Classes a joyful chance for growth

More than 20 students from around Australia and New Zealand attended Australian Lutheran College’s (ALC) winter classes in Melbourne recently.

Held from 26 June until 7 July at St John’s Lutheran Church, Southgate, the face-to-face intensives on offer included ‘Introduction to Christian Mission’, led by Dr Tania Nelson, ‘Preaching the Word’, led by ALC Principal, Rev Dr Tim Stringer, and ‘Moral Theology’, led by Rev Richard Haar. The courses were designed as an opportunity for extra learning for Specific Ministry Pastors, theology students, congregational leaders and other interested people.

Dr Nelson, who was both a course leader and a student of the winter classes, said it was ‘a joy to participate in the intensives’.

‘We had wonderful discussions during the “Introduction in Christian Mission” intensive, where we wrestled with what it means to join God in God’s mission in my local context,’ she said. ‘Then came “Preaching the Word”. Dr Tim had us preaching from Day 1, and though we were prepared, we knew we had a lot to learn. And what tremendous growth we saw in our cohort over only five days. We know we still have much to learn, but feel well-equipped to begin the joyful journey of proclaiming the gospel.’

Dr Stringer also cited the joyful atmosphere of the 12-day event at which 23 people took one or more classes. He said students ‘spent quality time learning together and building relationships and community that will be with us all as we continue in the distributed-learning mode in the future’.

‘There were 19 people enrolled in the preaching unit, and we heard a total of 39 sermons in five days,’ he said. ‘All of us were uplifted by God’s proclaimed word and each other’s presence and feedback.’