Why Australia Needs a Reformation Now
A Prophetic Call to Return to God
By Pastor Gary Hoban
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
— 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
Australia stands at one of the most significant crossroads in its history. Our nation has been abundantly blessed by God. We have enjoyed peace, prosperity, freedom, and unprecedented opportunities that many nations have never experienced. Yet despite these blessings, we are witnessing an accelerating moral and spiritual decline. Biblical values that once formed the foundation of our society are being replaced by ideologies that reject God, redefine truth, and celebrate what Scripture calls sin.
The question before us is not merely political or economic. It is profoundly spiritual.
Many Christians look to elections, new political leaders, or government policies as the answer to Australia’s problems. While good government is certainly a blessing, Scripture consistently reveals that lasting national transformation has never begun in parliament—it has begun when God’s people humbled themselves before Him.
Australia does not simply need political reform.
Australia needs spiritual reformation.
There is a significant difference between revival and reformation. Revival renews God’s people. Reformation changes the direction of an entire society. Revival restores hearts; reformation restores nations.
Throughout biblical history and church history, every genuine reformation has begun when ordinary believers became extraordinary followers of Jesus Christ.
I believe the Holy Spirit is once again calling the Church in Australia to become salt and light in a nation that is rapidly losing its moral compass.
Australia’s Christian Foundations
Many Australians have forgotten that our nation was built upon strong Christian principles.
Our legal system, educational institutions, charitable organisations, hospitals, and many of our freedoms were established by men and women whose worldview was shaped by the Bible. Churches planted schools. Christians cared for the poor. Missionaries reached Indigenous communities with the Gospel while establishing hospitals and practical ministries.
No nation has ever been perfect, including Australia, yet there is no denying that biblical principles profoundly shaped the character of this country.
King David declared,
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.”
— Psalm 33:12 (NKJV)
The blessing was never found merely in wealth or military strength.
It was found in honouring God.
As Australia has gradually moved away from its biblical heritage, we have also begun experiencing increasing confusion regarding identity, family, morality, justice, and truth.
This should not surprise us.
Whenever a nation removes God from its foundation, instability inevitably follows.
Jesus Himself warned,
“Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.”
— Matthew 7:26 (NKJV)
The same principle applies to nations.
A society built upon shifting cultural opinions cannot remain stable forever.
The Crisis Is Spiritual Before It Is Cultural
Much discussion today centres on social problems—crime, youth violence, family breakdown, addiction, mental illness, economic uncertainty, housing pressures, and declining trust in public institutions.
While each of these issues deserves thoughtful attention, Scripture points us to a deeper root.
The human heart.
Jeremiah wrote,
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?”
— Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)
Governments can legislate behaviour, but only the Holy Spirit can transform the heart.
Schools can educate minds, but only Christ can redeem souls.
Economic prosperity cannot satisfy spiritual emptiness.
Technology cannot replace truth.
Entertainment cannot heal brokenness.
Australia’s greatest need is not simply better policies.
Australia needs a fresh encounter with the living God.
The Pentecostal movement has always understood this truth.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit was never intended merely to produce exciting church services.
Jesus declared,
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…”
— Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
Pentecostal power exists to transform lives, families, communities, and ultimately nations through the proclamation of the Gospel.
The Church Must Awaken
Perhaps the greatest tragedy facing Australia is not the increasing darkness.
Darkness has always existed.
The greater tragedy is that much of the Church has grown comfortable.
Instead of influencing culture, culture has increasingly influenced the Church.
Instead of preaching repentance, many churches have become hesitant to speak clearly about sin.
Instead of proclaiming biblical truth with conviction, some have exchanged certainty for popularity.
The Apostle Paul warned Timothy that this very condition would arise.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires… they will turn their ears away from the truth.”
— 2 Timothy 4:3–4 (NKJV)
Those words describe much of the Western world today.
Truth has become relative.
Feelings have replaced conviction.
Tolerance has replaced discernment.
Entertainment has replaced discipleship.
Yet God has never called His Church to reflect the culture.
He has called us to transform it.
Romans 12:2 reminds us,
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
— Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
The Church must once again become distinct from the world while remaining deeply engaged with it.
We cannot disciple Australia if we resemble the culture more than we resemble Christ.
