The Government Must Wake Up, but the Church Must Rise Up
By Reverend Gary Hoban
Founder and Director, Refinery Life Australia Limited
5 November 2026
This article follows my open letter, Australia, It Is Time to Wake Up, published on 4 November 2026.
Yesterday, I called upon the Australian Government to wake up and the Australian Church to rise up.
Today, I want to address the Church directly.
Because while it is easy to point towards Canberra and demand accountability, there is a far more uncomfortable question we must answer.
Where is the Australian Church while our nation is being shaken?
Interest rates have reached their highest level since 2008. Families are struggling under financial pressure. Housing has become increasingly unaffordable. Our society is experiencing significant moral, cultural and spiritual challenges.
And yet, in the middle of these circumstances, much of the Church appears increasingly reluctant to confront the issues shaping our nation.
We have become very good at talking about revival.
But are we prepared for the repentance, sacrifice and obedience that genuine revival demands?
We have become comfortable discussing the Kingdom of God.
But are we demonstrating its righteousness, truth, compassion and authority in our communities?
Australia does not simply need more churches holding more services. Australia needs the Church to become the Church that Jesus Christ called it to be.
The Church Was Never Called to Be Silent
The Church was not established to become a religious spectator while nations struggle with injustice, corruption, confusion and spiritual darkness.
Jesus called His people the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
In Matthew 5:13–16, He teaches that our lives must influence the world around us and bring glory to our Father in heaven.
Salt that loses its distinctive character becomes ineffective.
Light that is concealed cannot illuminate darkness.
What happens when the Church becomes so determined to remain acceptable to society that it loses the courage to proclaim what Scripture teaches?
What happens when pastors become more concerned with maintaining attendance than making disciples?
What happens when Christian leaders avoid the difficult questions because they fear criticism, controversy or the loss of financial support?
We should never seek controversy for its own sake.
But we must never surrender truth simply to avoid it.
The apostle Paul declared:
“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” — Acts 20:27, NKJV
Not merely the comfortable passages.
Not simply the promises of blessing and prosperity.
The whole counsel of God.
That includes holiness, repentance, justice, mercy, righteousness, judgement, stewardship and obedience.
A Church that refuses to proclaim the whole counsel of God cannot expect to provide meaningful spiritual leadership to a nation in crisis.
We Have Confused Comfort With Christianity
One of the greatest dangers facing the modern Western Church is the belief that Christianity should make life comfortable.
We have developed a culture where personal encouragement is often emphasised while sacrifice, perseverance, holiness and discipleship receive considerably less attention.
There is nothing wrong with encouraging people.
The Gospel is good news.
But the Gospel also calls us to repentance, surrender and transformation.
Jesus did not call His disciples merely to attend a weekly gathering.
He called them to follow Him.
He warned that discipleship would involve taking up the cross.
He challenged religious hypocrisy.
He confronted exploitation and injustice.
He preached repentance and proclaimed the Kingdom of God.
The early Church did not transform communities by trying to become indistinguishable from the culture around it.
Its witness was distinctive because its allegiance belonged to Jesus Christ.
We should ask ourselves whether the Church in Australia has become too comfortable with the very conditions it was called to challenge.
Prayer Must Become More Than a Programme
Across Australia, churches regularly announce prayer meetings, prayer initiatives and special seasons of intercession.
I thank God for every genuine movement of prayer.
But prayer cannot become merely another item on the church calendar.
Prayer must return to the centre of our spiritual lives.
We cannot expect national transformation while neglecting personal holiness, biblical obedience and the presence of God.
Second Chronicles 7:14 records God’s call to His covenant people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways.
Although that promise was originally given to Israel, its call to humility and repentance remains a powerful challenge to Christians today.
Notice the order.
God’s people were called to examine themselves.
Before they could speak about the condition of the nation, they had to confront the condition of their own hearts.
This is where genuine spiritual awakening begins.
Not with another conference.
Not with another celebrity preacher.
Not with another impressive religious programme.
It begins when God’s people humble themselves before Him and are prepared to obey what He says.
Australia needs praying churches.
But more importantly, Australia needs churches whose prayers produce repentance, obedience, compassion and action.
Prophetic Ministry Must Recover Its Integrity
I believe prophetic ministry has an important responsibility in this hour.
But that responsibility must never be confused with political commentary dressed in spiritual language.
Prophetic ministry is not about predicting every political development, promoting a preferred party or stirring fear among believers.
It is about faithfully representing the heart and Word of God.
It calls people to truth.
It confronts unrighteousness.
It encourages repentance.
It brings hope where there is despair.
And it points people towards Jesus Christ rather than towards the personalities delivering the message.
The prophets of Scripture were not motivated by popularity.
They frequently challenged kings, priests, merchants and ordinary citizens alike.
They confronted dishonest leadership, exploitation, idolatry and the neglect of those in need.
But they also proclaimed the mercy, faithfulness and restoration of God.
We need that same balance today.
A prophetic voice without biblical truth becomes dangerous. A prophetic voice without compassion becomes harsh. A prophetic voice without integrity loses its authority.
The Church must recover discernment, accountability and courage.
The Church Must Not Become an Extension of a Political Party
Political engagement is important.
Christians have every right to participate in public life, vote according to conscience, advocate for policies and hold elected representatives accountable.
