Lutheran Church of Australia

where love comes to life

Prayer with friends a real blessing

11 October 2017

by LCA Communications

Time to pray with and for new and long-time friends was a real blessing for participants at the recent LCA Lay Worker Conference.

More than 50 lay workers came together for the LCA Lay Worker Conference in Queensland last month, under the theme Faith WALK Faith TALK.

It was a truly intergenerational event with attendees aged from 21 to 81 years.

Prayer ministry at the conference for and by lay workers brought real joy to many. Spending time with others also provided an opportunity to share fears, hopes, dreams and successes with people who understand the challenges many lay workers face.

Building networks across the LCA will also strengthen ministries, as people make personal connections with those doing amazing work.

Each morning of the gathering began with worship and singing, with the conference opened with worship led by Queensland District Bishop Paul Smith, while LCA Bishop John Henderson led the closing worship, during which lay workers were commissioned for service.

Keynote speaker Dave Benson shared how to walk in faith by thinking about ‘What on earth am I here for?’ and how it is important to remember our primary calling is to God and our secondary calling is to how we fulfil our calling to God – not the other way around! That way we can point people to Jesus while staying fresh in our faith.

Participants also heard from Grow Ministries, New and Renewing Churches and Australian Lutheran College’s Grassroots Training.

What they said about the conference

‘As a part-time lay worker, I was unsure if I would be able to slot into the Lay Worker Conference for a single day. But I was warmly welcomed, included in small group discussions, and learned a lot from the speakers. I loved the opportunity to meet the Church Worker Support team, to concentrate on forward-planning for my ministry area, and to talk with people in the same ministries. I came away feeling refreshed, inspired and strongly supported.’

Rachael Stelzer

Redeemer Lutheran College and

Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale Queensland

‘The Lay Worker Conference was the most nurturing and incredible experience I could have hoped for. To put faces to names, create new networks, discover resources, learn from others AND come out feeling refreshed and ready to go was just a blessing! I’m so grateful to my District for sending me. What a perfect introduction to the LCA and some great groundwork for me in my new position.’

Maya

Youth & Young Adult Ministry Facilitator, Vic–Tas District

Read the full Story of the Week in The Lutheran. Full colour, 32 pages. 11 editions/year. Only $44 (Aust), $46 (NZ). Gift subscriptions available. To subscribe: online www.thelutheran.com.au  email lutheran.subs@lca.org.au  phone 08 8360 7270

READ MORE STORIES ABOUT ,

«