50th Anniversary of the Alliance Church in Australia

After 50 years of ministry the Alliance Church in Australia has been able to praise the Lord for the wonderful things that have happened there. Much fruit has been harvested: New churches joining our family, new workers going to the field, people of all ages being touched by Jesus, outreach and encouragement among members, and so much more.

The Alliance church family gathered in February for their 50th Anniversary Council in Sydney. They gathered to celebrate, give thanks, commission new workers and seek the Lord for the next stage of ministry.

The theme of the Council was “Disciple Making 101.” After 50 years, the desire to remain on mission was revisited in order to stay the course of being disciple making churches. One-hundred-seventy people (116 delegates/licensed workers and their families) attended the Council, and shared a very blessed, encouraging and refreshing time.

The speaker was Rev. Dr. John (and Mimi) Soper (USA) who had served in Australia as a missionary in the early days of the Australian work. Also, Rev. John (and Ruth) Harvey (USA) who founded the Bible College (Alliance Institute for Mission) joined us to recall those early college years.

On the last evening there was a Celebration Dinner with almost 500 people attended. The evening was a wonderful gathering to greet friends we have not seen for a while and to recognize and thank significant leaders who have served in various roles over the years (Missions, College, Church, National C&MA Australia Leadership, etc.).

President Rev. Ken Graham noted “the whole event had a deep sense of gratitude to the Lord for our first 50 years, while also sensing great expectation as the Lord leads us on mission.”

Today, the C&MA in Australia has 53 churches that are made up of 81 congregations churches scattered across the continent, but our dream and vision is to have growing/ reproducing/ healthy churches, so that more Australians have the opportunity to hear the good news of salvation through Jesus. They minister in 14 different ethnic/ language groups which makes them the most culturally diverse denomination in Australia.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

Join us in prayer for our Alliance family in Australia:

• Pray for the healthy/growing/reproducing churches.
• Pray for the pastoral and official worker families, for spiritual and emotional strength.
• Pray for the needs of the churches.
• Pray for the local churches as they seek to reach out into their communities.