Reformation Begins With Repentance
Every biblical reformation began with repentance.
King Josiah rediscovered the Book of the Law and humbled himself before God (2 Kings 22–23).
Ezra called Israel back to obedience.
Nehemiah rebuilt both the walls of Jerusalem and the spiritual life of the people.
John the Baptist preached repentance before Christ’s ministry began.
Jesus Himself opened His ministry with these words:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
— Matthew 4:17 (NKJV)
Repentance is not merely feeling sorry.
It is changing direction.
It is agreeing with God about sin.
It is turning away from rebellion and returning wholeheartedly to Him.
Modern Christianity sometimes avoids this message because repentance can sound uncomfortable.
Yet repentance is not God’s rejection of humanity.
It is His invitation back into relationship.
No revival has ever occurred without repentance.
No reformation has ever occurred without repentance.
If Australia is to experience another great move of God, repentance must once again be preached from our pulpits, embraced in our homes, practised in our lives, and demonstrated in our communities.
The Power of Prayer and Intercession
Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly sought men and women who would stand in the gap.
Ezekiel records God’s heartbreaking words:
“So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land… but I found no one.”
— Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV)
This passage should deeply challenge every believer.
God is still looking for intercessors.
History demonstrates that spiritual awakenings are always preceded by extraordinary prayer.
The Upper Room preceded Pentecost.
Prayer preceded the Welsh Revival.
Prayer fuelled the great awakenings that transformed nations.
Australia will be no different.
Political campaigns alone cannot save Australia.
Media campaigns cannot save Australia.
Education reforms alone cannot save Australia.
Only a praying Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit and proclaiming the Gospel with boldness, can become God’s instrument of national transformation.
The Apostle James reminds us,
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
— James 5:16 (NKJV)
The future of Australia will not be determined merely by what happens in Canberra.
It will also be shaped by what happens in prayer meetings, churches, homes, and secret places where believers cry out to God for mercy upon this nation.
This is where every true reformation begins.
The Church Must Recover the Power of the Holy Spirit
One of the defining characteristics of the early Church was its complete dependence upon the Holy Spirit. The disciples did not attempt to fulfil the Great Commission through human wisdom, persuasive speech, or political influence. They waited in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49).
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out, empowering ordinary men and women to proclaim the Gospel with supernatural boldness. Three thousand people were converted in a single day (Acts 2:41). Cities were transformed, idols were abandoned, families were restored, and the Kingdom of God advanced throughout the Roman world.
This same Holy Spirit has not changed.
Australia does not simply need larger churches or better programmes. We need churches filled with men and women who are surrendered to the Holy Spirit, walking in holiness, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit, and operating in the gifts of the Spirit for the glory of Christ.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NKJV)
The Pentecostal movement has always proclaimed that the baptism in the Holy Spirit equips believers to be effective witnesses. When the Church walks in spiritual power while remaining firmly grounded in Scripture, the Gospel is confirmed not only by words but also by transformed lives.
Australia needs churches that are alive with worship, fervent in prayer, uncompromising in truth, and compassionate toward the lost.
Rebuilding the Family According to God’s Design
A nation’s strength is closely connected to the strength of its families.
From the opening chapters of Genesis, God established marriage and family as foundational institutions for human flourishing (Genesis 2:24). Healthy families provide security, discipleship, stability, and love. They become the first place where children learn truth, responsibility, honour, forgiveness, and the fear of the Lord.
Today, many Australian families face enormous pressures. Broken relationships, addiction, financial stress, loneliness, and confusion regarding identity have left many searching for hope.
The Church must respond not merely with criticism but with compassion and practical ministry.
Strong churches help build strong families.
Strong families help build strong communities.
Strong communities help strengthen a nation.
The words of Joshua remain as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago:
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
— Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)
Every Christian household should become a place where Christ is honoured, Scripture is taught, prayer is practised, and children are encouraged to know and follow Jesus personally.
National reformation begins around kitchen tables as much as it does behind pulpits.
Restoring a Biblical Worldview
One of the greatest challenges facing Australia is not simply immoral behaviour but confusion about truth itself.
Modern culture increasingly teaches that truth is subjective—that each person may determine what is right according to personal preference or social trends. Scripture presents an entirely different foundation.
