How are you different to other Christian
groups on campus?
Different Christian groups on campus have different emphases, such as: social
networks, bible teaching, evangelism, activism and/or worship. Some are specific
to one faith tradition or stream of spirituality, or are formed for a particular
student group, such students in residential colleges, overseas students,
students in a particular faculty, or post-grad students.
ASCM has an emphasis on exploring the social justice
implications of Christian faith. We do this by discussing issues, seeking to
remain aware of issues of injustice in our local and wider communities, and
reading Christian scriptures in this context. We also try to have a go at action
to make a difference.
We welcome people from any Christian tradition, and
also those from other faith backgrounds or who do not identify with any
particular faith tradition but are interested in exploring issues of faith and
life.
We welcome and seek to empower those who may be
marginalised within other groups, especially gay lesbian bisexual transgendered
and intersexed people.
We see spirituality as connected with our care for the
environment, and aim to act accordingly.
As a small movement, we are able to provide a community
where deep friendships develop and faith can be explored in an environment of
love and trust.
We encourage critical engagement with all matters of
spirituality and life, and welcome multiple perspectives, even if they are far
from mainstream.
Are you associated with any particular church
or Christian organisation?
ASCM is not connected with any particular church and explicitly seeks to
welcome and include a wide variety of traditions.
ASCM is affiliated with the World Student Christian Federation. WSCF is
an international ecumenical student organisation with affiliated student
movements in over one hundred countries in six regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific
(including
What do you actually do?
Each ASCM branch develops its own style and program. Some of the things
you might expect are:
-
Topical & biblical discussions
-
Guest speakers
-
Shared meals
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Movie & discussion nights
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Retreats
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Exploring alternative worship
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Shared attendance at justice events
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Small-scale local justice projects
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Advocacy for wider issues
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Opportunities to attend international workshops and exposure trips
What do you mean when you say you support gay
lesbian bisexual transgendered and intersexed people?
ASCM welcomes and celebrates all people regardless of their sexual orientation. As an organisation we believe the Christian scriptures do not prohibit non-heterosexual loving sexual relationships. In keeping with our commitment to including differing perspectives, we cannot guarantee that all individuals within ASCM will hold this belief. However, we expect anyone involved with ASCM to respect our organisational position and offer welcome regardless of their personal opinions on the relationship between sexual orientation and Christian teaching.
I like what you stand for, but what does
Christianity have to do with it?
Our concern for issues of justice arises from a critical engagement with
Christian teachings and traditions, which we believe contain a clear imperative
to act for a better world. ASCM also believes that holistic action needs to be
connected with spirituality, and that we do not act alone but in connection with
'God'. The amount we understand of what this God is like comes from our
engagement with the story of Jesus of Nazareth and the history of those who have
sought to follow him.
Where can I find out more about you?
Our website includes general information and also links to local branch websites, where you can get an idea of what is currently going on within the movement.
The website of the WSCF gives an overview of the wider network we are part of, and information about programs and resources available internationally.
There are Wikipedia entries relating to both
ASCM and
WSCF.
A history of Student Christian Movements around the world
was recently published: Robin Boyd, The Witness of the Student
Christian Movement: Church Ahead of the Church. (
Are you really Christian?
ASCM desires to serve God as seen in
the Person of Jesus Christ. God becomes known to us through the Scriptures,
through our own experiences, through the Holy Spirit, and through the life of
the Church and the world.
Not all of our members would identify themselves as Christians, because we do
not require people to make such an identification and understand that for some
who have had difficult experiences of Christian communities it is not a helpful
or healthy label.
We seek to follow Jesus, and in that we understand ourselves to be Christian.
Are you trying to convert me?
Getting people to sign up for Christianity is not part of our ethos.
For many of us, our faith in Christ is the life-source of our being. If others
are interested in this, we are happy to share what is meaningful for us.
However, our faith primarily motivates us to work for a better world rather than
aim to convert others to our faith tradition.
If I get involved, will I be pressured to do
stuff?
It is possible that our small numbers could create a sense of pressure to be
more involved that you are comfortable with. Please be encouraged to say 'no',
turn up on your own terms, and let us know if you are feeling pressured. We seek
to offer a welcome that keeps the doors open for you to step away any time you
choose.
Can I trust you?
We encourage critical engagement, including with us. Don't trust us because we
sound OK in our promo material. Check us out and see what you think. Be critical
- and let us know! If you feel you can't trust us, please tell us about it
before you go elsewhere. If ASCM really doesn't work for you, we would hope to
be able to help you find another supportive group where you are more at home.
Most people who have been involved in ASCM have made life long friends
through this group, both at our own university and across
We are broken people trying to be a loving community. We hope we are
trustworthy, but invite you to come and make a decision for yourself.
Download brochure pdf (760kb)
View our area council and branch pages:
Australian Capital Territory |
Queensland |
Victoria |
Western Australia
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