Victoria Tasmania District of the Lutheran Church of Australia

1201 Riversdale Road
Box Hill South VIC 3128
Phone 03 9236 1200

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Regional Discussion – New Co-operation

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

This verse from Ecclesiastes is something of a ‘classic’ verse for weddings and certainly gives a glimpse of God’s vision for a healthy marriage. A man and a woman coming together to enrich and complement and help and nourish each other.

In recent times I’ve come to appreciate this text more as it might apply to congregations coming together to seek how they might complement each other in God’s mission.

In recent times an ongoing theme of my work as Pastor for Congregational support has been assisting with ‘exploratory dialogues’ between neighbouring parishes, congregations and schools in many of the regions of our district (with assistance from Erin Grainger and members of our Council for Ministry Support).

These have included:

  • A comprehensive review of the Eastern Metropolitan region, which has resulted in a regular leader’s forum meeting regularly to share what’s happening in each of the Lutheran communities in the region and to prayerfully consider how they might work together to meet challenges and harvest opportunities for the sake of God’s kingdom.
  • In Geelong a similar leader’s forum has been in operation for many years. Recently these leaders facilitated a comprehensive “Shared Future Directions’ workshop which saw 65 people (representing approximately 50% of worshipping Lutherans in the city) attend to consider future directions for the Greater Geelong Lutheran Community.
  • Two dialogues for those in the Western Metro region have also been held.
  • More dialogues are planned for the remainder of this year in the Western and Northern regions of Victoria.

In each setting the form of the discussion has taken a slightly different shape, however the overall themes have seen representatives from the congregations and school communities share joys as well as challenges, all the while asking: how can we share our resources and work together more effectively for the sake of the gospel mission that God has drawn us into?

I give thanks to God for a new openness that I’m noticing to these kinds of discussions, and for the creative and adaptive ideas that are being considered.

One of the key challenges we’re facing of course, is a shortage of pastors, with nearly 25% of the congregations of the LCA NZ in vacancy. That figure is likely to grow. But a congregation cannot truly be ‘vacant’ – Jesus is very much still present at the centre of every congregation as it continues to gather. He is present in the hearts and life of every faith filled believer. Luther famously defined the church as follows: “Thank God, a seven- year-old child knows what the Church is, namely, the holy believers and lambs who hear the voice of their Shepherd.” Jesus is present in the midst of a congregation as it continues to gather around his word and fellowship together, and as it lovingly serves its community, even without an ordained pastor in residence.

In every place God has given us awesome lay people, and what a joy it is to receive the gifts of these folks as they step forward and steward congregational life in pastoral vacancy.

The LCA NZ’s council of Bishops have authorised a project called the ‘Ministry Future project’ to provide guiding advice to the church in regard to its supply of church workers. Pastor Greg Pietsch is leading this, and I strongly urge you to read Greg’s most recent overview report to the church which was printed in the June-July 2023 edition of the Lutheran: HERE.

You can find Greg’s more detailed report, with comprehensive statistics HERE.

Here in our district, Bishop Lester has encouraged congregations with a pastor to share their pastor four times per year with neighbour congregations who are in vacancy. This has meant a new awareness of the challenge and is opening up some wonderful new opportunities for relationships to be strengthened and the gifts of lay people to be received.

These developments are a great encouragement to me – and I hope they can be for you too.

Coupled with the new desire to reach out, get to know each other, and co-operate, that I’m observing amongst our local congregations, I give thanks for the emerging way forward that I see in Greg’s report.

There is much work still to do, and the project is continuing. We’re building the plane as we’re flying it. But it’s the Holy Spirit who keeps us aloft!

So please keep these matters in your prayers, and especially keep our Bishops and other leaders in your prayers – myself included!

I am praying that we as the LCA NZ can create new ways to support ordained and lay-ministry workers at the coal face – in our congregations and schools and other agencies. I’m praying for a new ‘regionality’ in our ministry and mission, which can help us be fruitful as we join in with God in his mission to those who do not know Jesus yet.

Look out for regular updates via District Voices / eNews in the future, as God leads us forward in his mission.

Remember that text I opened with from Ecclesiastes? It concludes with: A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. That third strand is the presence of our missionary God, binding us together in love, and sending us out with the good news of his Son. If anything can keep us unified, it is surely his presence with us, and the privilege he has given us to share the good news of the gospel with a hurting and lost world – to the glory of Jesus.

