About Concern Australia
Can You Help?
There is so much more that we could and need to achieve through our advocacy for the poor and our proclamation of a better way of life.
As you partner with us, we look forward to what can be achieved in the future... thanks to your generosity!See our support us section for options about donating, volunteering or leaving a bequest.
History
Weaving its way through the history of this movement is the recurring theme of Concern. Concern for the sake of the Gospel. Concern for the heart of mankind. Concern for our Australian community.
In 1972, John Smith gathered together a number of Christians who sought to respond in a non-traditional way to the alienated, the poor and the marginalised in our society. In association with many other Christians in halfway houses, study cells and street-level ministries, they began a long hard trek back to seek a New Testament, yet contemporary, compassionate Christ-like ministry and lifestyle. John and his wife Glena, while reading and praying over the verse in John’s gospel “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free [liberate you]” (John 8:32), were led to choose the name Truth and Liberation for the movement. The Jesus Light and Power House became a place of care for dropouts and dissidents as well as the centre for evenings of Bible teaching led by John. God’s Squad Christian Motorcycle Club, which had been born in John and Glena’s home, moved to the new centre.
“We had a lot in common with the young, secular idealists of the time but saw and proclaimed the need for a spiritual conversion as a firm basis for a moral and responsible lifestyle. On our pilgrimage we have shared with many thousands our doubts about society and our assurance that, through Christ and a commitment to the ethics and values of his kingdom, it doesn’t have to be this way. There was no better basis, no greater power and no clearer lifestyle than that which Jesus presented” – John Smith, Founder.
This community has evolved over the years. The founding body re-established itself as Care & Communication Concern in the 1980’s, allowing its expansion into various areas of community services. In 2005, the transformation into Concern Australia becomes its opportunity for further mission.
