‘child-sized’ version, a shadow of who the realJesus is. And we sell Jesus short too.

The Jesus that we present to children isa person who longs to be their Saviourand their friend. Both those aspects areessential – the starting point for anychild to come into a relationship withGod. Every child deserves to know thatthe forgiveness that Jesus’ death andresurrection makes possible will bringthem into God’s family forever; and thatno matter what they might do that iswrong, he will not exclude them fromthat family. And every child deserves toknow that Jesus will walk with themevery day through his Spirit.

We encourage children to follow Jesus –and rightly so. But what does it mean tofollow this man who is the visibleexpression of the invisible God? Follow-ing Jesus is not a warm fuzzy feeling,and Jesus is not meek-and-mild. Hisexpectations of his followers are high –even for children. Following him comesat a cost because the world in whichchildren live is broken. We need to paintthe broader biblical picture of Jesus so

that children are not left with anincomplete picture that does not equipthem for the real world they live in.

Jesus sympathised with thosewho felt lost and confused.

His heart went out to the crowds ofordinary people who felt helpless andharassed, like sheep without anyone tocare for them or direct them back. If wefollow Jesus, we learn to recognise the


“He did no miracles but He healed them.” - James Tissot



voice of the Good Shepherd even whenit seems distant - and we discover thatwe can trust him whatever happens.And we feel compassion for those whofeel lost.

Jesus is the one who stood upagainst those who try to takeadvantage of ‘smaller’ people.

Whether it was the money-changers inthe temple, or the Pharisees who wereheaping unnecessary rules on people,Jesus was never afraid to speak out onbehalf of others. He is on our side if weare bullied. If we follow Jesus, we are onthe side of those who are bullied.

Jesus gave courage to people indangerous and scary situations.

The disciples were in awe of Jesus in thestorm - he was unlike anyone else theyhad ever met and gave Peter courage toact differently even when it was scary. Ifwe follow Jesus, it doesn’t mean thatthere is no danger – but he will give uscourage equal to what confronts us andrescue us when our discouragementsoverwhelm us.

Jesus didn’t push and shove toget the best for himself.

When the disciples jostled for position,Jesus taught by word and lifestyle, thatposition doesn’t matter. If we followJesus, we follow him into a life ofunselfishness.

Jesus defended people who felt‘pushed out’.

It’s easy to be afraid because of whatothers might think of us. Jesus caredabout people who felt this way – thoseexcluded by their communities (thosewith leprosy), those in trouble (thewoman with the bleeding), those livingwith disability. If we follow Jesus, webefriend those who are different; westand up for them when others pushthem away.

Jesus understood that friends letyou down.

All his disciples deserted Jesus at thetime when he most needed them. Hecould have turned his back on them butinstead he forgave, and reinstated themas friends. If we follow Jesus, we will begenerous with forgiveness.

Jesus expects the truth.

He is truth; he said that our wordsshould be true; he boldly spoke truth.

If we follow Jesus, we tell the truth andwe stand up for what is true – because itmatters.

Jesus understood what it feelslike to be attacked for noapparent reason.

When he was beaten, he said nothing.If we follow Jesus, we understand wecannot always defend ourselves. Andwe take seriously his warning that somewill laugh at us, lie about us – maybeeven persecute us. This is a cost offollowing.

Jesus knew that sometimes itseems like the bad people winand evil flourishes.

If we follow Jesus, we hold firm to God’spromise that evil will be defeated – hisresurrection proved that. God wins.

This is the multi-dimensional Jesuschildren will not grow out of. It is noeasy path to choose but child-followersare not on their own. They join otherChristians of all generations whoencourage one another, bear oneanother’s burdens, learn from oneanother’s mistakes, forgive one another– and together seek to be ‘light in theworld’ so that people will see our gooddeeds and will praise our heavenlyFather (Matthew 5:16).

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HELPING OTHERS REVEALS THE ATTITUDE OF THE HEART EDWARD LALABALU

Our act of kindness andcharity towards others,stands as a crucial mark ofour discipleship and Jesusreminds us of that in theGospel of Matthew.

“For I was hungry and you gave mesomething to eat, I was thirsty and yougave me something to drink, I was astranger and you invited me in, I neededclothes and you clothed me, I was sickand you looked after me, I was in prisonand you came and looked after me.”(Matthew 25:35-36 )

But the question is always asked,“When did we know the personwas in need?” And for many of us

in the church, how do we connect tothose in need?

