29/06/2026
During the week of 7-12 June, about 50 pastors of the Cape Evangelical Lutheran Church (Cape Church), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (DELKiN) and the Northeastern Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa (NELCSA) attended a joint pastors' convocation in the Padre Pio Centre of the Capuchin Franciscans – a place of peace and tranquillity set in beautiful surroundings next to Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Pretoria.
[link to the gallery at the bottom]
It was a most blessed retreat, which comprised quiet time, inspiring devotions and Bible studies, enthusiastic singing, informal fellowship and happy meals together, much laughter (even passionately watching and supporting Bafana Bafana’s World Cup game!), lectures, and serious deliberations on challenges in the ministry, and of course, praying together – it was a joyous reunion with colleagues. Although from different churches, everybody was conscious of a tangible unity and the need for cooperation.
Several important topics were introduced and discussed. There is consensus that achieving greater unity among Lutheran churches in Southern Africa remains an important goal, but there are still some stumbling blocks to overcome. Another interesting topic was on what membership of a Lutheran congregation entails. The joint meeting also took note of challenging legislation regarding the publication of photos or videos and the payment of royalties for the use of published music in our church’s ministries. How to make use of more creative Bible study methods was also demonstrated. The meeting was also informed of the possible restructuring of theological training.
The meeting expressed gratitude for the great work currently being done in theological training.
Someone remarked that a thorough discussion of the prophetic voice of the Lutheran Church in our broken societies of today could have received more attention.
The main topic, however, on which much time was spent, was considering new models and structures to make space for and empower lay ministry. An increasing number of congregations face the challenge of no longer being able to afford a full-time pastor. But that is not the only reason why enhancing the “priesthood of believers" needs our urgent attention; it is a theological imperative that through baptism, all members are “ordained” or receive their vocation to help build the church as the body of Christ. The pastor’s specific role is to equip the believers for their ministries (see Ephesians 4:12). That will require a rethinking of our ministry models and church structures and especially our church culture. The meeting was excited to learn of the great progress made in training and equipping lay members, as well as the continued theological training of ministers. The pastors discussed practical, effective ways to empower members to take responsibility for various facets of the ministry. The church is blessed with so many gifts of the Spirit among its talented and dedicated members; we should make a bigger space for their contributions and equip them.
It was a most fruitful couple of days. All the pastors could return to their congregations better equipped and with renewed dedication. Grateful for the opportunity, I personally went home with a sense of awe after experiencing how blessed the Lutheran churches are with all the gifted and dedicated pastors and vicars (women and men) God has given to the church.
- PASTOR GIDEON VAN DER WATT
https://www.lutherancape.org.za/joint-pastors-convocation-in-pretoria/
-Lutherische Kirche in Namibia - DELK -Lutherische Kirche in Namibia - DELK
