Here’s what pastors, church leaders and music industry specialists are saying about the ministry of Adrian Rowse and Roundabout Ministries…
‘The FIGHT NIGHT led by Adrian Rowse and the Roundabout Ministries team was incredible! It was truly one of the most impacting nights for our young adult men here at Christian City Church I have ever witnessed. From the media presentation, music and message, it all carried a heart of grace and purity. The small group discussion time at the end of the night was really the thing that sealed it for our guys. It was honest, life changing and built our church in a real way. I would not hesitate in recommending The Fight DVD resource, the FIGHT NIGHT event and Adrian Rowse as a minister of reconciliation to youth, young adults and men ministries around the country and beyond. I pray you would partner with this significant ministry in the near future for the sake of young men, the church and the lost’.
(Joshua Kelsey - young adults pastor and leader of CHANGE community and AWAKENING Conference - Christian City Church, Oxford Falls, Sydney, NSW www.awakenthislove.com)
‘Thank you Adrian, for authentically & genuinely opening up the conversation about pornography, God’s intention for sex and our worlds distorted picture of sex, both in the church and in men’s lives in particular. Adrian’s style is unique, non condemning and conversational, yet filled with powerful theological truth in a form that is easily understood by the listeners, while offering significant insightful tools for fighting the fight against pornography and fortifying the sexual integrity of men. It was a blessing for our faith community to have Adrian share his story and encourage others along the way to not keep conversations about pornography and sex in the change-rooms but to bring it into the church and allow God’s intentions for sex to be heard loud and clear’.
(The Enfield Baptist Church Pastoral Team, Adelaide, SA)
‘The Fight Night was a strong, confronting, yet loving way to open the door for young men to start engaging with the epidemic of pornography in our culture. The presentation was real and encouraging. It has given us an opportunity to follow through with some of our young guys, who may have never raised the issue before’.
(Adam Low - youth pastor - Clovercrest Baptist Church, SA)
‘Taking off the mask is what is needed to help men in the fight against the ever growing sexual addiction issues of this generation. Roundabout ministries is a fantastic ministry that definitely provides tools to help men ‘take off their masks’ and to overcome these struggles and become the kind of men God intended them to be’.
james natsis (youth pastor - rowville baptist church vic)
‘Adrian Rowse was one of the speakers at Youth Alive’s annual Easter Camp in WA this year and made a strong impact on the young guys. Adrian was honest, approachable and left the young men with hope that they could stand strong in a sex-soaked world. We continue to receive reports of youth groups using The Fight to generate discussion and accountability amongst the young men. I would thoroughly recommend inviting Adrian to your youth group or next camp’.
dave reardon (director - youth alive wa)
‘Adrian spent several days with us, affording us the opportunity to experience the man as well as the message. His attitude was unfailingly gracious and servant hearted, and those with whom he interacted, described him as “brave, down to earth, genuine and without pretence.” He addressed the difficult subject of pornography and sexual brokenness in groups of every age and composition, from mothers of pre-school children to grandparents. In every case his combination of openness and sensitivity evoked a positive response from the group. Some feedback we from his visit:
“His presence provoked a lot of discussion about a subject never talked about although it is an issue for every man.” [Small Group]
“It was interesting how many of the ladies interacted and discussed issues that, to many of us have never been discussed in an open forum such as this. This time with Adrian was found to be a challenging and thought provoking time.” [Mothers of pre-school children]
“I never heard so many young people sit so still and keep so quiet. I was very impressed with him and the passion he has for helping young people.” [Feedback from worship celebration]
graham mabury (senior pastor, mount pleasant baptist church, wa)
‘Adrian’s story attests to the gentle faithfulness of God. he shares his life and insight with warmth and sensitivity and invites others to share their story without fear or jedgement. I commend him warmly’.
andrew palmer (director - baptist youth ministries nsw & act)
‘Adrian Rowse and the team at Roundabout have forged a unique and timely niche by addressing issues related to pornography and the impact that has on individuals and our society at large. Adrian is an exceptional communicator who speaks honestly, openly and candidly on issues that most presenters wouldn’t dare to touch! Because of this people are left feeling encouraged and challenged, but also better equipped to deal with their own struggles. Without hesitation I highly recommend Adrian and the team from Roundabout Ministries to you’.
brenton killeen (youth & worship minister - one community church blackburn vic)
‘Adrian Rowse is the sort of bloke you wish there were more of in our churches and in the world. He is honest with God; honest about the struggles of life; passionate about faithfulness and God’s Word; driven to help others work through confusion and dark times and focused on equipping Jesus’ bride(the church), to survive in the often sex-obseesed culture around us’.
