Camaraderie, blessing and joy
Some of the pastors who gathered at Araluen for LM-A’s inaugural Pastors’ Conference. Left to right: Pastor Mark Hampel, Dr Greg Lockwood, Pastor Sam Modra, Pastor Wally Schiller, Pastor Martin Scharnke, Pastor Matthew Wood (OIM - Asia), Pastor Mark Nitschke, Pastor Michael Prenzler, Pastor David Buck and (kneeling) Pastor Lee van Rossen.
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.
Across the three days of the conference, the pastors gathered received wonderful in-depth encouragement and teaching on a range of subjects.
Pastor David Fleming receives a small gift of thanks for his wonderful teaching from Pastor Mathew Ker.
The first speaker was Pastor David Fleming from Doxology, a Lutheran organisation which provides training, mentoring and consultation services for pastors seeking to enhance their ability to help people struggling with the ever-increasing personal, family and social complexities of contemporary life. Across the three days, Pastor David provided deeply healing and helpful teaching for the pastors on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, how to defend against the attacks of the devil and navigating the difficult times we are going through. You can read more about Pastor Fleming and the work of Doxology in this issue.
Dr Joel Lehenbauer gave our pastors much food for thought as the Keynote Speaker.
Pastor Matthew Wood presented a fascinating after-dinner presentation on vindication, which provoked excellent discussion and reflection.
As the Keynote Speaker, Dr Lehenbauer led an in-depth analysis and discussion of church fellowship as expressed through the Lord’s Supper. Dr Lehenbauer’s presentations each day were remarkable for their wisdom, humour and humility, and his profound support for the mission of LM-A.
In addition to these guest presenters, the conference featured a detailed exegetical paper on the pericope for Proper 17, Year C (last Sunday’s readings), a confessional paper exploring the biblical and confessional understanding of the conscience, and daily discussion sessions on a range of topics including the lectionary, the use of various Bible translations and the future needs of the church.
President Matt Anker and Vice President Mathew Ker
President Matt Anker reported on the development of LM-A, the profound sense of unity and joy he has noted when visiting congregations and the challenges we face.
While the conference days were jam-packed with content, many present felt that it was the best pastors’ conference they had ever experienced. Particularly of note was the absence of conflict and tension, and the rich and godly teaching they had received. Pastor Neil Guthrig, a guest at the conference, said "It was the best Pastors’ Conference I've attended since arriving in Australia 27 years ago. The fellowship of like minds and the sense of unity was refreshing." Another pastor commented that “It was a joy to find a home amongst brethren who share the same confession of faith and to serve them with Jesus’ life-giving and life-sustaining Word.” A third pastor remarked that for the first time he was leaving energised and encouraged.
The staff at Araluen Lutheran Camp, led by LM-A members Kerry and Darren Linke, kept everyone very well-fed, with delicious meals and gracious, smiling service. Many attendees enjoyed early morning walks (and in some cases runs!) exploring the beautiful surroundings, especially the nearby beach. There was a constant buzz of happy conversation and mutual consolation.
Each day began and ended with worship, led by different pastors each time. The closing worship service on Saturday night followed the Order for Confession and Absolution. Pastor Matt Anker provided individual absolution for each person attending. It was profoundly moving to witness the Holy Spirit at work healing hurts, lifting burdens and forging strong bonds between the brothers.
The following morning, the pastors attended worship with Geelong Lutheran Mission. Vice President Pastor Mathew Ker led the liturgy and Pastor Matt Anker preached the sermon. Seven pastors were then welcomed formally into the College of Pastors in a Rite of Reception. While many of these faithful pastors have been serving LM-A congregations for some time, this was the first opportunity they had to gather together for the rite. Among those welcomed were Rev. Dr. Greg Lockwood, Rev. Bryce Clark, Rev. David Buck, Rev. Avito da Costa, Rev. Martin Scharnke, Rev. Mark Nitschke and Rev. Sam Modra. There was a palpable feeling of joy as each faithful pastor was received into the College of Pastors.
The good people of Geelong Lutheran Mission made the visiting pastors feel very welcome, and shared a delicious luncheon with the large crowd after the service. Many thanks to all involved at Geelong LM, and to Pastor Mathew Ker who organised the Pastors’ Conference.
Rev. Dr. Greg Lockwood, Rev. David Buck, Rev. Avito da Costa, Rev. Martin Scharnke, Rev. Bryce Clark, Rev. Mark Nitschke and Rev. Sam Modra were joyfully received into the College of Pastors during worship at Geelong Lutheran Mission on Sunday 24 August.