Service, study and life on the SMP pathway

Australian Lutheran College has a diverse group of students who are on a pastoral ministry journey. One such student is Stefan Volejnik, who is currently enrolled in a Graduate Diploma of Divinity.

Stefan is currently working in full time ministry as the Youth and Families Coordinator at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Buderim. He is in the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program and on the path to being ordained so that he can serve as a pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The LCAQD reached out to Stefan and asked him to share a little about himself via some Q&A:

Where did your faith journey begin?

I have been part of a Christian family my whole life and faith has always been a part of my journey. However, I would say that my walk with Jesus came to the surface as something important to me through attending a youth camp in high school. Being mentored and cared for by some amazing Christians showed me what it was like to truly live a life of faith, and I felt drawn to step into that life because of them.

Were you raised Lutheran?

Coming from the Czech Republic, my family and I came through several different denominational spaces as I grew up, including the Brethren church, Baptist and others. After attending a Lutheran school for a while, I found my church home at Immanuel and have been a part of the Lutheran Church since.

Rising above, beyond and together: LYQ LIFT Conference 2026

Leadership and discipleship are deeply connected. Both begin with following Christ, serving others, and responding to God’s call with courage and compassion. At LYQ LIFT Conference 2026, young people in Years 7 to 12 from Lutheran schools and congregations across Queensland were invited to explore this connection, discovering that leadership is not simply about influence or achievement, but about living out faith in ways that make a difference.

Held at the Griffith University Multi-Faith Centre, the conference brought together young leaders under the theme Leading with Heart. Making a Global Difference. Through spiritual reflections, keynote presentations, workshops and shared conversations, students were encouraged to consider how Christian leadership can contribute to a more just, compassionate and hopeful world.

Organised by Lutheran Youth of Queensland in partnership with Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) and Lutheran Education Australia, and generously sponsored by LLL Australia, the conference focused on developing young people who understand leadership as service. From the outset, participants were challenged by a simple but powerful idea: leadership begins with seeing people as God sees them.

Bethlehem and Woongoolba State School - celebrating 150 years together

What a wonderful day celebrating Woongoolba State School's 150th anniversary - 1876-2026! 🎉

Members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church Woongoolba were delighted to have a space in 'Memory Lane' as part of the school's 150th anniversary celebrations.

The occasion was particularly special for the congregation because the church is also celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Two important components of the community, marking this important milestone together.

The Memory Lane display provided an opportunity to share some of the history of Bethlehem congregation and the long connection between church, school, and the wider Woongoolba community.

It was wonderful to see members taking part in the celebrations, catching up with old friends and former students, sharing stories and enjoying memories of years gone by.

Congratulations to Woongoolba State School for 150 years! Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a wonderful community celebration. 

And as we celebrate with the school, we also look forward to continuing the celebrations for Bethlehem Lutheran Congregation's 150th Anniversary throughout 2026. 

1876-2026 - 150 years of faith, education, friendships, memories and community. ❤️ 

Book launched detailing history of St Peters

by Denise Grieshaber

On Sunday 30 August 2026 following the usual worship service, a recently completed history book, From Resurrection to St Peters: a congregation’s journey 1960s–2026, was launched. The book is the culmination of an ambitious idea developed during the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of congregational worship at the Indooroopilly campus of St Peters Lutheran College.

On Sunday 6 July 2025, we celebrated - to the day - the 50th anniversary of the first worship service of the congregation, initially named Resurrection Lutheran Church. Our service leaders were Pastor Geoff Burger, who had initially led services for the congregation in the 1960s, and Pastor Ulf Metzner, a former congregational pastor (1982–1993).

A unique characteristic of our church community is our chosen location, within the broader St Peters Lutheran College community. Other Lutheran schools have been born from a parent congregation, but we are a congregation that found a home on the campus long after the College had been established. In more recent times, the College has also become the worship home for QAC (Queensland Asian Congregation, St Peters.)

Lutheran Services steps out for Brisbane Walk My Way

Staff from Lutheran Services turned compassion into action, walking together with the wider community to raise vital funds so that vulnerable children around the world can have a better future.

Almost 700 people stepped out for Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) Walk My Way in a day of connection, shared purpose and practical action.

Together, friends, families and colleagues raised more than $100,000 to support thousands of girls in refugee camps in Kenya and Somalia to access education and reduce their risk of child marriage.

Lutheran Services walked alongside representatives from congregations, Lutheran Youth of Queensland, Lutheran Education Queensland, the Office of the Bishop, Church Office and the wider community.

Every step reinforced a simple but powerful message: every girl is precious and deserves the opportunity to learn, feel safe and pursue her hopes for the future.

Education changes everything. When girls stay in school, they are safer, healthier and the chance to pursue their dreams.

Around the world, many girls are forced to grow up far too soon. In refugee camps in Kenya and Somalia, girls are at risk of child marriage because their families struggle with poverty and limited opportunities.

Supporting the community is at the heart of the Lutheran faith, and these walks are a powerful way to gather in love and reach out to some of the most vulnerable people in the world.