WHY?AUSTRALIA NEEDS A CHRISTIANUNIVERSITY.

THIS IS WHY >

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

UNIVERSITY

RATIONALE

2015

TWELVE / THIRTEEN

INFLUENCE

The capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behaviour & opinions of others.

Two Stories

&

Conclusion

NOUN / VERB

FIVE

EIGHT

SIX

TEN

Purpose

of

Education

The Influenceof the Christian

Church on Australian Society

& Education

The Influence of

Universities in

Australia

The Opportunity

to help Cement

Values

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WHYA CHRISTIANUNIVERSITYIN AUSTRALIA

PURPOSE OF EDUCATION

Australian Christian Churches has a vision to see Alphacrucis College (AC) transition to become the first Pentecostal University in Australia.

Since 1948 the College has been training men and women for effective Christian ministry. This continues to be a strong emphasis of AC and is being enhanced by the college offering education and training for the broader marketplace. AC’s mission is to equip Christian leaders to influence all spheres of society, including business, education, politics, media, and arts and entertainment. This is reflected in the College’s growing array of vocational and higher education awards.The vision to transition from college to university is primarily based on the rationale that universities exert powerful influence on culture and society and that a distinctively Christian university would contribute to the church’s mission to influence all spheres of society. It would offer a quality alternative for students seeking an education that incorporates Christian worldview and values.

This paper seeks to elaborate on the rationale for a Pentecostal university in Australia.

Many writers on the purpose of education have expanded on Mortimer Adler’s “the Paideia program” that education has a threefold purpose:

• the development of citizenship;• personal growth or self-improvement;• occupational preparation.

In essence, education is a social good that contributes to the development of the whole person and to the influence of that person on society. A key part of the educational process is the “socialising” of the student to a set of social norms that reflect the explicit and implicit values of the educator and of the educational institution. Australian universities typically endorse secular humanism and are ambivalent or antagonistic towards the incorporation of Christian faith in curriculum and university life. One consequence of this is that many students from church backgrounds repress or abandon their faith upon entering university and students from other or non-faith based backgrounds are not exposed to Christian principles and values. These students deserve the opportunity to choose a university education that incorporates the development of citizenship, personal growth, and occupational preparation with Christian worldview and values.

A Pentecostal University would be firmly rooted in the Christian tradition and would seek to incorporate the philosophical and moral assumptions of that tradition into the design and development of its curriculum, learning environment, and intentional community. It would be committed to “Christian intellectual engagement” with scholarship and with other faith traditions. It would base its approach to education on the understanding that faith in Christ stimulates believers to study God’s created universe and inspires them to seek to enable others to achieve their full potential as God’s creation.

Students would not be required to be Christians. The image of God is found in each individual, even if they have not yet encountered God in Jesus Christ. All students would be provided the opportunity to encounter Christ in a learning environment committed to the integration of faith and scholarship.

Adler, M.J. (1998). The Paideia Proposal: An Educational Manifesto. New York: TouchstoneMillis, B.D. (2004) Faith, Learning and Christian Higher Education page 10. D.Ed. thesis, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD.

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THE INFLUENCEOF THE CHRISTIAN

CHURCH ON AUSTRALIAN

SOCIETY & EDUCATION

McLennan, G. (1989) Understanding our Christian Heritage Volume 2. Christian Heritage Research Institute Woy Woy NSWThe Australian Council for the Defence of Government Schools (DOGS) was established just after the Menzies government instituted funding for church schools. Its mandate is to protect public education and to oppose the public funding of private religious schools.Jan Gray, Funding and Secondary School Choice in Australia: A Historical Consideration. Australian Journal of Teacher Education Vol 35, 1, February 2010.Grace Bible Church Inc. v Reedman (1984) 36 SASR 376, 54 ALR 571.Section 116: “The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth.”

The Christian church was the original and sole provider of education in Australia from settlement until the colonial government instituted “government funded” schools in the 1830’s . Since that time there have periodically been attempts to remove the influence of Christianity from government funded education. In 1872 the Victorian government withdrew funding to church schools with the other States following its example. Funding for church schools was not reintroduced in Australia until the 1960’s by Prime Minister Robert Menzies . This desire, by some groups, to maintain a firm separation between church and state in the provision of education continues in contemporary Australian society.

Separation of church and state is a misunderstood concept in Australia, involving the assumption that the Australian constitution reflects the American constitution. This is not so . Section 116 of the Australian Constitution precludes the Australian parliament from establishing a “State” religion. The rationale for this constitutional inclusion was to

remove the possibility of one branch of Christianity being declared the religion of Australia (e.g., the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church or the Methodist church). The constitution does not mandate a separation of church and state. However, forces other than the Christian church have had significant impact on the shaping of contemporary Australian society. Culture and society are significantly shaped by the realms of politics, media, business, arts and entertainment, education, and family, as well as religion. Influence exerted in each of these sectors of society significantly shapes culture and society. Any agenda to separate church and state and relegate the influence of the church to the realm of private religion is an attempt to minimise the influence of the Christian church across all sectors of society.

Christian churches should seek to continue to exert influence in all sectors of society. In particular, they should continue to operate within the long established tradition of offering church based education.