Jesus declared:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
— John 14:6 (NKJV)
Truth is not created by governments, universities, media organisations, or popular opinion.
Truth is revealed by God.
For this reason, Christian education—whether in the home, the church, or Christian schools—is vitally important. Children and young adults need more than information; they need wisdom rooted in God’s Word. They need to understand how biblical truth applies to every area of life, including family, work, ethics, science, leadership, economics, justice, and compassion.
The Church must once again become a teaching Church, raising mature disciples rather than merely producing Sunday attendees.
The Church Must Become Salt and Light Again
Jesus never intended His followers to withdraw from society.
He declared:
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
— Matthew 5:13–14 (NKJV)
Salt preserves what is good.
Light exposes darkness.
Christians are called to influence every sphere of society—not through anger or fear, but through godly character, biblical truth, servant leadership, and unwavering love.
This means believers should prayerfully engage in education, business, media, healthcare, community service, law, and government, always reflecting the character of Christ. While our hope is never in political systems alone, faithful Christians can bring wisdom, integrity, and compassion wherever God places them.
The Church’s greatest influence will always come through lives that faithfully display the Gospel.
A Call to Courageous Leadership
Throughout history, God has raised leaders during times of national crisis.
Moses confronted Pharaoh.
Deborah led Israel with wisdom.
Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal.
Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem.
John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ.
The Apostles proclaimed the Gospel despite fierce opposition.
Australia needs courageous Christian leaders today—not only pastors, but also business owners, teachers, parents, students, tradespeople, community leaders, and public servants who are willing to stand respectfully yet firmly for biblical truth.
Paul encouraged the Corinthians:
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV)
Biblical courage is never arrogant.
It is humble.
It is gracious.
It is unwavering in its commitment to Christ.
Practical Steps Toward National Reformation
If we truly desire to see Australia transformed, where do we begin?
We begin where every genuine move of God has begun:
* Personal repentance and holiness.
* Daily prayer and earnest intercession for our nation.
* A renewed commitment to reading and obeying God’s Word.
* Sharing the Gospel with family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues.
* Discipling the next generation in a biblical worldview.
* Strengthening marriages and families.
* Supporting churches that faithfully preach Christ and the authority of Scripture.
* Demonstrating Christ’s love through practical acts of compassion and service.
* Depending upon the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit in every area of life.
Reformation is not achieved by one conference, one election, or one movement. It is the cumulative work of thousands of believers who choose daily to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Hope for Australia’s Future
Despite the challenges we face, this is not a message of despair.
The God who brought revival to Jerusalem, Antioch, Wales, Korea, Indonesia, Africa, and countless other places is still the same today.
His power has not diminished.
His Gospel has not lost its authority.
His Holy Spirit has not withdrawn from His Church.
The promise of Scripture remains certain:
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”
— Habakkuk 2:14 (NKJV)
I believe Australia can once again become a nation where righteousness is honoured, where churches are filled with passionate disciples of Jesus Christ, where families are strengthened, where young people encounter the living God, and where communities experience the transforming power of the Gospel.
Such change will not come through human strength alone.
It will come as God’s people humble themselves before Him.
A Final Call
The question facing Australia is not whether God is willing to move.
The question is whether His people are willing to respond.
Will we continue to accept spiritual decline as inevitable, or will we become watchmen on the walls, faithful intercessors, bold evangelists, compassionate servants, and courageous disciples?
Now is the time to seek the Lord.
Now is the time to return to His Word.
Now is the time to rebuild the family, strengthen the Church, and proclaim the Gospel with fresh conviction.
Now is the time for Australia to experience not merely another season of religious activity, but a genuine reformation led by the Holy Spirit.
May we pray with the words of the Psalmist:
“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?”
— Psalm 85:6 (NKJV)
And may we answer the call of Isaiah with wholehearted surrender:
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
— Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV)
May that become the prayer of every Australian believer.
May God raise up a generation of Spirit-filled men and women who will stand for truth, love their neighbours, proclaim Jesus Christ without compromise, and labour faithfully until our nation once again acknowledges the Lordship of Christ.
The hour is late, but it is not too late.
The harvest is plentiful.
The Holy Spirit is still moving.
And Australia still belongs to the God who hears the prayers of His people.
Until next time
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