In late 2023 LCA International Mission asked Australian Lutheran College (ALC) to assist with a Lutheran Study program in Indonesia. In August of that year, I had spent a day with the Indonesian Lutheran bishops exploring Lutheran pastoral theology and during that time they expressed a genuine desire to grow in their Lutheran identity. I […]

In late 2023 LCA International Mission asked Australian Lutheran College (ALC) to assist with a Lutheran Study program in Indonesia. In August of that year, I had spent a day with the Indonesian Lutheran bishops exploring Lutheran pastoral theology and during that time they expressed a genuine desire to grow in their Lutheran identity.

I have just returned from a two week visit as part of the 2024 study program that was designed to help grow that Lutheran identity among a selected group of representatives from each synod. There were fourteen representatives listed from eight different synods. Due to other commitments not everyone could attend, but between 8-10 still gathered each day. The key local organisers were Rev Septhian Tofler Sijibat and Rev Dedi Bakkit Tua Pardosi. Dedi had been part of the original visit to Australia. Tofler and Dedi were also eager students.

It is an ambitious project but one that is already bearing fruit and the organisers are looking to offer it into the future. I was keen to assist with this inaugural program and spent a week on the topic ‘Reading Luther’s Catechisms’ and a second week studying various aspects of ’Pastoral Theology’.

In my closing remarks to the participants, I commended their commitment to study (even in the hot and humid conditions), their eagerness to read and study the Lutheran Confessions, and their willingness to engage theologically with the pastoral issues their churches are facing. They share a joy for life even in some difficult circumstances, they love singing, and enjoy sharing food and hospitality.

Apart from the weeks of study I was privileged to attend a Taizé style worship full of young people, visit the beautiful Lake Toba, participate in worship in a GKLI church in Siantar and a HKBP church at Parapat, and visit an orphanage close to the study centre courtesy of Rev Nevri Pasaribu.

My thanks to Pastor Matt Anker and Principal Tim Stringer for the opportunity to be involved in the study program and for Erin Kerber in assisting with travel details. Please pray for Rev Dedi in particular, as he continues to take up the challenge of serving to strengthen Lutheran identity amongst the many millions of Lutherans in Indonesia.

If you would like to consider the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in mission, serving in practical ways, teaching English, teaching in the seminaries and institutions of our partner churches, or in local churches, you are invited to phone LCA International Mission on (08) 8267 7317 or email lcaim@lca.org.au. For more information, go to https://www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/volunteer/

Read more stories about volunteering at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/join-gods-mission/volunteers/