Excerpt from Baptist Witness Youth Magazine ‘Face To Face’. Full article available on pg 15 at FACE TO FACE
‘Adrian’s open and honest testimony about the sensitive issue of sexuality should be heard by all young people, parents and pastors. His story is one that tells of the sustaining love of God through the pain and loneliness that many of our young people face. A light shining in the darkness. It was GREAT to hear from his wife Chelsea too’.
matt glover (youth pastor - mitcham baptist church vic)
‘For far too long much of the church has been shy in addressing areas of sexual brokenness. Often, people sit in our congregations feeling isolated and lonely, believing they are the only ones struggling. In the midst of this deficit comes Adrian Rowse, with a message the church needs to hear - a message of love, grace, acceptance and the possibility of change. Adrian speaks from the heart - from the heart of God to the hearts of His people. I highly recommend Adrian’s ministry to you.
rob buckingham (senior minister, bayside church, melbourne)
‘Adrian’s story is truly a testimony of God’s grace to heal our wounded hearts. His candid, honest approach to the issue of sexuality, so often swept under the rug in our churches, is refreshing to say the least. Adrian’s heart to share has helped pave the way for the young men in my ministry to enter into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. I recommend him highly’.
dan foster (camp director, scripture union qld)
‘At our commissioning service for our Summer Ministry Camps, Adrian encouraged the volunteers to give 100% in their efforts over summer, to love the campers with all that they had, and most of all to be real. And he led by example on the night. Adrian was more than just a guest speaker for the night - He led us in worship, shared deeply from his own life experience, and tied the whole service together with the focus clearly on God. It was a blessing to have Adrian and the band there, and we would recommend them unreservedly’.
lloyd mcclean (ministries coordinator - christian youth camps ltd)
‘Adrian Rowse brings a fresh voice into the church tackling issues that often get swept under the carpet. He does so with an honesty and frankness that is much needed, but also with a sensitivity that ensures he is recevied by all who hear his story. I would have no hesitation in recommending Adrian to any Australian church ministry’.
matthew bushnell (associate pastor, stafford heights baptist church qld)
‘Adrian’s commitment to bless God & others with his musical talents is second to none that I’ve worked with in my career in music. His passion to see Christ move in his life & in the life of others is so evident that I believe it has “spilled over” onto the music on this CD’.
phil gaudion (record producer & member of grammy nominated band, Paul Colman Trio)
‘Adrian’s personal, yet candid testimony of God’s love and forgiveness is a powerful message that all Australians need to hear.
dave lovell (senior associate pastor - bendigo baptist church)
‘I am always amazed that Christian artists in Australia keep finding the courage to create music that ministers to the heart, mind and spirit. The reward for their labour is rarely material, therefore the motivation has to be spiritual and artistic in its conviction. In Adrian I find an artist that carries these exact convictions and ministers from a place of honest compassion for the souls of men that whether knowing or unknowing, seek
their creator’.
justin michael (rhema fm geelong/compliments of gus)
‘Adrian is quickly transparent, honest and real in a way that catches you up in the story he shares and in a way that helps you to identify with the realities expressed by the experiences and illustrations he uses. This man has something to say to the churches today’.
jonathan wright (ministry stream head - tabor college victoria)
‘Every now and then a song comes along that stands out. In Christian music, its much more than just a ‘catchy tune’ or beautiful musical arrangement. Its the way it lifts and touches something within your emotions - it touches your heart. You know that it has been written out of a life experience. It is ‘an anointed song’. A song that has been inspired by the Spirit of God through the gift of the songwriter. Adrian Rowse’s song ‘Faithful’ holds such an anointing. Before knowing the story behind the origins of the song, its genuineness is unmistakeable’.
simon richardson (editor UK Christian Bands)
‘It’s often a bit scary having an artist at your church for the first time - “Well, the CD sounds great, but how will it come off live? Will they connect with our crew? Will they say appropriate things…or spout forth heresy?!”
