About Candidate Forums
The churches of Australia are working together to host “candidate forums” in many electorates for the 2026 Victorian and 2027 NSW elections. These forums are our opportunity, as Christians, to make our voice heard in these elections.
If you want to know more about hosting a forum, please contact us at [email protected]
What is a candidate forum?
I encourage other churches and leaders to consider hosting a Candidate Forum and to use it as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with their local candidates.
Dale Stephenson
Senior Pastor, Crossway Baptist Church
Burwood East, Victoria
What is involved in running a forum?
To make it easy to run a forum, Freedom for Faith provides ongoing support for the hosting Churches throughout the process.
Step 1: Collaborate with like-minded churches
Forums are best when held by a groups of churches in the electorate, rather than just one. Reach out to the churches you know and see if they want to collaborate with you. Christian schools can alse be a great partner and venue for the event.
Step 2: Organise the time, date and venue for the event.
Monday to Thursday evenings or weekend afternoons can work well. Your church does not need to be the venue, see if other churches or a Christian school want to provide the venue. Live-streaming facilities are helpful so those who are not able to get there in person can still watch.
Step 3: Invite the candidates.
Freedom for Faith is maintining a list of candidates, and will discuss with you who are the most appropriate to invite. We will provide you with invite text and contact details, and help you follow up invitations.
Step 4: Promote the event.
Invite your church members and other churches in the electorate. Freedom for Faith will provide promotional materials and help you connect with nearby churches. Many denominations will be promoting the forums through their networks.
Step 5: Hold the event
Read the full guide to running a forum.
I wholeheartedly recommend that Senior Ministers partner with Freedom for Faith in this simple, yet powerful community engagement opportunity.
Rev Jodie McNeill
(former) Senior Minister, Jamberoo Anglican Church, NSW
Global Operations Manager, Gafcon
Frequently asked questions
Are candidate forums good for ministry?
Are they difficult to run?
Are they too political for the church?
What is the format for the event?
What questions should I ask?
Which candidates should I invite?
Are the events safe from disruption?
How can I work with other churches or schools?
For more information
You can read our full guide to running a forum or contact us at [email protected]
Authorised by Mike Southon, Freedom for Faith, 168 Chalmers St, Surry Hills NSW