Empowering Indigenous Christians

Nungalinya College is the Anglican, Uniting and Catholic training College for Indigenous Christians. From our shared foundation of faith in Jesus and reliance upon the Scriptures, we proclaim that it is God, through the work of the Holy Spirit that empowers His children to love Him and serve one another. The following statements and applications function as our philosophy of ministry.

1. We believe that God, the Creator has worked in all times and cultures to draw people to Himself. His ‘eternal power and character cannot be seen, but from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made, so people have no excuse’ (Romans 1: 20).

At Nungalinya we respect Indigenous culture and sovereignty over traditional land. We look for connections and integration between traditional lore and the Scriptures, whilst asserting that the knowledge of the Scriptures is vital for all cultures and individuals to discern which rituals and patterns are consistent with a life of faith.

2. We believe that God showed His great love for all people through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The good news of forgiveness brings lasting change to lives and communities, as ‘it is God’s powerful way of saving all people who have faith’ (Romans 1: 16).

At Nungalinya we promote gospel ministry in Indigenous communities. In particular, we strive to support our partner churches (Anglican, Uniting, Catholic), other denominations and mission organisations in their outreach activities. Love is the key, Jesus is the source of it all!

3. We believe that we are called to help spread this good news, to our families, our clans and our communities. We study and learn of God’s truth to share with others, but we also know that people come to ‘have faith because of God’s power and not because of human wisdom’ (1 Corinthians 2: 5).

At Nungalinya we have a pathway of courses from ‘Foundation Studies’ through to ‘Ministry and Theology’ certificates which aim to teach the main themes and characters of the Scriptures. We also aim to prepare students so they are able to undertake ministry in their own local contexts.

4. We believe that God empowers His people to serve Him and their communities. Through the Holy Spirit, He gives gifts to all His people and ‘His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine.’ (Ephesians 3:20).

At Nungalinya we encourage people to use their gifts in morning chapel, in classes and in evening fellowships. Our ‘applied ministry’ courses of Media/Music, Art, and Family Wellbeing focus on growing skills and abilities that can be used for employment purposes as well as church and community development initiatives.

5. We believe that we must be brave to grow and use our gifts. We should work with God to ‘make full use of the gift that God gave… the Spirit gives us power, love and self-control’ (2 Timothy 1: 6-7).

At Nungalinya we encourage people to ‘fan into flame’ their gifts. We prioritise the use of First Languages and other culturally appropriate forms of ministry. Courses are for all church members, not just those on the path to formal church leadership roles.

6. We believe that we need to honestly depend on God and each other, acknowledging our failures and weaknesses. All glory then goes to God: ‘my grace is all you need, my power is strongest when you are weak’ (2 Corinthians 12:9).

At Nungalinya we strive for ‘bothways’ teaching and learning where students and staff are positioned as co-disciples and brothers and sisters in Christ. As we share our lives together, we are mutually encouraged to stand firm in our faith, despite the many challenges.

7. We believe that we all need times of rest, refreshment and renewal. God gives these if we ask; ‘He gives power to the faint… those who trust the LORD will find new strength’ (Isaiah 40: 29, 31).

At Nungalinya we provide a holistic, pastoral context where students’ physical, spiritual, intellectual and social needs are met. Our residential facility and provision of staff to support all of these areas is of crucial importance to the ministry of the College.