We are a voluntary group of people formed into various ARMA regional branches scattered around Australia. Some regional branches represent a whole state, e.g. ARMA(Victoria), whilst others are organised on a diocesan basis, e.g. ARMA (Bunbury). On the National level there is an ARMA National Executive, which consists of men and women, who represent all states in Australia, This group meets four times a year.

ARMA is loosely associated with Anglican Renewal Ministries in other countries e.g. ARM(NZ), ARM(South Africa) etc.

We are a group of people who are committed to the headship of Christ over His Body, the Church(Col 1:18). We believe strongly that this means the renewal of that Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), so that we are more faithful and more obedient to what our God wants for His world, His Church and therefore for each of us.

We recognise, very easily and, indeed, very quickly, that Christians can lose their first love (Rev 2:4). This demands a renewal, spiritually, day by day (2 Cor 4:16), and that this is a reality and not a facade.

We believe that Christianity is a faith that ministers to the needs of people, so that lives are changed. People are set free, healed and restored, through the saving work of Jesus on the Cross and in the Resurrection.

We desire to build a joyous community in the name of Jesus amongst Christians, whereby, peopie will know that they are loved and accepted by fellow Christians, as well as God.

When it is stated like this, all would no doubt agree that this is what many Christians would want. Yes, that is true. Yet the reality of life within the Church is far different, and we know it. Why are people walking away from the Church? Why do young people find the proceedings so boring? Why are our expectations of God so low, that many don't really look for things to happen, don't expect change, and get upset if others do?

The Bible talks about "to be baptised with the Holy Spirit" (Acts l.:5, cf Matt 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33). It is a gift of the Father (Acts 1:4) for which we should long. It doesn't seem to be important when this takes place, but it is important that it happens, if we are to be a people who are led by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit will never force himself on us, He calls us, we are free to respond. If we thirst after the Lord (Psalm 42:12) he will answer that thirst (John 7:37). Ask him to create that thirst in you.

Next search your conscience and be specific. "Repent and be baptised ... and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Then know that He will not deceive you, nor give you anything less than a good gift (Luke 11:13). Finally receive what God has for you in the same way you received Salvation - by faith. Expect to discover some of God's many spiritual gifts operating in your life. There are at least 27 mentioned in Paul's writings - Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 etc.)

ARMA aims to facilitate renewal within the Anglican Church by:

ARMA (Vic), PO Box 123, Chelsea, Vic, 3196