Australian Christian Churches Vic

Australian Christian Churches Vic (ACC Vic) is the Victorian state branch of Australian Christian Churches, a Pentecostal movement comprising over 1,100 self-governing churches across Australia. The organisation oversees and supports more than 300 Pentecostal churches in Victoria, providing leadership, credentialing, professional development training, and seminars to its affiliated churches and pastors.

Background

Australian Christian Churches, formerly known as Assemblies of God in Australia, represents the largest Pentecostal denomination in Australia and is affiliated with the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, the largest Pentecostal group globally. The movement was founded in 1937 through the merger of the Assemblies of God Queensland and the Pentecostal Church of Australia. In 2007, it adopted the public name Australian Christian Churches while remaining legally incorporated under its previous name until 2013.

ACC Vic functions as the Victorian administrative and leadership arm of this movement, operating with the purpose of mutual support among churches and the spread of Pentecostal Christian teachings in the region. The organisation plays a pivotal role in providing oversight and facilitating resources to its member churches, which number over 300 within Victoria alone.

Structure and Activities

The movement is characterised by voluntary cooperation of autonomous churches while maintaining a unified commitment to Pentecostal doctrine and ministry. ACC Vic conducts various activities including:

• Professional development training and credentialing courses for pastors and church leaders.
• Organising seminars aimed at enhancing church leadership and ministry effectiveness.
• Providing support mechanisms and governance frameworks for local churches within Victoria.

Leadership within Australian Christian Churches is maintained through a National Executive elected biennially, with state bodies like ACC Vic operating under this structure to focus on regional church needs.

Beliefs and Membership

The Australian Christian Churches adhere to Finished Work Pentecostal theology, emphasizing the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. The denomination has a doctrinal basis comprising 20 key articles summarising its core theological stances. Nationally, the movement claims over 385,000 adherents with more than 3,300 pastors serving its congregations.

Significance

By overseeing a substantial network of Pentecostal churches in Victoria, Australian Christian Churches Vic contributes to the religious landscape by promoting Pentecostal Christianity and providing structured support to local congregations. This enhances the growth and cohesion of Pentecostal churches within the state.

Note: This article reflects information current as of 2024 and is based on data from official ACC sources and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

[1] https://www.acc.org.au [2] https://www.acc.org.au/about [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/1cad8a04-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Christian_Churches [5] https://www.neverbounce.com/company/australian-christian-churches-victoria/348092404