Hands & Feet ministry, based inBlacktown, helps us connect to those inneed. It feeds the homeless on Fridaynights, distributes food through thechurches to families in need, suppliesbreakfast to 15 schools for children whocome to school without havingbreakfast, distributes clothes to thehomeless, helps build schools in Indiafor the underprivileged, sendscontainers of food and buildingmaterial for those affected by cycloneslike in Fiji, and also partners on variousprojects with churches in Asia andAfrica to help the poor in thosesocieties.

How we treat others reveals the state ofour relationship with Jesus becausehow we treat others reveals the attitudeof the heart. When we, as a church, arein a right relationship with God throughJesus Christ, filled with his Spirit, servingHis cause, we will be unaware that ourgoodness, our kindness, ourfaithfulness, or gentleness towardsothers is anything other than natural.

By getting your church involved inHands & Feet, it helps the congregationto have compassion and mercy towardsthe stranger, towards the homeless, tofamilies struggling in our communities,

and maybe showing the love of Christmay lead some to a saving faith in JesusChrist. (1 John 4:19) “We love becausehe first loved us.”

Do we as a church have any concern forthose less fortunate in our communities?If not, why not? Proverbs 19:17 states“He who is kind to the poor lends to theLord.” Getting involved with Hands &Feet ministry helps your church connectwith the community and become awareof those in need.

Do we as a church have “closed” handsthat say everything I have is “mine”? Ordo we as a church have an “open” hand,wishing to express the generous love ofChrist? An open hand to families whoare struggling very often leads toministering to their spiritual needs.

Opportunities are all around to sharethe love of God with others. But openhands also require feet that actuallytake us to the less fortunate. We musttake on the role of servanthood,becoming willing to make local needsan important aspect of our church life.

With open hands, we become thevisible expression of God’s mercy andkindness. By allowing our feet to be ledby Him, we become the visibleexpression of the outreach of the lovingFather in the gracious ministry of HisSon.

Contact Hands & Feet today and getyour church involved in this inspiringand effective ministry.

Immediate opportunities are available:

• Sorting in the warehouse Monday toFriday 9.00am-4.30pm.

• Drivers to drive 3 tonne truck to pickup supplies Monday to Friday.

• School distribution on Monday.

• Packing food for the homelessFriday from 3.00pm.

• City Evangelism feeding the poor,Friday from 6.00pm to 11.00pm.

Hands & Feet2/16 Forge StreetBlacktown NSW 2148Contact Joe Brown 0423 739 945

If you have a heart to replicate thisministry in your state, contact us andwe’d love to work with you to get itstarted.

Edward Lalabalu



CCCAUST WEBSITE UPGRADECCCAUST.ORG

The site has been restructuredunder helpful headings to meetspecific requirements.

The main menu is now:

Home: Our welcome page

Find a Church: Enter a Postcode orSuburb and you’ll find a list ofchurches in the surrounding area.When you chose a church, it displaysthe contact details, address andservice times of the selected church (ifthey have been supplied).

What’s On: This takes you to the Statesites and provides a selection ofNational and State run activities andconferences.

Newsletter: Here you can downloadpast issues of Connect magazine.

Community Services: This area iswritten to connect with the generalpublic. If someone is looking for aschool or campsite, they’ll see whatservices our churches offer thecommunity. We cover topics such asSocial Justice, Youth, Marriage, AgedCare, Camping, Schools, Counselling.

Helping Churches: Services providedto churches to help them grow,evangelise or do their administration.

This area includes helps such as

1. Conferences (International / Nationaland State based)

2. Education: Learning opportunitiessuch as our Bible Colleges.

3. State Networks: Links to what’shappening in the different States.

4. Evangelism: Connects to missionbased groups who help ourchurches. This includes trainingopportunities, administration, andparachurch organisations.

5. Church Admin: We have negotiateda number of deals to help churchesmeet their admin requirementsincluding

a. A group Insurance policy forchurches (making Insurancecheaper for churches)

b. Group CCLI License policy(Making Copyright cheaper forchurches)

c. Policies: Helping churchesconform to Government rules.We are excited by the new WHSpolicy due for release in comingmonths.

6. Prayer: If you need support, wecan pray for you. Use this page tosend us your prayer requests.

7. Job Vacancies: A growing numberof churches use this site toadvertise vacant positions in theirchurches. CCM (Our Schoolinggroup) will be advertising positionfor their school on our site also.

8. Finances: Need a loan to extendyour church building. Find outwhere to do this on this page.Please note: Stewards now havean online banking system thathelps churches access their moneybetter. Not banking with Stewards,check it out.

