DOXOLOGY in Australia, May 2024
Doxology – The Lutheran Centre for Spiritual Care and Counsel came to Australia to provide seminars and a retreat for Pastors, along with their wife and children, in early May. One pastor attendee commented, “In sixteen years of ministry in Australia, this is the first time my wife and children could also attend and be cared for and catered for.”
Pastor David Fleming and Dr Beverly Yahnke joyfully accepted our invitation to travel from the US to teach and provide spiritual care resources for our Australian pastors and encourage the laity in the godly habits of self-care, and aid in ministry at home and the congregation. Over their ten-day stay, Pastor David and Dr Beverly touched the lives and ministries of over 120 people attending events at Bethlehem House Adelaide, Nhill and Hamilton in Victoria. Topics that spoke to the heart of effective ministry and care included Putting the Best Construction on Everything: God’s People Working Together and The Care and Feeding of Pastors: A Multi-dimensional Model for the Support of Pastors and Their Families. Attendees heard about the value of implementing new skills in ministry. For example, they heard how simply approaching a potential conflict with a smile can begin to transform the situation towards reconciliation or even avoid any escalation altogether. They also heard a cheerful reminder of the importance of reviewing the Table of Duties in Luther’s Small Catechism and the responsibilities and privileges that hold pastor and people accountable to each other.
Doxology’s visit culminated with a two-and-a-half day retreat for Pastors, their wife and children, at Tandara Lutheran Campsite, Halls Gap. The weather was a treat. The native animals were a sight for Pastor David and Bev to behold, who, up to this time, were tallying points for the number they saw on the side of the road (double if alive, triple if we stopped in time).
Comments captured from attendees included – “Excellent teaching, which was available and relevant.” “I really liked being able to hear the talks relating specifically to the pastoral office.” “Scripturally rich and very relevant.” “Important and weighty material delivered with extraordinary clarity and delightfully insightful care.” And from the children, “We really enjoyed so many other kids in our age group attending” & “I made a new friend this weekend.” Pastors and wives left wanting more of this invaluable teaching.
The Doxology Planning Team thank Creative Word Fellowship for supporting this initiative to provide care for your Pastor, their wife and their families. Thank you to Pastor David Fleming, Jo (wife of Pastor Fleming), and Dr Beverly Yahnke for travelling to our shores with their presentations and genuine Lutheran care and counsel. Thank you to the child activity providers from the region and interstate who gave their time to mind the children while their parents could concentrate on the presentations. Thank you to everyone who supported elsewhere through prayers, encouragement, donations, and conversation. And thank you to those who attended either the Seminars or the Retreat.
Will it happen again? God willing. It became clearer through Doxology’s time with us that our Laity, Pastors, their wife and family need Doxology-like teaching and support: teaching that is rich in Lutheran Spiritual Care and Counsel. Please keep this in your prayers. If you would like to help similar Doxology-like events in Australia come to fruition, please do not hesitate to email doxology.au@cwfellowship.net.
