Faith and fellowship at WA Mission and Ministry Fest

Members of the LCANZ Western Australia District recently gathered at Rockingham–Mandurah Lutheran Church for the 2026 Mission and Ministry Fest, a weekend of encouragement, learning and fellowship centred on faith and mission.

Held from 27 February to 1 March under the theme ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken’ (2 Corinthians 4:13), the event included worship, keynote sessions and practical ministry electives. The weekend opened on Friday evening with a brief AGM, where delegates heard from WA District Bishop Peter Hage.

Participants also heard from Pastor Matt Schubert and congregation member Tara, from Everhope Church in Secret Harbour WA. Tara shared her journey to faith in Jesus and how her life has changed, offering a powerful testimony of the Holy Spirit at work.

Across Saturday and Sunday, participants gathered for keynote presentations and elective sessions designed to strengthen congregational life and mission. Keynote speaker Pastor Steen Olsen discussed leadership in uncertain times and how congregations can be missional even with limited resources or pastoral support.

Electives explored topics such as Luther’s catechisms, reading Scripture together, leading devotions and facilitating missional change in congregations.

The fest also featured a display from Australian Christian Resources (ACR), which trialled a new ‘virtual assistance’ concept. Resources were available for browsing at the event, and ACR staff joined via live video to answer questions and assist attendees in real-time.

LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith was attending the opening and dedication of the new LCANZ Church House in Adelaide, so he sent greetings in a video message. LLL Australia CEO Karen Pienaar also spoke at the Saturday evening dinner.

Worship throughout the weekend was led by pastors from across the district, with music provided by local musicians. The event concluded with Sunday worship with the Rockingham–Mandurah Lutheran congregation.

Participants said the gathering was both spiritually refreshing and encouraging. One attendee described it as ‘a lovely weekend to gather as a wider church’, while another said they ‘came away so spiritually fed, uplifted and encouraged’.

The fest was supported by the hospitality of the Rockingham–Mandurah congregation and the use of facilities at Living Waters Lutheran College.