In this excerpt from ‘The Word Remains’, Selected Writings on the Church Year and the Christian Life, Wilhelm Löhe writes:

Scripture is like the stars in heaven. Whoever lifts his eyes from earthly darkness will immediately see the great shining stars of the first magnitude and the path of light that girds the heavens.

Becoming accustomed to the light, the eye sees more and more stars.

Eventually, even the blue seems interwoven with light.

So to the eye of the reader of Scripture, there first come those shining, mighty passages, whose meaning is easily understood and undeniable. The longer we read, strengthened by that first light, the more other passages become bright and clear.

At last, we see more than just a Milky Way of bright truth in the heaven of the Bible; an awareness, indeed a clear, conscious perception of complete harmony within it overpowers us and edifies us.

So this is not merely a ruse but rather an assertion that proves true in every conscience, that the harmony of the clear passages of Scripture, such as those one collects for a children’s catechism, comprises the analogy of faith and the proper interpretation on which the unclear passages are made clear.

During the recent International Lutheran Council World Conference in the Philippines, Pastor Matt Anker had a chance to sit down with Bishop Emile Nkurunziza from Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burundi (HELCB). They recorded a video interview in which Bishop Emile reported on the rapid growth of HELCB, the many projects they are engaged in and the vision for the future.

HELCB was first registered in 2017. Beginning with two congregations, they now have six congregations across every province of Burundi, and 3000 baptised members. As their government requires that churches must own their own buildings and cannot rent or borrow premises, the church has worked hard to build six churches and has two more land plots ready to build on.

Bishop Emile says, ‘So concerning the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burundi, we really thank God for what he's doing. God is amazing. He is always good. All the time, God is good.’

The 28th World Conference of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) concluded last week. Held on the island of Bohol in the Philippines on 14-19 September, the conference was attended by 132 representatives from 52 countries from around the world, including a group from LM-A President, Pastor Matt Anker, Vice President Pastor Mathew Ker and Pastor Michael Prenzler attended as guests of the ILC, while their wives Laryssa, Sonja and Gertraud attended at their own cost.

Confession and Cooperation in a Fragmented World

The conference theme was ‘Confession and Cooperation in a Fragmented World’, based on 2 Corinthians 4:13.  It was a theme most of the presenters and preachers circled back to, all building up a clear picture of God working all things for the common good. 

A highlight was a series of regional presentations with church leaders describing a regional issue and how the church speaks to that issue.  Each presentation spoke positively as to the need to stand firm on the Word of God. It keeps us grounded and in true unity in a fragmented world. 

Pastor Mathew Ker commented, ‘It was encouraging to hear from other Lutheran churches from around the world.  Many face similar challenges to our own, other challenges are unique.  The blessings were also shared, reminding one another that faithful witness to God’s Word still bears much good fruit.’ Pastor Michael Prenzler added that attending the conference was like ‘getting a glimpse of the church as it is meant to be: people from all nations and languages coming together in a common faith in our Lord Jesus. It was so refreshing to not have a false unity “preached” at us, but to experience a genuine unity brought about by a common confession.’

Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

1 Timothy 6:3-7

In 1 Timothy 6, St Paul reminds Pastor Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain.

This simple phrase is a vital corrective to misinterpreting this text in a way that would see us contend for the truth in a way that fails to serve those who have been misled. Yes, this text is a call to faithfulness. A call to make the good confession regardless of the cost. And a call to fight the good fight until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. But it is not a call to arrogant militancy, or angry counter attacks against false doctrine and false teachers. Or to a false sense of piety that elevates ourselves above others because we think we have got it all together. St Paul never minces words when it comes to false teaching and the need to make a good confession, but through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he is careful to urge Pastor Timothy to hold fast to the truth in a way that seeks to convert hearts and win souls. And the centre of that is the declaration that ‘Godliness with contentment is great gain.’

…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:18-20

Lord, open my mouth to boldly proclaim the mystery of the Gospel

Dear Friends,

When I lead tour groups through my date plantation in Charleville, Western Queensland, I tell them of how it all began.  Of how 20 of my friends gathered to help me get the farm established, working for two weeks in 40-degree heat to get the job done. ‘It was like we were on a mission,’ I say.

We in the LM-A are on a mission too. The word is even part of our name  What a wonderful thing to be a part of God’s great work of rescue to the world, to see people gathered to God, out of the darkness into the light, to see them changed by the working of the Spirit through the Word, to be caught up in the joy of heaven over every sinner that becomes one of God’s own.

