Unlearn whatever preconceived ideas you have about Aboriginal people and their communities - and sit down with an Aboriginal or other First Nations church leader to spend time listening, absorbing and becoming culturally enlightened.
That is the advice for non-indigenous evangelicals given by Sandra Dumas, Senior Pastor of Ganggalah Church and Training Centre with her husband Will, based in Tweed Heads South, Northern Rivers. Her church meets online-only since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dumas is both national chairperson and the New South Wales (NSW) Indigenous Initiative Representative for Australia Christian Churches Indigenous Initiative (ACC Indigenous Initiative). She shared her thoughts in an exclusive interview with Christian Daily International on the evangelistic and pastoral needs of Aborigines, and other First Nations people.
The aim of the ACC Indigenous Initiative is to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pastors and leaders, and resource the churches and leaders to connect with Christ as the head, and with the general Christian community, to build the wider Church in Australia.
Dumas said it was difficult to calculate exactly how many Aboriginal-led churches existed on the continent.
“This is a tricky question to answer, as we have numerous denominations in our country and Aboriginal-led churches are usually not structured congregations that we would typically see in a town or community and may not even use the word ‘church.’
“In saying that, yes, there are a few, I’m guessing approximately 50 around the entire country, but more common is the community-led church which is based in and on an Aboriginal community or reserves/mission, and these ‘churches’ are led by our Aboriginal elders - our spiritual leaders.”
Altogether Dumas believes the First Nations church has been growing across Australia: “This is a multi-generational blessing in our communities, where we are taught Godly principles over a lifetime that align with our culture and spirituality.”
Dumas wanted to invite other evangelicals to be open to learning and understanding Aboriginal spirituality. She suggested ways to do that – for non-indigenous leaders to go on a pre-arranged country trip to an Aboriginal community for example, or to do cultural awareness training.
“An Aboriginal Church is not a hierarchical system - but more of a community team effort, where involvement is formed through the collective,” Dumas said. “Yes, there is eldership, but again this is not a dominant system but is knowledge based. Everyone has a seat at the table, as such respect and contribution are paramount.”
Dumas pointed out several differences between First Nation churches and other churches and said there was often a clash of cultures. Among the issues and sentiments, she named, “non confirmative; different world views; unsafe; don't belong; we don't fit; and not based on attendance (numbers).”
That is why the ACC Indigenous Initiative seeks to play a key role in uniting the two church cultures in Australia. It was set up a number of years ago as an advisory committee with leaders appointed in each Australian state, to bridge gaps between the church and community.
“Our role includes raising awareness and creating opportunities for partnerships with Australia's First Nation leaders, pastors and communities; planting first nations-led churches and training and equipping First Nation leaders and pastors,” said Dumas.
“Cultural awareness training, coming alongside the ACC churches and promoting inclusion and understanding, advocacy, promoting First Nations community stories and bringing an understanding of community dynamics,” are some of the other ministry initiatives.
For Dumas, the challenges facing indigenous churches are very real with “Aboriginal spirituality seen as dark or evil by the Church.”
Dumas noted the cultural differences in identifying and acknowledging an aboriginal elder/community leader versus non-aboriginals leaders receiving acknowledgements after formal studies, such as Bible college. She also said there was a difference between a structured building identified as “a church” versus a community church.
“It’s a colliding of two systems, the western hierarchical versus the collective, and trying to fit into a structured system.”
Dumas, however, believes in the power of prayer to bless aboriginal and other First Nation peoples. She shared a list of prayer points for the wider evangelical community to pray for aboriginal churches.
“Pray for true reconciliation in this nation, and for the curse of generational trauma to be healed,” Dumas said. “Pray for the churches in our nation to usher in God's healing power through a spirit of reconciliation and repentance. Pray for Godly First Nations leaders to rise in this nation.”
Prayer is also needed for “deep healing” from “political sabotage and strategies that are ineffective in our communities.” Dumas pleaded for the wider church in Australia to “call out” and lead the way for Aboriginal injustices to be rectified in the nation.
Finally, she said, “Pray that the church in Australia will commit to raising the next generation of First Nations leaders.”
