The lay leaders group with LWF staff at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey near Geneva, where the first part of the seminar took place. Photo: LWF/ C. Kästner-Meyer
Empowered to lead in the church
(LWI) - Lay leaders from across the global Lutheran communion gathered in Geneva and Wittenberg for a week of learning, reflection and connection. The seminar, organized by The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), brought together participants from twelve member churches to strengthen their leadership skills, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of communion, service, and global solidarity.
Connect around the world
“This meeting is meant to affirm the role of lay leaders in our churches,” says Katariina Kiilunen, LWF Program Executive for Leadership. “We want to empower them for their important work as leaders in the church. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to build relationships and connect with other Lutheran churches around the world. Often, the most meaningful part is meeting people from different contexts and learning from one another.”
Fourteen lay leaders from twelve LWF member churches in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe took part in the weeklong course, sharing experiences from their ministries as well as challenges in their personal and church contexts. Discussions touched on developing individual gifts for service, confronting prejudice, and navigating difficult political or social environments—alongside stories of impactful local projects and initiatives.
Photo: LWF
The seminar focused on transformative leadership and how LWF’s strategy and witness are lived out in different parts of the Communion. Presentations from various LWF departments provided deeper insight into the LWF’s work on climate justice, advocacy, and support for people in need.
Shared calling
A highlight of the seminar was the visit to Wittenberg, where participants explored historical sites of the Lutheran Reformation and worshipped in the Castle Church, where Martin Luther published his 95 Theses over 500 years ago.
“I am really grateful for this feeling of being part of something bigger than myself,” said Ana Gerhard of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil.
“We hope that when participants return to their churches, they bring back the message that they are part of the Communion,” said Kiilunen in conclusion, “that their churches are part of the Communion—and that together, we contribute to a shared calling and mission.”
