11/07/2026
Episode 2: Our Church | ELCPNG Historical Documentary Series
"Our Church" is a historic 1983 documentary on the growth, life, and work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea.
This film is Episode 2 of the six-episode ELCPNG Historical Documentary Series, produced between 1983 and 1986 during the early years of ELCPNGโs life as an autonomous national church. It is being shared as part of ELCPNGโs 2026 anniversary documentation, as the church gives thanks for 50 years since becoming an autonomous national church in 1976 and 140 years of Lutheran mission in Papua New Guinea since 1886.
The film traces the life of the Lutheran Church from village worship in the Highlands to the wider work of pastors, evangelists, congregations, Tok Ples schools, Christian Press, health services, womenโs ministry, rural development, shipping, radio, and ecumenical cooperation.
More than a church history film, this documentary shows how the Gospel became part of the daily life, struggles, hopes, culture, and identity of communities across Papua New Guinea. It presents a church deeply rooted in the life of the people โ serving through worship, education, health, communication, development, and community action.
Produced in cooperation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea and partner churches, this film stands as an important historical record of ELCPNGโs early years as an autonomous national church.
Production credits:
Direction and production: Gerhard Wahl
Camera: Marian Czura
Focus puller / camera assistant: Edda Schneegelsberg
Sound recorder: Antonella Stillitano
This historic film helps us rediscover how ELCPNG grew into a national church serving the whole life of the people of Papua New Guinea.
As ELCPNG celebrates this important anniversary, the series is shared to preserve our history, honour the work of the church across generations, and pass this story on to the next generation.
Watch this episode via this youtube playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkdEsZWtp9M&list=PLPdMK9jZH1RY&index=1&pp=iAQBsAgC