9. Downloads: Missed one of ourNational Conferences, checkoutthe download page to catch up onthe teaching.

10. Handbook: Each year weproduce a new handbook. Youshould receive an email eachDecember asking you to updateyour details. Anyone who wouldlike to sponsor the handbook cancontact us through this pagealso.

We hope you find the new websitehelpful and easier to use. Check it outtoday at cccaust.org.

How does this website upgrade help you, your church and your community?


FIT FOR PURPOSEDR LEONARD SMITH PRINCIPAL EMMAUS BIBLE COLLEGE

There is a plethora ofChristian writingregarding purpose in life.Throughout generationspeople have been seekinganswers to questionsrelating to purpose.

Similarly in current business, andsociety in general there is arecognised need for individuals

and organisations to have a mission, afocused purpose.

The very response to every questionasked of a child at Sunday School isJesus, and similarly perhaps the answerfor an adult regarding purpose is love.While we recognise that a rote answer isnot what deep learning or inquiry seeks,


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simplistically the two go hand in hand.It is a foundational truth so simple it isalmost impossible to comprehend.Purpose is found in Jesus and Jesus issynonymous with love.

Within society today, the term ‘fit forpurpose’ generally means that theperson or product is well able to do orachieve what it was designed or states itis capable of doing. It is a term used inbusiness and trade with referencesmade in common law and fair-trading.The online Oxford Dictionary providesthe definition (of an institution, facility,etc.) well equipped or well suited for itsdesignated role or purpose.

In higher education perhaps a deeperorganisational investigation regardsboth ‘Fitness of Purpose’ and ‘Fitness forPurpose’. It is an inquiry seeking ananswer to the questions “Is what we aredoing an appropriate thing to do?” and“Are we able to achieve what we areseeking to achieve?” (Shaw, 2014, p. 33)

In applying these two terms toEmmaus/Australian College of ChristianStudies we ask ourselves, “What do webelieve that God is seeking us to do atCollege at this time in history? “ and“What is required in order for us toachieve this?

An effective education program mustfirst understand, why it exists – in otherwords, a fit purpose. When this fitpurpose is established, the institutionand its curriculum should be shaped tobest fit that purpose.

We read in Matt 16:1-3,

The Pharisees and Sadducees came toJesus and tested him by asking him toshow them a sign from heaven.

He replied, “When evening comes, yousay, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky isred,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will bestormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’You know how to interpret theappearance of the sky, but you cannotinterpret the signs of the times.

Just as Jesus was telling the Phariseesand Sadducees that they need to ableto interpret the signs of the times,likewise, knowing what God is seekingus to do at this point in time byinterpreting the signs of the timesassists Fitness for Purpose.

Recently at a staff training session at

Emmaus/ACCS we investigated ourresponse to the question of Fitness ofPurpose and Fitness for Purpose. As astaff we attempted to look honestly anddeeply at these two terms and theirimplications for our organisation. If weaccept, knowing what God is seeking usto do at this point in time is adeterminant of fitness we examined thisin the broad context of Christianeducation and our current practices andintent.

We determined that as a Christianeducational community one of ourmain functions is to equip a diverserange of peoples through Bible,theological or social sciences training.The ideal outcome of our activities inthe first instance is to train, educate,and adequately equip Christians for

service. We are firmly convinced,however, that learning has not takenplace until applied and therefore, fromfurther consideration we determinedthe ultimate goal is not merely to equipChristians but to equip them as leadersin order for them to serve the church.

The Scriptures make it very clear thatthe ultimate goal of all we are and do asindividuals and as a church is toparticipate in the Missio Dei: to workand to serve for the extension of thekingdom of God and the proclamationin word and deed of Christ as Lord(Gibson, 2012).

We as Christian educators, given thediversity of our students, therefore aimto equip leaders for a diversity of fieldsof operation and service. An extended

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aim in equipping individuals forministry within churches andorganisations where our graduatesmight serve is that the churches orministries in turn, have a lasting impactin the broader communities in whichthey are placed to serve.

It is difficult to establish a direct causeand effect relationship. However, weaim to try and devise tools that will helpus assess the contribution of ourgraduates in the enhancement of theministries of churches into becomingmore effective in their communities inorder to inform our curriculum andscope. It is about a process, training inorder to be fit for purpose, first at apersonal level then on through to acommunity for impact in the broadercommunity in which we find ourselvesserving.