4 Life Church - Taree; 4 Life Church - Telegraph Point; Abundance Christian Church; Abundant Life; Abundant Life Cairns; Abundant Life Centre; Abundant Life Centre - Mareeba; Abundant Life Centre Busselton; Abundant Life Church - Lauderdale; Abundant Life Church – Blayney; Abundant Life Church - Cowra; ACC Roselands; Activate; Activate Community; Adelaide Full Gospel Church; Albany Hills Christian Church; Alice Christian Family Church; Alive Community Church; All Nations Church; All Nations Mission; Always Kingdom Church; Amazing Church; Ambassadors Of Christ Fellowship; AOG Korean Newcastle Church; Apu Cross (Cross on a Hill) Ministries; Arabic AOG; Arabic Calvary Chapel; Ark Ministries; Armidale Community Church; Assyrian AOG; Aurukun Christian Fellowship; Australia Samoan CLC AOG Corporation; Australian Chinese Christian Church; Australian Gospel Outreach Fellowship; Australian Indian Christian Fellowship; Awesome Church; Bacchus Marsh Christian Church; Badu Island AOG; Balaklava Family Church; Barak Christian Ministries; Bathurst Christian Life Centre; Bay City Church; Baylife Church; Bayside Christian Church – Oaklands Park; Bayside Christian Church - Sheldon; Bayside Christian Church - Hervey Bay; Bayside Church; Beaches Church; Beaches Church Outreach - Balgal Beach; Beaches Church Outreach - Saunders Beach; Beachside Church; Bega Valley Christian Life Centre; Believe Church; Beswick Community Church; Bethany House of Blessing; Bethel AOG; Bethel New Life Christian Fellowship; Biloela AOG; Blue Mountains City Church; Boigu ACC; Bondi Life Church; Boort AOG; Boyne Tannum Christian Church; Bracken Ridge Christian Church; Breakthrough Christian Church; Breakthrough Church; Bridge Church; Bridge Church - East Campus; Bright Refresh Church; Brisbane Christian Centre; Brisbane Faith Centre; Brisbane Full Gospel Church; Brisbane In Christ Church; Brisbane Samoan AOG; Brisbane Tongan AOG; Brisbane Valley Christian Church ; Burdekin Community Church ; Burpengary Samoan AOG ; Cairns City Living Waters; Calvary AOG - Auburn; Calvary AOG - Mills Park; Calvary Christian Church - Underwood; Calvary Christian Church – Botanic Ridge; Calvary Christian Church - Cairns; Calvary Christian Church - Sunshine Coast; Calvary Christian Church - Townsville; Calvary Christian Outreach Centre; Calvary Life Assemblies (Blue Cross Church Guyra); Calvary Temple AOG; Canberra Full Gospel Church (Korean); Canterbury Samoan AOG; Canvas Church; Capital Edge Community Church - Central; Capital Edge Community Church - South; Cardwell AOG; Carnarvon Aboriginal Outreach; Casey Life AOG; Casey Life - Lyndhurst; Casey Life Sri Lankan Church; Centenary Samoan Christian Fellowship; Centra Care Ministry; Central Christian Church - Seymour; Central Christian Fellowship; Central Hurstville Samoan AOG; Central Life Church; Centre Church for Harvest; Centre of Hope; Centrepoint Church; Centrepoint Church- -Bibra Lake Campus; Centrepoint Church - Maddington Campus; Centro Church; Centro Church - Collingwood Park; Champion Lakes Christian Church; Champions Church; Charismatic Worship Service - Sydney; Chinese Harvest Church; Choice Church; Chrisco Church (Christ’s Co-Workers Fellowship); Christ Connect Church; Christ Embassy Pacific; Christ Preachers Church Int; Christ’s Chosen Generation; Christian Community Centre - Wellington; Christian Community Centre Nyngan; Christian Family Centre - Airlie Beach; Christian Family Centre - Bowen; Christian Family Centre - Collinsville; Christian Family Church - Albany; Christian Family Church - Charters Towers; Christian Life Assembly; Christian Life Beaudesert; Christian Life Centre – Glen Innes; Christian Life Centre – Mona Vale; Christian Life Centre (Harvest International Centre); Christian Life Rushworth; Christian Ministry Centre; Christian New Life Centre - Frederickton; Christian New Life Centre - South West Rocks; Christian Power of Pentecost Church; Christian Revival Centre; Church for Life; Church for the Whole Family; Church in the Valley; Church of All Nations; Church of Hope - Melbourne; Church of Hope - Blacktown; Church of Living Water AOG - Campsie; Church of New Life; Church of the Living Word; Church on the Bay; Church on the Rise - Beerwah; Church on the Rise - Caloundra; Church on the Rise - Maleny; Church on the Rise - Mooloolah Valley; Citinorth Community Church; City Church - Sunshine Coast; City Church - Lismore; City International Christian Church; City North Christian Church; City West AOG; Citygate Fellowship Church ; CityGates Church; Cityhope Church; Citylife Church; Citylife Church - Shellharbour; Citylight Church; Cityview Church; Citywest Church; Clarence Valley Community Church; Claymore Samoan AOG; Clayton AOG; Cloncurry Christian Church; Coal City Christian Church; Coast Church; Cobar Christian Fellowship; Coconut Island Assembly; Coen AOG; Colyton Church of Samoa; Commission City Church; Compass Church – Mount Compass; Compass Church - Bentleigh; Connect Christian Church – Mossvale; Connect Christian Church - Frankston; Connect Christian Church - Hastings; Connect Church - Runcorn; Connect Church – East Bendigo; Connect Church Australia; Connect City Church - Casey; Connect City Church - Northern/Main; Connect City Church - South East; Connect City Church - West; Connections Church - Inverloch; Coober Pedy Community Church; Cooktown Community Church; Coolum Christian Family Church; Cornerstone AOG – Epping; Cornerstone Christian Church - Alderley; Cornerstone Christian Church - Windsor; Cornerstone Church - Joondalup; Cowell Family Worship Centre; Cross Central; Crossroads Christian Community ; Crossroads Church; Croydon Park Christian Life Centre; Cungulla Christian Church; Dalby Christian Family Church; Darling Downs Christian Life Centre; Darlinghurst Samoan AOG; Darwin Full Gospel Church; Dayboro Church; Daystar Community Church; Desert Life Church; Destiny