Introducing Lisa Burgemeister, District Hospital Chaplain

Firstly, let me say how privileged I feel to be the Hospital Chaplain for the Victorian/Tasmanian District of the LCA.  Here is a bit of my story.

I was born into a loving Lutheran family and grew up in a town called Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. I was also born with a Congenital Heart Condition which was discovered by a doctor at a health check when I was 6 weeks old.

My life of faith was consistent as a child, I was baptised and then confirmed in the Lutheran faith.  In my early teenage years, I was not so connected with my faith, but during one of my hospital stays, as an older teenager, I had a couple of experiences that made me realise God had more plans for me.  I had a chaplain visit me just before my surgery which made me feel calm and at peace.  After the surgery I was told it was a struggle to start my heart again.  This made me realise I needed a closer relationship with the Triune God so I could hear his calling.

I moved to Altona, Melbourne in 1994.  I worship at St Philip’s Lutheran Church, which is now on site at the Good News Lutheran College in Tarneit, and it is part of the Wyndham and Hobson’s Bay Lutheran Church.

I had a working background in Administration and Finance before I confirmed the calling to be a chaplain.  I have since completed 2 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education studies.  I’m also currently studying a Bachelor of Ministry at ALC.

I believe my life, having not only my own medical experiences, but also those of my family and friends, has been God’s way of training me for the role of Hospital Chaplain.  I look forward to being able to sit with people, serving them with God’s presence, by listening to their stories and supporting them in their spiritual and faith needs.

You can reach Lisa on the District Hospital Chaplain number 0412 200 946 or email lisa.burgemeister@lca.org.au. The District Hospital Chaplain role is a part time role.