Theological higher educationtraditionally has been presented on the“four silos” of Bible, Theology, Historyand Ministerial/Pastoral Studies (Shaw,2014). It would appear that this modelmight not adequately assist students toaddress the challenges facing thetwenty-first century global churchunless it demonstrates relevance to theparticular culture they are attemptingto impact.

Shaw, (2014) presented the Arab BaptistTheological Seminary profile of theideal graduate. They list characteristicsunder the headings of:

• Cognitively, a mind committed toreflective practice;

• Affectively, a heart of love for Godand others, and

• Behaviourally, hands of servantleadership for the empowering ofGod's people.

They want to do all of this in order toempower people to lead according tothe mission statement of the church inthe Arab world (Shaw, 2014). That iswonderful. They reflect on the past andthen cater for the present and for theirhope in the future. We can learn fromthis.

We consider those who understand thetimes lead the way. Whether it is leadinga blue-chip company or a Godhonouring ministry seeking to influencepeople for Christ the challenge is thesame, to know the culture and discoverthe best way to reach that culture. Thisconcept is not new as throughout theBible, just as the children of Issachar,who were men who had understandingof the times, to know what Israel oughtto do… (1 Chronicles 12:32) assistedDavid.

Shaw (2014, p.21) presented a model ofFitness for Purpose, whichdemonstrates an expanded view ofmuch of our thinking. Titled Titled “Thepilgrimage of faithful men and women,”he presented a continuum of growth,which he suggested should inform andshape the curriculum for equippingChristian leaders.

The ongoing phase, being that studentsbecome ‘effective men and women foran effective church. Shaw then askedwhat that might look like within aparticular context. The approach isapplicable beyond theologicaleducation to churches themselves.

• What is the ideal church in ourcontext?

• What are the contextual challenges?

• What might an ideal Christian leaderlook like?

Perhaps the three questions revisitedfrom time to time might go a long wayto determine a local church’s Fitness forPurpose.

The expanded view of Fitness forPurpose is helpful as it providesconnectivity. It assists in strengtheningthe thinking that we are part of a biggerwhole. We are one of the manybranches of the vine. The simple childlike faith foundations remain, ourultimate purpose is to love and why,because of Jesus. If we love him we willdo as he endorsed, which is to:

Love the Lord your God with all your heartand with all your soul and with all yourstrength and with all your mind”; and,“Love your neighbour as yourself.” Jesusadded. “Do this and you will live”. (Luke 10:27-28)

In the past, our neighbours in far awayplaces, were reached by a few, however,today, people throughout the world canbe reached, encouraged, supported andtaught by both direct and mediaconnections. As a theological collegewith a diverse student cohort our prayeris that future, well-equipped leaders will‘go into the world’ in love to serve Jesus.

We live in challenging and excitingtimes. May we continue to examineourselves individually and collectively inthe substance of Jesus’ love for us toensure through His grace we remain ‘Fitfor Purpose’.

References• Gibson, D. 2012. Being Trinity. Teaching Theology. A Blog for

Theological Education by Graham Cheesman. Online athttp://teachingtheology.org/2012/being-trinity.

• Shaw, P. 2014. Transforming Theological Education. A PracticalHandbook for Integrative Learning. Cumbria UK: LanghamGlobal Library.


During April 2016 theChristian CommunityChurches of Australia heldtheir biennial NationalConference at CampClayton in Tasmania.

Three hundred Christians fromevery state in Australia,representing 42 churches,

enjoyed a weekend of teaching,worship, fellowship and fun with eachother. This was an opportunity to“live‐in” with Christians from across ournation who share a similar heritage anddesire to proclaim and live the gospel ofJesus Christ in a post‐modern society.11 local churches who are the “owners”of the camp site were also represented.

The objective of the conference was toempower and equip the church toENGAGE the unchurched. The programwas targeted on teaching to GenX andGenY while still making it relevant for allages. It was our desire to equip ourchurches to be ENGAGED with theirCOMMUNITIES in a practical way, tounderstand the CULTURE of our societyand to express the gospel in a relevantCONTEXT which requires wisdom anddiscernment.

Stephen Mcquoid is the GeneralDirector of GLO Europe. He taught howto model family in an unfriendly

neighbourhood and took teaching from1 Peter. As individuals we are the livingbreathing church and as aliens andstrangers within our society we need tofollow our calling by being a friend tothe lonely – after all we are priests. Heencouraged us to love and accept thosewhose lives are different to ours and beinstrumental in accepting people intoour churches.

