THE EARLY CHURCH
From the very beginning ministry was aimed at establishing Aboriginal Christians to lead and guide their own people. With the benefit of hindsight, AIM would recognise that hurt was caused through continuing for too long with paternalistic attitudes. Despite difficulties many churches have grown up which, whilst not exclusively Aboriginal, do have strong indigenous social and cultural perspectives.
In the eastern states there are long established Christian fellowships. Church structure has strengthened through establishing the AIM Church Council, a council of representatives of indigenous churches. This AIM Church Council now takes responsibility for such things as the appointment
of pastors, the holding of property, and oversight of an itinerant Bible School ministry based at Rockhampton, providing regular short-term intensive courses at a number of major centres.
In the Northern Territory and Western Queensland most of those ministered to are tribal Aborigines, mostly semi-literate, and often in desperate circumstances, living in isolated places with little or no resources. A number of the larger communities where AIM ministers have social degradation almost beyond belief.
AIM continues to place its major emphasis on preaching, teaching and applying of the Word of God. Through developing good living skills, better health and education, and ability to cope with temptation and trouble, AIM is seeking to build a sound Aboriginal Christian community.
Missionaries are placed at major centres like Darwin and Alice Springs, and in Aboriginal communities, and outback towns. Some undertake a local pastoral/teaching role and are helping to evangelise, to disciple believers, and to develop leadership and a local indigenous church. Others engage in wide-ranging itinerant ministries,
visiting small groups and families and travel many thousands of kilometres every year.
LITERATURE
For several decades AIM worked with United Aborigines Mission to produce sound Christian literature and resources in simplified English through the ministry of Mission Publications of Australia. Though the printing and production at MPA has ceased, AIM continues to provide MPA resources and other literature to meet the needs and requests of Aboriginal Christians.
TODAY & TOMORROW
As with many contemporary mission societies, AIM has restructured and refocused for the future. A change of name reflects some of that change. The organisation Aborigines Inland Mission is now known as Australian Indigenous Ministries. ‘Inland’ was no longer appropriate with current ministries in urban areas and islands to the north. ‘Ministries’ was preferred to ‘Mission’ reflecting more of the present reality of working with Aboriginal Christian groups, and because the word ‘mission’ was strongly and negatively associated with government institutions in country and outback areas.
AIM retains its emphasis on sending out full-time workers for ministry, especially for discipling, training and spiritual counselling work.
We also encourage biblically grounded Christians with training and skills in much needed areas such as health and education to seek employment in areas where AIM has ministry. They can join AIM as TEAM partners and extend encouragement and support to the local churches while providing the needed practical help through their chosen field of work. Such Christian service with a genuine long-term commitment to the people is greatly appreciated and is a good source of support for local Christians.
There is still work to do. Aboriginal Christians from many areas are asking for help in teaching them more of God’s Word and helping them reach others, especially their youth. The emphasis now is on support in this work, with Aboriginal Christians taking the lead and non-Aboriginals working alongside to further develop their leadership for strong Aboriginal Churches.
Providing and maintaining ministry involves great commitment in personnel and resources. There is a continuing need for specially gifted and qualified people to be a part of this work, coupled with the need for the ongoing support of the wider Christian community in this important field of ministry opportunity in our own ‘backyard’.
If you would like more information or would like to know how you might help then contact us at admin@theaim.com.au
