Member Attendance
Uncommunicated absences are unacceptable in our organisation and will not be tolerated, as they hinder our collective progress and disrespect the time and dedication of your fellow members. Our shared goal is to become one of the finest choirs, orchestras, and production teams in the country, and this requires the steadfast presence and participation of every single member.
Membership is voluntary and unpaid, but it is deeply missional. Like serving in your Church, involvement here is an act of worship and service—thus, it comes with unwavering commitment, accountability, and profound respect for our community. It is essential that you attend every scheduled rehearsal.
Our 70% Attendance Policy
To be able to create something of excellence as an offering to God, every member must commit to be present at least 70% of rehearsals — that’s about 4 out of every 5 rehearsals.
Please see the page below for details on what to do if you need to miss a rehearsal or explore other options due to unforeseen circumstances. We’re genuinely here to support you.
Only rehearsals officially announced by AChA at least 3 months in advance count toward attendance.
Need to Miss a Rehearsal?
If you can’t make it to a rehearsal, just let us know by filling out the Member Absence Form beforehand. This isn’t just common courtesy—it’s how we care for the team well and make any musical or logistical adjustments needed. Every person truly makes a big difference.
It's Our Policy that You Must Let Us Know Before Rehearsal
We know life is busy, so forms take only 20 seconds to fill out. They’ll be sent to you automatically via text or email—no need to go searching for them. We’ve got your back.
Member Absence Form
Emergency Just Before Rehearsal?
Text 0489991212 and we'll take note.
To keep communication clear and consistent, we ask that you avoid messaging team members individually. Reaching out separately can make it difficult for us to gather all the information in one place.
If You Forgot to Tell Us Before
If we don’t hear from you before the rehearsal, no worries—we’ll personally reach out over the next 10 days, or you can fill out the Absence Form after the rehearsal. It’s just our way of keeping the team in sync and making sure no one slips “through the cracks.”
After 10 Days Without Hearing From You
If you miss a rehearsal and we haven’t heard from you within 10 days, we’ll gently place your membership on pause —not as a punishment, but so we can stay connected and care well for the whole team, making sure we place value where it belongs.
Need to be Away for Longer?
Membership Freeze - For Exceptional Circumstances
The Membership Freeze is for those rare seasons when life gets a bit overwhelming because of exceptional or extenuating circumstances.
Even if your attendance has dipped below 70% in the lead-up to an event, this freeze can still allow you to take part in that concert. Just fill out the Membership Freeze Form so we can support you and keep you involved. Great news!
N.B. Concert participation may still require attendance at the tech rehearsal.
Membership Hold - You Can't Make the Next Concert Date
If you know you won’t be part of an upcoming performance and/or the tech rehearsal, you’re welcome to put your membership on hold for the season.
This gives you a break from the 70% attendance rule of thumb, while still keeping your place secured in the community. Just fill out the Membership Hold Form — and we’ll be ready to welcome you back with open arms after the next concert.
Cancel Your Membership - You Can No Longer Commit
If your season has shifted and you’re no longer able to commit, you’re welcome to cancel your membership at any time using the Membership Cancellation Form.
While we’re not able to offer refunds, this is a thoughtful and respectful way to bring your time with us to a close. We’ll bless you as you go — and although we can't offer refunds, if you’ve previously cancelled your membership and wish to rejoin, we’re pleased to welcome you back without additional fees, provided it’s before your original membership’s renewal date.
Membership Pauses Explained
Membership Pause Begins
If we haven’t heard from you within ten days after a missed rehearsal, we’ll gently place your involvement on pause. We do this not to make a point, but because communication and connection are at the heart of who we are as a 'creative family' at Australian Christian Arts.
We'll Wait For Eight Weeks
If we hear from you within eight weeks of your membership pause start date, you’ll be welcome back to rehearsals and the community as soon as we hear from you. A blank slate, a renewed commitment.
If We Don't Hear From You
If we haven’t heard from you in eight weeks, we’ll assume you’ve stepped away for now and will formally close your membership — simply to keep things clear and make room for others. You’re always welcome to reach out again when you’re ready. See below for details.
Membership Closures Explained
Membership Is Closed
When we close a membership, it simply means the person steps back from rehearsals, concerts, and other community activities for a season – typically around 3 months – to allow space for clarity and fresh beginnings down the track.
After 3 Months
After 3 months, you’re welcome to re-apply to be part of the AChA community. It’s a chance to return with fresh clarity and renewed vision.
As always, we will prayerfully consider each application, taking into account the circumstances that led to the membership being closed.
Want to Rejoin?
If you want to rejoin, there will be no cost, provided that the 3-month closure period concludes before the renewal date of the original membership. Email us at members@australianchristianarts.com, and we’ll be happy to talk with you about what rejoining could look like. If you’d like to appeal a decision, you can use this email address at any time – we’re always open to hearing from you.
A Bit About 'Welfare Breaks'
Faith & Music in Tension
Being deeply involved with us combines your faith and musical passion. Occasionally, the unique tension between these two elements can present personal challenges. Our team is attentive to situations where this ongoing tension might lead to emotional distress for a member.
Our Duty of Care Response
If our team observes a consistent pattern of emotional distress in a member—for whatever reason—we recognize our profound duty of care. Following compassionate dialogue and support, we may determine that a ‘Welfare Break’ is the most supportive course of action to ensure their well-being.
A Space for Discernment
This break is never intended as a punishment. Instead, it serves as a vital period for the individual to prayerfully discern whether continued involvement with us remains healthy for their personal well-being and conscience before God. It’s a supportive space designed for clarity and renewed commitment.