But we must never confuse political loyalty with faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
No Australian political party represents the Kingdom of God.
No political leader is beyond criticism.
And no election result can accomplish what only genuine spiritual transformation can produce.
The Church must be prepared to challenge any government when its decisions undermine justice, freedom, family wellbeing or responsible stewardship.
It must also acknowledge truth and good policy wherever they are found.
Our responsibility is not to protect a political brand.
Our responsibility is to remain faithful to Christ.
When the Church becomes dependent upon political access, it risks losing the freedom to speak prophetically.
We must never trade biblical conviction for political influence.
Where Is the Church When Families Are Struggling?
There is another question we cannot avoid.
Where is the Church when families cannot afford groceries?
Where is the Church when pensioners struggle with electricity bills?
Where is the Church when parents are worried about losing their homes?
Where is the Church when vulnerable people are confronted by violence, addiction, loneliness and despair?
It is not enough to issue statements about compassion.
We must demonstrate compassion.
James 2:15–17 challenges believers who offer words of goodwill to people lacking food and clothing without addressing their physical needs.
Our faith must be visible in practical action.
Churches can establish food assistance programmes, support families in crisis, provide financial mentoring, assist those experiencing homelessness and strengthen connections within their communities.
Not every congregation has extensive financial resources.
But every congregation can seek ways to serve.
The Church must also maintain accountability within its own institutions, protect children and vulnerable people, and confront wrongdoing rather than conceal it.
We cannot claim moral authority while refusing to practise the righteousness we proclaim.
We Must Stop Measuring Success Only by Numbers
Attendance, finances, buildings and digital reach can provide useful information about a ministry.
But they are not the ultimate measure of spiritual fruitfulness.
A church may attract thousands and still neglect the making of disciples.
Another congregation may be small and faithfully transform lives through prayer, teaching, compassion and service.
Jesus did not command us to build impressive religious organisations.
He commanded us to make disciples.
We need to recover the importance of biblical literacy, mature Christian character, holiness, faithful marriages, strong families and believers equipped to serve.
We need Christians who can discern truth from deception.
We need believers who understand their responsibility towards their neighbours.
And we need leaders willing to equip the next generation rather than merely preserve the institutions of the present.
Australia Needs Reformation, Not Religious Performance
I believe Australia needs a genuine reformation.
Not simply a change of government.
Not another religious movement built around personalities.
Not a temporary surge of enthusiasm.
We need a return to the authority of Scripture, the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
We need churches that preach the Gospel without compromise.
We need pastors who shepherd God’s people faithfully.
We need leaders who demonstrate humility and integrity.
We need prayer movements that lead to spiritual renewal and practical service.
We need Christians who engage with difficult national issues without hatred, fear or dishonesty.
And we need a Church willing to examine itself before condemning the failures of others.
The apostle Peter wrote:
“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God.” — 1 Peter 4:17, NKJV
That should challenge every Christian leader, including me.
We cannot demand a righteous nation while tolerating unrighteousness in our own lives.
We cannot demand honest politicians while excusing dishonest Christian leaders.
We cannot demand compassion from government while neglecting suffering within our own communities.
Reformation must begin with us.
A Call to Australia’s Pastors and Christian Leaders
I appeal to pastors and Christian leaders across Australia.
Let us put aside unnecessary competition.
Let us stop protecting our institutions at the expense of our biblical responsibilities.
Let us return to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Let us preach the whole counsel of God.
Let us teach believers how to stand faithfully in a changing culture.
Let us defend religious freedom while treating people of other faiths with dignity.
Let us challenge injustice while refusing to surrender to political hatred.
Let us serve families who are struggling and stand alongside those who are vulnerable.
Let us raise disciples who love Jesus Christ more than comfort, popularity or personal success.
And let us recover the courage to speak when silence would be easier.
This is not an accusation against every Australian church.
I know there are faithful pastors, praying congregations and extraordinary Christian ministries already serving with courage and compassion.
I thank God for them.
But we must be willing to acknowledge that the wider Church has work to do.
The Hour for Action Has Arrived
Yesterday, I addressed the Australian Government.
Today, I address the Church.
We cannot control every decision made in Canberra.
We cannot single-handedly resolve inflation, housing shortages or the challenges facing our society.
But we can determine whether we will faithfully fulfil the calling entrusted to us.
We can pray.
We can repent.
We can preach the Gospel.
We can make disciples.
We can care for our neighbours.
We can speak truth.
We can stand for righteousness.
And we can refuse to surrender the future of our nation to complacency and despair.
Australia is worth contending for.
But contending for Australia must mean more than criticising the government.
It must include a willingness to examine our own lives, strengthen our churches and serve our communities.
Government must wake up.
The Church must rise up.
And reformation must begin in the house of God.
Reverend Gary Hoban
Founder and Director
Refinery Life Australia Limited
Prophetic Intercessors for Australia
Equipping believers. Strengthening the Church. Contending for nations.
About the Author
Reverend Gary Hoban is the Founder and Director of Refinery Life Australia Limited and leads Prophetic Intercessors for Australia. He is a Christian minister, author and teacher committed to equipping believers, strengthening the Church and encouraging prayer, discipleship and biblical engagement with the issues confronting Australia and the nations.
Related Reading
Australia, It Is Time to Wake Up — An Open Letter to the Australian Government and the Church
