by Tim Eckert
At Glynde Lutheran Church in Adelaide’s north-east, located in a rapidly changing multicultural area, the sounds of Mandarin, Korean, Nuer, Hindi, English and other languages can be heard throughout the church complex. You might see English learners chatting, individuals of all ages in Bible studies, youth participating in activities, families at a playgroup or adults sharing food and conversation.
This is the everyday life of a congregation that has long sensed God calling it to be a welcoming home for people from all nations, ages and backgrounds, where the gospel is shared through friendship and hospitality.
With the support of the LCANZ’s Local Mission Fund, Glynde is now preparing to take a significant new step in that calling by establishing the Glynde Cross-Cultural Ministry Centre, a three-year project designed to strengthen multicultural and ‘first-third’ ministry locally and provide cross-cultural mission learning opportunities for the wider church.
Over the years, Glynde has embraced this mission opportunity through English classes, ‘Coffee ‘n’ Chat’, ‘Grace Over Lunch’, youth discipleship, playgroup, Mainly Music and family-friendly worship. We have established partnerships with Grace Lutheran Chinese Church, Adelaide Global Mission Church, and the Nuer Lutheran Fellowship, as well as an informal relationship with Pilgrim Lutheran Church Magill.
Alongside this, Glynde has invested deeply in first-third ministry (ages 8 to 30), recognising the strong connection between cross-cultural mission and youth discipleship.
Building on these foundations, the Cross-Cultural Ministry Centre will offer a safe, hospitable and grace-filled space where people can encounter Jesus, explore faith and connect with others. Core programs will include English classes, youth gatherings, family ministries, Alpha and ‘Intro to Faith’ courses, and community hospitality activities.
Central to the project is a commitment not only to welcome people but also build friendships and equip new leaders, particularly from culturally and linguistically diverse and first-third backgrounds. The centre will also share its learnings with the wider church, inviting congregations to learn together how to welcome newcomers and share the gospel in culturally sensitive ways.
The Local Mission Fund grant is both an encouragement and a call to step forward in faith, trusting God to grow this ministry as a place where many hear the good news of Jesus and find a home in his family.
Tim Eckert is Chairperson of Zion Glynde Lutheran Church SA.
