Community of Hope

About

The Community of Hope are people from different churches who are committed to encouraging the nurture, growth and spiritual healing of the whole person.

As friends of the master, Jesus Christ, we embrace his pathway and find hope and strength for life’s journey through his loving, compassionate and empowering ministry.

We affirm and celebrate what Jesus taught and practiced, and believe that the meaning of life and the answers to people’s deepest needs are found in following Him.

The Community of Hope was established in Sydney in 1991 by the Rev. Ross Clifford, Principal of Morling Baptist Theological College, and Philip Johnson, Lecturer in Alternative Religions and Cults, at the Presbyterian Theological College. It began in Melbourne in 1996, under the direction of Rev. Harold Taylor, former Vice Principal of the Bible College of Victoria.

The Community of Hope has participated in Mind-Body-Spirit festivals Victoria for a number of years, and also in New Age and Community festivals in local areas. It encourages Christians to actively participate in such festivals and markets and to present the Good News of Jesus in a thoughtful, relevant and contemporary way.

It offers training, discussions and literature to:

• Help people understand the New Age Movement and other contemporary spiritualities.
• Give support and advice for a Christian presence in local festivals and markets.
• Encourage spiritual seekers to make contact with caring churches offering courses which bring meaning and purpose to life.

Working with local Churches

Since its inception the COH has been involved in New Age and Alternative festivals in both NSW and Victoria, and has developed strategies, methodologies and sensitive dialogue to point people to Jesus Christ as the answer to their spiritual search. It has also facilitated participation in Community festivals, local markets and other suitable venues.

The COH seeks to equip local churches and interested groups to be effective in sharing the good news with today’s spiritual seekers and respond to the opportunities presented in their local communities. It offers expertise and encouragement to help churches to offer this witness in effective ways. Through COH seminars and training workshops local churches have the opportunity to be informed about the “alternative “ spiritual scene and to discuss and plan for a relevant witness in their particular situations.

Before participating in any local festival or market, COH seeks to explain its approach and methods to local churches, and to offer “ hands on “ training to enable practical involvement under the guidance of experienced members of the COH team. Churches are also invited to act as referral centres for suitable follow up courses for those who wish to understand more of the good news of Jesus, and also to be available to help people with specific needs.

The COH is aware of the need for prayer support and invites people who are prepared to support this ministry in this way to offer their time and encouragement.

The COH believes involvement in local festivals and markets creates opportunities for churches to build bridges in the community and be relevant in today’s society.

We believe the potential to bring the gospel to searching people far outweighs any dangers of involvement.