THE LUTHERAN March 2018

N A TIO N A L M A G A ZIN E O F THE L U THE RA N C HU RC H O F A U STRA LIA

MARCH 2018

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VOL 52 NO2

SOUL MATES

Defence chaplains provide gospel presence

LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA

H IGHLAND SISTER ACT

EDITORIAL Editor Lisa McIntosh p 08 8267 7300 m 0409 281 703 e lisa.mcintosh@lca.org.au

Siblings Caity and Maddy Uebergang paused to take in the breathtaking scenery – and some compelling reading from home – during a holiday in Scotland. The sisters, who are members of St Paul’s Lutheran Church Yandilla, in Queensland, are pictured at Glenfinnan Viaduct near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.

Executive Editor Linda Macqueen p 08 8339 5178 e linda.macqueen@lca.org.au

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The Lutheran also provides a forum for a range of opinions, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or the policies of the Lutheran Church of Australia.

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MARCH

Special features EDITOR'S

Letter

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I have been extremely blessed never to have known war firsthand.

But the horrors of deadly hostilities have touched members of my family and congregation, as well as friends and colleagues.

The good fight

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Hope in a sea of conflict

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Witness to unity won on the cross

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My mum’s cousin was killed in New Guinea in World War II. The father of a church friend was a prisoner of war in Russia. And several of my friends’ parents fled Europe, some to escape the Fascists, some the Communists.

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My school classmate came to Australia as a refugee from Vietnam in the 1970s.

My former work colleague became an alcoholic, lost his marriage and suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after two tours of duty in Vietnam.

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I marched among 100,000 people against Australia’s participation in the War in Iraq in 2003.

But I have never known war.

Many of you would have personal experiences of conflict, of civil or even world proportions. So I don’t need to convince you there are no winners in war. The only certainties are death and destruction.

Even on peacekeeping missions, there is often loss of life.

So is war ever justified? As Christians, it’s no wonder we struggle morally and spiritually with the concept of war. We know that Jesus came to replace Old Testament law of retribution and reprisal with New Testament gospel of grace and mercy. ‘An eye for an eye’ makes way for ‘Turn the other cheek’ and ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’.

Of course, world peace is a dream we – and seemingly every Miss Universe contestant – probably all share. But, sadly, sin makes it just that – a dream.

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Regulars Heartland

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Dwelling in God’s word: The Christian and war

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Going GREYT!

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#youngSAVEDfree

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Go and Grow

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The inside story

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Reel Life

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Notices

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Directory

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Your voice

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Coffeebreak

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Given that war will be with us while sin is with us, it is also a given that we will have defence forces in Australia and New Zealand.

In this issue, we are privileged to hear from LCA pastors who, as defence chaplains, serve those who face unique physical challenges, ethical dilemmas and life-and-death issues in their work. By being a gospel presence in extraordinary environments, chaplains bring comfort and sow seeds for the Spirit to nurture.

You can also delve further into questions about war and faith through a short Bible study by a former defence chaplain.

And, as we prepare for Easter in Lent, we share the happy news of Lutherans in a Queensland city who are joining other Christians to celebrate Jesus’ win over sin in a wonderful show of unity.

I pray these stories will inspire you and give us all cause to reflect on how blessed we are to live in relative safety and security, free from the horrors of war.

Lisa

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Our cover: Main picture – Pastor Darren Jaensch contemplates a six-month tour of duty as Chaplain of the 4th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment based at Balibo on the border of West and East Timor in 2001.

Photo: Corporal Darren Hilder © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence. Now Director General Chaplaincy – Army, Principal Chaplain Jaensch shares his story on pages 5-6.