David Wraight is the Director of Ministryand Mission for CCCVaT. He engagedand empowered our young people touse their energy for the kingdom, to becreative and be courageous in theirfaith. On the opening night he gave achallenge to the youth to find a mentorwho would “caddy” for them. Over 50youth were prepared to make a standand be counted for Jesus. Davidprovided many inspiring stories ofyoung people that have changed theirnation and their leaders because oftheir faith.

Rowena Reynolds is the Faculty Head ofSocial Science, Counselling and Pastoral

Care at Emmaus Bible College. She hasseen many people in ministry who areburnt out well before their kingdomwork is complete. She taught on how toengage without striving whilehighlighting the signs of burnout andfatigue in ministry. Those who areconstantly available and giving out toothers need to monitor themselves toensure they are OK.

Workshops were designed to inspiredelegates to use tools within their ownchurches that would assist inconnecting with their community.Stephen McQuoid, David Wraight andRowena Reynolds gave additionalinsight from their keynote teaching.Additional workshop sessions included:Tim Dyer on healthy leadershippractices for healthy churches; JennyWraight on children and familyministries; Brad Scott on Hands & FeetSydney and International; SteveStubbings on sports chaplaincy; SeatonPendlebury, Caleb Smith and Sam Dyeron targeted youth programs.

While the “oldies” were able to relaxduring and after the sessions and catchup with new and old friends, the youthand children had targeted activities tokeep them engaged all weekend andeven into the night. What a blessing itwas to have 191 delegatesaccommodated on-site with extrascoming in for the day sessions. Thecombined church service on Sundaymorning was a special highlight wheremultiple churches were able to worshipand share communion together.

The CCCAust Board and conferenceorganising committee pray that Godwill continue to equip His people toserve their community through thelocal church. Conferences likeEngage2016 at Camp Clayton providean opportunity for our churches to be“rooted and build up in him,strengthened in the faith as you weretaught, and overflowing withthankfulness” (Col 2:7)

Graeme SmithEngage2016 National ConferenceChairman

ENGAGEGRAEME SMITH



Hope is something we all personally strivefor but which often seems to elude us.

As disciples of Jesus we are not only the receivers ofdivine hope through faith in Him, but are alsoexpected to be the givers of such hope to others.

At Temcare, we see our role as being such givers of hope, aswe strive to be the ‘hands and feet’ of Jesus to a hurting world.Our various programs aim to assist families with their complexemotional, practical and spiritual needs.

Although many of you already know something of whatTemcare does, let me nevertheless introduce you to the maincomponents of our ministry. Details of our programs can befound on our website: www.temcare.org.au

Temcare’s programs include:

• Respite care for children aged between 0-15 years for 1-2nights on a 6 weekly basis.

• One-to-one adolescent mentoring, where a young personis matched with an adult Christian mentor who organizesbi-monthly activities. We are closely linked with ‘PrisonFellowship’ in this program.

• Intensive spiritual, practical and emotional support forparents and their children when required.

• Aged care chaplaincy services, primarily for those who arecurrently living or have previously lived at Grace Court. Inaddition, one of our staff runs a chaplaincy program at alocal RSL aged care facility.

• Annual camps, for example, a camp for mothers in theJanuary school holidays, and another camp for mentorsand adolescents involved in the adolescent mentoringprogram.

• A Christian support group - ‘Women of Hope’ - run by oneof our volunteers for mothers involved in our programs.

Despite the complex needs and the significant past, present,and future challenges facing our families, we remain hopefulof what our God can achieve in their lives through us and inJesus’ name.

We have witnessed so many stories of hope among ourfamilies, and we pray that this encourages you and enablesyou to become co-sharers of divine hope to others with whomyou come into contact. Please feel free to contact me if you areinterested in partnering with us in this vital ministry.

Neville Evans, Manager, Temcare9 Queen St, Blackburn VIC 3130Phone: (03) 9877 7729Email: [email protected]


CCCAust Newsletter | E: [email protected] | PO Box 230 South Hurstville NSW 2221 T: 02 9626 0055Contributing Editors: Ross Bunyon, Dan Proctor, David Smith, Len Smith, Jeff Spencer. If you would like to make any comments or submit material for this newsletter, kindly contact Brad Scott on the details above.Layout and printing: Michael Bull (02) 4782 1000 Member of Katoomba Gospel Chapel

FINDING HOPE IN UNLIKELY PLACESNEVILLE EVANS MANAGER, TEMCARE


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