One of the things I have realised about myself, and perhaps you have noticed this about yourself too, is that sometimes I am reluctant to ‘boldly proclaim the mystery of the Gospel’. It seems that St Paul, Timothy (2 Timothy 1:7) and Jesus’ disciples generally at times (Luke 9:26) lacked boldness to speak Christ and His Word.

So, what is the answer? Well, here the Holy Spirit, through St Paul, urges other Christians to pray for him so that he may declare the Gospel boldly. So let us also pray for one another that we may boldly speak of Jesus, and that the very words may be given to us, and let us believe that God will truly answer that prayer.

On Sunday 7 September, LM-A President Matt Anker and Pastor Michael Prenzler joyfully announced that Lutheran Theological Seminary - Australia (LTS-A) will open its doors for students in January 2027 in the Greater Adelaide area.

The announcement was made during an Adelaide Northern Suburbs Lutheran Mission service, where Pastor Michael serves as half-time pastor as well as his half-time call as Seminary Development Officer.

Pastor Michael explained the name and logo of LTS-A during the children’s address, and in his sermon explained that ‘the seminary will form pastors, deaconesses and lay-people to become disciples of Jesus and to make more disciples. They will serve the church and those who are yet to know Jesus, through Word and Sacrament, works of mercy and witnessing. They will bring Jesus’ gifts to you to forgive your sins, comfort you in your suffering and strengthen your faith in His promises for your eternal future.’

Since the beginning of the Lutheran Reformation, the letters VDMA have served not only as a theological symbol but as a confessional device and mark of protestant denominational identity. These anglicised letters serve as an acronym for the Latin phrase Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum (VDMA) which translates as, ‘The Word of the Lord Endures Forever’ (derived from Isaiah 40:8 and 1 Peter 1:23-25).

It is a declaration that God not only transcends time, but He is faithful to His promises and will not abandon His chosen people. He will work through the history of Israel for the salvation of all nations, for all who abide in His Word.

In Isaiah 40-55, we see that although Israel had sinned and had been sent into exile in Babylon, the God who manifested His holiness by wrath speaks to his people as their ‘redeemer’ (41:14), creator (43:1), and ‘Saviour’ (43:3). The Lord who once freed them from bondage in Egypt pledges, ‘I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand’ (41:10,13; 43:1,5). God will bring His people back from Babylon against all opposition and will bring comfort to Jerusalem (40:1-9). Kingdoms can rise and fall (40:15-17). The Lord and His Word are above history and all human arrogance.

Today marks a very significant day in the history of Lutheran Mission – Australia. As we formally announce our plans for the formation of Lutheran Theological Seminary - Australia (LTS-A), we are looking to the future with confidence in God’s provision and His continued blessing as we seek to be faithful to His Word and serve the people of this country and beyond for years to come. From our earliest conversations regarding the formation of Lutheran Mission – Australia, we recognised the importance of establishing our own seminary if this new church body was to have a future. A seminary not only forms servants for Christ’s church, but it also safeguards the doctrine of the church by ensuring these servants are formed under the same teaching and united in the same confession.

Lutheran Theological Seminary - Australia is committed to in-person instruction which not only delivers the knowledge that is required to serve as pastors and deaconesses but also provides the environment for Godly formation within the community of faith. Studying and living in community is the essential seed bed that grows men and women for faithful service in congregational communities

For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

Ephesians 3:14-15 

A blessed Father’s Day!

Fatherhood has not received much positive press in recent years. With the continuing devaluation of the family defined as mum, dad and kids, the necessity of fatherhood is even questioned by many within our society. At times, I have heard fatherhood being mocked because of people’s bad experience with fathers, and its value assessed by how well men live up to the expectations associated with this primary vocation.

But this is to fall into the trap of assessing a divine gift on the basis of human frailty and robs us of the joy of knowing the good and blessing God intends for us in His creation of fatherhood.

Some of you had the privilege of meeting Rev. Jeffrey Hemmer at Creative Word Fellowship events in 2023. In his excellent book Man up!’ (1), Pastor Hemmer points out that, “God the Father is eternally Father. The Son of God is eternally Son… There was never a time when the Son did not exist. This relationship is older than creation itself. Fatherhood is older than time. And fathers can understand their calling to be fathers only in light of the eternal relation of the Father to His Son.”

As Hemmer reflects on the verses from Ephesians 3 above, he reminds us that “[t]he apostle’s point is not that earthly fatherhood gives us a helpful metaphor by which we can understand the relationship between divine Father and Son. It’s that every earthly father derives his identity as father not from the gift of children, but from the nature of God the Father Himself.