Other images – istock.com and dreamstime.com

JES U S I S G OD'S LOVE. HE G IVES U S NE W HE ARTS TO L AY AS IDE O UR OL D WAYS, TO B EL IE VE AND FOL LOW HIM, TO L IVE WI T H HIM E VERY DAY.

heartland

REV JOHN HENDERSON

Bishop Lutheran Church of Australia

A SE ASON OF G ROW TH new life of Easter. Here in the south, Lent doesn’t When you read this Heartland it is likely to be the have the same advantages. season of Lent. While most Christian seasons and festivals feature less in our lives than they once did, Our modern conveniences also make us less Lent has managed to hang on. People might not conscious of the need for seasons – unless, of fast as much and perhaps not as many of us give course, we work in agriculture or horticulture. We things up for Lent, but at least we remember it. Lent buy all sorts of fresh produce in and out of season. is the 40-day prelude to the passion of Christ. We Our houses are warm or cool, and insulated. Unless still hold midweek devotions in many places. The the weather is extreme, we can travel year-round. other day I picked up the 40 Days Advances in medicine also make us a Lenten prayer guide published a little less conscious of the seasons

by LCA International Mission, just of life. We sometimes even imagine Christians have this one example of the many excellent we can live in a kind of perpetual resources available for private youth, as though life didn’t have its season of GROWTH devotion during Lent. natural seasons.

and MATURITY

In our Sunday services we observe But, to balance all that, we Christians Lent by dropping the ‘Hallelujahs’ which helps put have this season of growth and and replacing them with responses maturity which helps put life into its life into its proper such as, ‘Christ humbled himself proper perspective. Lent opens our and became obedient unto death, perspective. Lent opens eyes to see things as they actually even death on a cross’. Sundays are, not as we might imagine or our eyes to see things are ‘in’ and not ‘of’ Lent, but it still want them to be. And, thankfully, gives Sunday services a slightly unlike Christmas, Lent is not as they actually are. more sombre tinge. It reminds us dominated by sentimentality and of our Lord’s agony and death, advertising. Lent is still very clearly and of our own culpability in a season for Christians. bringing that about. So it is a time for repentance This very special season heartens and encourages and confession, and for contemplating the cycle of me in my life and in my faith. I hope you can feel the life and our often fragile, fallen humanity. same way. May God draw you closer this Lent, as In the northern hemisphere, Lent makes a more you engage in its reflective worship and midweek devotions. May you grow in knowing Christ’s healing natural impression on wider society. There it marks presence. May we all turn back to him with all our the coming of spring after the long, cold winter. As hearts. I pray that, as baptised believers, we use this the 40 days pass, the weather warms up, dormant season to renew our vows to love and to serve him plants return to life, bulbs push up through the soil, until he meets us again in glory in the coming age. and everything seems to be getting ready for the

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Photo: Corporal Darren Hilder © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

Chaplain Darren Jaensch of the 4th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (centre) leads the faithful to a church service at Balibo on the border of West and East Timor in 2001.

The G OO D F IG H T In their daily work, members of the defence forces may face danger, hardships and family and relationship pressures, and often encounter moral and spiritual challenges. That’s where defence chaplaincy has a role to play, says Principal Chaplain Darren Jaensch.

Members of the defence forces often compromise their own comfort and safety in seeking to protect the freedoms we as Australians and New Zealanders enjoy.

Those who have faith need to be supported and ministered to, especially when they are isolated from their home church or religious community. Others may become open to faith and spiritual growth when confronted with alternative realities or removed from their usual supports.

Defence chaplains provide pastoral, spiritual and religious support to people (souls) in this context.

Chaplains also advocate for the powerless and speak an alternative and fearless voice to commanders.

Chaplains educate and influence commanders and troops alike in the reality of the spiritual dimension to life, moral consequences, the importance of character and faith, and compassion in the sacred encounters of life. And, often, our very presence is a simple reminder of the reality of the transcendent.

Since recently taking on the role of Director General Chaplaincy – Army, I have been responsible to the Chief of Army for overseeing the management of 71 full-time and roughly 100 part-time chaplains from Christian denominations and other faiths. I also am required to oversee the recruitment, training and resourcing of chaplains, their support to Australian

Defence Force operations, and the provision of pastoral, spiritual and religious support to the Army workforce. My focus includes setting a vision and direction for Army chaplaincy, and shaping its culture and ethos.

Concurrently, I assume the role of Principal Chaplain Protestant Denominations, which means I exercise oversight and care of all Protestant chaplains in Army.

