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Walking together by building relationships

The staff at Grow Ministries often talk about being ‘relational’ in ministry. We have been known to say things like: ‘Prioritise relationships over programs’, or ‘It’s all about relationships!’

But what do we mean when we say these things? Being ‘relational’ is one of those terms that has been used so much that its meaning is now very difficult to define.

People first, sharing information second

Grow Ministries would say that being ‘relational’ refers to the decision to prioritise relationships between people above sharing information.

A relational leader recognises that any information will not have a lasting impact unless there are strong, authentic relationships established. A relational leader sets out to encourage people in their faith as they grow in relationship with God and others.

The term ‘relational’ also refers to the method by which content is delivered. A traditional model of content delivery involves an expert presenter telling people what they need to know. A relational method still shares content, but also allows space for questions, discussions and creative responses.

Additionally, ‘relational’ refers to the environment. A relational environment is comfortable, welcoming, challenging and safe – both in its physical aesthetic and its ambience. People need to experience and do things together as they explore their faith. There need to be opportunities and space for them to discuss faith and life.

What’s a ‘relational’ approach?

Taking a relational approach to leadership and ministry means that everyone has a place to discuss openly and honestly matters of faith. How are you walking together with others along their faith journey?

‘The church may have a building, but that is not its place. The building may be the church’s location, but its space is in the shared humanity of its persons.’ – Author and Lutheran Professor of Youth and Family Ministry Dr Andrew Root

Ideas to build relationships

  • Find ways for all the generations to spend time together and feel welcome. Perhaps offer an intergenerational Bible study or host an intergenerational lunch with conversation starters.
  • Nurture spaces where people can get to know each other and develop meaningful relationships. Offering hospitality through shared meals is a great place to start.
  • Provide opportunities for people to share their life and faith stories. This could be both written and spoken, in person or using video.
  • Encourage people to check in with each other outside of worship and other church events. This could be through small groups and/or mentoring relationships.
  • Look for ways to serve together across generations in your local community.
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Walking with our overseas partners

LCA International Mission walks together with our partner churches overseas through support for such projects as the Lutheran Study Centre (LSC) at Sabah Theological Seminary (STS) in Malaysia. LSC Director Dr Wilfred J Samuel explains the critical role of the centre for the region’s Lutheran churches.

The Lutheran Study Centre (LSC) at Sabah Theological Seminary (STS) in Malaysia was established to meet the need of enhancing Lutheran confessional identity among the member churches of the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Malaysia and Singapore (FELCMS).

After initial talks with the LCANZ’s Dr Vic Pfitzner, the need was raised with LCA International Mission and other mission partners. The centre was opened in March 2010, thanks to advisory and financial support from the LCA and Australian Lutheran College, and technical assistance from the Lutheran World Federation, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

What are the objectives of the centre?

The centre’s key objectives are to serve the Lutheran churches in South-East Asia in providing Lutheran distinctive training for pastors, lay members and theological students; to serve as a centre for theological research; to develop resources and publications to enhance Lutheran identity; and to network with regional and international Lutheran study centres.

The LSC has been able to reach out to the four main language groups in Malaysia and Singapore – Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil and English. This has included organising seminars, making publications such as the Book of Concord and selected doctrinal tracts available in the different languages and giving theological lectures on Lutheran themes.

FELCMS member churches have a policy that all pastoral candidates must go through Lutheran distinctive training by LSC before ordination.

These efforts have helped the LSC to achieve its goal of enhancing Lutheran confessional identity in Malaysia and Singapore. But we acknowledge that the journey has just begun and more needs to be done.

Moving beyond Malaysia and Singapore

The ministry of the LSC was also extended to Indonesia and the Mekong region. In Indonesia, Lutheran churches were encouraged to send students to STS for training in Lutheran distinctive, while LSC also invited Indonesian Lutheran theologians to serve by giving lectures and conducting seminars.

The LCA and the Mekong Mission Forum also played a crucial role in connecting the LSC with the Mekong region. The ministry in this region was conducted on three levels. Firstly, post-graduate students were invited to study at STS and major in Lutheran studies. Secondly, training programs were organised for the Lutheran churches in the Mekong region; and thirdly the region’s churches were invited to participate in online courses and training modules.

We continue to pray, that God will use the LSC to be able to do greater things for his glory. At the same time, we at LSC ask for the continued support and prayers of our International mission partners. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry.

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The Bible in the spotlight

The world’s most widely circulated book is also one of its most highly debated. Check out how the Bible has withstood intense scrutiny from critics and cynics alike in The Bible on Trial: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt DVD available through Lutheran Media.

You, the viewer, are the jury and you’ll come away with a fresh appreciation of the Bible as a historical document and the word of God.

The Bible on Trial DVD contains a TV show and four shorter videos with a discussion guide.

Find out more at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/bibleontrial

Walking together with messages of hope

Sharing a message of hope with people you are walking with through life can help encourage and uplift each of you. An inspiring story shared on social media can help many people.

Your Messages of Hope shares encouraging and inspiring posts daily on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. You are free to share these posts with your friends and family to encourage and inspire them. You can walk with us on social media by clicking the icons on the top left of www.messagesofhope.org.au or

www.messagesofhope.org.nz

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Mission training to equip congregations

Renew Mission Life is a four-step training pathway for congregations developed by the LCANZ’s New and Renewing Churches Local Mission department.

An overall goal of taking the Renew Mission Life journey is to multiply the people becoming Christians in your congregation and the small groups and ministries that support spiritual growth.

The supporting resources – videos, sermon outlines, Bible studies, and leadership tools – are now available on the New and Renewing Churches website:
www.newandrenewingchurches.org.au

Why not have a chat with your pastor or church council members about taking your congregation through Renew Mission Life.

Step 1 – Renew Mission Life LEADERSHIP – You will gain tools to equip your congregation to be effective in local mission.

Step 2 – Renew Mission Life STUDIES – Sermons and Bible studies will guide your congregation further into God’s mission.

Step 3 – Renew Mission Life MISSIONAL COMMUNITIES – You will learn how to form and equip teams which will go and reap the harvest.

Step 4 – Renew Mission Life SENT: SEEKING THE ORPHANS OF GOD – You will learn how to reap the harvest.

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Page 2 – June 2021

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Thank you!

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