The LCANZ’s General Synod has elected Pastor Stephen Schultz as Assistant Bishop of the church.
He was installed to the role during the closing service of Convention on 7 October at Concordia College in suburban Adelaide.
Assistant Bishop Stephen has been serving the SA-NT District in the role of Assistant Bishop for Mission since 2018. Prior to that, he served as pastor of two South Australian parishes: St Michael’s Hahndorf (2002–2017) and Bethlehem, Adelaide (1997–2002).
He has broad governance and leadership experience, having served throughout his pastoral ministry on numerous boards, councils and committees, including District Church Council and General Church Council, Australian Lutheran College Board and General Pastors Conference Planning Committee. His service on various district committees covers Aboriginal, tertiary, children, youth and family ministries.
As the role of Assistant Bishop is a volunteer one, he will continue to serve in his current role with the SA-NT District.
Former Assistant Bishop Neville Otto, who served in the post for one term, did not stand for re-election.
One of two pastors nominated by the LCANZ’s General Pastors Conference to Synod for election to the role along with Pastor Fraser Pearce, Assistant Bishop Stephen said he had ‘wrestled with accepting the nomination’ because of the time-consuming nature of his district position.
‘But I also recognise our Lutheran Church is at a critical time in its history’, he said after his election. ‘I love our Lutheran Church and feel so blessed to be part of it. I want to serve her to the best of my ability, and I was encouraged by many of my fellow pastors, who I respect deeply, to allow my name to stand.
‘The role has a huge commitment and responsibility, and I feel a bit overwhelmed by it. I’m looking forward to discovering why God has called me into this role and how I can grow and serve through it.’
LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith was elected for two synodical terms in 2021 and so the role was not up for election in 2024.