I represent them in posting considerations, monitor denominational accountability, advise on suitability for Army chaplaincy, and advise Army commanders on Protestant matters.

I have a great team of senior chaplains and strive to harness their enthusiasm and giftings, as they develop as leaders in chaplaincy.

However, this role has been a world away – both figuratively and, at times, literally – from the realm of service and work I expected to be a part of when I began studying for ministry in the LCA. I was a parish pastor for six years in Queensland and Northern Territory from 1994. But God was already leading me towards my present role even before I was ordained. In 1992, while I was on vicarage, Pastor Ken Schmidt talked to me about the possibility of Army chaplaincy in the future. He could see something I couldn’t, and I distinctly remember laughing at the

Photo: Leading Seaman Paul Berry © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

Army service can take you to more remote parts of the country, away from family support.

There is inherent danger in the role, too, both on overseas operations and in training exercises. And you can face physically challenging and uncomfortable working and living environments.

Defence service means signing up to be where the troops are. Sometimes that means involvement in military actions that chaplains – and other members – feel conflicted about. These issues need to be philosophically worked through by clergy who seek to minister in this context and play their part in serving the people of Australia and defending the nation’s interests.

Chaplain Darren Jaensch blesses the casket of Major General Alan Stretton at the Royal Military College Chapel in Canberra in 2012.

suggestion. Ken (and God) had the last laugh! In 1998 I served a parish that had a number of Defence members in the congregation. In an effort to understand their world and, in response to approaches from local chaplains and advice from the previous pastor, David Spike, I agreed to support the Army in part-time (Reserve) chaplaincy.

We have opportunity to share our personal faith … when members face morally and spiritually CONFRONTING SITUATIONS, including the taking of life.

I liked it, it liked me, and two years later, the opportunity to serve full-time presented. I discerned a calling to that ministry and the LCA agreed to release me to represent the church in that mission context.

It is a specialised ministry and not everyone’s cup of tea, nor is everyone suited to it. But I find fulfilment in knowing that I am able to ply my ministry gifting in a context that also contributes to our national security.

I find joy in engaging with clergy and faith group leaders from other denominations and even faith groups, and working together with them as colleagues.

Defence chaplains can find themselves in a wide variety of situations, which can be both invigorating and frightening. Not many people get paid to visit unfamiliar parts of the world or to jump out of perfectly serviceable aeroplanes! But mostly, there is both challenge and fulfilment in engaging with a flock which is largely unchurched and yet working in fields in which members necessarily encounter issues with spiritual and eternal relevance.

There is joy in enabling them to find a vocabulary for that experience, and to lead them into the reality of the divine and a faith journey. Most of what we do as chaplains might be termed ‘pre-evangelism’, sowing seeds perhaps. Occasionally we get to see that seed germinate. There are inevitable domestic, personal and philosophical ‘rub points’ in defence chaplaincy.

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Chaplains are not permitted to proselytise, and are expected to remain respectful in encouraging and providing support to folk of faith in their existing spiritual or religious journeys. So there is no ‘Bible bashing’.

St Francis of Assisi is erroneously quoted as saying, ‘Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words’.

This sentiment, however, is a reality for chaplains. Our actions and care often preach a clearer gospel than our spoken words.

And we have opportunity to share our personal faith, respectfully and appropriately, in pastoral counselling encounters; in character-training lessons; in quiet conversations at 3.00am on piquet in the gun pit; and in conversations that follow when members face morally and spiritually confronting situations, including the taking of life, the death of mates and their own thin grasp on life.

Even a prayer or blessing, given in response to a superstitious or talismanic request, is an opportunity to introduce people to the Lord of Life.

Pastor Darren Jaensch is the Australian Army’s Director General Chaplaincy.

The LCA needs good people to fly the flag for the church in defence chaplaincy. If you are a pastor and believe you have a gifting for this ministry, or if you believe your pastor would be well suited, the Secretary of the Church, Pastor Neville Otto, would love to hear from you at neville.otto@lca.og.au.

