12 Things To Know About Us
Australian Christian Arts is a registered non-profit Christian arts organisation with a unique approach to ministry through the arts. The following guidelines help new members understand our culture, expectations, and vision as they join our community.
1. Who We Are, and Who We're Not
Our Mission Statement
Australian Christian Arts exists “To build, grow, nourish, and unite God’s Church and His Kingdom through the creative arts, reclaiming the arts for Christ.”
We're Not a Church
AChA is not a church. We are a non-profit Christian arts organisation—and that distinction matters. We are not here to promote or enforce a particular set of denominational doctrines. Instead, our focus is on Christ and the Gospel, which we aim to express to the best of our ability through the creative arts.
(Read Matthew 7:16)
We Have a 'Creative Company' Model
Think of us less as a church that does the arts, and more as a 'theatre company,' but with a Kingdom purpose. We are seeking to build something fit for use by God. To do this, we believe that clarity surrounding who we are called to be, and who we're not, allows us to serve in one accord, for as long as the Lord wills each of us to do so.
(Read Exodus 31:2–5, Exodus 35:30–35 & Exodus 36:1)
We're a Registered Charity
Australian Christian Arts is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
This means we are formally recognised as a charity in Australia and are held to standards of transparency and accountability. For our members, this gives confidence that you are part of an organisation operating with integrity and good governance.
Theatrically Run Rehearsals
As a performing arts organisation, our tech and dress rehearsals are run in a theatrical style, not typical choir or orchestra fashion. This includes dedicated time for lighting programming, blocking, staging adjustments, and other theatrical elements. Members should expect these rehearsals to follow theatre company conventions rather than traditional church or concert ensemble practices.
To View Details About Australian Christian Arts Limited On the ACNC Website
2. Faith & Music: The Elephant in the Room
At AChA, we bring together two of the most important things in our members’ lives: their faith and their music. This is not a small undertaking, as both are deeply personal, often sacred, and can sometimes be challenging to reconcile within a shared space.
People join us from diverse traditions, with differing expectations and styles. When something means so much to you, the idea of compromise can indeed feel costly. We understand these challenges. However, our collective existence, fostering this unique blend, is more beneficial than if we did not pursue it.
Our aim is not to find the lowest common denominator or downplay our differences. Instead, we seek Christians who are willing to lay aside personal preferences—even cherished ones—for the sake of a greater purpose: building the Kingdom of God together.
3. We're Cross-Denominational
We work across traditions, expressions, and theological streams, anchored by a shared belief in Christ and a deep love for His Church. We recognise that beyond the core truths of the gospel, different Christians hold different convictions.
We're All About Jesus
Romans 6:4 says "Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." This is the gospel we profess: dead to sin, but alive in Christ through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. This is our focal point, our one and only message.
Statement of Faith
We hold firmly to the foundational beliefs expressed in the Apostles’ Creed: the historic confession that unites Christians across time and tradition. This creed alone acts as our official 'Christian Arts Statement of Faith'.
(Read Habakkuk 2:2)
Diversity of Believers
In our gatherings and rehearsals, a Catholic might sit beside a Pentecostal. An Orthodox believer might serve alongside a Baptist. We see this not as a challenge, but as a beautiful glimpse of heaven, a chance to learn from one another, and an opportunity to develop greater levels of Christ-like humility as individuals and as a community.
(Read Galatians 3:28)
Unity ≠ Uniformity
Unity is not uniformity. It means holding our own convictions while making room for others. It means valuing the Church not just as 'my tradition', but as part of our shared inheritance in Christ.
(Read 1 Corinthians 12:4, 12)
Which Canon We Use
We use the biblical canon recognised across the broadest range of Christian traditions - the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments.
We know that some of you hold other biblical books dear, and we deeply respect that. Our decision to use this specific canon is rooted in our desire to find the most common ground, helping us all connect and learn together through shared scripture.
This shared foundation gives us a basis for scriptural unity, providing common ground for moments of teaching, prayer, and reflection.
As a company, we use the New Revised Standard Version Anglicised (NRSVA) due to its broad interdenominational acceptance.
No Concert Is The Same
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:22–23, "To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I might by any means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings."
In the same way, some of our concerts may be more lively, some more reflective, and others comparatively neutral in tone.
