“Their Smiles Say It All!”: ACL Worldview Bootcamp Inspires & Equips Aussie Youth
The winter program of the Australian Christian Lobby’s popular Worldview Bootcamp, The Download, has been a resounding success. Delegates (ages 18-25) heard from world-class speakers on topics of theology, philosophy, history, science, law and politics.
The Download program is a “Christian Worldview Bootcamp” run by the Australian Christian Lobby in cooperation with the Lachlan Macquarie Institute, a Christian centre for leadership and public service that runs residential leadership programs.
The Download provides world-class training to equip young people to intelligently engage with an increasingly diverse, complex and often hostile culture.
“This is reality: you’re living in a post-Christian culture. How do you figure out how to make sense of your faith — and the big issues of our time? But God has put you here, today, and calls you to live for Him in the real world.”
— The Download website
Delegates hear from Martyn Iles, the managing director of the ACL, alongside experts on law, theology, science, gender & sexuality, politics and history.
The Download runs twice a year, and the recent Winter program was a life-changing experience for many involved.
A Life-Changing Experience for Delegates
Some powerful themes come through in testimonials from past Download delegates.
Many found it immensely practical and inspirational:
“I came to the program with many questions and a distinct hesitance as to where God was calling me; I left not only with answers, but further equipped to apply and share them within a new, affirmed sense of Christ-centred purpose.”
“This week just past is already changing my life and how I live. Living for Jesus requires full devotion in every area of life and this course was the place to learn.”
“I could not recommend this more highly for those in ministry — not only was there world-class teaching, it was a wonderful break from normal life among an amazing community of young people! I had so much fun.”
Others highlighted the value to young people of understanding the world from a Christian perspective:
“The world’s never been changing more quickly and as a Christian, I wanted to understand it and be active in it.”
“This program has given me a framework to stand for Christ in an increasingly secular society. It’s so encouraging to spend time amongst leaders who embody the Christian faith and dare to challenge the world. This program will always be a source of truth, courage and wisdom to look back on.”
“In order to navigate a world of increasing secular attitudes and views, this program is a must for young Christian people in Australia.”
“This program has given me a better understanding of the world we live in and also encouraged me to be an active Christian and stand up for what is right and make my voice heard.”
Another aspect of the conference that many alumni enjoyed was the Christian fellowship — the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and to be sharpened over the course of the week:
“This was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had with a Christian community. As much as the information presented gets you thinking, it also stirs the spirit and really spurs you on to live out the faith.”
“You get to meet people from different denominations and have this opportunity to sharpen each other and humbly discuss the things of God.”
The Download: Summer 2023
The Australian Christian Lobby announced that applications are now open for its Summer 2023 program.
You can apply or find more information via The Download website.
Photo: ACL Facebook page
Recent Articles:
24 July 2026
5.9 MINS
Most Australians know Jacinta Price. Fewer know her husband, Colin Lillie — a man who went from falling out with God to crediting him with saving his life. In an interview with The Daily Declaration, Lillie opens up about his journey through addiction and recovery, and why he’s speaking out now on cancel culture, truth, and what real forgiveness looks like.
24 July 2026
10.2 MINS
The Kairos II document accuses Israel of genocide, ethnic cleansing, settler colonialism, and apartheid. Its theological framing, historical claims, and political assertions raise serious concerns for Christians committed to biblical fidelity, historical accuracy, and the rejection of antisemitism.
24 July 2026
4.1 MINS
Across Australia and the rest of the Western world, Christians are increasingly finding themselves treated as unwelcome. Some face rejection, professional consequences, and growing social hostility for holding to traditional Christian convictions. How should Christians respond?
23 July 2026
2.8 MINS
When the New York Times critiques the ARC Conference for 'white Christian nationalism' but barely references anything from the conference, it's clear critics are concerned about its influence — just not enough to bother meaningfully listening to anything said during the presentations.
23 July 2026
6.3 MINS
The West is cannibalising itself, and Europe is leading the way. At the 2026 ARC Conference, thousands of culture-makers gathered to answer this pressing question: Does civilisation have to decline, or have we simply chosen to demolish it ourselves?
23 July 2026
8.8 MINS
Most Australians believe their private messages are private. The government has spent the last eight years proving them wrong. Here's what you need to know about the country's expanding surveillance systems.
23 July 2026
1.3 MINS
When the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Sir Salman Rushdie's survival of a stabbing attack, it forgot to mention the "Islamic terrorist" part of the Islamic terrorist attack he fell victim too.