Part-time chaplains are given training and ministry exposure that can significantly enhance their effectiveness in parish and other LCA ministries. Likewise, if you know of women and men in ministry in other churches who might be suited, please contact Pastor Darren Jaensch at darren.jaensch@defence.gov.au (pictured right after his commissioning as Director General Chaplaincy – Army in December 2017).

Dwelling in God’s word: A STUDY ON

STIAN AND I R H C WAR THE Life on Earth is not all plain sailing.

Trouble and strife are common among individuals and between groups and nations.

At the heart of this is the word many do not wish to hear – sin. When sin takes effect, we ask, ‘How do I deal with the consequences?’

The right to self-defence seems fundamental, whether as an individual or collectively as a country.

But pursuing self-defence can be contentious. In defending myself, I may harm my attacker – or even kill. While causing harm is never good, nor is it right to condemn someone genuinely acting in self-defence.

This study seeks to be a reminder of the order God has in place for us and how pursuing that order requires dedication and responsibility.

It is God’s will that there should be an institution of authority for the sake of good order and the wellbeing of society.

What do Paul (Romans 13:1–7) and Peter (1 Peter 2:13–21) say about governing authorities?

Photo: Corporal Sebastian Beurich © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

It is easy to conclude that engaging in war for the wrong reasons cannot be supported by Christians.

What did Jesus say to Peter in Matthew 26:52? How are we to treat the enemy? See Matthew 5:38–48 and Luke 6:27–36.

It may be difficult to determine whether the reasons behind a war are wrong or right. This leaves many questions for Christians. Even if war seems justified, questions remain.

In general terms, a Christian has a duty to serve under the governing authority (see references above).

There are many Christians in the defence forces of

by PASTOR WA LLY SCH I LLER

Australia and New Zealand, including many very committed people. I met many such people during my service as a full-time Army chaplain.

Their role is important, especially when it comes to influencing others whose outlook may not be one Christians share.

How did Jesus view service in the military?

See Matthew 8:5–13.

When questions arise about the ‘rightness’ of a war, the obligation to serve also comes under question.

The War, Peace and Conscientious Objection to Service in War statement by the LCA’s Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions elaborates on these issues. To read it go to www.lca.org.au/dstos (Volume 1H).

Christians know the commandment providing the clearest view of how we should treat our neighbour.

But ‘You shall not kill’ is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of our responsibilities. Care and concern for the life and wellbeing of our neighbours are strongly embodied in this commandment.

War is invariably horrible and has serious consequences, both for ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. It should be avoided. Yet, being the sinners we are, it is inevitable.

What did Jesus warn about this life?

See Matthew 10:34.

We will never have all the answers to the effects of sin – and in particular, war. But, the more we reflect on God’s will for the order and wellbeing of society, the more likely we will be to avoid war and its tragic effects.

Finally, God gives us hope through his promise about life in heaven, without sin or war. See Isaiah 2:4 and 11:6.

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HOPE

Photo: LSIS Jayson Tufrey © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

in a sea of conflict Pastor Simon Cooper is a chaplain to t wo cont rast ing communi t ies. In his ‘day job’, as School Pastor to st udents at Good Shepherd Lu theran College, Noosa in Queensland, i t is his role to preach the gospel to children and teenagers. As a part-t ime Navy Reserve Chaplain, the demographic he works wi th and his responsibili t ies are markedly different. Bu t, he says, one common denominator of both minist ries is hope.

by SIMON COOPER One of the most fulfilling things about working in defence chaplaincy is that you can bring hope to people who feel there isn’t much hope. And that goes for my school ministry as well.

A ministry of care and wellbeing is a priority in both arenas. We see this in Jesus’ ministry. He healed people, calmed them, advocated for them, had compassion on them. In my two roles that means being pro-active in caring for each member, but also responding when crises arise.

If I didn’t love school chaplaincy so much, I would certainly consider full-time defence chaplaincy. It is a real privilege and joy to pray for and with service personnel, to represent our Saviour in word and deed, and to teach ethics and character development.

I’ve been serving in the Navy Reserve as Chaplain for nine years but my interest goes back decades. I served for four years in the Army Reserves before entering the ministry. Two of these years were full–time in the Australian Army Survey Corps, which combined a love for drawing and geography.

