Leading, serving, belonging
Young people across Lutheran churches, schools and ministry communities are already using their gifts in many ways. From worship and youth ministry to camp leadership and international service, five young people share how their faith has grown and where they see God at work in their lives.
BRONWYN NEWNHAM
17 | One Community Church, Blackburn Vic | Year 11 student at Luther College
Bronwyn is involved with Ignite, a youth-led worship community at Luther College in Melbourne’s east. She is the middle child of three and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, whether that’s hiking, canoeing, playing board games or visiting the beach. As she looks ahead to finishing school and stepping into the next stage of life, she says God’s faithfulness continues to give her confidence and hope.
How did you become involved with Ignite?
I have been involved with Ignite from its beginning. I was part of a group of students, teachers and chaplains who were passionate about exploring what a Luther College church service might look like and what its mission might be within our community.
Having strong connections within our own church and youth programs, we were keen to bring the same vibe and atmosphere to other students exploring their faith in a familiar, safe space. From those ideas and visions, Ignite has grown into a monthly youth-led worship service, where I serve on the worship team and occasionally MC.
What did you enjoy most about the experience?
In being involved in the early stages of Ignite, I loved collaborating with other students, teachers and chaplains across the school. It was so encouraging to work with others in creating spaces where people could encounter Jesus, whatever stage of life they were at.
Ignite has also been a great opportunity to invite friends along. Because the services are held at Luther College, the environment feels familiar and welcoming. It has been powerful to hear people’s stories about how the services have impacted them.
More recently, Ignite Discipleship has begun running alongside the worship services. Through these gatherings, people can explore God’s heart, love and character more deeply, while learning how to live as the hands and feet of Jesus in a constantly shifting culture.
How has Ignite shaped your faith?
Through Ignite, I have discovered the value of community in shaping my faith.
Through Ignite’s vision to unite people across generations, I have personally seen the value in walking in faith with community, because God never intended us to follow him on our own, but encourages us to walk together as one.
With a strong focus on sharing meals and spending time together after services, I have gained a greater appreciation for the way supportive communities can help people at every stage of life. In Ignite’s community, people are able to support one another in their faith journeys.
One of my favourite parts of Ignite is the lighting of candles at the beginning of each service. One is for people who are on fire for Jesus, one for those curious about faith, and one remains unlit for those who are unsure about faith or may not currently have a faith. We welcome them all.
In lighting these candles, we want people to know they are welcomed in a non-judgemental and loving way. I think this reflects the heart of Jesus, who calls all people to himself no matter where they are on their faith journey.
What gifts do you think young people bring to the church today?
I think young people bring a fervent passion, hope and enthusiasm for following Jesus.
Being surrounded by so many incredible young people at Ignite, through my school and through the connections made there, I am constantly inspired by their persistence in faith and by the many different ways they share Jesus with others.
It has been so encouraging to see young people be bold in sharing their faith and testimonies and being vulnerable about how God is working in their lives. The strength and courage shown by young people, supported by the wider community, is a powerful witness to God’s love.
What gives you hope for the future of the church?
The authentic heartbeat of Ignite is bringing people to know the love of Christ through an open and transparent approach that allows them to have ownership in exploring their faith. In this way, it has been powerful in transforming hearts through the love of Jesus.
Through a special time in Ignite worship services called Selah time – a space to sit, reflect and listen to the Holy Spirit – people have been given opportunities to pause and listen for God’s voice.
Seeing the Holy Spirit work in people’s hearts in those moments gives me hope that he will continue to do so. Ignite has helped me realise that when we create space for God to work, he is faithful in ways we could never plan ourselves.
CHARLOTTE DAHLENBURG
18 | St John’s Lutheran Church, Tea Tree Gully SA | Year 12 student
Charlotte serves in worship, youth and camping ministry, helps lead Elevate North, a youth worship gathering in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, and hopes to study youth work after finishing school.
How are you involved in church life and ministry?
I have been helping with worship since I was about eight in a variety of different ways. I started out doing Bible readings, kids’ talks and writing and leading skits. As I got older, I had more opportunities to lead and speak, helping with prayers, opening announcements and blessings every few Sundays from the age of 11.
When I started high school, I joined my school’s student ministry team and helped write and run chapel devotions for both high school and primary school students. In 2024, I started going to youth at Tea Tree Gully Lutheran, where I occasionally helped with running activities, leading and writing messages.
