The Eternal Godhead
We believe in God, who is eternal and self-existent, revealed as one being in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the Creator of all things.
About us
Who we are
A church with deep roots and an open door. Part Greek heritage, part multicultural family, all one in Christ.
Our story
Who we are
ACCR (Australian Christian Church Roselands) began as the “Greek Church of God Incorporated”, founded in February 1958 by Pastor Nick Kola, Kerry Theodore, and George Kaisharis.
How it began
There was a young child on the island of Cyprus who, while watching his father’s sheep on the mountains, would often look at the sky and think, “Is there a God?”
At the age of 18, this young man came to Australia alone and ended up working on the Snowy Mountains Scheme. This is where he met Kerry Theodore, who became his best friend; Kerry was also from Paphos, Cyprus.
One day, while alone in the dormitory, he knelt by his bunk and prayed, “God, if there is a God, send someone to tell me the truth.”
About three months later (the approximate travel time from Greece to Australia by ship), a man named Andoniathis, a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, arrived and spoke to Nick and Kerry about giving their lives to Christ, as the Word of God says in Mark 16:16:
Mark 16:16“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
Both Nick and Kerry surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, were immediately baptized, and began their walk with Him. Nick was 21 years old at the time.
After their time on the Snowy Mountains Scheme, they moved to Sydney and were baptized in the Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues as the Bible encourages (Acts 1 and 2).
At the age of 24, when Nick and his wife returned from their honeymoon, Nick was ordained pastor of the first Greek Pentecostal church in Australia. He pastored this church for 64 years and continued to minister until one week before he passed, at the age of 88.
A church for everyone
In 2010, the church was relaunched as ACCR under the leadership of Pastor Andrew Kola and Francesca Kola.
Over time, it became clear that transitioning from a Greek-speaking church to an English-speaking, multicultural church would allow us to reach more people in our community with the love of Christ. This change took place quickly, once the congregation agreed to open the doors to the wider community, and the very next church service was conducted entirely in English.
Since then, we have enjoyed ministering both to members of the original Greek congregation, whom we have gratefully retained, and to new members from many different backgrounds.
Our church services include a time of worship, followed by the preaching of the Word of God, and conclude with fellowship over coffee, tea, and light refreshments.
Our pastors
Pastors Andrew & Francesca Kola
Pastor Andrew Kola grew up in this church as the second child of Pastor Nick and Glory Kola. He spent his early years serving within the church community and later married Francesca Toscano.
At age 35, after growing up and serving in this church, Andrew and his family moved to Petersham AOG, where he served in several capacities for 15 years, including as a board member.
In 2009, after sensing God’s call to ministry, Andrew and his family returned to this church. In February 2010, he took on the role of senior pastor, continuing the work started by his father, Pastor Nick.
Francesca began serving in the church after marrying Andrew. She has faithfully served in several ministries including Children’s Ministry, Worship Ministry, and Women’s Ministry, and continues to serve in these areas today.
They are blessed with two sons and one daughter, all married and serving God, and they are also blessed with four grandchildren.
What we believe
The foundations of our faith
The Lord Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, ministering in teaching, healing, and miracles. He was crucified and died on our behalf. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He is now seated and exalted at the right hand of the Father as the risen Lord and Intercessor.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit, fully divine, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. He convicts, regenerates and sanctifies, and guides believers into all truth.
The Holy Bible
We believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired and infallible Word of God and our highest authority for faith and practice.
Creation
We believe that God created the universe and that all people are created in the image of God, to love and worship God.
The Devil
We believe in the existence and person of the devil, who actively opposes the purposes of God.
The Fall of Humanity
We believe that all people have rejected God through their sinful acts and are separated from God.
The Atonement
We believe that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone who, by His suffering, shed blood, death on the cross, and resurrection, has made full atonement for the sins of all people. We receive salvation by grace through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
The Church
We believe that the Church, the body of Christ, is the community of people who confess faith in Jesus Christ. While universal, the Church is local in expression and witness. It exists for worship, fellowship, evangelism, discipleship, and mission. Gifts of ministry are given by Christ to strengthen and mature the Church.
Water Baptism
We believe in water baptism by single immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is a public declaration of a person’s faith in, and identification with, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Lord’s Supper
We believe in the Lord’s Supper, which is in symbolic remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ until He returns.
Sanctification
We believe in the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts people of their sin and inspires repentance and faith. The Holy Spirit transforms believers into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is a transformative experience, distinct from and subsequent to salvation. It is available to all believers and accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. It results in empowerment for effective witness to the world.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to believers for ministry to one another, the Church and the world.
Divine Healing
We believe that God heals today through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. By praying in faith for healing and miracles we witness to and continue the ministry of Jesus Christ.
The Second Coming of Christ
We believe in, and look forward to, the imminent and personal return of Jesus Christ to gather His people to Himself, and to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will have no end.
The Punishment of the Wicked
We believe in the resurrection of the body. All who believe in Jesus Christ will have everlasting life in the presence of God; those who reject Him will have eternal separation from God. It is the call of all believers to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ until He returns.
Come and see for yourself
Join us this Sunday at 10:00am.