Church - Caboolture; Destiny Church - Wingham; Destiny Church - Bayside; Destiny Church - Melbourne; Destiny Community Church; Diamond Valley Church; Disciples Church; Diversity Church; Divine Restoration Church; Dominion International Worship Centre; Doncaster City Church ; Dongara Christian Centre; Door of Faith Church; Dorrigo Christian Life Centre; Dysart Family Fellowship; Eaglehawk Christian Life Centre; Eagles City Mission; Eastcoast City Church; Eastern Chinese Christian Church; Eastgate Christian Community - Byron Bay; Eastgate Christian Community - Billinudgel; Ebenezer Christian Assembly; Ebenezer City Church - Melbourne; Ebenezer Fairfield Church; Eden Hill Family Church; Edithburgh Community Church; Elevate Church; Elliott AOG; Emmanuel AOG Deer Park; Emmanuel Christian Family Church; Emmanuel Worship Centre; Emmanuel Worship Centre - Brooklyn; Empower Christian Church Australia; Empower Church; Empowered Church; Empowered Life Church; Encompass Church; Encounter Christian Church ; Encounter LIFE Church; Encourage Church - Romsey; End Church; Energizer Church - Derwent Valley; Energizer Life Church; Engadine Community Church; Engage Church; Enjoy Church - Ballarat; Enjoy Church - Ballarat East; Enjoy Church - Bendigo; Enjoy Church - East; Enjoy Church - Gippsland; Enjoy Church - North; Enjoy Church - West; Enjoy Life Church; Epicentre Church; Equip Church; Erub AOG; Esperance Christian Family; Essendon Community Church; Eternal Life Christian Church; Eternity Christian Church - Mirrabooka; Eternity Church - Midland; Eureka Chapel; Evangelical Christian Church; Exmouth Christian Fellowship Church; Fairfield Community Church; Fairfield Samoan AOG; Faith & Victory Church; Faith Alive Dream Centre; Faith Alive Dream Centre - Cranbourne; Faith Christian Centre ; Faith Christian Church ; Faith City Worship Centre ; Faith Horizon Church; Faith! Christian Church - Casey; Faith! Christian Church - Chadstone; Faith! Christian Church - Lynbrook; Faithworks Christian Church; Family Life Centre; Fassifern Christian Church; Fire Church; First Antioch Church; Fitzroy Crossing AOG; Forest Lakes Fellowship; Forster Christian Life Centre; Forward Church; Fountain of Eternal Life; Free AOG; Freedom Christian Centre; Freedom Christian Church; Freedom Church; Freedom Church - Warrnambool; Freedom City Church; Freedom Community Church; Freedom Revolution Church; Freelife Church; Freeway Church; Freshwater Church ; Frontline Christian Church; Fuel Christian Church; Full Gospel Assembly of Australia; Full Gospel Life Church; Full Life Church International; Ganggalah Church; Garden City Samoan AOG; Gateway Christian Church - Tarneit; Gateway Church - Swansea; Gateway Church - Carina; Gateway Church - Devonport; Gateway Church - Bunbury; Gateway Church - Geelong; Gateway to Glory Church; Geeveston Christian Church; Generate Church; Generation City Church; Generations Church ACC; Generations Church - Cairns; Generations Church Port - Daintree; Generations Church the Beaches; Generocity Church; Generocity Church - Narromine; Generocity Church - Parkes; Genesis Church; Gilgandra New Life Centre ; Gilmore Church; Gippsland Christian Church; Glenorie Community Church; Globalheart Church; Globe Church - Eastlakes; Glory & Rejoice Christian Church; Glow Church; God Is With Us Christian Church; God With Us Assembly - Rosebud; God With Us - Chelsea; God With Us International Christian - Mulgrave; God With Us International Christian Assemblies; God’s Glory Tabernacle; God’s Kingdom Church; God’s Power Ministries; God’s Royal Assembly; Gold Coast Chapel; Gold Coast Japanese Church; Gold Seeker Christian Church; Good News Company; Goombungee AOG; Goondiwindi Christian Church; Goulburn Christian Life Centre; Grace Chapel - Esperance; Grace Chapel - Perth; Grace Christian Centre - Gunnedah; Grace Christian Church – Eight Mile Plains; Grace Christian Church - Oakdowns; Grace Christian Fellowship; Grace Church - Sorell; Grace Church - Lake Macquarie; Grace City Church – Erina Fair; Grace City Church – Osborne Park; Grace City Church - Nollamara; Grace Family Church; Grace for All Nations; Grace Generation Church; Grace Harvest Church; Grace Mission Fellowship; Gracefield Community Church; Grace Life Church; Granville Samoan AOG Church; Great Life Church; Grenfell Family Church; Griffith Samoan AOG; Gympie Christian Family AOG; Halleluyah Christ Church of Australia; Halls Creek Aboriginal Outreach; Hands of Grace Church; Harbourlife Community Church; Harvest Christian Centre - Kimba; Harvest Christian Centre - Quirindi; Harvest Christian Centre - Ermington; Harvest Christian Church; Harvest Life Christian Church - Emerald; Harvest Life Christian Church - Springsure; Harvest New Life Church; Harvest Time Church; Harvest Time Ministries; Hawkesbury Church; Healesville Christian Fellowship; Healing Waters AOG; Heart City Church International Limited; Heartland; Heaven’s Song Philadelphia Christian Centre; Heavenly Feast Revival Church Australia; Heavenly Light Christian Fellowship; Heights Christian Church; Heights Harvest Christian Centre; Hephzibah Christian Church; Herberton AOG; Heritage Christian Centre; Heritage Christian Church; Heritage Gin Gin Christian Centre; High Praises Church; High Street Church; Highway Christian Centre; Highway Christian Church ; Highway Christian Church - Kingaroy; Highway Church - Loganholme; Hills Christian Life Church; Hillside Community Church; Hillslife Church; Hillsong Church - Asian & Filipino Extension Service; Hillsong Church - Bondi Extension Service; Hillsong Church - Brisbane Campus; Hillsong Church - Burleigh Campus; Hillsong Church - Burwood Extension Service; Hillsong Church - Chinese Chatswood Extension Service; Hillsong Church - Chinese Hills Extension Service; Hillsong Church - City Campus; Hillsong Church - Coomera Campus; Hillsong Church - Greater West Service; Hillsong Church - Hills Campus; Hillsong Church - Japanese Extension Service; Hillsong Church - Lakeside Extension Service; Hillsong Church - Macquarie Extension Service; Hillsong Church - Melbourne City West; Hillsong Church - Melbourne City; Hillsong Church - Melbourne East; Hillsong Church - Melbourne Greater West; Hillsong Church - Newcastle Campus; Hillsong Church - Noosa Campus; Hillsong Church - Northern Beaches Extension Service; Hillsong Church - South West Campus; Hillsong Church - Spanish Extension Service - Merrylands; Hinterland Christian Centre; Holy Land Global Church; Honour Port Macquarie; Hope Centre - Gelnroy; Hope Centre - Beenleigh; Hope Centre - Brisbane; Hope Centre - Chermside; Hope Centre - Jindalee; Hope Centre - Logan; Hope Centre - Moreton; Hope Christian Assembly; Hope Church – Varsity Lakes; Hope Church - Adelaide; Hope Church 2508; Hope Church - Central Coast; Hope Church - Drouin; Hope Church - Korean Campus; Hope Church - Orbost; Hope City Church - Cannington; Hope City Church - Musswellbrook; Hope City Church - Alderley; Hope City Church - Malak; Hope City Church - Palmerston; Hope City Church - Toowoomba; Hope Fellowship - Injinoo; Hope Fellowship - Seisia; Hope Generation; Hope of Glory Prahran AOG; Hope Sydney Christian Church; Hope Unlimited Church; Hope Unlimited Church - Gosford; Hope Unlimited Church - Woy Woy; Hope Valley Christian Church; Horizon Christian Centre; House of Faith; House of Hope; House of Praise Christian Church; House of Worship Christian Ministries; Hume Samoan AOG; Hunter Christian Life Centre; Hunter Valley Christian Life Centre; Huon Valley Christian Life Centre; Ignite Life Church - Cobram; Ignite Life Church - Yarrawonga; Imagine Church; Imagine Church Network; ImagineNations Church; Immanuel Community Christian Church; Impact Centre - Barossa; Impact Church - Liverpool; Impact Church – Erina Fair; Impact Church ; Impact Ministries - Brisbane; Impact Now; In His Love Church; INChurch - Darwin; Indonesian Charismatic Worship Service; Indonesian Christ Family Church - Regents Park; Influence Church - Campbelltown; Influence Church - Liverpool; Influence Church - Ryde; Influencers Church; Influencers Church - City; Influencers Church - North; Infuse Church; Initiative Church; Inner City Christian Church; Inspire Church; Inspire Church - Ingleburn; Inspire Church – Macarthur; Inspire Church – Murray Bridge; Intercross Christian Centre; Interlife Church; International Christian Church; International City Church; Ipswich Samoan AOG; Ironbark Christian Church - Chiltern; Isa Community Church; Isaiah 61 Church; iSEE Church - City; iSEE Church - North; iSEE Church - South; iSEE Church - West; iShine; Italian AOG Pentecostal; Italian Christian Life Centre; Jandowae AOG; JC Family Church; Jesus is Lord of All; Jesus is the Way Christian Church; Jesus Life Church; Jesus Reigns International Ministries; Jesus Vision Church; Joo Man Church; Joy Christian Church; Jubilee Christian Centre; Jubilee Church; Jubilee City Church; Jurien Christian Centre; Kaleidoscope Pakenham; Kangaroo IslandAOG; Karobran New Life Centre; Keilor City Church; Keilor Downs Christian Church; Kentish Community Church; Kerang & District AOG Church; Kiewa Valley Christian Centre; Kimberley Harvest Christian Centre; King Island Christian Fellowship; King’s Dwelling; Kingborough Life Church; Kingdom Come Academy International; Kingdom Living Church; Kingdom Seed Christian Church; Kingdomcity - Belmont; Kingdomcity - Mandurah ; Kingdomcity - Wangara; Kings Christian Centre; Kings Christian Church - Ariah Park; Kings Christian Church - Temora; Kings Christian Church - West Wyalong; Kings Christian Church – Riverina; Kings City Church; Kingston Samoan AOG Church; Kingston SE New Life Centre; Kingsway Christian Centre; Korean Full Gospel Church in Hobart; Lakemba Christian Fellowship; Lakes Community Church; Lakeside Christian Church; Lakeside Church; Land of Refuge Arabic Church in Melbourne; Latrobe City Christian Church; Launceston Full Gospel Church; Leeton Community Church; Liberty Arabic Christian Church; Liberty Charismatic Church International; Liberty Christian Life Centre; Liberty Church; Liberty Church - Whitsundays; Liberty Hill Christian Centre; LiFe; Life and Mercy Christian Fellowship; Life Christian Church - Ulberston; Life Christian Church - Roma; Life Christian Church - Port Sorell; Life Christian Church Sydney; Life Church - Swansea; Life Church - Salisbury; Life Church - Mooloolaba; Life Church - Raceview; Life Church ACC; Life Church - Ballina; LIFE CHURCH - Benalla; Life Church - Casino; Life Church - Ingham; Life Church - Townsville; Life Encounter Church; Life in Christ Church; LIFE - Inverell; LIFE - Melbourne; Life Solution Christian Church - Glen Waverley; Life Unlimited Church - Centre Campus; Life Unlimited Church - Civic Campus; Life! Central; Life! Church - Kallangur; Life! Church - North Lakes; LifeCity Church; LifeCity Church - Canberra; LifeCity Church - South; Lifegate Christian Church; LifeHouse - Cooma; LifeHOUSE Church - Glenroy; LifeHouse Church - Moree; Lifepassion Church; Lifepoint Church; Lifestyle Church; Lift Church; Light Community Church; Lighthouse All Nations Church - Cairns; Lighthouse Christian Centre; Lighthouse Christian Centre - Parramatta ; Lighthouse Christian Church; Lighthouse Christian Community Centre; Lighthouse Christian Community Church; Lighthouse Church; Lighthouse Church - Shellharbour ; Lighthouse Community Church - Stradbroke; Lighthouse Family Church; Lighthouse Family Worship Centre; Lightpoint Church; Lincoln Community Church; Lismore Christian Family Fellowship; Lithgow Christian Life Centre; Live Church; Liverpool Immanuel Christian Fellowship; Liverpool Samoan AOG; Living Faith Community Church; Living Faith Community Church - Perth North; Living Hope For The Nations International Christian Church; Living Hope Oromo Christian