Our Structure
The Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) is a 'synodical' church, meaning that every congregation 'walks together' with each other. This same relationship also occurs between every district and every department or agency. We are not isolationist; we support each other and grow together as one church. At the same time, we recognise that every congregation is a unique expression of our church, and we value and celebrate our diversity. So, while all congregations adhere to the LCA Constitution, they are free to exercise their own interpretations of the LCA's mission and ministry objectives.
Structurally, the LCA is governed by a Constitution and responds to the Convention of General Synod (held tri-annually), the Bishop and members of the General Church Board.
General Synod
Every three years representatives of the LCA's parishes meet for the Convention of General Synod, which is our church's primary decision-making body. Pastors provide input regarding theological matters, but in effect, it is the people in the pews, rather than church leaders, who determine the direction of our church.
The Convention of Synod elects national office-bearers, including the bishop and members of the General Church Board, which (after General Synod itself) is the key governing body of the church.
The many mission and ministry services of the LCA are conducted by a vast range of departments, agencies and auxiliaries, which are overseen by governing boards or supported by advisory committees.
LCANZ Bishop's Desk and Secretary of the Church
The LCA Constitution defines the role of the bishop of the church as ‘[to] exercise oversight of the church, promote its spiritual welfare and strive to preserve peace and order’ (Bylaws VIII.B. 1b). The Bishop’s Desk manages functions particularly to do with the oversight of the church; in essence, the office exists to serve the pastors and people of the LCANZ. More particularly, it oversees, promotes and supports the services provided by departments of the church to the wider LCANZ in a coordinated fashion, including International Mission.
Districts
For the purposes of effective governance and administration, the LCA is divided into six regional districts, one of which is the Lutheran Church of New Zealand (which is also a church in its own right). The districts meet every one or two years for their own Convention of Synod, where regional business is conducted and office-bearers, including the bishop, are elected.
For more information about the districts, visit their websites:
LCA Constitution
The LCA Constitution was adopted by the closing conventions of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Australia (27–28 October 1966) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Australia (27–28 October 1966), and by the Constituting Convention of the Lutheran Church of Australia (29 October 1966). All congregations of the LCA adhere to the LCA Constitution.
Relationships with other churches
Christ prayed to the Father that his followers may be one, even as we are already one in faith (John 17:20,21). We are working together with our ecumenical partners wherever possible and exploring how we can grow together in the unity we have in Christ.
The LCA has been in theological dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and the Uniting Church since the 1970s, and is committed to ongoing ecumenical engagement through its ecumenical branch, the Commission on Theological and Inter-Church Relations (CTICR).
We are a member of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) and a signatory to selected parts and dimensions of Australian Churches Covenanting Together, a multilateral initiative of the NCCA.
How did we do?
Did you find what you were looking for? Did you find anything out of date or not working properly? Please tell us how we can improve this page.
