LORDS is a school of the Lutheran Church of Australia. Read on to find out more about what it means to be a student at a Lutheran school.

What is a ‘Lutheran’?

The Lutheran Church was started by Martin Luther in the 16th Century and is the largest Protestant Church in the world (it exists on all continents). Luther lectured in Biblical theology at the University of Wittenberg in Germany. He wrestled with many of the Church practices at the time. In reading the Bible, Luther felt that the Church had stopped sharing the good news of Jesus and how through his death and resurrection, and through faith in him, a person is saved and put right with God (we are saved by grace alone).

What is a Lutheran school?

Lutheran Churches exist in every state and territory of Australia and Lutheran Schools exist throughout Australia (except in the ACT). Lutheran Schools provide a quality and rigorous education and a learning environment that equips students with the skills needed to be confident and capable young people as they prepare for future studies or the workforce. We provide a Christian environment that provides opportunities for the students to see themselves as a unique and loved part of God’s creation. At the centre and heart of a Lutheran School is the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ and how through faith in him we can know of God’s love and forgiveness and be filled with hope for this life and for the life to come.

Do I need to be a Lutheran to attend LORDS?

No.  We are thankful that you are considering us as a school. We are an invitational community. We are a Christian school of the Lutheran tradition, and we invite you to be part of the community as we partner with you in supporting your child through their schooling years. We believe we provide a quality education in a Christian, caring environment and we are an open and inviting community who wish to support young people in their learning journey.

How is Christianity incorporated into school life at LORDS?

Each week students participate in the worship life of the School. This compulsory time of worship is often led by the School Pastor or by various staff and/or students. These opportunities enable the community to come together and to reflect on God’s love for us through his Son, and to challenge and inspire us as we are formed and encouraged to see ourselves and each other as part of God’s creation and the importance of service to others.

Each week students participate in Christian Studies. This is a subject that is part of the curriculum and has been devised by Lutheran Education Australia. Students explore a range of topics ranging from our place in the world, through to God’s gift of Jesus Christ, through to service to others.

What do Lutheran believe?

• The Bible is God’s word to us and is without error.
• God reveals himself to us through the Bible and there is one God – (The Triune God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).
• That all human beings are created by God, special and loved by him.
• That all human beings are broken (sin).
• That God loves us, and has sent his Son Jesus to die on the cross for us (the gospel – “good news”).
• That through faith in Jesus people receive forgiveness and hope and new life.
• That worship is important as we express our faith and are blessed by God (Lutherans believe God graciously comes to us through the gifts of Baptism & Holy Communion)
• That we are to strive to love one another and see each other as created by God.
• That no-one is perfect. Conflict arises and we strive to forgive one another as God freely forgives us.
• That creation is God’s gift to the world and we are to care for it and not abuse it. 

Where can I go for further information?

Please visit the Lutheran Church of Australia website: https://www.lca.org.au/about-us/lutherans-worldwide/what-lutherans-believe/

Please visit Lutheran Education Australia’s website: https://www.lutheran.edu.au/about/lea-vision-purpose-and-core-values/