ABOUT US

1945 – The Beginning

During the final years of World War II, Leo Harris commenced revival meetings in Adelaide, South Australia.
Many people experienced a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and a growing revival movement began to emerge.

1945 – The Beginning

During the final years of World War II, Leo Harris commenced revival meetings in Adelaide, South Australia.
Many people experienced a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and a growing revival movement began to emerge.

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1976–1977 – Vision for Christian Education

Leo Harris developed plans for Christian schooling as part of the church's mission.
A vision emerged to provide Christ-centred education for future generations.

1977 – A Founder's Legacy

Leo Harris passed away and went to be with the Lord after more than three decades of faithful ministry.

1976–1977 – Vision for Christian Education

Leo Harris developed plans for Christian schooling as part of the church's mission.
A vision emerged to provide Christ-centred education for future generations.

1977 – A Founder's Legacy

Leo Harris passed away and went to be with the Lord after more than three decades of faithful ministry.

By this time, the movement had become one of Australia's most significant Pentecostal fellowships, with a strong foundation in revival, missions, church planting, leadership development, and Christian education.

1978 – Sunrise Christian School Founded

Sunrise Christian School was established, fulfilling Leo Harris' vision for Christian education.
Early 1980s – Temple Christian College Founded
Temple Christian College was established to provide Christian secondary education.

Mid-1980s – International Recognition

CRC was increasingly recognised as an international movement rather than solely an Australian denomination.
Strong national movements had emerged in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

1990s – Asia-Pacific Expansion

CRC churches were established across numerous nations including:
Philippines
Solomon Islands
Fiji
Vanuatu
Sri Lanka

1998 – CRC Churches International

To reflect its global reach and growing family of churches, the movement officially adopted the name CRC Churches International.
The new name highlighted both its heritage and its expanding international mission.

2000s–Present – A Global Movement

CRC Churches International continued to grow throughout the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Today, CRC consists of approximately 800 churches across multiple nations, united by a shared vision, mission, ministry philosophy, and core values.

CRC Churches Australia exists to expand the Kingdom of Jesus Christ through the planting and strengthening of Bible-based, contemporary local churches. We are committed to proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, developing leaders, and serving communities through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

We are united by shared values that shape our life and ministry together; devotion to God’s Word, a commitment to church multiplication, relational accountability, a gospel of grace, spiritual maturity, cultural relevance, and selfless service. These values guide how we lead, how we serve, and how we relate to one another as a movement.

CRC churches are autonomous and locally governed, while choosing to walk together in fellowship, cooperation, and mutual accountability. Through this shared commitment, we partner in mission, support one another in leadership, and invest in the next generation so that healthy churches may continue to be established and strengthened across Australia and beyond.

Read the Full CRC Charter

DECLARATION OF FAITH

CRC Churches Australia holds to the historic Christian faith as revealed in the Bible and centred on the person and work of Jesus Christ. We believe the Scriptures are the inspired and authoritative Word of God, guiding all matters of faith, life, and ministry.

We confess one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and affirm the divinity, humanity, saving death, resurrection, and future return of Jesus Christ. Salvation is received by grace through faith, resulting in transformed lives marked by repentance, obedience, and new life in Christ.

We believe in the active work of the Holy Spirit today, empowering believers for holy living, effective witness, spiritual growth, and service within the Church. We affirm the unity of the global Church and the calling of local churches to worship God, make disciples, and proclaim the gospel to all people and nations.

Our Declaration of Faith reflects our commitment to biblical truth, evangelical conviction, and Spirit-empowered ministry, standing firmly within the historic Christian tradition while engaging faithfully with the world today.

Read the Full Declaration of Faith

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CONSTITUTION

CRC Churches Australia is governed by a national Constitution that provides the structural and legal framework for how the movement operates across Australia. It sets out how local churches, state councils, and the national body relate to one another, ensuring clarity, accountability, and good governance while supporting

the mission and values expressed in our Charter.

The Constitution outlines the roles and responsibilities of ministers, state councils, the National Council, and the National Executive, including processes for leadership appointment, decision-making, and representation. It affirms the autonomy of local churches while establishing pathways for cooperation, credentialing, pastoral oversight,

and shared responsibility within the national movement.

It provides clear procedures for matters such as dispute resolution, ethical conduct, financial accountability, and constitutional change, helping to safeguard the integrity, unity, and long-term health of CRC Churches Australia. Through this framework, CRC is able to function transparently, lawfully, and collaboratively

in service of local churches and the wider mission of the gospel.

Read the Full Constitution