A Global Church: Together as One

by Matt Anker

Photographed by Thomas Winger

As I reflect on my recent attendance at the LCC Synod Convention it strikes me just how fitting it was that you met under the theme ‘Together One’. In my recent experience, synodical conventions are not necessarily times of unity or togetherness. With competing theologies at play in many church bodies, these events can often feel more like a battlefield than an expression of our baptismal unity in Christ. So what a joy it was to see this theme of ‘Together One’ lived out as LCC met to elect leaders, consider proposals, worship together and encourage and bless one another in conversation, over food and in light hearted moments together.

It was beautiful to witness the harmony and confessional unity of the church as you worked together for the sake of the gospel. I’ve been around long enough to know that LCC must have her fair share of struggles and challenges, but the manner in which the convention worked together exhibited not only solidarity of faith, but also a deep and abiding trust in your fellow saints. This must never be taken for granted but rather received as a gift of the Lord with thanksgiving and nurtured through a life together under the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was abundantly clear that there is a profound love and respect that is enjoyed between President Teuscher and the members of the church which testified to his pastoral and godly leadership. Rev Bugbee’s presentation recognising President Teuscher’s service to the church in a manner that honoured his late wife, acknowledged the pain of her passing and pointed to the hope we have in Christ was a fitting and moving tribute to a couple who have given their lives for the Church.

As I took the opportunity to catch up with Australian pastors serving in LCC, it was obvious that they have been received with open arms and I thank God for the opportunity you have afforded them to continue to serve with faithfulness to the Lord and His Word.

What an incredible honour and joy to have the convention vote unanimously to recognise fellowship with our fledgling synod! We thank God for the encouragement this brings and for the way this reveals what it truly looks like to have ‘One Lord, One Faith, One Body’ even when we live on opposites sides of the globe! We pray that this relationship will bring blessings to both our churches and to those we serve as we strive to continue ‘Together One’ in our shared mission.

Lutheran Mission – Australia gives thanks God for the LCC and prays that President-elect Haberstock would be granted every good gift needed for his service to the church in the years ahead.

Rev. Dr. Matt Anker is the President of Lutheran Mission – Australia who attended the recent Lutheran Church–Canada Convention in Winnipeg, Canada

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