New resource introduces key Lutheran teachings

‘Presence’ is a nine-part video series with newly added companion study guides that introduces people to what Lutherans believe. A project of the LCANZ Churchwide Office, this versatile and free faith-life resource unpacks key Lutheran teachings using the films as conversation starters.

The videos have been available for a number of years, and the study guides were officially released last week.

The Presence videos and study guides are adaptable to many settings within congregations, schools and aged-care and community care centres.

Pastor Dan Mueller, from Immanuel Lutheran Church Buderim in Queensland, said his congregation had used Presence ‘in a variety of ways: as a small group resource to dig deeper into the Lutheran faith, as an introductory course for newcomers, and even as a way to gather us at the start of worship’.

Presence has also been used in Lutheran school settings, with Pastor Matt Wilksch from St Peters Lutheran College at Springfield in Queensland, explaining that it was used during staff devotion time to help staff without a Lutheran background to ‘understand the purpose of the Lutheran Church, and to reflect on the deep questions of life and faith’.

‘The video series presents topics in such an engaging and thought-provoking way,’ he said. ‘I am receiving very positive feedback, which suggests the videos are resonating deeply. I’m so delighted to see our church produce such a fantastic resource.’

Presence is also ideal for people new to the Lutheran Church or curious to learn more, as well as for people who have begun work in a Lutheran school, aged-care or community organisation.

LCA Churchwide Office Finance Manager Saliya Hatangala described the videos as ‘a standout feature’ of the LCA’s staff induction.

‘It sets the tone for service, not merely as a job, but as a vocation rooted in shared faith and community,’ he said. ‘Focusing on the themes of God’s presence, communal belonging, personal attentiveness, and the use of God-given gifts, the series lays a solid foundation for meaningful and compassionate work.

‘I left the induction not just with information, but with inspiration, a renewed sense of calling, and a desire to be present, in every sense of the word, as I embark on my journey within the LCA.’

One of the Presence videos was also used during a devotional time for the youth group at St Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa, South Australia. St Petri Child, Youth and Family Ministry Director Sharon Green said the short video message ‘opened a fantastic discussion among our teens and leaders’. ‘[It is] a great conversation starter about life, faith and God’s truth for us from the word,’ she said.

At Warradale Lutheran Church in suburban Adelaide, the Presence videos were shown during a Sunday evening service for those unable to attend the Sunday morning worship. Congregation member Priscilla Rathjen said the videos were ‘suitable for new and well-established Christians, and they could also be an outreach opportunity’. ‘I really enjoyed this affirmation of my own faith,’ she said. ‘I am never too old to learn more about Jesus and his great love for us.’

‘The Presence video series is a fantastic resource – visually stunning, theologically rich, and incredibly versatile,’ Pastor Mueller said. ‘We are so grateful that the LCA Churchwide Office has made this high-quality series available to everyone for free.’

Watch the videos and download the study guides for free at www.staging.lca.org.au/presence

Promote Presence in your congregation with our bulletin inserts and PowerPoint slides at www.staging.lca.org.au/bulletins-and-announcements/presence-series