Recent Times
The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia saw increased growth in the 1980s, particularly in Queensland, much of this as a result of the aggressive church planting strategies of the Rev. Don Hardgrave, who also wrote the only denominational history of the church. As well as aiming at new convert growth, Wesleyan Methodists have welcomed into their membership those seeking an alternative to more liberal Protestant denominations, as well as Pentecostals looking for a church more grounded in historic Christianity. The 45th National Conference held in January 2004 reported 77 local churches, 96 ordained ministers, 2017 members and an average main Sunday service attendance of 3702 persons.
A previous National Superintendent, the Rev. Stan Baker led the church through a period of stabilization and maturity, including a re-evaluation of its membership covenant and a period of influence in the wider Pacific region. From the late 1990s, the Australian church has fostered and encouraged the emergence of Wesleyan Methodist churches in New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.
At the 2008 South Pacific Convention and National Conference held at Philip Island, Victoria, a new National Superintendent was appointed, Rev. Lindsay Cameron. Lindsay brought to the position a desire to see the denomination strengthened through the upholding and proclamation of the uniqueness of Wesleyan doctrinal teaching.
The 2012 National Conference elected the Rev. Rex Rigby to the position of National Superintendent. He is the denomination's first indigenous leader.
Read more about this topic: Wesleyan Methodist Church Of Australia
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