LCANZ Governance Symposium
15-16 August 2026

Purpose of the Symposium

Following the receipt of a proposal from the WA District for the General Synod in 2027, the Synod would be asked to consider directing the General Church Board (GCB) to undertake a review of the structure of the LCANZ and for this to be done in partnership with the College of Bishops (CoB) and Districts. The aim is to consider how the church’s resources can be aligned within an agile, mission-focused structure and to develop possible models for consideration and implementation by the 2030 Convention of General Synod.

In response, the GCB convened a Governance Symposium, bringing together approximately 70 leaders from across the LCANZ, including each LCANZ District, its agencies (eg: ALC, ALWS, LLL, LEA), the General Church Board, and the College of Bishops.

The symposium chaplain, Pastor Darren Jaensch, centred participants on the God who sends us to our neighbours, reminding us that God’s concern extends to all peoples and nations.

The symposium explored eight key areas: structures, agencies, resources, partnerships, people, endings, oversight, and participation. Discussions considered both the current realities facing the LCANZ, and the challenges and opportunities that may shape its future.

Key Insights and Themes

Several important themes emerged throughout the symposium:

1. Governance must serve God’s mission.
2. Local communities should be empowered and resourced for mission and ministry.
3. Structures should focus on enablement rather than control.
4. Participation and meaningful representation are essential.
5. The Church must be genuinely open to change and renewal.

The overarching theme was the need for governance that releases resources, strengthens connections among God’s people, and encourages broad participation in God’s mission.

Following a period of reflection and discussion, participants identified a number of key practical matters for consideration by the Church ahead of General Synod in 2027 and beyond. These matters will require further work across the Church to ensure delegates are well prepared for deliberations at the 2027 Convention and for decisions directing the work of the church in the lead-up to the 2030 Convention. The WA proposal therefore contemplates two phases: preparation for 2027, followed by three years of collaborative work to build readiness for 2030.

At the heart of these discussions was the call to serve God’s mission and the collective commitment of participants to journey and work together as sisters and brothers in Christ. Supporting this was a collective desire to continue to build trust and ensure the church’s mission is shared and understood, along with continuing to share stories that will provide context for the future possibilities for the LCANZ in its mission in the world today.

Next Steps

The General Church Board and the College of Bishops have been tasked with building on the suggested outcomes and potential next steps from the symposium. This includes developing terms of reference for the proposed review triggered by WA District’s proposal, and in recognition that not everyone could be involved in the initial governance symposium, the need to develop a plan for ongoing engagement with and providing a feedback loop for, districts, agencies, congregations, pastors, and other church leaders.

This work will continue in the lead-up to the 2027 General Synod, ensuring that the Church remains actively involved in shaping future governance arrangements that support and advance the mission that our Gracious God has given to us.