Australian Research Theology Foundation Inc. Grant
In 2017, Professor Shane Clifton, along with Dr Tanya Riches (AC honorary lecturer) and Ps Brooke Prentis have won $10,000 in research grant funding from the Australian Research Theology Foundation Inc. This money is for a project titled “Dreaming and Spirit-filled Christianity: Intersections of Pentecostal/Charismatic and Australian Spirituality.” The grant is given to facilitate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in research exploring the creative ways in which they have negotiated the intersection between their heritage (in particular The Dreaming) and their Spirit-filled Christian experience.
Indigenous Chaplains: Take the Lead!
Recently,
seven Indigenous leaders undertook the Ministry Chaplaincy Upgrade course which
was held in Ganggalah Church in Tweed Heads. This three-day course is
aimed at Pastors and Leaders who have had significant pastoral leadership
experience but are wanting to move further into the community by offering
themselves as Chaplains.
The
training was offered by Alphacrucis College in partnership with Chaplaincy
Australia. Scholarships were made available for Indigenous leaders
through Chaplaincy Australia following a special offering at the NSW State
Conference. This incredible partnership has bought about an amazing
growth in the potential to impact Indigenous communities across NSW.
Chaplains will be able to connect with individuals who are outside the reach of
the Church and they can minister care, support and assistance to individuals
who are facing incredible moments of need.
The
Ministers Chaplaincy Upgrade course is a new initiative from AC & CA and
fits into their suite of courses to equip people to enter into effective
Chaplaincy Ministry. Every month we are seeing more and more people step
up to take on the ministry of Chaplaincy. Churches across the country are
finding the benefit of have one or more Chaplains attached to the ministry of
their Church. These chaplains gain access to places that the Church has
not been traditionally able to reach, they impact people at their point of need
and they help the church connect with their community in meaningful and
responsive ways.
Over the next year there will be various opportunities around the country to take part in this great course.
Many Pastors and Leaders have wanted to get involved with Chaplaincy for many years and we believe that this could be just what you are waiting for. We want to see at least one Chaplain attached to every ACC Church in the country; we want Chaplaincy to become part of the DNA of our movement.
Let’s follow the lead of our awesome indigenous leaders and get ready to make the difference that the Lord has for us!
For
more details visit www.chaplaincyaustralia.com
or contact AC College.
Ralph Estherby
National Director for Chaplaincy Australia
Photos of Pastor Sandra and Willy Dumas hosting the MCU at Ganggalah Church in Tweed Heads (above)
Australian Indigenous Awareness Project
From 2017, Alphacrucis College (AC), with the support of Australian
Christian Churches (ACC), is undertaking a major project to prepare a
series of Australian Indigenous Awareness videos and resources. The
purpose is to foster understanding of Australian Indigenous societies,
so that Christian ministry and community service can be conducted in a
culturally appropriate and respectful way. This project recognises that
there is no single Australian Indigenous culture and emphasises the
importance of culturally appropriate behaviour and local community
consultation.
An Australian Indigenous Awareness subject will be offered at both Higher Education and Vocational Educational and Training levels. It is taught by Ps David Armstrong with many key guests, including: Will Dumas (ACC Indigenous Initiative National Director), Robyn Green (Indigenous worship artist), Darryl Lingwoodock (ACC Indigenous Initiative QLD) and Dr Tanya Riches. It also features video footage from the Late Aunty Margaret.
It includes basic core topics such as Aboriginal History, Building Trust and Kinship, The Stolen Generation, Aboriginal Spirituality, Urban and Rural Communities, Indigenous Experience with Christianity and Australian Indigenous Ministry. It includes many case studies and stories from experience.
Wendy Cumberworth
AC Director of VET
Photo of Darryl Lingwoodock, Wendy Cumberworth and Chris Magnussen (AC Staff)
One Good Day
Alphacrucis College sessional
lecturer in Australian Indigenous studies, Ps David Armstrong, founded One Good
Day, in 2010, to
help children and adults in tough circumstances with the opportunity to take a
break, and have at least One Good Day. This time of refreshment with fun and
fellowship can often lead to better times ahead and another good day. David realised that many of
the existing “we have a program to fix your community” systems were not the
real answer and the Aboriginal community were quick to respond with “we don't need
you to tell us what to do.”
One of the key activities is the Mt Druitt Indigenous Choir, where children of all
ages perform in many different locations around Australia singing not only in
English but also in Dharug – the native Aboriginal language of the Sydney
region. The choir is conducted by family members so they are seen
by the children and community. With fundraising, One
Good Day pays for singing and Indigenous language teachers. The Mt Druitt Indigenous Choir has become so
popular that they have sung over 150 times around Australia. This includes the
2014 Graduation of Aboriginal Health Workers at the Aboriginal Health College,
NAIDOC Week 2014 Mental Health Commission of NSW, Blacktown Arts Centre
Aboriginal Conference and St Ives Show.
There are many stories about the impact Mt Druitt Indigenous Choir and Nulawala Inc in the lives of individuals, partner organisations and the wider community. Testimonials available here.
Ps David Armstrong
AC Sessional Lecturer
For further details, please contact: Ps David Armstrong 0409 046 530 or contactus@onegoodday.org.au