Church; Living Hope Worship Centre; Living Water Community Church; Living Waters AOG - Kyabram; Living Waters AOG - Kununurra; Living Waters Christian Church - Windale; Living Waters Christian Church - Hopevale; Living Waters Christian Churches - Mareeba; Living Waters Family Church Ministries; Living Word Church International; Living Word - Riverina; Living Word Worship Centre; Loch Alive Christian Centre; Logan Christian Fellowship; Logan City Deaf Church; Logan City Samoan AOG; Logan Village Christian Family; Logos Global Missions Australia; Love of God Church; Lowood Districts Christian Church; Macarthur AOG Church; Mackay Christian Family Church; Macquarie Life Church; Magnetic Island Christian Church; Mallee Christian Fellowship; Mannahouse Ministry Centre; Mapoon AOG; Marduwarra Community Church; Maroondah City Church; Marsden Christian Ministries; Maryborough City Church; Max Life Church; Maximize Church; Meandarra AOG; Medowie AOG; Melbourne Chin AOG; Melbourne City Church; Melbourne Full Gospel Church; Melbourne Life Christian Church; Melton AOG; Merrylands Samoan AOG; Metro Church – Gold Coast; Metro Church - Sunshine Coast; Metro Church - Toowoomba; Mid-Coast City Church; Middlemount Community Church; Midway Christian Centre; Minlaton - Eternity Chapel; Miracle Centre Pentecostal Assembly; Mirboo North Christian Centre; Mission Beach Family Church; Molong Community Church; Momentum; Monash Christian Church; Monto Christian Ministry Centre; Moree Harvest Christian Centre; Morning Star Full Gospel; Mossman AOG; Mount Garnet AOG; Mount Zion Christian Fellowship - Cabramatta; Mount Zion Christian Fellowship Centre - Lansvale; Mountain Life Church; Mountains Church; Moura Christian Family; Mt Zion Community Church; Murgon AOG New Horizons Christian Church; Murray Island AOG; Murray Upper Christian Church; My Father’s House Ministries; MyChurch; Nambour Christian Church; Nambucca Valley Christian Life Centre; Naracoorte Christian Centre; Narrabri Christian Fellowship; Narrogin Christian Centre; Nationlight Church; Nations Church - Applecross; Nations Church - Belmont; Nations Savers Church of Australia; New Beginnings Christian Church - Reedy Creek; New Beginnings Christian Church - Tugun; New Beginnings Christian Church - Tumbulgum; New Covenant Worship Centre; New Creation Christian Church - Burpengary; New Creation Church - Brisbane; New Dawn Christian Church; New Day Samoan AOG; New Hope Church - Cairns; New Hope Church - Crows Nest; New Hope Church - Highfields; New Hope Church - Lockyer Valley; New Hope Church - Rosewood; New Hope Church - Toowoomba; New Hope Church - Warwick; New Hope Community; New Hope Community Church; New Hope Ministries; New Horizons - Laurimar; New Horizons - Whittlesea; New Life Assembly -Petersham; New Life AOG - Clayton; New Life AOG - Nambour; New Life Believers Fellowship; New Life Centre - Mundubbera; New Life Chapel; New Life Chinese Christian Church; New Life Christian Centre – Murray Bridge; New Life Christian Church – Hervey Bay; New Life Christian Church – Inala; New Life Christian Fellowship - Sawtell; New Life Church - North West; New Life Church - Sarina; New Life Church - Mackay; New Life City Church; New Life Worship Centre; New Life! Christian Church - Mildura ; New Life! Christian Church - Ouyen ; New Seasons Church; New Wine Christian Fellowship; Newlife Church; Nexus Church; Normanton AOG; North Beach True Vine Christian Fellowship; North Gate Christian Church; North Shore Christian Centre; Northern Peninsula Area Church AOG; Northreach Community Church; Northside Christian Church; Northside Christian Church - Plenty Valley; Northside Christian Life Centre; Northside Family Church; Northside International Christian Church; Northside Life Church; Northwest Church; Nova Alianca; Numurkah Christian Church; Oasis AOG - Kalgoorlie; Oasis AOG - Kambalda; Oasis Christian Assembly; Oasis Christian Church; Oasis Church; Oasis - Gracemere; Oasis Life Church ; Oasis New Life Centre; Oberon Christian Life Centre; Omega Pentecostal Church; One Heart - Elliston; One Living Church International; OneLife Church - Taree; Open House Church; Outback Community Church; Outback Life Church; Padstow Christian Fellowship & Bible Studies; Pakenham Christian Church; Paradise of Peace; Park Orchards Oasis Christian Church; Parkes AOG; Parklands Christian Centre; Parklea Samoa Faith Centre; Parkworx Community Church; Parramatta Christian Church; Parramatta Samoan AOG; Passion for Christ Church; Paynesville Community Church; Peniel Christian Centre; Peniel Church; Peninsula Life; Penola Family Church; Penriverth Church AOG; Pentecostal AOG Church of Thursday Island; Perth Arabic Christian Church; Perth Christian Life Centre; Perth City Church; Perth Full Gospel Church; Perth Revival Church; Petania Christian Church; Petersham AOG; Pine Creek Family Church; Pinjarra Family Church; Pioneer Christian Family; Plains Christian Church; Planetshakers Church - Geelong; Planetshakers - City Church; Planetshakers - City Church North East Campus; Planetshakers - South East Campus; Polish Christian Church – Albert Park; Polish Christian Church - Cabramatta; Port Augusta New Life Christian Community Centre; Port City Christian Church; Port Macquarie City Church; Port Pirie New Life Christian Community Centre; Portland Christian Church; Powerhouse Christian Centre - Murwillumbah; Powerhouse Christian Church – Arcadia Vale; Powerhouse Christian Church - Doonside; Powerhouse Christian Church - Nerang; Praise Chapel Samoan AOG - Newcastle ; Prom Coast Community Church; Punchbowl Full Gospel Tabernacle; Purfleet Community Church; Pursuit 6:10; Reach 21 Church; Reach Christian Church; Real Life Church - Maitland; Real Life Church – Gladstone Park; Real Life Church - Gosnells; Real Life Church - Cessnock; Real Life Church - Kingswood; Recharge (Lifeboat 14); Redbank Plains Christian