Youth events kept simple!

Youth events kept simple!

Throughout the year, Nunawading and Waverley Lutheran Church and St Paul’s Box Hill Lutheran Church will host events for our youth (high school aged children), families and friends with the aim to:

  • connect our youth (high school aged children) together;
  • allow our youth opportunities to spend time in biblical reflection with each other;
  • provide an opportunity for young people who might be interested in learning more about God, or those who are sceptical, to have a safe space to investigate and enquire;
  • build Christian friendships;
  • connect families across the eastern metro area;
  • provide an opportunity for easy intergenerational ministry.

These evenings are a chance to spend a relaxed time in fellowship with other Christians, share a meal, play some board games and have discussions about all things God and church. Families, friends and youth are then encouraged to go back to their communities and congregations refreshed and taking comfort in the knowledge that there are others out there who are like them, part of something ‘bigger’! You don’t have to be a believer to come, and you don’t even have to be Lutheran!!

Families are very busy these days, with their children often committed to many different groups. Our Youth, Families and Friends events are intended to be occasional but intentional so that families can prioritise them.

Our most recent event was held at Redeemer Waverley Lutheran Church.
Our next event will be on:

Friday 5th May,

Hosted by St Paul’s Box Hill, at: 711 Station St, Box Hill

7.00pm – 9.30pm

RSVP to Amanda: agargett79@gmail.com

All are welcome to these events! I will email out direct to congregations each time there is another event coming up, so please check in with your Pastor.

Katie Lang
Nunawading and Waverley Lutheran Church
Youth and Young Adults Pathways Coordinator

“Well done good and faithful servants!” Matthew 25:19-23

In Jesus’ parable of the tenants, he tells the story of a master praising two servants for ‘investing’ what has been entrusted to them. In the life of every congregation there are undoubtedly ‘seasons’ and ‘milestones’ in which the Lord invites his people to step out in faith and invest their time, talents and finances for the sake of his kingdom. This remains true even as the life of a congregation in a particular place comes to an end, or perhaps transitions into a new form.

The St Peter’s Frankston congregation is one inspiring example of this kind of faithful stewardship, having stepped out in faith many times over the course of its history. The congregation began formally in 1958, although there was a ‘church plant’ prior to this, with Lutheran Christians gathering for worship in homes and rented premises.
The following list (by no means exhaustive) recounts times in which St Peter’s did not bury its treasure – quite the contrary, they stepped out in faith, investing themselves in meeting many challenges and taking up opportunities. This list is, of course, by no means comprehensive!

• With fast growing suburbs all around, the congregation completed a building in 1965.
• A thriving Sunday School was one of their early programs.
• Clem Schultz’s evangelism work in Frankston (as a District lay-worker in partnership with the District and St Peter’s) in 1969.
• The call of their first resident pastor, Rev. Wayne Zweck (1972).
• Financial self-sufficiency as a congregation (1977).
• The establishment of Bethany Rosebud (1994).
• At the beginning of the 2000’s the congregation adapted to local challenges by entering into an innovative co-operative ministry partnership with the Karingal Uniting Church. This partnership was enacted locally, and also supported by the office of the Vic Tas Bishop, drawing also on the expertise of the LCA/Uniting Church national theological dialogue group. The relationship between the two congregations yielded much fruit and learning for the wider two churches.
• During this time a new ministry at Berwick with a preaching place at the Old Cheese factory premises was established.
• In 2002 the co-operating congregations called Pr. Peter Ghalayini, who would eventually assist with the establishment of a Lutheran presence through the new Pakenham Lutheran College.
• By 2012 the congregation is welcoming many Sth Sudanese sisters and brothers including SMP James Luk who would eventually be supported to complete general ministry studies at ALC, and now serves the Morely Congregation in Perth.

St Peter’s is also the story of ‘seasons’ of ministry coming to an end and this includes the Uniting / Lutheran co-operative arrangement ending in 2021. Whilst there was pain, grief, and consternation at the inability of the arrangement to continue, the closing service acknowledged and celebrated also, the joy of having served together in offering a co-operative Christian witness to the wider community over the approximately 20 years of the partnership.

2020 brought the great challenge of Covid, but with that challenge, an opportunity to continue to learn and adapt, which the congregation did by enthusiastically and competently staying connected to each other, and God’s Word, via on-line worship services.