More recently, I had my first camp-leading experience, managed social media for my church’s young adult ministry and helped plan Elevate.
I have always had a big passion for ministry. I never really thought about why I was doing it; I just knew I enjoyed it and loved being able to help others grow in their faith.
Over time, as I became more comfortable in my own faith, my desire to volunteer grew until it became a significant part of my life as a Christian. I really enjoy helping others and learning more about God through the wisdom and experience of those who mentor me.
What has helped you grow in faith and leadership?
I have been very blessed to have strong Christian influences across my family. They have encouraged me in my questions and been there to support me every time I have stepped into a new area of ministry.
My community and congregations over the years have also been important. A large amount of my confidence and the strong foundation of my faith come from the skills I have developed in ministry and the people who have believed in me and seen how I can use the gifts God has given me.
For as long as I can remember, my career aspirations have centred around other people and how I can make their lives better. The specifics of what I did were never as important to me as the impact I could have, and that has been a big part of why I serve in ministry.
What would you like the church to know about young adults?
As young adults, we often lose the structure of school and lack the complete independence and experience to navigate life safely. Many of us are still trying to discover who we want to be outside of our families and friends. It is such a critical time, and I think we as a church could do better at supporting young people through it.
When you’re a young adult, you want to belong. You want someone to be there to answer your honest questions about life. If your community doesn’t provide that, you go searching elsewhere, and not every community is a safe place for this.
I hope the church can be a safe place no matter where someone is in life. I hope the church sees young people as eager to learn, and as equals in the eyes of God. I hope older members of the church remember how it felt to be young and can give future generations opportunities to grow in their faith and help others.
I also hope that young people can grow in wisdom so that, when the next generation comes along, we can encourage and mentor them in turn.
What gifts do young people bring to the church?
I think young people bring a different perspective on life. We are often more willing to ask questions, to learn and to explore what God might be calling us to do.
While older adults have more experience, knowledge and wisdom, I think young people can bring a sense of hope, curiosity and openness. We have a desire to learn and understand the world, and we are often willing to step outside our comfort zones.
The opportunities I have been given through church have helped me develop confidence, build relationships and learn skills I can use throughout my life. I don’t think young people need to wait until they are older to make a difference. If more young people were given opportunities to serve and grow, I think they would develop strong foundations for a lifetime of faith and service.
BRENTON AND KOBE ALBANCES
19 | LifeWay Lutheran Church, Epping NSW | Students
Twin brothers Brenton and Kobe recently spent three months serving in the United States through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) International Camp Counsellor Program. Brenton served at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in Colorado, while Kobe was based at Christikon Lutheran Bible Camp in Montana. Brenton is studying aerospace engineering and exploring a move into seminary studies, while Kobe plans to begin culinary arts studies in 2027.
What led you to become camp counsellors in the United States?
Brenton:
I became involved in the ELCA International Camp Counsellor Program with a lot of help from Pastor Mark Schultz from LCA International Mission, who recommended I apply. Through a lot of forms, interviews and back-and-forth emails, my twin brother and I got accepted into the program.
I was originally apprehensive, as it would affect my studies, and I’d never spent an extended time away from my family. But I decided to take the step, and I’m very glad that I did.
What did you enjoy most about the experience?
Brenton:
My favourite part of the experience was the people I got to meet and the nature I was able to surround myself with over the three months. I’ve met many people I’d say with confidence are lifelong friends and mentors. I’ve fallen in love again with the outdoors, mountains and God’s beautiful creation.
Kobe:
The most enjoyable experience of my three months was definitely spending a week with middle-school kids who came to Christikon for a backpacking trip. It was challenging to push through mountain climbing and poor sleep but very rewarding to see how much the kids grew in their self-confidence and athletic ability.
What did your role involve?
Brenton:
I spent the summer working as a camp counsellor in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I was constantly leading, teaching, looking after and spending time with the children and families who came to camp. Their ages ranged from primary school to high school.
I also spent time with teams of counsellors in churches around Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico, bringing a camp-like experience to children who may not have been able to come to camp because of logistical or financial barriers. I worked alongside a staff of around 50 others, all with the goal of guiding young people to God through the way we interacted with and taught them.
How did the experience shape your faith?
Brenton:
My faith has always been a part of me, whether I fully accepted it or not. I’ve spent time over my life in ministry, including leading Bible studies throughout primary and high school, youth leading and serving at my home church.
