Community transformation – reflections from Africa

How many Africans does it take to change a community? And no, this is not a joke. In fact I might go as far as asking, how many Africans does it take to change a nation? If you were to ask Nelson Mandela you might hear him say “one”. But then on reflection he might [...]

What makes a nation developed

The classification of a country as developing or developed is based solely on economic data.  This reliance on economic development has taken precedence over social development.  The impact of poor social development can be seen in our society in many areas.  As an example: Suicide rate in Australia is 21.5 per 100,000 people Two of [...]

Re-defining Church, Part 1.

It is time for us to review Biblical definitions of church so that we know who we are, how we ought to exist in this world system, what our mandate is and how we ought to operate. Many of us have gone to start churches or to be part of churches without due consideration of [...]

The Power of an Undivided Life

The Bible reveals God as the all-powerful creator of everything (Col. 1:16). He is portrayed as the Supreme Ruler over all creation (Mt. 28:18) who orders and holds together the entire cosmos (Col. 1:17). He is not neutral towards His creation. He loves and delights in it (Gen. 1:31). But all is not as it [...]

More than Profit

by Tim Stafford Wednesday mornings at 8, 24 women crowd into Leticia’s Eatery in Muntinlupa City, a poor Filipino community on the southeast edge of Metropolitan Manila. They sing “Lupang Hinirang” (“Chosen Land”), their national anthem, recite a pledge of commitment, pray, and sing Christian songs. After that, 52-year-old Letty, who owns the eatery along [...]

Bono, poverty and responsibility

by Stephen Shearsby Its the 16th November 2006, AAMI stadium, Adelaide. U2 are half way through the long anticipated Australian leg of their ‘Vertigo’ tour and they’re playing an old classic from the Joshua Tree album, Where the Streets Have No Name. Edge’s guitar cuts the air, criss-crossing the crisp Adelaide night sky. All the [...]

How do we create a relational society

Introduction The goal of society in biblical teaching is understood as ‘shalom’, which can be translated as social harmony, peace, prosperity, security and well-being, and is only achieved through right relationships. Such relationships are characterised by justice, truth, compassion, hope, faithfulness and forgiveness. The relationships the Bible is concerned about are not only those between [...]

The Kingdom is Here!

The Right to a Healthy Community by G. Stephen Goode. Some Pharisees asked Jesus when God’s kingdom would come. He answered, “God’s kingdom isn’t something you can see. There is no use saying, `Look! Here it is’ or `Look! There it is.’ God’s kingdom is here with you.” Luke 17:20-21 What do the values of [...]

Removing the Shackles: Wilberforce, Civic Leadership and Faith-Centered Social Reform

by Philip M. Burgess, Ph.D. These are excerpts from a speech given by Dr Burgess at a fundraising dinner for Anglicare in Sydney on June 29, 2007. For the full transcript visit. Also there is website on the Clapham sect “I like what you do because what you do represents the essence of compassion – which [...]