It was a real pleasure to have Adrian Rowse and his band at our evening services (focused at High School and young adults) at Figtree Anglican Church. It did come off great live - they are excellent musicians, and the multi-media aspect added to the vibe. Adrian has a gift of being able to connect quickly with a total bunch of strangers and not only lead us in a great time of worship, but also share his story, struggles and faith with us in a very open and real way. I also really appreciated their flexibility in working with our teams and with the content of the service. I can definately recommend Adrian and his ministry to your church - we’re looking forward to having them back at Figtree again soon’.
trevor hodge (worship pastor - figtree anglican wollongong nsw)
‘Adrian is someone who has the courage to share his life journey in an open and honest way. His love for God is clear in the hope that his message brings. His words resonated with the predominantly Young Adults group at
Syndal and his testimony has opened up communications. I have faith that Adrian’s story will continue to effect people in a positive way over time.
tim dyer (pastor syndal baptist church vic)
‘We are a reasonably conservative church and our congregation responds well to a sincere life experience story and middle of the road music. We were delighted with the graciousness that Adrian adapted his music to suit our congregation and the sincerity of his message regarding his struggle with sexuality issues during his teenage years, which was delivered sensitively, making a real impact on our members - there were no negative comments, but rather an expression of disappointment that they would have liked to hear more. The lyrics likewise provided a witness rather than just entertainment.
A compelling presentation, enthusiasm, and a genuine love of God shone through his spoken and vocal messages’.
shirley peers (leading elder - toowoomba central sda church qld)
‘Adrian’s heart for worship draws people closer to God’
paul molyneux (former director of youth alive victoria)
‘Adrian is a dynamic and gifted singer, musician and songwriter. His songs express a depth of passion for God and compassion for his audience’.
john wilson (pastor - alstonville baptist church nsw)
‘There is a ground-swell of agreement in Adrian’s call, gifting and anointing’
brad buchanan (pastor - real life community church vic)
‘Adrian and the band really hit the nail on the head, as far as communicating through their music and testimony, what God has been saying to us as a church. Transparency, humility, and a real worship of Jesus, encapsulate the band’s vibe and message. Come back anytime you like’.
lindsay tunbridge (pastor southern cross community church eltham vic)
‘There is such a vital need for the Church to begin to understand how to properly address the issue of homosexuality. The ministry of Adrian Rowse is a step in the right direction of shining light on what is a dark subject for the Church to address. With grace and wisdom, mixed with his own personal struggles, Adrian communicates as a voice of truth among conflicting voices on this subject, offering hope to those who struggle and answers to those who have family members or loved ones who are dealing with same-sex attractions. Ministries such as his are so vital and necessary to bring hope and healing to individual lives, the Church and a people group that so deseprately need to feel God’s love!’
tim schraeder (creative communications director - riverside community church illinois usa)
I’m writing on behalf of everyone who was fortunate enough to be at Connection on the night you and your team visited our church recently to say a big ‘thank you’. Every person I talk to who was there seems to have been encouraged, challenged and inspired in some way. For several people in particular it seems to have been a very significant night in their journey with God.
From past experiences, we are a little cautious about getting different outside groups in. However, with you and your team we felt incredibly supported by you and found you very easy to work with. From our set up team, to sound team, to our music team and leadership team, it seems your crew were always co-operative and supportive. Thank you for the way you came in along side our church’s vision and format, everyone who interacted with your team felt that it was a tremendous blessing to have you with us.
As the person who heads up discipleship at Connection, I want to thank you for the deep positive impact you have made in the lives of a whole bunch of people who mean a great deal to me. I felt very encouraged on the night, yet the follow up work I’ve had to do has been incredible and speaks volumes for the fruitfulness of your ministry. The issues you raised on the night are some of the most real and crucial issues that our young people are faced with and I’m deeply grateful for your honesty and sensitivity in dealing with them. Your heart for God and love for people is obvious. I have no hesitation in recommending your ministry to other pastors and leaders.
chris spratt (ministry director - connection community melbourne vic)
‘We really enjoyed your laid-back approach. You have a great story, spoken right from the heart. Your songs & message spoke to a number of our people, what a blessing’.
steve fitzallen (youth pastor - door of hope church of Christ launceston tas)
‘Adrian’s giftedness and ability in music, worship, and creativity speak for themselves. His heart to be used by God in helping people to connect authentically with God through worship is extraordinary’
geoff shepherd (pastor - wattle park chapel vic)
‘Adrian and his team shared in our church during their schedule at the Australian Gospel Music Festival. I was appreciative of their openess, sensitivity and ability to share their journey with simplicity. I have had many positive comments on both the message through the music and the team themselves. I would recommend this ministry with confidence’.
pat casey (pastor - new hope highfields toowoomba qld)
