These 3-day workshops were held in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide during February and March. They were developed to support Ministry Personnel in Lutheran schools and early childhood services (ECS) to work towards their LEA Accreditation of Ministry Personnel (Am). This program was collaboratively developed with school pastors, ministry staff, chaplains and lay workers. It has been strongly advocated for by the LCA bishops and staff, and was facilitated by representatives from LEA, the regional offices and schools. Over the three days, participants were immersed in sessions on Lutheran education in context, worship, pastoral care, learning and self-care. Some of the participant feedback is provided below.
Facilitators pictured right: L-R Brenton Altmann (LEQ), Jodi Blackwell (LEQ), Stuart Traeger (LESNW), Sarah Lush (Immanuel College), David Spike (LEVNT), Georgia Pearson (Geelong Lutheran College), Sue Kupke (LEA). Absent: Josh Hauser (Good News Lutheran College).
Participants valued the:
- Opportunity for conversation with other like-minded people
- Different presenters
- Networking, group discussion and sharing ideas
- Shared wisdom and stories
- Reflection and processing time.
Key take aways or learnings from participants:
- I am feeling more empowered and confident in my role, with lots of tools and resources
- I have a significantly better understanding of Lutheran theology which is immensely helpful to me and my role
- Relationships matter
- Care well for those around us
- The responsibility I have in my role to be the voice and advocate for Lutheran education in my community
- Worship and devotion resources for staff – brilliant!
- To have more intentional conversations about a ministry plan that keeps our school vision as authentic and genuine.
Some final comments by participants:
- An amazing time we had together; every topic will assist in my Ministry role
- I very much enjoyed this conference, it fuelled and excited me in our mission for God
- It was great to see the team across the regions work together in this and I encourage you to keep that going!
- My first Lutheran school conference and I feel really encouraged and inspired
- With this conference I feel significantly more equipped and engaged with the local network of people
- What stops us from reading our current reality and responding according to where the world is instead of where the world was? … If we are a product of the reformation, perhaps we need to breathe deeply in the controversial side of Luther and breath out a radical vision, as he did.
Where to next?
Ministry personnel will meet with their Principal / Director and a regional office formation leader, to share aspects of their learning from the 3-day workshop. Through this meeting, Ministry staff develop a professional learning plan that may include a commitment to a theological qualification through Australian Lutheran College (ALC) or equivalent and the completion of Connect (if required).
LEA is thankful to acknowledge the support of the three regional offices (LEQ, LESNW, LEVNT), Geelong Lutheran College, Good News Lutheran College and Immanuel College for releasing staff representatives to co-facilitate sessions through the 3-day workshop.