Asian ministry coordinator to retire

Pastor Brian Shek is retiring as Asian Ministry Coordinator for the LCA, a position he has held since March 2012. Pastor Shek, who will finish in the role in July, is not retiring from pastoral ministry, however, and is keen to continue to serve the LCA.

Dr Tania Nelson, the LCA’s Executive Officer – Local Mission, said Pastor Shek had seen many changes to Asian ministry in the church during his time in the position. In the role he has worked with the Board for Mission, the interim Board for Local Mission and the Committee for Cross-Cultural Ministry (a committee of the Council for Local Mission).

‘He has seen the growth of Asian Ministry in the LCA and the tremendous potential for growth’, Dr Nelson said. ‘He has been a mentor, support and pastor to many, and has preached in congregations from Perth to Melbourne, Brisbane to Auckland and many places in between.’

Pastor Shek also has served the LCA more broadly, including as a consultant to the Queensland District’s Ministry and Mission Committee and the New South Wales District’s Asian Ministry Council.

‘Throughout his career, Brian has demonstrated a genuine and passionate commitment to the Lutheran Church of Australia, and believes that love comes to life when we welcome all into our homes, our communities and into the body of Christ’, Dr Nelson said.

A new position – Cross-Cultural Ministry Facilitator – will replace the role of Asian Ministry Coordinator. The executive office of LCA Local Mission will call for expressions of interest in the new position in the coming weeks.