On 20-23 August 2025, the inaugural LM-A Pastors’ Conference was held at Araluen Lutheran Camp in Anglesea, Victoria. LM-A President, Pastor Matt Anker, described the conference as a time of “great camaraderie, blessing and joy,” noting that he never expected that LM-A would be holding a pastors’ conference so soon, given that our first congregation began services less than 9 months ago! Through God’s blessings, we now have thirteen congregations with more soon to join us, and our first Convention of Synod has been scheduled for 28-31 August 2026, several years earlier than imagined when LM-A first began.

The conference began on Wednesday evening as 27 pastors, including several guests, gathered for an informal evening meal and settled into the accommodations.

The main proceedings commenced bright and early on a chilly morning with a morning devotion and welcome to the special guests at the Conference, including the Keynote Speaker, Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, the Executive Director of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), Rev. David Fleming, Executive Director for Spiritual Care of Doxology and Rev. Matthew Wood, representing the Office of International Mission - Asia.

In this week’s devotion, Pastor Lee van Rossen writes:

When I was 11 years old, my family were members of a Baptist church in the Adelaide Hills, and my parents felt the call to mission work with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea. At our farewell service before getting on the plane, one of the late teenage young men from the church came up to me and gave me a piece of paper with a verse that had given him courage and comfort. It read;

The Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 1:7-8.

At 11 years old, about to leave for Papua New Guinea, it hit straight to my heart. It told me that, even though I was just a kid, almighty God was going to go with me, so I didn’t need to be afraid.

Fast forward a dozen or so years, and I started feeling God’s call to ministry. The same verse that used to be a comfort to me soon became a challenge – ‘go to whom I send you, speak what I command’. I was utterly terrified of public speaking (honestly I’m not much better now) but that same text gave me comfort – even though I am only young, God goes before me, goes with me, and will even guide what I am to say.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Tiredness has become an epidemic in the western world. I’m not talking about that bone weary tiredness that comes from good day’s physical work, where every muscle reminds you that you’ve achieved something for the day. I’m talking about the weariness that comes from the never-ending to do list of modern society. The expectations of others and of ourselves. Being constantly on guard in our hypersensitive culture. And the continual bombardment of information that is impossible to decipher and assess. Even in the much-divided world of Lutheranism in Australia, the one thing we can really agree on is the weariness many of us feel as we reflect on the last 30 years of theological debate and the ongoing tensions that exist as we seek to live according to God’s Word.

So when we are told to lay aside the sin that clings so closely and to run the race set before us with endurance, I wonder if you hear this as yet another wearying demand? Yet another impossibly tiring expectation to add to the already extensive list that bears down on you?

The writer to the Hebrews begins this text by referring back to the previous chapter in which he presents a catalogue of Old Testament saints who endured so much more than we can imagine. And while they were far from sinless, they are commended for the way they endured all manner of hardship, tragedy, heartache and shame because of their constant faith in God’s promises which they knew would be made perfect in the promised Messiah. Yes, they too were weary and burdened and beat down in all sorts of ways, but they were able to endure because they held fast to God’s promises.

“What a beautiful thing it is when women come together in their churches and in their homes around the Word of God! As they study the Word and journey life together, they are moved to an outward-looking lens of how they can share the gospel with others, having an impact for the kingdom.”

This is what Helen Vonow observed when the Lutheran Women in Mission come together for their 2025 Biannual Convention: ‘Growing in God’s Grace’ (2 Peter 3:18), on June 26–29, in Omaha, Nebraska.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

The change that God works within us is termed ‘sanctification’. Luther used ’sanctification’ in the Small Catechism in the broad sense to include all that God does for us, and in us, through his word. This includes justification. This is what Paul means when he declares: “you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

The word ‘sanctify’ simply means to make holy, to be set apart. In the broad sense, sanctification refers to our justification, the fact that we are completely and perfectly holy before God (coram Deo) …

…Conversely, in the narrow sense, sanctification can be used to refer to the process of Christian growth that happens within us. In this sense, we are not describing something that is perfect, far from it. Immediately after justification there is a lifelong process of spiritual growth that happens within us, wherein God makes us more like himself to do good works (Ephesians 2:8-10; Formula of Concord - Solid Declaration III 41). Sanctification, in the narrow sense, is the fact that we are in the process of being made holy. Before the world (coram mundo), we are gradually becoming more like Christ, as we turn away from sin, and God helps us to live according to his will.

Tasmin Bourne is Lutheran Mission -Australia’s latest seminary student. He will complete his pastoral studies at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary St Catharine’s in Canada.

Tasmin has prepared a profile of his family, faith journey and the call to serve God’s people as a pastor.

So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalm 71:18

One of the temptations of old age, when bodily strength and mental alertness begin to falter, is to take refuge in the comforts offered in the here and now. The words of Psalm 71 encourage us, instead, to continue to take refuge in the Lord, who in His righteousness delivers and rescues us (verses 1-3).

