Baptist Union of NSW

The Baptist Union of NSW (known as Association of Baptist Churches NSW & ACT) have been represented on the CCAC and its precursors since 1964 (See History of CCAC). It was a Member Organisation at the time of incorporation in 2013 and is listed as such in Schedule 1 in the Constitution of the CCAC.

The member authority at the time of constitution is "The Moderator" (see Schedule 2 of the Constitution of the CCAC). This office is now known as "The Director of Ministries".

Corporate Structure

The Association of Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT is a member body of the Baptist Union of Australia Inc. known as Australian Baptist Ministries.

Today there are almost 1000 churches in Australia within the Baptist movement, spread across every state and territory. Each local church is autonomous (self-governed) but we voluntarily link together with other churches to form a Baptist Union in each state, who together form the Baptist Union of Australia. The first Baptists came into being in Europe as part of the Reformation which swept that continent. Baptists came to Australia in 1831 and today we have fraternal links through the Baptist World Alliance with more than 105 million Christians in our worldwide Baptist family.

Association of Baptist Churches NSW & ACT

The Association of Baptist churches is established under an Act of the New South Wales Parliament known as the ‘Baptist Union Incorporation Act 1919’. The Incorporation Act provides that the Association be known as ‘The Baptist Union of New South Wales’.

The Association draws its members from affiliated autonomous local churches and affiliates with other groups situated within New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and is commonly known as ‘Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT’.

Under the Association of Baptist Churches Constitution, BaptistCare is listed as one of the Affiliated groups of the Association (see Section 34.5)

BaptistCare NSW & ACT

The management of Civil Chaplains has been delegated by the Association of Baptist Churches to BaptistCare since the 1st April 2002.

BaptistCare is a leading not-for-profit Christian based care organisation that has been serving the aged and people living with disadvantage for over 70 years. We support thousands of people across NSW and the ACT through more than 160 facilities and programs.

From humble beginnings in 1944, BaptistCare has grown into one of the nation's most respected care providers, employing more than 4000 staff, with a further 1000 volunteers.

Contact Details

Street Address:

Level 2, 22 Brookhollow Ave
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Postal Address:

PO Box 7626
Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153

Phone:

1300 275 227
02 9023 2500

Fax:

02 9023 2501

Email:

ask@baptistcare.org.au

Mission

The Baptist Association of NSW & ACT is a movement of more than 330 congregations committed to serving together with a purpose of advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, sign and deed; together. Baptist churches hold to a common purpose, beliefs and values and are working towards a common set of vision pictures. This vision is encapsulated under 4 key areas of focus:

• Healthy Communities

• Leadership

• Mission and

• Justice

Since its inception in 1944, BaptistCare has grown into one of the largest and most trusted providers of aged care and social support services in NSW and the ACT.

Originally known as the NSW Baptist Homes Trust, our organisation was founded by a group of visionary men and women who wanted to express the love of Christ in practical ways to those in need. Since then, we have worked ceaselessly to see this purpose transform the lives of our clients.

BaptistCare’s purpose, “Transforming Lives By Expressing The Love Of Christ”, goes back to our original mission statement in 1944: Expressing the love of Jesus to those in need and adds to it by bringing into focus the transformation outcomes we work towards for the broader community that we serve.

BaptistCare’s Community Services Division works to support the vulnerable and disadvantaged, people experiencing situational distress and people impacted by domestic and family violence through social and financial inclusion, social housing support, chaplaincy and counselling resulting in increased levels of safety, resilience and wellbeing.

Civil Chaplaincy is seen as an important area of service delivery where our commitment to the needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged is demonstrated through a practical outworking of Christ’s love, without discrimination and regardless of the faith, race or gender of those we serve.

Accountability

The Association of Baptist Churches has appointed the BaptistCare Senior Chaplain as their delegate to the CCAC. BaptistCare’s Senior Chaplain reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer of BaptistCare.

Chaplains report through their team structures to the BaptistCare General Manager for Community Services.

Authorisation of Chaplains

Civil Chaplains are appointed under BaptistCare recruitment policies and procedures and are required to have Theological qualifications (including Pastoral care subjects) and practical experience in Pastoral care.

The majority of Chaplains are Accredited/Recognised Ministers with the Association of Baptist Churches or are eligible to pursue accreditation.

All Chaplains are selected on the basis of their qualifications, ministry experience (including non-church settings) and their skills and abilities.

Chaplain’s performance and developmental plans are developed annually with a 6 monthly review.