In 2021, the painful decision was made to close due to the aging profile of the congregations and the cessation of the co-operative agreement. St Peter’s then has worked faithfully and intentionally, to leave a legacy to the wider church.

• Assets dispersed at the conclusion of the congregation included the donation of the beautiful Lemke Pipe Organ (built 1874) back to the Barossa Valley Community in S.A. where it
was originally built. The Organ is important from both an historical S.A. viewpoint and is listed in the
Australian Pipe Organ Register.
• Numerous individual items were gifted to St Matthews Lutheran congregation at Footscray.
congregation.
• Other historical items were sent to LCA church archives in S.A.

The final stunningly generous bequest to the district, in financial terms, is in the order of just over $800,000 directed to the Victorian District to be used in the work of mission. The congregation’s desire is that initiatives and needs that are by their nature exercises in ‘stepping out in faith’ be particularly supported.

We give thanks to God for the example that this congregation has set in ‘giving itself away for the sake of the gospel’.
For St Peter’s ‘going and growing’ with the gospel for the sake of the mission of God has always been central.
For St Peter’s ‘faith’ has meant a commitment to innovation, experimentation, and adventure. May God inspire many others to ‘step out’ and try new things for the sake of the kingdom.

May that be the lasting legacy of St Peter’s talents.

Rev Brett Kennett, Pastor for Congregational Support

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails

It was with much joy and excitement that members of Outer Eastern and Doncaster-Ivanhoe congregations came together on Sunday April 3 for the installation of one of our members, Ed Blow into word and sacrament ministry at Immanuel Lilydale. Ed has been licenced for word and sacrament ministry by Bishop Lester Priebbenow, and was installed by Pastor Brett Kennett. We give praise and thanks to God for this wonderful gift he has given us in Ed.

How did this all happen?

During 2018 Doncaster-Ivanhoe Congregation approached the District to see if any congregation would be willing to enter a pastor sharing arrangement with them. This was an outcome of the transition ministry conducted by Pastor Greg Pietsch with Doncaster-Ivanhoe. Outer Eastern and Pastor Tom Peitsch accepted this challenge, with Pastor Tom being willing to accept this change to his call.

Both congregations are small, with Doncaster-Ivanhoe only able to support a part time pastor. Outer Eastern was also preparing for the retirement of Pastor Tom in June of 2020 and the possibility that we might not be able to support a full time ministry. This arrangement worked well with Pastor Tom conducting two services at Trinity Doncaster, and six services at Immanuel, Lilydale and Open Door, Croydon each month.

In 2018 Outer Eastern congregation also requested DCC to conduct a review of ministry in the eastern region of Melbourne to see how congregations might better work together and share limited resources. This was part of our preparation for Pastor Tom’s retirement.
Outer Eastern Church Council decided not to call a pastor until the review was completed to enable us to adapt for change.

Then COVID struck in March 2020 and the lockdowns began. We all learnt to adapt and worship using our TV’s and computers and other electronic devices. Outer Eastern consolidated services at Lilydale as we were not able to use the Luther College Chapel.

COVID also held up the Eastern Region Review and the decision to establish an Eastern Metropolitan Region Leaders Forum, based on the model currently being used by the Greater Geelong congregations, was proposed in January 2022. A meeting of pastors and congregational leaders was held on March 24 and the decision was made to proceed with the Forum. This will be a wonderful way for us all to work together in mission and worship.

You will have read Bishop Lester’s letters regarding pastor vacancies in Victoria and the shortage of pastors in the LCA generally. This was a consideration as our church council looked at options available to continue our mission within our community. One of our main concerns was to ensure that members were able to receive communion regularly and we requested assurance from the Bishop that we would be supported with a pastor led service at least every three months.

In December Ed Blow approached church council to share that he felt humbly and strongly called to serve and support Outer Eastern Congregation with word and sacrament. Ed had completed divinity studies many years ago but had chosen not to be ordained at that time.
Ed has been working with Pastor Brett Kennett and Bishop Lester since December 2021 regarding this Call. Pastor Tom Peitsch has agreed to be Ed’s mentor. The congregation unanimously supported the decision to call Ed to become licensed for word and sacrament ministry at Outer Eastern Lutheran Church.

We have been working together with Doncaster-Ivanhoe during this time in the spirit of our Pastor Sharing Agreement. Ed has indicated that he is also willing to serve at Doncaster-Ivanhoe, and we hope to have a continuing, close, and collaborative relationship with each other.