Church; Redcliffe City Christian Church; Redland City Church; Reef City Christian Church; Renmark Paringa Christian Life Centre; Revival Christian Church; Revival Life Centre; Revival Life Centre AOG - Wyndham; Richmond Christian Fellowship; Rise Church; River City Church; River Edge Church - Mildura; River of Life Fellowship - Mackay; River Word Christian Centre - Mannum; River’s Edge Church - Silverwater; Riverland Christian Church - Echucha; Riverland Christian Church - Beechworth; Riverlands AOG; Riverlands Christian Church; Riverlife Church; Rivers of Life Christian Church; Riverside Christian Church ; Riverside Church - Grafton ; Riverside Community Church - Barham; Riverside Community Church - Deniliquin; Riviera Christian Centre; Rochester AOG; Rock Church; Rooty Hill Samoan AOG ; Roxby Downs New Life Christian Community Centre; Runcorn Christian Church; Saibai ACC; Salt Church - Gawler; Salt Church - Playford; Salt Church - Waikerie; Samoan AOG - Campbelltown ; Samoan AOG - Canberra ; Samoan AOG Church - Lansvale; Samoan AOG in Australia Christian Fellowship - Thomastown; Samoan AOG - Kingswood; Samoan AOG - Melbourne ; Samoan AOG - Miller ; Samoan Evangelist Ministry Church; Sanctuary of Worship; Sarina Christian Family; Seaside Christian Church; Seed Christian Fellowship; Seed of Abraham; Settlers Hill Community Church; Shalom Sydney Ministry; Shekinah Christian Church; Shiloh Church; Shiloh Kingdom Christian Church; Shine Church; ShineLife! Church; Shirelive - Sutherland; Shirelive - Cityside Campus; Shorelife Church; Significance Church; Slade Point Christian Life Centre; Slavic AOG - Unanderra; Slavic AOG - Smithfield; Solid Rock Christian Life Centre; Sonrise - Capella; Sonrise Christian Life Centre ; SonRise Church - Falcon; Sonrise - Clermont; Sound City Church; South Eastern Samoan AOG; South Hedland AOG; South West Christian Church; Southcoast Christian Church; SouthCoast City Church; Southern Fire AOG; Southern Gateway AOG; Southern Gateway Christian Church; Southern Gateway Community Church; Southern Grampians Life Centre; Southern Hills Church; Southern Land Christian Centre; SouthGate Church; Southside Christian Centre; Southwest Church; Spring Christian Church; Springfield Christian Family; Springfield Christian Family - Central Campus; Springfield Christian Family - City Campus; Springfield Christian Family - Lakes Campus; Springvale City Church; St Clair Samoan AOG; Star Christian Church; Stawell AOG ; Strathalbyn ACC Fellowship; Stuarts Point Community Church; Sudanese Full Gospel Church; Summer Hill Samoan AOG; Sun City Christian Centre - Geraldton; Sun City Christian Centre - Kalbarri ; Sun City Christian Church; Sunshine Christian Centre; Sureway International Church Ministries; Surfcity Christian Church ; Sussex Inlet Christian Life Centre; Swan Hill AOG; Sydney All Nation Mission; Sydney Full Gospel Church (Korean); Sydney Full Gospel Grace Church; Sydney House of Praise; Sydney Pentecostal Fellowship; Synergy Christian Church - Apollo Bay; Synergy Christian Church - Colac; Tailem Bend Christian Centre; Teen Challenge Chapel, Marden; Tennant Creek Christian Family; Tenterfield Community Church; Terrace Christian Church; Thai Christian Fellowship; The Branch Congregation; The Church at Bilpin; The Church of the Holy Spirit; The Embassy; The Exchange Church; The Gardens Community Church; The Gateway Church; The Glebe Christian Life Community; The Good Shepherd Christian Church; The Hive Church; The Hub; The Lighthouse AOG Church - Deception Bay; The Link Church - Cromer; The Link Church - Narrabeen; The Link Church - Terrey Hills; The Meadows Church; The Place; The Point Church; The Promise Church; The Rock Church; The Rock International Ministries; The Samoan Bilingual Christian Community Church; The Vine Christian Church; The Vine Community Christian Church; The Way Home Church; The Winepress; Thrive Church; Tiberias Church Australia; Tinana Christian Church; Tongala Christian Fellowship; Tongan Christian Church - Slacks Creek; Townsville City Church; Townsville Community Church; Townsville Multicultural Christian Centre; Transformation Centre; Trinity AOG; Trinity Christian Community Church; True Christian Worship Church; True Word of God Church; Truelight Christian Church; Tully Family Church; Tumbarumba Community Church; Tumby Bay Life Church; Tweed Coast Church; Twin Rivers Christian Church; Tyrannus Mission Church; Unity Christian Church; Urban Church; UrbanLife Church; Vantage Point Church - Donvale; Vantage Point Church – Lilydale; Vantage Point Fellowship; VIBE Church; Victory Church - Goodna; Victory Church – Ashmore City; Victory Family Church; Victory Life - Wangaratta; Victory Samoan Christian Church; Vietnamese Full Gospel; Vineyard Christian Church; Vineyard Church; Vision 20-20 Ministries; Vision Community Global Ministries; Voice of Victory Church; WA Samoan AOG; Wandoan AOG; Wangkatjungka Aboriginal Church; Waroona Christian Fellowship; Warraber Island AOG; Water of Life Christian Church; Wave Church - Noosa; Welcome Church; Wellard Community Church; Wellspring Christian Church; Wellspring Christian Church - Evans Head; Werrington Christian Life Fellowship; West Melbourne Ignite Life; Western Australia Samoan AOG; Western Cape AOG; Western Downs Community Church; Westlife Church; Westlink Church; Westpoint City Church; Westside Christian Church - Toowoomba; Westside Church; Wheatland District Church; Whyalla Community Church; Windsor Samoan AOG; Wonthaggi Christian Life Centre; Woo Ri Full Gospel Church; Word of Hope Ministries International; Word Of Life Christian Church; Worship In The City; Xcite Community Church; Yankalilla Community Church; Yarrabah Living Waters Christian Church; Yeppoon AOG; Yorke Island Assembly; Yuendumu House of Freedom Church; Zion Church in Melbourne Australia; Zions Hill Church; Zoe With Abundance Ministries AND COUNTING...

