June conference focuses on intercultural congregations

In 2008, Canada welcomed almost 250,000 immigrants with almost 80 percent arriving from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions, and Central and South America. At the same time, Canada’s First Nations population increased at more than eight times the non-aboriginal rate and has the youngest population in the country. 

With its roots in immigration from Europe in the late 19^th and early- and mid-20^th centuries, Lutheran Church–Canada is beginning to reflect and engage the diversity of cultures in Canada.

LCC President Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, Assefa Aredo, Rev. Richard A. Beinert (PAT teacher and mentor). Mr. Aredo of Winnipeg’s Oromo community is now licensed to preach and lead worship.

From June 3-5 representatives of various Lutheran congregations representing at least seven cultural groups will meet in Winnipeg to talk about building relationships with various cultural groups; identifying and sharing resources and learning what it means to be an intercultural church in 21^st century Canada. 

“I know what it is like to be from a different country and trying to understand a new culture,” explained Brazilian immigrant (and recent Canadian citizen) Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, LCC’s mission executive. “The church has such an important role to play in helping people adapt to Canada and to build special bonds with each other and with fellow believers.” 

The conference will include new Canadians from Africa, China, Korea as well as representatives of First Nations and Hispanic congregations and ministries and those who work within the various cultural groups for whom Islam is the major religion. 

One of the challenges LCC faces is providing trained leadership with both the language and cultural skills to serve growing congregations. In 2002 the church body approved a course of pastoral study for men who could serve their cultural group as a pastor. Currently, ten men are studying through the Pastors with Alternate Training (PAT) program. Through distance education, local classes, and mentoring programs with experienced pastors, these men will eventually provide pastoral ministry to their congregations. 

“PAT is similar to the way we have approached pastoral preparation overseas,” noted Dr. Neitzel who provides oversight for the program. “Rather than four years of seminary, which is impossible for someone supporting a family on a minimum income, we provide the same type of course work over a longer period of time.” 

The Winnipeg Intercultural Conference will also provide those new to Lutheran Church–Canada with an introduction to the church’s history and structure with the goal of officially welcoming the various groups into LCC’s congregational fellowship known as the Synod.   

“The heart, core and ultimate goal of the conference is expressed in the words of Psalm 67: ‘that your ways [Lord God] may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you’” said Dr. Neitzel. He hopes the conference will “help us to grow in God’s Word as well as in our intercultural Gospel-proclamation skills.” 

The conference reflects a strategic direction identified by LCC in its 2009 Strategic Plan. The document encourages “Developing innovative missions and promoting intercultural congregations.”

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