I have learnt that no matter how much we plan or organise we never know what God has planned for us.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Blessings
Sabine Haeusler
Chairperson
Outer Eastern Lutheran Church Council

LCA Child Safety Webinar

Child Safety Webinar Saturday March 26th 2022: 1.30pm AEDT

The churchwide office will be holding a child safety webinar on Saturday March 26th 2022. This webinar will provide an overview of the LCA Child Safety Standards for Congregations with an emphasis upon the new child safety responsibilities for LCA congregations.

The webinar will run for approximately 90 minutes from 1.30pm AEDT. It will include a particular focus upon guidelines for completing the new Child Safety Self-Assessment Tool and the Child Safety Plan, as well as tips for implementation of the Child Safety Plan by local church councils.

Church council chairpersons, pastors, church council secretaries, general church council members, Safe Church Coordinators, and any other congregation members who have significant involvement with children and youth, are strongly encouraged to participate.

Each session will include questions and answer opportunities.

The webinar will be conducted jointly by the LCA Child Protection Project Officer, Mary-Ann Carver, and Professional Standards Officers from each of the districts.

Please save the date in your diaries – this is an important opportunity to learn about the new child safety standards and what they entail.

We look forward to your participation!

Mary-Ann Carver
LCA Child Protection Project Officer

Transition of Schools to District Schools & Incorporation of LEVNT (& ACT)

Transition of Schools to District Schools

Collaborative mission in Schools has been a key Initiative in articulated our LCAVD Strategy and continues in the 2021-24 Strategic Directions of DCC. In recent years it was acknowledged that our Schools and System operate in a heavily regulated environment and are under ever increasing pressure to show effective governance, compliance with Government funding conditions, and compliance with Not-for-Profit requirements.

In August 2019, DCC resolved to comply with the Victorian Funding Guideline for Services to Children and provided ‘in principle support’ for the need to transition the remaining non-District schools to being Schools of the District, including reviewing land titles held in the name of the District in Trust for each school.

Incorporation of Lutheran Education Victoria New South Wales Tasmania (& ACT)

In 2019 a review of the governance and compliance arrangements was undertaken of LEVNT within the following agreed principles:
– The ministry connection between church, schools and ELCs is protected and strengthened.
– The spiritual authority of the Church within and over schools is protected.
– Any changes to structure must be compliant with all Government requirements.
– Board members are appropriately skilled and gifted.
– Alternate structure allows for the ongoing management of risk for individual schools, LEVNT and the District.
– Provide clarity on the employment of staff in schools.

The outcomes of that review together with additional external advice and the work of a collaborative LEVNT-DCC Working group over many meetings led to in August-2020 the in-principle decision to support the Incorporation of the LEVNT as a Company of Limited Guarantee, with LCAVD as the sole member.
This was seen as the best arrangement to: protect and strengthen the ministry connection between church and schools; ensure the Church maintains spiritual authority over schools; be compliant with all Government requirements (particularly around school funding); further allow for and encourage Board members who are appropriately skilled and gifted; allow for the ongoing management of risk for individual schools, LEVNT and the District; simplify management and operations for schools; provide clarity on the employment of staff in schools.

The in-principle decision was subject to an acceptable agreed Constitution and Governance Charter. Similarly, the DCC also provided in-principle support for each Victorian District school to become Company Limited by Guarantee with the newly incorporated LEVNT as the sole member. Subject to the same principles as the agreed DCC/LEVNT Constitution and Governance Charter.

The LEVNT-DCC Working group continued to meet regularly to finalise these documents for DCC, GCB and Constitution Committee consultation. These documents clearly articulate the Principal Purpose “to advance Christian Education in accordance with Lutheran Confessions” and to “promote the mission of the LCA Districts”. These documents also define the powers and reserve powers of the DCC as the sole member.

In February 2021, the final versions of these LEVNT Ltd Constitution and Governance Charter were adopted by DCC and the incorporated body of LEVNT Ltd was formed.
In March 2021, the DCC appointed the inaugural Directors to the Board for LEVNT. In April 2021, the LCAVD signed an MoU with the NSW and ACT District. This Memorandum of Understanding sets forth the basis on which the Victoria–Tasmania District and NSW and ACT District will work together to advance Christian education, in accordance with the Lutheran Confessions, in our respective districts under the new Governance structure.