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THE INFLUENCE

OF UNIVERSITIES IN AUSTRALIA

Australia’s 43 universities exert a powerful influence on culture and society as they educate and train the leaders of today and tomorrow. The majority of these institutions are influencing students towards secular humanism, and the influence of the Christian church is marginal. A Pentecostal university would be an alternative voice to the secular universities. In the absence of such a voice, secular humanism and other ideologies remain unchallenged. A university based on Christian worldview and values would bring faith back into the public sphere and counter the prevailing intolerance directed towards the church. Christianity is more than a private and personal practice. It is a public faith that seeks to influence society. A significant component of the church’s influence on society is involvement in education, including the establishment of a university.

http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/australian-education/universities-and-higher-education/list-of-australian-universitiesPatterson, N. Do we need a Christian university? http://www.jubilee-centre.org/do-we-need-a-christian-university-by-nigel-paterson-2/Monsma S.V. The Supreme court, societal elites, and Calvin College: Christian higher education in a secular age. In Keeping faith: Embracing the tensions in Christian higher education, ed. Ronald A. Wells, 67-84. Grand Rapids, MI: William B Eerdmans Publishing Company. Figures indicate number of universities in each Australian State or Territory

“CHRISTIANITY IS MORE THAN A PRIVATE AND PERSONAL PRACTICE. IT IS A PUBLIC FAITH THAT SEEKS TO INFLUENCE SOCIETY”

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It is claimed that in the USA “over 52 percent of all incoming freshman students who attend a secular college or university and identify themselves as born-again Christian will no longer identify themselves as born-again four years later” . General surveys conducted on university campuses in Australia indicate that while 80% of first year students surveyed admit to a belief in a god only 15% of second year students answered in an affirmative manner to the same question . This indicates that after being exposed to one year of study at an Australian university a person’s belief in a deity is significantly eroded.

