Across Southeast Asia and beyond, Lutheran churches continue to grow in number, confidence, and responsibility. With this growth comes a pressing need for ongoing theological formation that supports pastors, deaconesses, teachers, and lay leaders well beyond their initial training, many of whom serve faithfully in complex cultural, social, and pastoral contexts with limited access to […]

Across Southeast Asia and beyond, Lutheran churches continue to grow in number, confidence, and responsibility. With this growth comes a pressing need for ongoing theological formation that supports pastors, deaconesses, teachers, and lay leaders well beyond their initial training, many of whom serve faithfully in complex cultural, social, and pastoral contexts with limited access to further study, mentoring, or structured continuing education.

For more than two decades, the Garuna Foundation has helped address this gap. Founded by former Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) missionaries Rev Jeff and Cheryl Ehlers, Garuna grew out of their long service in Thailand, where they witnessed first‑hand that the challenge was not a lack of faith or commitment, but a lack of opportunity. Many leaders were carrying heavy ministry responsibilities with little support for sustained theological reflection and growth.

One of the most significant recent developments has been a partnership that offers online graduate‑level theological education at a cost previously unimaginable for churches in the Global South. Through collaboration with Grand Canyon University (GCU) in the United States, an online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (normally priced at around USD $50,000) is made available for approximately USD $1,000–2,000 per student. For churches with limited financial resources, this has opened doors that were once firmly closed.

The program is designed primarily for Lutheran pastors, church leaders, and Bible school teachers outside the United States. Classes are intentionally small (usually eight to ten students) meeting weekly online over two years, following an English language preparation course if required. Participants study together across time zones and cultural contexts, while remaining closely connected to their home ministries through local mentoring. Each student has a mentor who provides regular reports on ministry engagement, ensuring that academic learning and vocational practice remain integrated.

Courses include Christian Doctrine, Hermeneutics, Old and New Testament Surveys, Pastoral Care, Ministerial Ethics, and Communication. The learning model is flexible and textbased, allowing participants to study alongside full‑time ministry, work, and family responsibilities.

In 2019, just before the COVID‑19 pandemic reshaped education worldwide, LCA International Mission was invited to nominate candidates for a pilot cohort. What was then an innovative option soon became essential when international travel ceased.

Since that time, students from Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Burundi have been supported by LCA International Mission, who have contributed toward tuition costs and provided practical assistance with internet connectivity, ensuring reliable access to online classes for students living in remote or low‑connectivity areas.

Pastor Giesa Panpan, head of ministerial training in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG), was nominated and joined the program. With the support of monthly data allowances provided by LCA International Mission, Pastor Panpan participated in his online courses and completed his degree in October 2022. Mr Peter Gigmai of Highlands Seminary in Ogelbeng was also accepted into the initial group. Although his study was interrupted due to travel to Germany, he is scheduled to complete the program in November 2025.

LCA International Mission has continued to support additional students, covering the cost of internet access for those in areas with limited connectivity. Those expecting to complete their studies in November 2025 include:
• Dedi Pardosi (HKBP, Indonesia)
• Tofler Sijabat (HKBP, Indonesia)
• Rev Fabien Macumi (Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Burundi)
• Rev Sanael Emoi (ELCPNG)
• Xavier Palattao (Philippines, serving with ELCPNG)
• Rev Rizaldy Marron (Lutheran Church in the Philippines)

The impact of the program is best heard in the voices of those who have taken part.

Pastor Sanael Emoi from Papua New Guinea describes the experience as lifechanging. Studies in doctrine, ethics, biblical interpretation, communication, and pastoral counselling have strengthened both his faith and ministry. Learning new digital tools has also enabled him to communicate the gospel more widely. “Even though we are in different countries, we learn together,” he says, expressing hope that further study might one day be available through this model.

From Burundi, Rev Fabien Macumi describes the church as a “spiritual hospital,” where people bring deep wounds, trauma, and grief. Training in hermeneutics, expository preaching, and pastoral care has equipped him to respond with wisdom and compassion. “These skills are essential for the growing church I serve,” he reflects.

From Indonesia, Dedi Pardosi notes that the program shaped him not only as a student, but as a servant. “Ministry is not just about having the right answers,” he says. “It is about listening well, loving deeply, and being formed by God’s Word. Ministry flows from who we are in Christ, not just what we do.”

Graduates describe the program as demanding. Many studied late at night or early in the morning after long days of ministry, work, and family life. Yet they also speak of the joy of learning that faithful leadership is shaped by character, humility, and trust in God’s grace.

Through this partnership, and through the faithful support of the Lutheran Women of Australia, church leaders are being equipped to proclaim Christ with clarity, compassion, and confidence. It is a powerful reminder of what can happen when the global church shares its gifts across cultures, oceans, and time zones, for the sake of the gospel.

This work also reflects a Lutheran understanding of vocation: that God calls people to serve faithfully where they are placed, and equips them for that service through Word, community, and learning. As pastors and church leaders return to their congregations, seminaries, and classrooms, they bring with them not only new knowledge, but renewed confidence and encouragement. They are better equipped to nurture faith, mentor others, and strengthen the church for the long journey ahead. Through patient partnership and shared commitment, seeds are being planted that will continue to bear fruit in churches and communities for years to come.

If you would like to know more about opportunities to personally support a scholarship recipient in your congregation during their stay in Australia, or ways in which you can financially and prayerfully support LCA International Mission’s scholarship program, you are invited to phone LCA International Mission on (08) 8267 7316 or email lcaim@lca.org.au

Read more stories about LCA International Mission scholarship recipients at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/scholarships/