• Who we are

    FOCUS Military Ministry is a Christian ministry, independent of the Australian Defence Force, who employ ministry workers and volunteers to lead the ministry at ADF training bases. We are committed to making Christ known in the ADF.

    Our Strategy

    FOCUS Military Ministry has set a strategy to achieve our vision of every person joining the ADF having the opportunity to know the Lord Jesus.

     

    We will achieve this by:

  • Engaging current and future trainees to consider Christ

    We are present on training bases and visible to trainees. We seek to have a high awareness of our ministry and a good understanding amongst all trainees that we follow Jesus.

    Proclaiming the gospel to recent entrants of the ADF

    FOCUS staff and trainees are encouraging all people to attend FOCUS events and churches. We seek to present the gospel clearly and winsomely at every appropriate opportunity.

    Equipping Christians for Christ-centred lives in the ADF

    We seek to grow a deep understanding of the Christian faith in trainees through regular bible reading and prayer. We help grow confidence in handling God's word and prepare trainees for the unique challenges and opportunities of following Christ in the ADF.

    Connecting Christians to support the mission of FOCUS

    We encourage people to support FOCUS through prayer and financial support to ensure the ministry is sustainable and effective. We engage local churches and likeminded ministries to mutually support God's work.

  • In ministering to people, we value:

    Local Churches

    as the primary expression of the body of Christ and so values every trainee, staff-member and volunteer leader having a love for, and a committed involvement in, a local church.

    Prayerful dependence on God,

    as we recognise God's rule over all things. God answers prayer more abundantly than we ask, so we pray according to his will and work in God's power for his glory.

    The Bible

    as God-breathed and trustworthy (2 Tim 3:16). We value expository Bible teaching and study, Biblical theology, and humble submission to the Bible to shape our life and doctrine and our mission, message and methods of ministry

    Teamwork

    in the way we do ministry. This means forming a staff, volunteer or church-led team to lead each training base ministry in partnership with trainees. This also means forming effective partnerships with a variety of like-minded ministries.

  • Statement of Beliefs

    We believe in a sovereign God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) who created and sustains the universe. He loves us and, despite our rebellion, has paid the price for our guilt by having the Son, Jesus Christ, die on the cross. Having reconciled us to him, we are called to new life and are being transformed by the Holy Spirit.

  • Our Team

    Army Logistics Training Centre

    Pete Ritchie

    Pete served as a sailor in the Navy a long time ago! After the Navy, Pete did a ministry apprenticeship & then studied a Bth and MATh at Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Pete finds it a massive privilege to lead the staff team of FOCUS and lead the ministry at the Army Logistics Training Center in Wodonga. Married to the legendary Mel, and together with their two kids, the Ritchie’s are part of Thurgoona Presbyterian Church. Pete has a life long dream of being an extra on Brooklyn 99.

    Neil Auranaune

    Neil has spent the majority of his adult working life playing with concrete and driving forklifts. This was until he was introduced to Jesus and then decided that there had to be more to life and pursued an MTS apprenticeship. Neil works alongside Pete at the Army Logistics Training Centre in Wodonga, while also studying a Dip of Biblical Theology through Moore college. Neil is a part of Fresh Start Presbyterian Church. He hopes he can be a better fisher-of-men than he is a fisherman.

    Australian Defence Force Academy

    James Leitch

    James leads the FOCUS team at ADFA. He met his wife Sarah whilst she was studying at ANU and he was completing his aeronautical engineer training at ADFA. James’ training for ministry has since included an apprenticeship with FOCUS and theological study with the Melbourne School of Theology and the Sydney Missionary and Bible College. James and his family are part of Crossroads Christian Church. James thinks that twins are wonderful!

    Merryn Williams

    Merryn never studied at ADFA, but wishes she had (or at least considered it). Instead she worked at McDonald’s while studying at ANU and then as a public servant in Defence before leaving to complete a Masters of Divinity at Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Merryn ministers at ADFA and oversees FOCUS's women’s ministry. She and her husband Tim are part of Dickson Baptist Church. Merryn wonders why baking is not listed as a spiritual gift.

    Megan Errignton

    Megan is currently on maternity leave for their third child. Megan studied Civil Engineering and Arts (French Studies) last decade. More recently, Megan’s training for ministry included an apprenticeship in Sydney and completing a Masters of Divinity at Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Megan and her family moved to Canberra in 2017 and Megan ministered with FOCUS at ANU before joining FOCUS military at ADFA. Megan and her family are part of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Wanniassa. Megan has decided to test how adding another child to the family will impact the level of chaos.

    Sam Gregory

    Sam joined the FOCUS team at ADFA in 2023!

    Sam studied at ADFA served as an Army Officer upon graduation from RMC. He transferred to Chaplaincy while serving and conlcuded his fulltime Army service to join FOCUS. When asked about his strengths, Sam regularly replies, "My wife, Adele!"

    Business Manager

    Jeremy Elias

    Jeremy served in the Royal Australian Airforce as an aeronautical engineer. ADFA is a special place for him as he met the two great loves of his life there while studying, Jesus and his wife Carney. Jeremy has worked outside defence in management consultancy and with World Vision Australia. He completed his Graduate Diploma of Divinity through Ridley College and is currently working on his Masters of Divinity. Jeremy and his family live in Townsville and attend Ross River Anglican Church. Jeremy's favourite book of the bible is He...brews!

  • Our Committee

    We have a governance committee overseeing our work and prayerfully stewarding FOCUS and it's resources.

    Dave Stephens - President

     

    Annie North

     

    Karyn Twohill - Secretary

     

    Dan Anderson

    Ian North - Treasurer

     

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