One concert does not always set a precedent for the next, therefore we encourage you to join us for at least two concerts.
Your first concert might not feel like “your thing,” but the second could be the one that captures your heart.
For Much More About Ecumenism at Australian Christian Arts
4. Member Vs Volunteer
Membership
Joining Christian Arts is a voluntary decision, meaning no one is forced or paid to participate. However, once you choose to become a member, you become part of a committed team, similar to joining a sports club or gym. Our exceptionally gifted singers, musicians, and production members contribute their talents, not for financial compensation, but out of a deep spiritual commitment to serve Christ.
Our members are united by a shared desire to offer their very best as an act of worship - a testament to the boundless worthiness of Christ. We believe that 'All work is the Lord's,' based on Colossians 3:23-24. Whatever we do, we give it everything we have, demonstrating our commitment to God and each other.
Why Membership Fees?
To foster this amazing community and ensure the ongoing availability of resources, equipment, and administrative support, there is a membership fee for every individual who wishes to join us, much like a sports club or gym.
These fees act as an investment in our shared mission, enabling us to continue providing high-quality artistic experiences that proclaim the gospel far and wide.
Fees vary according to which program of Christian Arts you are joining: the Orchestra, Choir, or Production teams.
5. We're a Community That Requires Commitment
About Our Attendance Policy
At Christian Arts, we don’t ask, “Am I needed at this rehearsal?” The answer will be yes, because you don’t just bring your talent. You also bring encouragement, connection, and consistency as part of the ministry. We believe that faithfulness is a form of worship, and showing up is one of the most powerful ways to lead.
This is a place where you will be encouraged, nurtured, and included. But it’s also a place where you will be relied upon. People are building something here, and that kind of work needs commitment. Rehearsals matter. Presence matters. Preparation matters. What we’re doing isn’t just creative; it's formative, and it’s forming a culture that points to Jesus.
We know the Church has often swung between legalism and leniency. We're aware that people have been burned by those who don't get the balance right. At ACA, we want to demonstrate that joy comes through investment. The reason we emphasize both commitment and grace is because they are inextricably linked.
That means grace with accountability. Compassion with clarity. A culture where you are loved as you are, but also called into more. So yes - it’s Christian. But it’s still a commitment. Because Jesus is building something beautiful through this, and we want to be found faithful with it.
We understand that life happens - illness, family needs, and emergencies are part of the human experience. We're never going to be unreasonable! But we believe that honoring our commitments is a spiritual discipline that shapes our character for the better. It might look like saying no to things for the sake of serving the team; we think the reward far outweighs the cost.
Our 70% Membership 'Rule of Thumb'
We expect consistent presence, preparation, and participation, and an attendance rate of 70% or more of all planned rehearsals throughout the year. Feel free to read all the details surrounding this below.
For More Info About Commitment & Attendance
See This Document Below for More on our Heart for Community
6. We Value The Fruits of the Spirit More Than Talent
At AChA, we recognise that our service isn't ultimately to an organisation, but to Christ Himself.
While some of our musicians and vocalists work professionally in paid contexts elsewhere, and occasionally we may compensate certain roles, we approach all our work with the same dedication.
We recognize that in most secular arts organizations (at least initially), talent is often rewarded above all else. At AChA, while we deeply value and nurture talent, we believe it is character—in heart and in action—that ultimately shapes trust, leadership opportunities, and musical promotion.
As Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us,
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Therefore, we're not looking for people who already think they're great and asking how AChA can serve them.
We want to locate, then cultivate, a posture of humility in our team at every rank to create a culture of mutual service.
Jesus models a radically different pattern for living where strength is worn lightly in the service of others. Every day of the week, we would rather take someone who loves to be a part of AChA and asks how they can serve, than a virtuosic musician without the character to match their talent.
7. Our Organisations Personality Does Not Equals Any Denominational Affiliation
At Australian Christian Arts, we encourage our members to recognise and respect the difference between personality and denominational affiliation.
There may be times when our style feels more high-energy or visionary than some members are used to. We are grateful for our enthusiastic and lively leaders and founder, but it’s important to be clear: we are not a “charismatic” arts movement, and personality does not denote denominational affiliation. Style and personality are simply flavours—ways of creating, rehearsing, or performing in a given moment or context. They are nothing more and nothing less. Sure, Australian Christian Arts has its own flavour—but this remains irrelevant to a particular denominational persuasion.
