It is an exciting time to be a Christian in Australia. For me, the most exiting aspect of Australian Christianity is the growing desire for more effective mission. One edge to this exciting trend is a new energy for cooperation amongst local churches. It seems that Christians are becoming more and more confident to share ideas and resources and have common goals.
The Soul Revival Jesus Movement is just one of the new Australian ideas for cooperation. It is based on a simple premise. Churches with the same theology, but different practice, can work together in a broad mission strategy. This strategy is about growing local churches through mission rather than transfer growth.
How does it work?
Common theology, common strategy, but different practice in local churches.
1. THEOLOGY: The member churches have a common Reformed evangelical theology. They have shared values that come from their theology:
The Bible as the Word of God: Hebrews 4:12
Prayer and Evangelism: Colossians 4:2-3
Love in Community: John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 12:25
Discipleship to Maturity: Matthew 28:19
Holiness with Humility: 1 Peter 1:15, Philippians 2:3-5
Worship as All of Life: Romans 12:1-2, Luke 9:23-24
2. STRATEGY: The member churches share a common broad strategy. This strategy has 4 key parts:
Commitment: Young people called to be committed to Jesus and to each other.
Community: Youth Leaders called to be committed to stable communities in local churches that mission to and disciple young people.
Training: Young people taught to read the Bible for themselves and go on to train for a life time of ministry.
Movement: Local youth ministries partner with other evangelical churches to grow through mission and not competitive transfer growth.
3. PRACTICE: The strength of this movement is that it helps neighboring churches partner together while maintaining a commitment to the local church. To do this each church has their own practice and their own model of youth ministry. Young people are encouraged to have a commitment to their local church and not to drift around from church to church. We gather as committed members of local churches when we get together in Soul Revival gatherings.