I have always liked having a sense of purpose behind anything I do, and I believe that God is calling me to serve his children in particular. In all the small and big moments of ministry and service with youth and children I have experienced, I believe that God is behind every step I take and every conversation I have.
Kobe:
My personal faith has grown as I have been able to take time each day for quiet time in God’s creation and to read his word. Quiet time was an integral part of our life at Christikon, and experiencing a time to rest and reset during a chaotic week and soak in God’s presence was so important. It helped ground me and feel close to him.
What gives you hope for the future of the church?
Brenton:
I am more and more hopeful for the future of the church every time I see a new person step into a role of service at church, or a young person stepping up into service because of encouragement from parents and others in their community.
I know everyone says it, but young people are the future of the church. Young people have the time, abilities and, from what I’ve seen, the hunger to see the church prosper. During my time as a youth leader and camp counsellor, I’ve seen young people give their testimonies, lead worship and serve others in practical ways.
One example that stood out to me was after one of the high school weeks at camp. Eighteen high school students stayed for the following week to help with maintenance and odd jobs around camp, acting as role models and showing that service is not just for adults.
I also believe community outreach is such a vital part of a church’s mission. At a time when social connection is at an all-time low, churches can reach those nearby and welcome them into Christ-centred community.
Kobe:
Young people have so much energy and drive for God’s ministry. We have so much passion and such a heart for our peers and for those in our communities.
Seeing other camp counsellors put 110 per cent into everything they did showed me how God was working in and through them. Their willingness to give up their time to share God’s love and serve others gives me hope for the future of the church.
MANUELA SWIFT
28 | Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Church WA | Children’s ministry facilitator, wellness officer, wife and foster mum
Manuela works as a wellness officer and in the uniform shop at Living Waters Lutheran College, and as the children’s ministry facilitator at Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Church, where she runs a playgroup. She enjoys building connections with students, families and the wider community through her church and college roles.
How did you become involved in child, youth and family ministry?
I was a youth leader for many years and, in 2020, I took on the position of youth coordinator. I began running the youth group instead of leading a small group.
At the end of 2023, our youth group unfortunately came to an end, and our congregation suddenly had several young families. Our congregation saw the opportunity for me to explore what children’s ministry might look like for our community, so my position changed to children’s ministry facilitator.
I have also been heavily involved with Lutheran Youth of WA, meaning my involvement with Rockingham Mandurah Lutheran Church’s children, youth and family ministry was quite a natural fit.
What do you enjoy most about this ministry?
I really love serving in a community context. I am constantly amazed at the people God brings to our doorstep and the conversations I have.
It has been an absolute privilege seeing people come to faith, families experiencing God’s love for them in action through a cuppa or a freezer meal sent home, and others in our community being encouraged to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
I have formed amazing lifelong friendships with families, and it has been a privilege to mentor many people over the years. I love seeing God at work in their lives and in my own.
How has your faith shaped your involvement in ministry and service?
I want people to know how big, deep, long, wide and high the love of God is, and that nothing can separate us from that love.
My desire for people to know that they are one of God’s precious children means I’ve thrown myself into active ministry life and trust that God will use me in whichever area that might be. It has meant I’ve put my hand up over the years to be involved in youth ministry, children’s ministry and district-level ministry. Once a month, I lay-lead our Community Sunday service when our pastor has his rostered week off.
I enjoy sharing the word of God in practical ways and creating a space that makes it easy for people in our community to invite non-Christians, their children and grandchildren.
What gifts do you think young people bring to the church today?
Often young people have a childlike faith and haven’t yet become caught up in all the policies and procedures involved in running a church, important as those things are.
Young people are often willing to learn and give things a go, even when they don’t have all the answers. With encouragement from mature Christians and the power of the Holy Spirit, I believe young people can serve the Lord in mighty ways.
What gives you hope for the future of the church?
As a congregation, we have taken quite a mentoring and sustainability approach. We have a very young church council. Our chairperson, treasurer and secretary are all 30 and under, and the rest of the council are experienced members who actively mentor our younger leaders.
Our congregation supports and encourages ministry initiatives and involvement. As a young person in our community, my congregation hasn’t held me back from doing hands-on ministry but rather come alongside me to mentor me and ask how they can help.
I hope this is the experience in other congregations, as I believe this grows community and future leaders.
This feature story appeared in the October–November 2026 edition of The Lutheran. To subscribe and read more stories from across the LCANZ, visit thelutheran.com.au/subscribe
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