Gathering 2026 – Women in Pastoral Ministry

The 2026 Gathering of Women in Pastoral Ministry will bring together women from across Australia and New Zealand to support and encourage one another in their journey to ordination and in their ministry since ordination.

The gathering will be held from 2–4 September 2026 at Luther Heights Youth Camp, Coolum Beach, Queensland, and is open to women who are discerning a call, training

for pastoral ministry or serving in pastoral ministry.

‘We’re in a different space now,’ said LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith. ‘We have three women ordained and faithfully serving as pastors amongst us. We have also seen tremendous growth in the number of women and men training in the pastoral ministry program at Australian Lutheran College (ALC).’

Bishop Paul will be presenting at the gathering, as will Australian Lutheran College’s Director of Applied Learning Emma Graetz. Time will be dedicated to sharing the stories and experiences of the attendees’ unique journeys as they discern their calling. Worship will be a feature of the three-day event.

‘I’m looking forward to catching up with my sisters in Christ, hearing their stories and worshipping with them,’ said Tania Nelson, convenor of the Advocacy for Women in Pastoral Ministry team. ‘I pray that congregations will encourage and support women in pastoral ministry, and those considering pastoral ministry, to attend the 2026 gathering.’

Registrations are now open. The cost of meals and accommodation for two nights is only $100, thanks to the LCA subsidising the costs. Complete this form to register your attendance and send it to soc@lca.org.au