2026 District Pastors’ Conference
From 26–28 August the pastors of our district came from far and wide across South Australia and the Northern Territory to come together at ‘The Ark’, Salisbury to hear and share what’s happening in our church, engage in discussion on current topics, and to share some good coffee and conversation.
Bishop Andrew shared his report which he framed around the promise of hope that we have in Christ Jesus, the hope that does not put us to shame, even when we are faced with the messiness of the world around us (and even at times the messiness in the church).
‘N.E.W.S.’ led us through Bishop Paul’s report as he spoke of our collaboration amongst our Lutheran Neighbours in the Asia Pacific region, our Ecumenical collaboration here in Australia and New Zealand, our Lutheran Identity and Creativity in Worship, and our Church’s Study in Lutheran Theological Proficiency, particularly as the College of Bishops and Australian Lutheran College (ALC) have been working together on the ALC programme.
We heard from Pastor Stephen Radke who was installed as Assistant Bishop-NT earlier this year. He shared the encouraging news of how many Aboriginal Christians (and particularly Lutherans) are studying or seeking to study at Nungalinya College in Darwin where they can learn and be equipped within Christian community.
Rev Dr Dan Mueller flew down from Queensland on Thursday to share with us his research into the language and metaphors used for sin in our Lutheran Confessions and our church liturgy. We were encouraged in the ways that we teach the liturgy and the diverse vocabulary for sin, to embrace the variety of sin metaphors given to us in Scripture, and to be intentional in using propers, collects, songs, and psalms that ‘thicken’ our understanding and expression of sin.
In our pastoral engagement with active topics in our church and in the culture around us, we were presented with three videos from pastors around our church who spoke from varying contexts of their experience with people who were questioning their gender identity or were transitioning. The openness from these pastors led us into robust discussion on our pastoral response and how we might be better prepared in our own contexts. We commend the theological discussion to the LCA’s Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations (CTICR) and our General Synod.
On top of all this, we heard from ALC Principal Rev Dr Tim Stringer, LLL CEO Karen Pienaar, and our Assistant Bishop for Mission Pastor Stephen Schultz. We also gathered around word and Sacrament, worshipped together, prayed together, and delved into the word together. If you want to know more, you’ll just have to get in touch with your local pastor!
Thanks again to the congregation at ‘The Ark’, Salisbury for accommodating us and sharing your space with us. Thanks to all those who were involved in making it all happen, especially those who shared with us throughout the conference. And a special thanks to all the congregations and communities who made it possible for your pastors attend. We pray that the fruit of this conference will be felt within your communities.
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