New church plant reaching students and families

Supported by an LCANZ Local Mission Fund grant, Encounter Lutheran Church was launched this year through a partnership between Trinity Lutheran Church Ashmore and Trinity Lutheran College. Here’s how the ministry is already connecting with students, children and families.

We praise and thank God for the support of Trinity Lutheran Church Ashmore (TLCA) as Encounter Lutheran Church continues to grow on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

This project began with weekly online prayer meetings several months before the launch, and those gatherings continue today. Encounter was officially launched on Easter Sunday this year, with 131 people attending. Those present included TLCA members, as well as friends and family members of people volunteering their time to support the church plant.

A ministry support team was established to support our church planter, Chaplain Tala Aufai, in this important gospel ministry. The support team includes a coordinator, treasurer, secretary, praise and worship leader, hospitality leader, AVA leader, youth ministry leader and Sunday school leader.

A website was launched at encounterlutheranchurch.com with the clear message of inviting people to encounter God through our ministry.

Several outreach and ministry initiatives are now established. Encounter Youth meets weekly at Trinity Lutheran College, Ashmore, with around 20 students attending regularly during term time. Around 20 children also attend the kids’ club each week through the Outside School Hours Care program. Sunday school (Kids for Christ, KFC) was launched in May and regularly attracts five to nine children, supported by five Sunday school teachers.

Average attendance at Encounter worship services over the past few months has been around 20 people.

Outreach activities have included a Mother’s Day celebration, the distribution of Gideon Bibles donated by the TLCA council chair, a Connect4 challenge, school holiday worship gatherings and games, the display of Encounter teardrop flags during Sunday services, and the distribution of postcards to local residents.

In October, Encounter hopes to launch a youth worship service alongside its regular worship service and Sunday school program to minister to students who regularly attend Encounter Youth. We pray their parents will also join Encounter services while their children participate in youth worship.

We pray that God will continue to grow the ministry, including increasing church membership and expanding opportunities to connect with children and families.

We feel blessed by the creativity and enthusiasm of chaplains Tala Aufai and Samuel Fletcher as they serve collaboratively for the gospel. We give thanks to the TLCA council and members for their faithful prayers and support, and to the ministry support team for their tireless service.

Please pray for the Encounter ministry, that God would work in the hearts and minds of college staff, parents and students, drawing them nearer to him.

Dr Tsae Wong retired as principal of Trinity Lutheran College after 12 years in the role. She is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church Ashmore Qld and coordinates the ministry support team for Encounter Lutheran Church.

Trinity Lutheran Church Ashmore was one of 10 congregations that received grants through the inaugural round of the LCANZ’s Local Mission Fund. Now in its second year, the fund was established to help congregations, districts and agencies as they seek new ways to reach their neighbours and local communities with the gospel. Expressions of interest for 2027 grants are now open and close on 20 August 2026. Click here for more information.