The Psalmist, speaking not only of himself but more importantly, speaking words of our Lord Jesus, had placed his hope in the Lord from his youth. Looking further back, he confesses that he trusted in the Lord even before birth. Indeed, it was the Lord who brought him to birth (v 6) - reason for continued praise!

It’s not that the Psalmist’s life had been easy. Many had wanted to shun him (v 7a). He had been a ‘portent’ to them. The word ‘portent’ is reminiscent of Isaiah 52:14 that says, “his appearance was disfigured beyond human semblance, /and his form beyond that of ordinary men”. He had enemies who wanted to pursue and seize him, because they were convinced that God had forsaken him. Yet the Psalmist continued to hope in the Lord and was determined to praise him more and more (v 14). He would tell of the Lord’s countless righteous acts, his saving deeds “all the day” (v 15).

Then comes a model prayer for all who are aged: “So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, /until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come”.  Isn’t it often the case that children have been baptized because of the influence of their grandparents; that it’s grandparents who have influenced their grandchildren for good by taking them to Sunday School and to Divine Service, and by continuing to offer up fervent prayer for them?

LM-A Communications spoke with Pastor Andrew Neumann and his wife, Heather, about their experience of suffering and how it affects their faith.

How have you experienced suffering in your life? 

Pastor Andrew: Just common suffering for 50 years, including some generalised anxiety managed by lifestyle. The last 5 years I have been housebound (no driving, wheelchair outings) with severe ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). This means that “the Spirit is willing, but the Flesh is weak” (both physical and cognitive fatigue). I feel like I’m trapped in a 100-year-old’s body. I must carefully manage my energy (known as pacing, with no ‘pushing’) to avoid energy crashes. Google it for more detail. 

Heather: Having children with extra needs introduced me to suffering. Seeing Andrew suffer now is painful. He misses much of our kids and grandkid’s lives, so they suffer too. Being too unwell for travel means he’s missed family events including our son’s wedding. My carer responsibilities challenge me, particularly carrying the mental load and responsibility by myself.  

There is a lot of talk in the church about sanctification, about following Jesus and being His disciple. There is not a lot of talk about suffering. But the two go together. The Bible describes the Christian life as a life of suffering. The TV preachers describe the Christian life as a life without suffering. Which is it? 

The “Health and Wealth” teachers and the “Prosperity Gospel” take this to the extreme. Sickness, poverty, too many red lights on the way to work are signs of a lack of faith, a lack of God’s blessings. If you are suffering, then you show yourself to be a false disciple of Jesus. This is a horrible and disastrous false teaching.

But there is a subtle “sanctification-means-less-suffering” doctrine in all of us, an inner Buddhist that thinks that our suffering means that we are far from Jesus, our troubles are indications of God’s abandonment. Which is why, I suspect, troubles always stir up questions about God’s location. “Where is God in the midst of trouble?” We ask the question because we think (without thinking) that God must keep suffering at arm’s length, and if we’re suffering, God must keep us at arm’s length. 

This is wrong, totally wrong.

First, God is not a stranger to suffering. The cross shows us this. The prophet Isaiah even gives the name “Man of Sorrows” to Jesus (Isaiah 53:3). No one suffered like Jesus suffered in the garden and on the cross. There all the sins of all humanity and the wrath of God that goes with them is piled on Jesus. When we see Jesus crying out on the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” then we ought, at least, to know that God is not a stranger to suffering.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

John 20:21-23

This past Sunday I had the privilege of installing Pastor Lee van Rossen as pastor to Wistow Lutheran Mission. It was a great joy for the congregation and one that was clearly shared by others as we heard greetings from LM-A members from around the country. So what is it about the installation of a pastor that brings such thanksgiving and joy?

Perhaps you can’t quite put your finger on the answer to this, but your gut tells you it’s a good thing. If that’s the case, your gut feeling is correct. You see, the Office of the Holy Ministry into which pastors are called and ordained is not something a bunch of people dreamed up because they thought it would be a good idea. Rather it is an Office that our Lord Jesus established so that we might receive all the benefits of His life, death and resurrection.

On Sunday, 6 July, Pastor Lee van Rossen was installed as the pastor of Wistow Lutheran Mission in the Adelaide Hills. Pastor Lee was installed by LM-A President, Rev. Dr. Matt Anker, with the assistance of Rev. Dr Greg Lockwood. The service was held at the Wistow Community Hall, where the Wistow congregation has been worshipping since it began in December 2024. Over 100 people, including members of Pastor Lee’s family and visitors from other congregations, attended the service, which was followed by a community lunch.