Years later after realising my call to the ministry, I reflected back on my Army days with good memories of the camaraderie and the physical challenges. So, I married these two ideas of ministry and military.

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Reserve Chaplains must be members of the Navy Reserves – and that means going through the same training as other Reservists. Two full-time two-week courses cover areas including Navy history, leadership, first aid, sea survival, small arms training, and other military skills. Then there are essays and assignments.

There are also annual professional requirements to remain compliant. Reservist Chaplains are required to serve at least 20 days a year.

I moved to Queensland in mid-2017 to take up a call to Good Shepherd and my Navy service here is still being formalised. But, while I was pastor at Luther College in suburban Melbourne from 2009 to 2017, I was based at HMAS Cerberus in Victoria.

Chaplaincy duties include making hospital visits onor off-base, and conducting baptisms, weddings and funerals. And I would try to join in with sporting events or training exercises, to get alongside others and keep fit. Pastoral care and counselling are required daily. It amazes me that, in such a secular age, chaplains still have people knock on our doors and want to chat. But in such a regimented, high-pressure world, often far from home and family, defence force members need a safe place to ‘vent’. They need someone who is approachable, trustworthy and ready to listen.

Photo: Courtesy Luther College, Victoria.

Photo: LSIS Dove Smithett © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

Far left: Royal Australian Navy Reserve Chaplain Simon Cooper at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Above left: In his work as a school chaplain, Pastor Simon Cooper teaches African drum circles. Above right: Chaplain Simon Cooper leads the 'Call to Worship' during a memorial service for the Unknown Sailor of HMAS Goorangai at Williamstown Cemetery, Victoria.

Military life can awaken an awareness of life, death and matters of the soul. While we don’t usually share the gospel up-front, we can assure them of their value and dignity as human beings, support and encourage them, and help them access resources.

Chaplaincy may also involve leading prayers or giving an address at military ceremonies or commemorative services. And chatting with sailors over a drink afterwards can be just as important as worship itself, allowing for opportunities to share Christ or initiate care. As well as the base work, I was required to take prayers at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

The RSL in Noosa also called on me to do the prayers and ceremony last year on Remembrance Day.

present in Jesus, is an urgent message for everyone in this increasingly tense world – perhaps especially to those whose job requires a readiness to die for their country.

Furthermore, our defence force has serious power at its disposal. The provision of sound ethics and spirituality can go a long way to influencing how that power is exercised. The LCA’s presence in the armed forces through chaplaincy brings hope that, at very least, moral law is awakened, heeded and practised by defence personnel, both in times of war and peace.

When I’m busy at a MEMORIAL service, I look across t he sea of faces and know t hat … in t imes of CRISIS t hey need somet hing to CLING TO.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect to the work is the cross-bearing that comes with being at the coalface of human suffering. One example was providing pastoral care to a sailor on a charge, who was locked in a cell on base. That is the side of the military when you realise that things can go hard on you – it was not a nice place for him to be.

I imagine every Christian in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) must wrestle with the apparent conflict between serving and Jesus’ message of peace and the Fifth Commandment.

I think of the way Jesus praised the faith of the Centurion, healing his servant and not condemning him for his work as a soldier. I believe Christians in the ADF have not only the opportunity, but also the obligation, to model Christ in their conduct, and can see themselves as agents for and in God’s left-hand kingdom.

Depression, loneliness and thoughts of suicide can come into the minds of these people. Life at sea can be a grey uninspiring world. Looking out for each other is crucial in times of high or low morale.

When I’m busy at a memorial service, I look across the sea of faces and know that something has driven them here. In times of crisis they need something to cling to, so they drift back instinctively to something bigger than the superficial.

Everyone needs to know they are precious in God’s sight and that God doesn’t abandon them, but is always there for them. Our church’s theology, with its emphasis on a gracious God who is sacramentally accessible and

And I think subconsciously they know they need God. They may not have confessed it overtly, but there’s something in them that knows they need to be reconciled with God and find their peace in the eternal.

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