Ethos:
The Order of St Luke the Physician International began in the USA in 1947, and came to Australia in the early 1950's. The Order derives its name from St Luke, 'the beloved physician' of New Testament days.
Through local groups of members who meet together in 'Chapters'. A chapter may be formed by seven people who are members in good standing in their local Church. One of the number must be an ordained (or similarly recognised) minister. Chapter meetings are usually held monthly, and healing services at least quarterly.
Where it is not possible to belong to a Chapter, provision is made for lone membership.
Both laity and clergy who believe that the healing ministry of Christ belongs in the Church today, and who agree to participate in the furtherance of this ministry.
Anyone may attend Chapter meetings, but those wishing to join the Order first become Associates and after 12 months satisfactory association may become Members. A service of recognition is held for each of these types of membership. There is a small membership fee, and all Associates and Members receive the Order's quarterly magazine 'Healing Contact'.
What is the purpose of the Order?
• to promote an understanding of the healing ministry and its acceptance in a balanced presentation of the gospel.
• to encourage the study of the Scriptures especially in relation to the healing ministry.
• to provide opportunities for members to meet together for study, prayer, sharing and ministry.
• to encourage cooperation between the healing ministries of the Church and the healing professions.
• to help people understand that God heals today in a variety of ways and situations.
The Order accepts the authority of Scripture as a standard for faith and practice, and seeks to understand how Scripture has been interpreted in the life of the Church, especially in the main creeds of the Church.
Since its inception the Order has been guided in its life by the following emphases:
• The foundation of belief and practice is the doctrine of the Trinity — that is one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• God's original order and intention for His creation was harmony and perfection.
• The intrusion of sin is the ultimate cause of every kind of disharmony in body, mind and spirit, affecting all individuals and every society.
• The perfect will of God is complete release from sin, sickness and all other consequences of the Fall. As a blessing of the Kingdom 'substantial' healing is available now. Complete release will only be possible when the Kingdom is fully established in God's time.
• The basis of redemption, including healing, is reconciliation with the Father accomplished by Jesus Christ once for all on the Cross. This is received by faith, and applied by the risen, ascended and ever-living Christ through the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit makes effective what Christ has done. To be filled with the Holy Spirit includes every blessing, and the fullness of God is to be sought rather than healing alone.
• Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name given by which we must be saved.
• While healing is one of the present blessings of the Kingdom to be received and experienced, sickness may also have value where it motivates people to greater faith and openness to God, and where it is a means of strengthening character and perseverance in the midst of difficulty, despair, and pain.
What is the responsibility of members ?
The Order has a 'rule' or 'goal' which all members endeavour to practise in their lives.
• I will pray daily for the work of the Order.
• I will read daily from the Scriptures, and especially from the Gospels.
• I will seek such wholeness of body, mind and Spirit so as to be effective in my Christian life and service.
• I will cultivate by study and active service whatever gifts or talents God has given me for the work of healing.
• I will receive the Holy Communion regularly. (This does not apply to members of Christian churches not observing this Sacrament.)
• I will share this healing gospel with others.
• I will attempt to carry out the Spirit of this rule, with the help of God.
How does the Order promote its objectives?
It encourages bible study, prayer and the practice of the healing ministry in the following ways:
• by encouraging congregations to hold regular healing services in the Church.
• by gathering together those interested in this ministry into Chapters, for the purpose of fellowship, prayer, study and the exercise of the healing ministry.
• by making available suitable literature, tapes, videos, and other appropriate educational material and by teaching at conferences and seminars.
• by encouraging cooperation between the Church and the healing professions and supporting such ministries as Hospital Chaplaincies and Healing Homes.
• by understanding and cooperating with other groups which are in accord with the principles and objectives of the Order.
What does the emblem of the Order mean?
The emblem consists of a Cross within a circle, which contains the Latin words "Jesu esto mihi Jesus", which can be translated "Jesus be to me my Saviour". Each arm of the Cross has a three letter Latin word describing attributes of the Saviour: Lux (light), Rex (King), Dux (Leader), and Lex (Law). The whole can mean: "O Jesus be to me my Saviour, my Light, my King, my Leader, and my Law".
What is the prayer of the Order?
Almighty God, you inspired your servant, St Luke the Physician, to proclaim in the Gospel the love and healing power of your Son. Graciously continue in Your Church the same love and power to heal spirit, mind and body, to the praise and glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Collect for St Luke's Day)
If you are interested in joining the Order, or would like to receive more information, contact your local Chapter, or the General Secretary.
Local Chapter
Name ...................................................................................................................
Address...............................................................................................................
Telephone ............................................................................................................
General Secretary (Australia)
(Mrs) J. Coates
Unit 112, 100 Harold Street
Wantirna Victoria 3152
Telephone: (03) 9837 5097 Fax: (03) 9837 5101
Email: jeanc@oslausec.alphalink.com.au