(Read Philippians 1:18)
We believe a strong team is enriched by different personalities as long as they’re healthy, respectful, and open to adapting. When we work with openness on both sides, we bring out the best in each other, creating a shared spirit that can flex without losing its heart.
For More About Our AChA Culture & Personality
8. Involvement Does Not Always Mean Total Agreement
As an organisation and as individuals, we want you to know that we do not assume your involvement signifies total agreement on every matter. We pray that this understanding will enable you, as the Spirit leads, to relax and make a home for yourself here at Australian Christian Arts. (Read Colossians 3:13–14)
We understand that involvement and total agreement are not always the same thing. Here, involvement means joining hands in the areas where we share purpose, even if we do not see eye-to-eye on every detail.
For example, one member might believe that we should lean more heavily into a particular tradition. Another might wish we included more of one element, or less of another, based on their background, preferences, or taste. Those feelings are natural—and we are always open to hearing your thoughts.
However, we recognise that maturity in Christ calls us to temperance and patience (read Ephesians 4:2), and that the Holy Spirit equips us to live these virtues out in community (read Galatians 5:16). This enables us to bear with one another in our differences and should allow many of us to remain motivated even in areas where we might not completely align.
9. 'All Hands, Make Light Work'
At AChA, everyone contributes practically. After events, all members help pack down production gear for around 30 minutes, and for 10 minutes after rehearsals. This simple, spiritual act cultivates a culture of servanthood, where titles don't matter.
In the kingdom of God, the way up is the way down. Jesus modelled this for us, and we follow His lead. We believe that serving isn't reserved for a few; it's part of everyone's discipleship. It's a simple act, but a deeply spiritual one.
(Read Philippians 2:6–7)
This isn't the kind of arts organisation where we arrive, perform, and disappear. We're building a different culture—whether stacking chairs or packing cables, it's all worship.
(Read Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)
10. 'Every Journey Has a Start'
Christians understand salvation in different ways — some primarily through sacraments, some through theosis, and others through faith and conversion. Yet we can all agree that, in one way or another, life with Jesus is a journey, and every journey, by definition, must have a beginning. (Read Philippians 1:6)
Providing a 'Moment of Contrition'
At every event, we carve out a moment which some denominations call a 'sinner’s prayer', in others an act (or prayer) of contrition, or in some, the 'Jesus Prayer'.
Some traditions may not often take the approach of saying such a prayer aloud within their gatherings. However, for us, not being a church, providing people with such a moment is more about the recognition that every journey has a start, so why not at our concert?
We may just have one chance at each concert to help someone start on their 'Jesus journey' - and we want to help them do so, whichever soteriological stance they choose to adopt going forward.
(Read 1 John 1:9)
Our Expression Does Not Equal Theological Stance
When we invite people to begin their journey with Jesus, we have to choose a way of facilitating this moment: our chosen tact, method, and presentation.
It's therefore important to note that any chosen style or approach doesn’t imply a specific theological position on salvation. Rather, any particular style might simply be the way we present the invitation and not a reflection or indication of a particular denominational affiliation or soteriology. The same goes for any messages delivered at our events. 'Charisma' does not therefore automatically equal a charismatic denominational persuasion.
Our desire is to give every person a genuine opportunity to begin their journey with Jesus, and we aim to do this in a way that is authentic and expressed in a style likely to reach as widely as possible.
(Read 1 Samuel 16:7)
We Help Connect People to a Local Church
We also help people find a local church community, offering options from a variety of denominations.
We don’t take on the role of defining exactly how someone must walk that out, or what Church denomination they should join. However, we are intentional about giving people the opportunity to make their own informed, prayerful choices, from a variety of options.
We celebrate our own convictions while also making space for others to follow Jesus in the tradition that they feel best nurtures their walk with Him.
(Read Hebrews 10:24–25)
11. Our Expansive Vision
Our vision is expansive — not for the sake of being big, but for the sake of reaching more people with the hope, beauty, and truth of the Gospel through the arts. Every event, every rehearsal, every new project is another step forward into what God is calling us to next. We're looking for members who share our expansive mindset.
