The United Church of God - Australia is committed to following the same teachings, doctrines and practices established by its Head, Jesus Christ. As such, we trace our origins, both spiritually and historically, to the Church Jesus founded in the early first century.
This means we hold His teachings and interpretations of the Scriptures to be preeminent in every way, including His statements on how to be a disciple, how to apply the Laws of God, and the customs and practices He promoted to His disciples.
We also hold to the inspired writings of Scripture including those of the first century apostles.
→ For more information regarding the history of the Church of God, click here.
Our Mission
PREACHING THE GOSPEL | PREPARING A PEOPLE
The two most important aspects of the mission of the United Church of God are preaching the gospel and preparing a people. Both mandated by Jesus Christ, the two go hand in hand.
PREACHING THE GOSPEL
The Church is to proclaim to the world the same 'Gospel of the Kingdom of God' taught by Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is the central theme of all Jesus preached and taught. This message not only offers great hope for all of humanity, but also encompasses the purpose of human existence—why we are here and where our world is headed.
Jesus came preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14). But what was His message?
The word 'gospel' means good news—focusing on God's gracious promise of eternal salvation to believers. Along with that promise is a wonderful opportunity to participate in a literal Kingdom under the rule of (King) Jesus Christ, Who will return to earth to lead an era of world peace for all.
→ To learn more about the Kingdom of God, click here.
PREPARING A PEOPLE
The Church's overall mission extends well beyond its initial responsibility of preaching the gospel and making new disciples. Jesus Himself "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13).
The Church is commissioned not only to feed His sheep, as He commanded, but to prepare these followers for greater works of service to God, their families, their communities and their fellow man. Jesus placed great emphasis on serving others.
For these reasons the United Church of God, though small in numbers, strives to establish congregations around the world in which God's people can assemble and receive guidance in godly living and service. These congregations are served by ordained pastors trained to accurately teach and explain the Scriptures and to counsel those who request personal guidance. These pastors are often assisted by other dedicated men and women in helping congregations reach their full potential in serving others—as opportunity, need and resources permit.
→ To find a local UCG congregation near you, click here.
An International Association
We are voluntarily affiliated with the United Church of God, an International Association, an association of United Church of God congregations around the world.
The beliefs of the United Church of God - Australia are identical to the beliefs of the United Church of God, an International Association. Local congregations and ministers are located throughout North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
→ To read the beliefs of the United Church of God, click here.
What Does Our Name Signify?
The name of the United Church of God signifies that we are united in our commitment to faithfully follow the way of life and mission for the Church revealed and established by God and His Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Scriptures.
Jesus prayed that His Church would be unified and preserved in the name of God (John 17:11). Also, the New Testament's most frequent designation for the original body of believers is the church of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; 1 Timothy 3:5). Some New Testament passages also attach the location, such as the church of God which is at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1).
Because many divergent groups refer to themselves as the Church of God, we attach the word United to provide us with distinctiveness. It was also chosen to convey the unity in belief, mission and purpose for which Jesus prayed when He asked that the Church be kept in God's name.
Responsible Stewardship and Accountability
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that God's servants are to be wise stewards and managers over the resources He provides. They are to recognize that those resources—financial, physical and human alike—actually belong to Him rather than any individual or organization.
To enable the United Church of God in Australia to fulfil its commission, and to operate as a legal entity in Australia, it has been registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as a Company "Limited by Guarantee".
Financial integrity of business affairs is a priority of the Church. The Church's work is supported by the voluntary tithes and offerings of members and other supporters — following the biblical teaching of honouring God with one's substance as the means of supporting the preaching of the gospel and financing the work of the Church. Accordingly, the United Church of God - Australia has put in place systems of checks and balances to avoid the possibility of misuse of funds or financial improprieties.
What Do We Publish?
- The Good News: A full colour bi-monthly magazine which focuses on issues relating to modern life from a biblical perspective.
- Vertical Thought: A quarterly online magazine with articles written specifically for the benefit of young people around the world.
- Booklets: We publish a range of booklets which explain Biblical subjects.
- Bible Study Course: 12 monthly lessons focusing on the main themes of the Bible.
In line with Christ's reminder Freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8), our literature is distributed without charge or obligation to all who request it.
Personal Counsel
We desire to share God's way of life with those who earnestly seek to worship and follow our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our ministers are available to counsel, answer questions and explain the Bible. If you would like to contact a minister or visit one of our congregations, please contact our Operations Centre. If you prefer to contact a local minister directly, please refer to the list of congregations for their contact details.
Please feel free to write to or e-mail us with any questions you might have.