Why would university education have such a deleterious impact on the faith of young people? Recent research shows that in the developing brain the “last connections to be fully established are the links between the prefrontal cortex, seat of judgment and problem-solving, and the emotional centers in the limbic system, especially the amygdala. These links are critical for emotional learning and high-level self-regulation” and are not fully developed until one’s early 20’s. Research on the development of values in children and young adults concludes that the value termed “universalism” arises in the latter years of secondary school and is higher in university students. The years of life that a person’s personal world view is being formed are late teens to early adulthood. If their thinking is absorbed in ideologies that are contrary to a Christian world view then it is understandable that there is dissonance in the minds and hearts of young Christian believers.

The process of learning involves “looking beyond the information to see the connections to life.” The education offered by secular universities gives students “the ability to develop critical thinking skills, but seldom provides them with a way of relating one thing to another.” Education that does not include an appreciation of the relationship between Creator and creation provides an inadequate foundation for being human and existence. “Christian education is not a means of self-help but the exact opposite. It teaches that we find ourselves in finding our Creator and in placing our lives in his providential care.” Faith and information must be integrated if the learning process is to be complete. When this integration occurs it will have a positive effect upon the student’s “values, choices, decision making, and ethics.”

An increasing number of Australian families send their children to Christian schools because they wish to have faith and values incorporated into their children’s education. They seek coherence between the worldview and values offered at home and in school. It is likely that these same families would value the opportunity to continue Christian value-based education at the tertiary level.

A Pentecostal university will equip students to be leaders in the influential sectors of society and will reinforce their Christian values while they are learning. It will also provide a healthy environment for the development of those critical circuitry links which form the final stages of values development and emotional maturation.

Henderson S.J. (2007) Is the Lower Cost Worth the High Price? Springfield Mo: Assemblies of God Higher EducationThese figures are quoted by Students for Christ but they do not claim the survey was scientifically based.http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog-extra/the-adolescent-brain-beyond-raging-hormonesSchwartz, S.H. (nd). Basic Human Values: An Overview. The Hebrew University of JerusalemThe value termed ‘Universalism’ relates to the welfare of people and welfare of the planet. Early definitions included spirituality, faith and benevolence. Morton, D. (2004). Embracing Faith-Learning Integration in Christian Higher Education. Ashland Theological Journal, 36(1), 63-72.Matties, G. (n.d.) Integration: My pursuit of coherence and conviction in Christian higher education. Canadian Mennonite University. Retrieved 7 November 2014 from http://www.cmu.ca/faculty/gmatties/Integration.htmEstep, J.R., Anthony, M., Allison, G. (2008). A Theology of Christian Education. Nashville: B&H Academic.Harris, R. (2014) The integration of faith and learning. Retrieved 7 November 2014 from http://www.virtualsalt.com/integrat.htmAccording to Mark McCrindle 35% of primary and secondary students in Australia are enrolled in non-government schools. See http://mccrindle.com.au/resources/Snapshot-of-Schools-in-Australia-2013_McCrindle-Research.pdf

THE OPPORTUNITY

TO HELP CEMENT

VALUES

The process of learning involves “looking beyond the information to see the c o n n e c t i o n s to life”.

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CONCLUSION

The church is the instrument Jesus has instituted to bring redemption to our world. Redemption is not only the saving of the individual human soul but also the redemption of society through the church’s influence on society’s values. An opportunity exists to enter into one of the darkest and yet most strategic areas of society - the hallway of higher education. A beacon of light in Australia and beyond can be created with the development of a Pentecostal university owned and operated by Australian Christian Churches.

We would encourage you to appreciate “the why”, to embrace the vision, and to partner with us in seeing a Pentecostal university established in Australia.

For further information please contact Ps Neil Scott on 0413 599 557 / neil.scott@ac.edu.au

TWO STORIES

The first story is from a Church Board member who enrolled in an English Literature course at a leading university. Her text for the subject turned out to be a portrayal of a sodomous relationship and repeated explicit descriptions of the act to portray it as a social norm. Feeling it was more pornography than literature she sought out the lecturer and requested an alternative text. The lecturer made it clear that it was her personal position and that these behaviours were normal and should be accepted by society. Recognising that to express a contrary opinion or critique of the material would not be accepted the Christian pressed to be allocated another text. She was then told that she could do that but the exam would be taken solely from the prescribed text. This put the Christian lady in an untenable position and she withdrew from the course.

The second story describes the experience of the daughter of a Senior Pastor on her first day at university. She and 400 other students were sitting in a lecture room waiting for the introductory lecture when the professor opened by stating he wanted to find out if it was worth giving of his time teaching the class. He asked all those who were Christians and attended church to put up their hands. She and nine others responded. He then stated he would teach the class because at least 390 of them were thinking people!

In conclusion, the following two true stories reflect what is indicative of the antagonism towards Christian faith often evidenced in secular universities in Australia today.

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WENEEDYOU

Be part of Australia’s future. AC’s vision to become a Christian university is all about shaping the leaders of our nation and the world. With your help, we can train generations of leaders for lives of influence and significance in every sphere of society.

To find out more about how you can partner with us contact:Ps Neil Scott PH: 0413 599 557 EMAIL: neil.scott@ac.edu.au

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