(Extract from District Church Council report to District Convention of Synod 2020, pages 27 – 28)

Pr John Heidenreich (em) celebrates 50 years of ordination

On Sunday 26th December 2021 the 50th anniversary of Pastor John Heidenreich’s ordination was celebrated at the Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Burnie, North Tasmania. Below are the milestones of Pastor John’s ministry and with special mention of Pastor John’s wife Vonnie and her role in Pr John’s ministry.

We give thanks today for John Heidenreich, who 50 years ago was ordained into the holy office of the public ministry. We praise the Lord for calling his servant to work in his church, and for sustaining him in his work through God’s holy Word, his precious sacraments, and the holy people of God who have encouraged him through the conversations and consolations of his brothers and sisters in Christ.

By God’s grace, John has served the Lord’s people at:
• Bunbury-Collie, WA between 1972 – 1976,
• Hobart, Tas between 1976 – 2000,
• Nhill, Vic between 2002 – 2009 and
• North Tasmania, Tas, between 2009 until his retirement in 2014.

John also served the wider church by serving as a Zone Counsellor in the Wimmera/Mallee zone and here in Tasmania. After his retirement he’s served as a locum in a number of parishes.
He preached the Word of God and administered his holy sacraments faithfully and well. He’s been a loving pastor and shepherd of the flock of Christ and has dedicated himself to ‘being there’ for people in their time of need. God has blessed his church through his ministry.
Vonnie has also been a faithful wife and partner to John in his ministry. She has supported him and his family with patience and humbleness. Her love for John and her trust in her Lord and Saviour has been clearly evident as she serves beside her husband and participates in the work of the church.

An update from Denise Muschamp, the District Professional Standards Officer

2022 will be a busy year for Safe Church activities in our District.

At this time, many congregations are holding their AGMs or have recently held them. Now is a good time to review the training status of all persons appointed to roles within the congregation. Where training is required, I urge members to register for one of the scheduled workshops or for online training. Information about persons required to train and all workshops registration information is on the LCA Safe Church Training page Safe Church Training – Safe Church Training – Lutheran Church of Australia (lca.org.au)

If your congregation is interested in hosting a workshop, please let me know.

Training records for all members are held on the Safety Management Online database. At present there is an error with the traffic light system in SMO. Please disregard the traffic lights and use the detailed training notes instead. We are working with the SMO administrators to resolve this issue. Please ring or email Denise (details below) to clarify training status if you are unsure.

The following is an updated schedule of face-to-face workshops to be held over the next few months:

Level One

  • Saturday 25th June, 9:00-4:00pm Northern Tasmania (Venue to be confirmed)

Level Two

  • Sunday 20th March at Nhill (Date and details to be confirmed)

Refresher

  • Saturday 18th June, 9:00-12:30pm at Box Hill (Registrations not yet open)
  • Sunday 20thMarch, at Nhill (Date and details to be confirmed)
  • Sunday 26th June, Northern Tasmania (details to be confirmed)

Please contact me if you have any questions or require assistance.
denise.muschamp@lca.org.au  Mobile 0437 180 928

Change to General Convention of Synod Format

In a first for the LCANZ, the church’s next Convention of General Synod will be held in two parts – an online meeting in October 2021 and an in-person meeting in 2022.

LCANZ Bishop John Henderson announced the change in a special eNews to the church on 10 June after the General Church Board (GCB) decided on the move on 9 June. The six-day face-to-face convention scheduled to be held in Melbourne from 28 September to 3 October will not go ahead.

‘After making every effort to hold the Convention by the usual means, ongoing uncertainty about travel restrictions, exacerbated by the recent lockdown in Victoria and its potential flow-on impact in parts of Queensland and New South Wales, meant the time had come to make the very difficult call on a COVID contingency plan’, Bishop Henderson said.

Taking into account the extraordinary circumstances relating to COVID-19, the GCB unanimously agreed to hold the 20th regular Convention of General Synod in two parts: an online meeting in early October 2021, which will then be adjourned until the meeting resumes in person at a location to be determined in September or October 2022.

‘The GCB has adopted this approach, a first for the LCANZ, so we can keep the regular constitutional cycle of three-year synodical terms and make the necessary decisions in a timely and orderly way, allowing proper opportunity for consideration and discussion’, Bishop Henderson said. ‘With the risks to travel at present, that will mean an online format in 2021 and an in-person meeting in 2022, God willing.’

