Healing power of the gospel

I’m often asked why the LCA has Reconciliation Ministry. The answer is both straightforward and complex. We are a church of the gospel – and the gospel is reconciliation! God has reconciled the world to himself through the death and resurrection of his son Jesus (Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12; Romans 5:8-11). Baptised into Jesus, we are justified by his blood and set free to live an abundant life with him to the glory of God the Father.

Reconciliation Ministry uses the healing power of Christ’s death and resurrection to address sin, guilt, shame, failure, brokenness [and] hurt.

However, when we look closely at the church, we see God’s children – pastors and people – speaking and acting no differently from those outside the church. We experience conflict, too. And we sin. We want, fear and trust other things or people more than God.

In short, the LCA’s investment in Reconciliation Ministry comes from its vision (based on 1 John 4:9-12) ‘to see God’s love in Christ coming to life in people everywhere through a Lutheran Church that joyfully receives, lives and shares the gospel’ (LCA Strategic Direction 2013–2018, page 10).

This ministry provides biblical teaching and skills to equip and support every believer in living their life in Christ, every day, in every relationship they have, whether in a marriage or family, church, school, work or the wider community.

Reconciliation Ministry uses the healing power of Christ’s death and resurrection to address sin, guilt, shame, failure, brokenness, hurt and long-held disappointment or bitterness.

We all experience conflict, we all sin and are sinned against, but we are not always well equipped to respond. We may revert to the self-righteous ‘I’m right, you’re wrong’ attitude. It’s as though we subconsciously ignore Jesus and turn our backs on doing what will glorify God. We close ourselves off from hearing what he has to say.

Reconciliation Ministry provides growth in God’s word so that we respond biblically and draw on the gospel in everyday relationships, experiencing the freedom to confess to those we have sinned against and speak forgiveness to those who confess their sin against us.

In short, it is equipping people to give others hope in life situations through forgiveness in Jesus’ name.

Pastor Paul Kerber is the LCA’s Assistant to the Bishop for Reconciliation Ministry.

Reconciliation for all

Reconciliation Ministry is not just the church’s ‘fixer’ for people in severe conflict. It actually serves every member of the LCA through teaching, training and skill development. It helps God’s people understand their identity in Christ as well as the peace and joy of living the baptismal life. In some cases it serves one on one, other times through church bodies, groups, agencies, departments and auxiliaries.

Contact Reconciliation Ministry at:

a: 197 Archer Street,

North Adelaide SA 5006

e: paul.kerber@lca.org.au

p: 08 8267 7300

or mobile: 0400 186 916

This feature story comes from The Lutheran March 2016. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran or to subscribe.