1. National & Global Vision
At the heart of AChA is a vision that stretches far beyond our immediate surroundings. While we are rooted in local expressions of community and creativity, we carry a national and global mandate.
We don’t see ourselves as a small organisation tucked away in one region — we see ourselves as part of a much larger story that God is writing across Australia and the world. We are always expanding, not for the sake of scale, but for the sake of impact.
2. We Mentor Creative Leaders
As we expand, we place a high value on raising up leaders. We’re not just building events or performances — we’re building people. Mentorship is embedded in our culture.
Whether someone is stepping onto the stage, into administration, or into more involved leadership, we seek to invest deeply in their formation. Every rehearsal, every meeting, every production is an opportunity to disciple, encourage, and multiply others.
For More About Our Shared Mission, Vision & Culture
12. Our Repertoire Choices
Musical Diversity
We perform across a broad spectrum of musical styles. One concert might lean toward classical and orchestral arrangements; another might feature contemporary worship, gospel, cinematic scoring, or even unexpected blends of genres.
If you’re looking to perform only classical or only contemporary worship, we might not be the best fit.
We embrace musical diversity so that we can connect with the widest possible audience, creating space for everyone, from those drawn to the beauty of a symphonic arrangement to those whose hearts respond to modern worship anthems.
Musical Challenge
We value technical excellence.
Many of our pieces are musically complex and challenging, and we love giving musicians the opportunity to grow and stretch their abilities.
Not every piece is intricate, though; some may be intentionally simple, allowing space for the message to shine or for a moment of intimacy with the audience.
Both the challenging and the simple pieces matter, because together they draw people's hearts to God where they currently are—in the quiet of a stripped-back melody or the crescendo of an orchestral symphony.
Want to Chat With One of Our Team?
"Hi, I'm Yvonne, our AChA Membership Liaison! I'd love to chat with you to answer any questions or concerns, or to address any individual needs regarding your membership. Simply reach out, or book a call with me at a time that suits you."
Yvonne Jones – Membership Liaison
For inquiries about membership, dates, rehearsals, or general questions.
yvonne@australianchristianarts.com
SMS +61 489 910 645 or Call +61 2 5016 3679
PHOTOS
Wisdom from Church Leaders
These collected perspectives, spanning the breadth of Church history and tradition, bear witness to the widespread conviction that art communicates spiritual truth and draws people closer to God.
At Australian Christian Arts, we seek to connect with this broad tradition, refresh it for a new audience, and embellish it in our own distinctive way. (N.B. The saints from whom we quote reflect our ecumenism, and none of them should be taken as an endorsement by AChA of a specific doctrinal stance).
QUOTES
Pope Benedict XVI
"Art is capable of making visible our need to go beyond what we see, and it reveals the thirst for beauty, for the infinite."
Pope Francis
"Art and faith are not separate; they belong together. Art must open the doors to the transcendent."
St. John Damascene
"The artist is the hand of God. Through matter, we can perceive the spiritual."
St. Augustine of Hippo
"He who sings prays twice."
St. John Chrysostom
"Nothing so uplifts the soul, gives it wings, sets it free from the earth… as the melodies of sacred song and psalm."
N.T. Wright
"The arts are not a luxury. They are a test of the Church's health. They are the highways to the heart."
Martin Luther
"I would gladly see all arts, especially music, in the service of Him who gave and created them."
Francis Schaeffer
"The Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars."
St. Gregory of Nyssa
“The universe is an instrument played by the Divine Hand… all creation dances to the rhythm of His will.”
Fr. Alexander Schmemann
“Creation is not mute: it sings, it speaks, it reveals. It is a cosmic liturgy.”
St. Maximus the Confessor
“Creation is a song. Every part of it sings its own note in praise of the Logos who sustains it.”
St. John of Kronstadt
“The Church is the fountain of art and beauty, for in her Christ is glorified with splendour, and souls are adorned with grace.”
Søren Kierkegaard
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Music… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.”
St. Augustine of Hippo
“The world is a great hymn to the Creator, composed of beauty and order and rhythm.”
St. Isidore of Seville
“Music is so naturally united with us that we cannot be free from it even if we so desired… It has the power to shape our soul.”
John Calvin
“The heavens resound with God’s glory as if creation were an instrument, tuned to sing the praises of its Maker.”