CONFERENCE: Many cultures, one faith
See the 2019 Cross-Cultural Ministry conference resources here.
Cross-Cultural Ministry
About us
Cross-Cultural Ministry exists to nurture an inclusive missional culture, where new and existing cross-cultural communities are developed, strengthened and integrated into the life of the church.
We support Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) districts in ministering to and with new arrivals in Australia and New Zealand, and we encourage the celebration of cultural expressions of the one faith and the development of culturally intelligent mission-oriented leadership.
The Committee for Cross-Cultural Ministry supports the work of Tania Nelson (Executive Officer – Local Mission) and Brian Shek (Asian Ministry Coordinator).
Cross-Cultural Ministry is one of five departments in the Local Mission office. Partnering with us in mission are:
What we do
We assist churches to minister across cultures. We work with church leaders and pastors to build cross-cultural understanding. We provide training and mentoring for multicultural communities. In doing so, we aim to further the growth and development of cross-cultural mission and ministry. We also provide cross-cultural grants to congregations who require financial support to begin local cross-cultural ministry.
Why we do it
We are motivated by Deuteronomy 10:17–19 (MSG): ‘God, your God, is the God of all gods … He makes sure orphans and widows are treated fairly, takes loving care of foreigners by seeing that they get food and clothing. You must treat foreigners with the same loving care – remember, you were once foreigners in Egypt’.
We seek to ‘go as God’s people’. It is simply about mission, building relationships and seeing all people come to faith in Jesus. We do this because we have been called by the church to ‘support the development and growth of new mission fields which God has already opened to us’ (LCA Strategic Priority 2.5).
We also aim to develop culturally intelligent mission-oriented leadership.
How we do it
We provide funds that assist communities to develop self-sustaining cross-cultural ministries. We walk with cross-cultural communities and church leaders to develop their ministry in our multicultural society.
Resources
- Understanding Cross-Cultural and Migrant Ministry
- 'God's gift of the stranger amongst us' Bible study and leader guide; 'God's gifts amongst us' Bible study.
Cross-Cultural Ministry Grants
Cross-Cultural Ministry grants are for congregations who require financial support for the growth and development of cross-cultural mission and ministry. The Cross-Cultural Ministry Grant Booklet is essential reading prior to submitting an application and provides details of grant assessment criteria as well as reporting requirements. Grant applications close on 30 September each year. Upon receipt of funding, a mid-year status update report is due by 30 June and an annual grant acquittal report is due by 31 January each year.
LCA submissions
The Committee for Cross-Cultural Ministry, on behalf of the LCA, responded to the Senate Inquiry into the Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment Bill. See the LCA submission here.
LCA Immersion Tour
Cross-Cultural Ministry hosted an LCA study and immersion tour to Adelaide for all members and friends of Asian Lutheran communities in the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand. Thirty people gathered in North Adelaide for this inaugural immersion tour held from 17 to 21 July 2018. The group learned of the work of Australia Lutheran College, the LCA National Office and the LLL, and visited Lobethal, Hahndorf and the Barossa Valley. Tour participants shared that the LCA immersion tour was a precious experience where they learnt more about the LCA and the history of the Lutheran Church as well as meeting new friends and strengthening relationships between congregations.
Cross-Cultural Ministry
Executive Officer – Local Mission
Dr Tania Nelson
tania.nelson@lca.org.au
Asian Ministry Coordinator
Pastor Brian Shek
brian.shek@lca.org.au
