First assistant bishop for the Northern Territory installed

More than 200 people – mostly from Central Australia and Australia’s Top End – gathered at Alice Springs Lutheran Church late last month to witness the installation of Pastor Stephen Radke as the first-ever assistant bishop for the Northern Territory in the LCA’s South Australia – Northern Territory District (SA–NT District).

The service on 22 February was led by Alice Springs congregation pastor Ben Pfeiffer and SA–NT District Bishop Andrew Brook. It included readings, prayers and hymns in several local Indigenous languages, reflecting the cultural diversity of the Lutheran Church across the Northern Territory.

‘The LCA has a significant footprint in the Northern Territory, and Pastor Stephen has been called to a ministry of oversight, presence and encouragement of the congregations, pastors, people, staff and agencies located there,’ Bishop Andrew said.

Pastor Stephen has served in Alice Springs for the past two years as a pastoral support worker with Finke River Mission. He acknowledged the significance of the new role while expressing humility about what it may bring.

‘None of us knows what having an assistant bishop means for the Lutheran Church in the Northern Territory, least of all me,’ he said. ‘But we are grateful and hopeful as a people of God – a people that is so culturally diverse, it defies reason.’

The installation took place on the first Sunday in Lent. SA–NT Assistant Bishop for Mission and LCANZ Assistant Bishop Stephen Schultz preached on the temptation of Jesus and the cost of discipleship.

Pastor Stephen Radke said the theme provided an important reminder of the suffering that can accompany Christian leadership. ‘It set the scene for a singing-filled, quiet celebration of God’s people that was palpably unified, hopeful and grace-filled,’ he said. ‘People have commented on having sensed “something”, which we know has to do with God being present with his people.’

Pastor Stephen invited the wider church to support the new ministry in prayer. ‘We ask for your prayers, both of thanksgiving and for Jesus’ continued grace to his much-loved Lutheran Church in the Northern Territory,’ he said. ‘If you have the means, please visit the Northern Territory. If you’re seeking a challenge and work in health, education or linguistics, come and serve here.’

Bishop Andrew also encouraged prayer for Pastor Stephen and his wife, Ondre, as they begin this new chapter of ministry. ‘May God grant Pastor Stephen wisdom and strength in his ministry and bless them both with his peace and joy,’ Bishop Andrew said.