The 2021 online component of the Convention, likely to be held over two days, will be for essential business items necessary for the regular transition into the next synodical term, such as the election of the LCANZ bishop, assistant bishop and GCB; board and council reporting; and voting on essential constitutional and other matters that for various reasons cannot be held over until 2022.

Delegates will receive the Book of Reports, which also contains proposals to General Synod, before the 2021 meeting.

The 2022 in-person component of the meeting, likely to be held over two to three days, will be for matters of a theological or doctrinal nature and the proposals that will require robust ‘live’ debate in the usual Synod format.

‘The planning team will do its best to make sure all delegates can participate in both the online and in-person components of the Convention’, Bishop Henderson said.

The General Pastors Conference (GPC), scheduled for 6–8 July 2021 in Tanunda South Australia, will now not be held in person at that time. The GPC planning committee will advise all pastors of the revised arrangements as soon as practicable.

GPC will still need to ensure that nominations for LCANZ bishop and assistant bishop reach the opening session of Convention of General Synod in 2021 and that its advice on theological and doctrinal issues reaches delegates suitably in advance of the second meeting of Synod in 2022.

Regarding General Synod, GCB was mindful of the financial risk to the LCANZ and its parishes in the event of a snap COVID lockdown in Melbourne. Also taken into account was the considerable burden a physical Convention of General Synod in Melbourne would place on ‘already exhausted leaders, pastors and people in Victoria, the state that has borne the brunt of the COVID pandemic in Australia’.

‘In making this weighty decision, the GCB has considered not only the potential impact on delegates and others but also the risk to the wider church’, Bishop Henderson said. ‘While the financial risk is one factor, there is also the possibility that any decisions made by a depleted Convention of General Synod might later be contested as not being fully legitimate.’

As details about the online component of the convention become available, registered delegates will be informed via the Synod eNews, and there will be regular updates in LCA eNews for the wider church.

Bearing in mind that specific details for the new format for Convention of General Synod are not yet available, if you have questions or concerns, please contact the General Synod planning team via synod@lca.org.au

 

ALC: Equipping people in and for ministry service

It used to be that the majority of students at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) were preparing to commence service in the church after they completed their theological studies and had graduated. This is no longer the case. The majority of ALC’s students are now undertaking study while already serving in congregations, schools or agencies of the church, in all districts of the LCANZ.

In the Victorian/Tasmanian District, Erin Grainger has been serving as Congregational and Migrant Ministry Support Facilitator in the District Office while completing her Graduate Diploma in Divinity, and Pastor Sue Westhorp has been serving the Box Hill congregation alongside Pastor Neville Otto, while she completed her Master of Theology degree. Both women have recently graduated, celebrating their achievements along with other ALC and University of Divinity students at a ceremony in Melbourne last month. Congratulations!

 
Pastor Sue Westhorp (left) and Erin Grainger (right) receive their degrees.

Juggling work, study, and family can be very demanding, but it can also be extremely rewarding, and ALC provides flexible pathways for those choosing to complete an award part-time.

On reflecting on her own learning journey, Erin said, ‘I’m so grateful to be blessed by working in a team at the District Office that honours God and endeavours to keep in mind both Gospel and service. Having recently completed my Graduate Diploma in Divinity with ALC, I’ve now enrolled in a Masters in Theological Studies, so I can keep learning. The studies lend depth, nuance, perspective and unity as we remind each other of the context of why we do what we do. Study has also given me confidence that it’s God honouring to struggle and wrestle, and that in doing so, you don’t just lose the energy of your own will trying to push back on God, you rediscover that God is absolutely bigger and better!’

‘For those of you who are currently working in an agency of the church and thinking of enrolling in study at ALC, I say, just do it! ALC staff are great and are both approachable and supportive! Talk to them. We at the District Office really want to support you too! Ask us questions…tell us what gets in the way of you wanting to study but not getting to it formally. It’s a conversation all the way.’

Enrolments for Semester 2 are now open, so now is the time to start that conversation: contact enquiries@alc.edu.au. And if it’s finances that are holding you back, ALC has scholarships and grants available, including a scholarship specifically to assist students who are already working in a congregation, school or agency of the church. To find out more about what types of scholarships are available, visit https://alc.edu.au/study/higher-education/scholarships/.