Spotlight

Jan. 25 – Feb. 3, 2024
Lutheran Lay Academy
New Amsterdam, Guyana

The Eastern Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Guyana (ELCG) have had a companion synod relationship
since 2002. Unfortunately, in 2020, COVID disrupted this
relationship and brought all joint activities to a halt for three
years. It was in this context that Mr. Michael Davy Ram, the
Treasurer of ELCG, and Pastor Peter Kuhnert of the Eastern
Synod met over lunch during the LWF 13th Assembly in
Krakow, Poland, last September 2023. Their initial
conversation led to discussions between the ELCG and the
Eastern Synod that resulted in this joint ministry initiative.
The focal points of the initiative were two leadership
retreats, one for ELCG pastors, January 25-27, 2024, and
another for ELCG deacons, Feb. 1-3, 2024. Both retreats were
mutually led by Pastor Peter Kuhnert and Pastor Philip
Mathai.

The ELCG is the second oldest Lutheran church in the western
hemisphere, founded in 1743. It has 15,000 members in 41
congregations divided among 13 parishes. A current
challenge is that there are only six pastors and eight deacons
to give pastoral leadership and care to all those
congregations. Some of the leaders conduct two to four
services every Sunday. The deacons are authorized to preside
over the sacraments, both baptism and communion. The
ELCG also have a host of lay leaders who help with preaching
and worship leadership. Most of the ELCG pastoral leaders
have not had the benefit of extensive seminary training like
ministers within the ELCIC.

The retreats were held at the Lay Academy, in New
Amsterdam, approximately 70 miles from the capital city,
Georgetown. Advance readings were sent out to all retreat
participants which formed the basis for conversations and
discussions. The retreats focussed on a variety of aspects of
ministry and call, including how a pastor/deacon can be a
living, if broken, symbol of grace. Discussions centred on
pastoral duties and responsibilities, parish organization and
administration, communication, priority setting, and
visioning. Further discussions were held on healthy
boundaries and better self-care of the leaders – about the
physical and mental wellbeing of leaders and their
importance in being able to serve at one’s very best.
Sessions began and ended each day with worship which also
provided opportunities of mutual learning, whether it was a
new song or a new liturgy, or new worship rituals such as the
washing of feet.

The two retreats were exceptional times of mutual learning
and encouragement. The commitment and passion of the
clergy and deacons are to be commended. Their openness
and willingness to learn were very evident as they welcomed
the opportunity to come together and discuss freely with
each other and the facilitators about their challenges and
frustrations but also their joys and hopes. It was edifying to
hear of their joys and frustrations and how they faced
challenges in their own contexts.

Pastor Peter and Pastor Philip both experienced something
of the life of the ELCG clergy as they went separately to
preach at two different Parishes on each of the joint ministry
initiative Sundays. These congregations are in the
communities of Canje, Fyrish, and Williamsburg. The
opportunity to visit these congregations within St. John and
Transfiguration Parishes was a blessing to both pastors. The
first Sunday Pastor Peter and Pastor Philip learned the slight changes in the order of the liturgy used in Guyana. The congregations participated with vigour and enthusiasm, and
it was a joy both to worship together and to meet folks in their church contexts.
Both the retreat participants and the ELCG Executive Council
were very appreciative and positive about the ministry
initiative. They expressed the desire that there might be
similar opportunities where there is mutual encouragement
and support for one other. Many participants expressed their
hope that future retreats might even be longer! Preliminary
discussions between Eastern Synod and ELCG leaders
indicated that a follow-up session within 6-9 months may
prove beneficial with another retreat proposed in 12-18
months.

When Pastor Peter and Pastor Philip first travelled to
Georgetown, and then on to New Amsterdam following an
arduous journey including challenging flight connections and
delayed baggage, they did not know what to expect. But
when they departed Guyana, they did so with a deep sense
of gratitude and appreciation for being part of this joint
ministry initiative between the ELCG and the Eastern Synod
and for being allowed to be part of the experiences and lives
of colleagues working in much more challenging contexts
than their own.

This is the essence and epitome of partnership. As we are
called into partnership, koinonia with Christ by God, our
partnership with God is meant to lead us into meaningful
partnerships as brothers and sisters in God’s family (1 John
1:3). The participatory nature of our partnership leads both
parties into relational affinity as well as to fruitful
advancement of the Gospel. We continue to thank God as we
learn and grow together in Christ.
Joint Partners:

Eastern Synod-Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana