Ministry enrolments boost continues at ALC

The 2025 academic year has seen an influx of new students enrolling in study at Australian Lutheran College (ALC), with many embarking on a pathway leading to pastoral ministry within the Lutheran Church.

In Semester 1 this year, there were 18 students seeking to enter ordained ministry in the LCANZ, and while enrolments in Semester 2 are yet to be finalised, it appears an additional 20 students are enrolling in ministry studies in the second half of this year at ALC.

ALC Principal Rev Dr Tim Stringer said factors behind this growth included the change in the way ALC delivers its courses – it is no longer a requirement to move to Adelaide for pastoral ministry studies – as well as the flexible approach it takes towards planning individualised pathways for its students and the LCANZ’s significant change in teaching around the issue of ordination.

‘Student numbers would suggest that there has been a considerable increase in confidence in the training programs ALC is delivering,’ Dr Stringer said.

‘The increase in enrolments and the level of participation in ALC’s recent intensives held in Melbourne speaks to this success. The intensives were well attended, and the atmosphere was both joyful and uplifting.

‘Given that these students are preparing for service in the church, it was especially encouraging to see them interacting respectfully during their time together and being accepting of each other’s perspectives and contributions. It was further heartening to hear that students – especially the women in the group – felt safe participating in discussions and putting their learning into practice.

‘ALC looks forward to partnering with congregations as, inspired by the Spirit, members continue to encourage potential pastors and lay workers to embark on formal training for ministry.’

Enrolments in most 2025 units are now closed; however, enrolments for the online Liturgy and Church Rites intensive, which begins in October, are open until mid-September.

ALC welcomes inquiries from potential students year-round. For more information on the courses ALC provides, visit www.alc.edu.au or email enquiries@alc.edu.au