God is at work through his people

Are you worried about our church because congregations are shrinking or closing, while others are without a pastor? And what about the people who may miss out on hearing the gospel because of these trends?

Despite our fears, God is at work in our church and our communities. There are green shoots of growth in his kingdom. These include new congregations being planted by people like Jacob and Kate in Canberra, and Matt and Becca in Rockingham, Western Australia.

Jacob and Kate have been involved in Immanuel Woden Valley’s journey as a sending church and Jacob co-led the congregation’s first missional community. He is now employed by their church while completing theological studies. A statistician, Kate is also a member of the LCA’s Committee for New and Renewing Churches. Jacob says: ‘Canberra has the second-highest percentage of non-religious people in Australia – imagine what would change if more people experienced the love and hope we receive from Christ.’

With a background in youth and young adult ministry, Matt is completing his Master of Theology through ALC and working with Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Church in their church planting journey. Student Becca enjoys joining Matt in ministry. Matt says: ‘Did you know 1.2 million West Australians don’t know the gospel of Jesus? Church planting is the best way to change that.’

They can’t do this alone though – they need your support. That’s why you’ll soon hear in your congregation how to share in this exciting outreach through Local Mission’s appeal.

As well as enabling our LCANZ church planters to share the good news of God’s amazing love, your prayers and gifts support the vital mission work of Cross-Cultural Ministry, Ministry with the Ageing, Grow Ministries and Lutheran Media.

• Visit www.staging.lca.org.au/spread-the-word to find promotional materials (A5 flyers, PowerPoint slides and social media posts) to help you spread the word about our Story of the Week.
• Read the full Story of the Week and others like it in The Lutheran. 11 editions/year. Only $30 (digital) or $45 (print or print & digital – Aust), $47 (NZ). Gift subscriptions available. To subscribe: online www.thelutheran.com.au email lutheran.subs@staging.lca.org.au phone 08 8360 7270