Online Conversations for Pastors and Leaders – 2026
What on earth is God doing — and how do we join in?
Mission isn’t something we invent.
It’s something we join.
God is already at work in our communities — drawing people into grace, stirring questions of meaning, and inviting the Church to notice, trust, and participate.
The Presence video series offers a simple and accessible introduction to the Christian faith through a Lutheran lens. It invites reflection on who God is, where God is already at work, and how faith takes shape in everyday life — not just within church walls.
Perhaps faithful leadership in this season isn’t about adding more activity, but about creating space for deeper formation:
- learning to notice God’s presence,
- helping our people trust that God comes to them,
- and living as Christ’s presence for others.
To explore this together, you’re invited to join the LCA District Mission Directors for EMMY – Explorations in Mission and MinistrY online conversation. EMMY is a new monthly space bringing together pastors and leaders from across Australia and New Zealand for shared reflection, storytelling, and encouragement.
Each month includes a short stimulus (video or reflection), followed by an open Zoom conversation where we listen, ask questions, and learn from one another.
May EMMY – From Maintenance to Movement
Let’s stop “just keeping things going” and step into Spirit-led mission.
Tuesday 26 May
12pm (ACST)
6pm (ACST) repeated session
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3605615625?omn=83256189035
Meeting ID: 360 561 5625 Passcode: EmmY
Coming Up in 2026
23 June – Seeing our Neighbour with New Eyes
In this conversation, we’ll learn simple ways to “read” our local context — listening, noticing, and discerning where God’s Spirit is already active among our neighbours.
28 July – Faith the Spills Over: Everyday Discipleship in Action
Professional development opportunity for pastors and church workers
The Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) views professional development as an essential, ongoing part of a pastor's and church worker's vocation. In fact, the LCA expects pastors in particular, to include 40 hours of continuing education activities in their annual calendars.
ALC has a number of professional development opportunities on offer in July, which pastors and church workers are welcome to attend, alongside of enrolled students. This onsite training will be held at Church House in Adelaide.
Dr Tania Nelson will deliver an ‘Introduction to Christian Mission’ from 15-18 July. Tania has undertaken studies in education and in theology/ministry and her doctoral research centred on mission - a subject she has pursued with keen interest for many years. She is currently serving as the Ministry Lead at Mawson Lakes Community Church and was the former manager of Lutheran Media - an outreach ministry of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
Professor Albert Haddad will deliver a ‘Coaching and Mentoring’ workshop from 24-25 July. Albert has over 20 years experience in leadership roles in higher education, theology, and ministry and is the founder of Leadwise Consulting Pty Ltd - a leadership and change management consultancy. He is currently serving as Dean of Academic Programs at the University of Divinity.
Non ALC students registering to attend a workshop for professional learning purposes will be required to pay an audit fee which will include morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch.
For more details refer to the flyer and/or contact enquiries@alc.edu.au. Registrations close 10 July.
Handmade Collective is a collection of local Adelaide Christian songwriters looking to serve the church through making useful resources for congregational worship.
Their first single 'Be Still' is out now.
Watch the live video here from the recording event or stream on your streaming platform of choice!
Resources for all the songs will be available at www.handmade-collective.com when the full album is released in June.
Lutheran Aged Care, Retirement Living & Community Services Networking Forum 2026
12 May 2026
by Angela RogersLCA Aged Care and Community Services people from all over Australia came together last week to network and learn about how we can collaborate and support each other. The SA-NT District were very well represented with people from all our residential aged care, retirement villages and community services entities present. We make up a large proportion of the LCA sector, and it was great to be able to share and connect with them all, which is something that we do regularly anyway.
The theme was ‘Collaboration – Stronger Together’, which was developed through many team building exercises and challenges about leading, building trust and relationships. You could see this developing during the conference in the conversations and offers of assistance and support for another entity.
Participants learnt about the use of technology in care environments, governing well and the obligations on our boards. As well as looking after ourselves and our teams in challenging situations and where is the aged care industry heading – what is next?
Throughout the conference, we were blessed to hear the word of God in our morning and evening devotions; these were times of grounding and encouragement that we are here to serve.
A highlight was a conversation with The Honourable Sam Rae, Federal Minister for Aged Care and Seniors whereby he spoke about the changes to the Aged Care Act and how they are being implemented in real-time and real-life situations. Participants appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to him about the challenges they are encountering.
Please do continue to pray for the leaders, boards and staff of our entities as they serve their residents and clients, often in challenging situations.
Good Shepherd Sunday proved to be a truly memorable and Spirit-filled day, one that beautifully marked the culmination of a journey that began five years ago. Back then, representatives from six congregations across the southern Barossa gathered with a shared vision: to walk together in faith and, in time, become one united congregation.
That vision came to life in a powerful way as more than 300 members were gathered at the Harvest Centre and guided by our Good Shepherd. The day began with a joyful worship service led by Bishop Andrew Brook. With the uplifting support of our very first ‘Living Vine’ band, the Centre resounded with heartfelt songs of praise, creating an atmosphere of celebration, unity, and deep thanksgiving.
The joy continued beyond the service, as each congregation held a special meeting to take the next formal step. In an overwhelming show of unity and shared purpose, members voted to proceed with the amalgamation. This was an exciting and significant milestone in our collective journey.
This was followed by the inaugural meeting of Living Vine Lutheran Church. During this important gathering, the constitution was formally adopted, and the governance council was elected. With one nomination received for each role, the following members were elected:
- Chairperson – Chris Pfeiffer
- Secretary – Phillip Hiscock
- Treasurer – Dean Hoklas
- Additional Members – Brian Eckermann, Craig Rogasch, Chris Canute and Edward Liebelt
The celebrations concluded with a time of warm fellowship over tea and coffee, as members reflected on the journey so far and rejoiced in becoming one united congregation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this vision and supported the journey along the way. Your faith, commitment, and willingness to walk together have made this day possible.
As we move forward, we do so with confidence and hope, trusting that our Good Shepherd will continue to guide and sustain us. United in purpose and strengthened in faith, we look ahead with excitement to all that God has in store for us as we serve together in his kingdom.
Movie "Kick Off Ya Boots"
Refer to flyer for details
1.LVLC Child Safe/SMO Coordinators
Bethany/Tabor - Marilyn Mensforth bethanytaborsccoord@gmail.com
Grace/Schoenborn - Jenny Noll jedanoll@gmail.com
Langmeil - Emma Hiscock emma.hiscock@lca.org.au
Lyndoch - Graham Fromm grahamfromm@outlook.com
2.Safe Church Training FAQ's
Who needs to do which levels of the Safe Church Training program?
A copy of the Safe Church Training model, and details of who needs to complete each level, are provided on this webpage -
https://www.lca.org.au/training-events/safe-church-training/
Does everyone in my congregation have to do all of the training?
No. If you are simply a participant in a program or activity, it is not necessary to complete Safe Church Training. However, all are welcome, and we would particularly like to encourage parents to come along. Those who are regularly helping in ministry with children or vulnerable adults, in the capacity of supervising or having close intentional interaction with the children or vulnerable adults, are to engage in the relevant training and be screened.
See attached for details on Information Sessions relating to Foster Caring.
Donations of long-life milk and lemonade would be appreciated for our lunch club and breakfast clubs.
Upcoming events. Keep an eye out for when the following events are advertised.
June - Can and bottle run
10th July - Wine and Beer Sale
August - Trivia Night
This End of Financial Year, we are inviting our community to stand with us For Every Teen. Click here to make your donation.