Women living in the influential patriarchal system in North Sumatra, Indonesia, are often faced with significant challenges and injustice as they seek to carry out their responsibilities in their home and serve as leaders among their workplaces and in their church communities. The Lutheran Study Centre in Indonesia, recognising the importance of empowering women in […]

Women living in the influential patriarchal system in North Sumatra, Indonesia, are often faced with significant challenges and injustice as they seek to carry out their responsibilities in their home and serve as leaders among their workplaces and in their church communities.

The Lutheran Study Centre in Indonesia, recognising the importance of empowering women in this context and seeking to develop and improve gender equality among the Lutheran churches, prepared a workshop from 23 to 25 June for 31 women from the 14 Indonesian Lutheran member churches.

During the Exploring potential through Theological, Clinical Pastoral, and Reconciliation Education workshop, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of a leadership vision centred on peace, justice, and the integrity of creation. The participants discussed the characteristics needed to make a leader successful, such as good listening skills, valuing their responsibility, the ability to intersperse criticism with praise, having a support system and a clear vision and embracing everyone in the community. The workshop then compared the successes with what makes a leader fail, such as selfishness and the inability to manage time.

Participants increased their self-confidence by acknowledging the important skills and abilities that they have to offer. The workshop discussed the challenges faced by the women and then shared what helps women to become empowered, including faith, willingness to learn, commitment to develop, networking, becoming a survivor, sincerity of heart, higher education, speaking up for injustice, being economically independent, bravery, adaption and resilience.

The women learnt about the need to begin education at home which emphasises equality and equal opportunities. With new conflict management skills provided, participants were able to develop effective strategies to build more inclusive home and work environments. The conflict resolution process included acknowledgment of the conflict, recognition of the causes and triggers of the conflict, understanding the perspectives of different individuals and groups, presence of a mediator, mutual agreement and resolution.

During the Basic Skills in Counselling session, participants reflected on counselling as a relational and healing art where adverse situations are supported through trusting verbal and non-verbal love. This session provided direct practical experience in pastoral counselling, developed skills in handling difficult cases such as domestic violence and workplace conflict, and trained participants to support clients in expressing their emotions and speaking honestly about their experiences. Participants learnt counselling techniques which focus on empathy and confidentiality to support those who need to release the emotional baggage hindering their growth and mental well-being. Those taking part were guided through the stages and processes of effective mentoring, including the importance of having an attentive presence. They learnt how to guide those who are victims of domestic violence and workplace conflict with tools and techniques to enable forgiveness and peace. They reflected on the need for empathy (the ability to deeply understand their client’s feelings) and focus (maintaining attention while the client expresses their experiences and needs during a counselling session). Presenters used role play to allow the participants to practice providing emotional and psychological support.

One of the unexpected outcomes of the training was the significant, positive impact of the training venue. The workshop took place in a beautiful, quiet environment, which contributed greatly to the comfort and concentration of the participants.

The daily 5:00am Taizé service was also an unexpected blessing for the women. This service, characterised by a meditative and peaceful atmosphere, helped participants start the day with a calm heart and clear mind. Many shared that it gave them the opportunity to reflect on themselves and helped to strengthen their relationship with God. This spiritual impact amplified the overall training experience, making each session more meaningful and profound.

The Lutheran Study Centre thanks Lutheran Women of Australia for their financial support of this workshop, which has been instrumental in empowering women living in Indonesia to foster a positive change.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Indonesia at www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/indonesia/