Installation of new Principal

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  1 Peter 4:10

On Sunday 18 February staff, students, and directors of Australian Lutheran College (ALC), joined together with representatives from various LCANZ departments and members of the St Michael’s congregation at Hahndorf SA in welcoming Reverend Dr Tim Stringer as the College’s new Principal.

Bishop Paul Smith conducted the installation during the regular 9.30 am service which was led by St Michael’s Pastor, Fin Klein.

During the rite of installation Pastor Stringer pledged, with the help of God to: undertake the duties associated with the role of ALC Principal; to set a good example to all people by his willing service and holy living; to uphold and promote the theology and practice of public worship of the Lutheran Church of Australia and to accept the pastoral and doctrinal oversight of the Bishop of the Church.

Those assisting with the installation and the laying on of hands – Pastor Greg Pietsch and Pastor Fin Klein greeted the new Principal with words of scripture and encouragement. A number of greetings from those unable to attend in person, including one from the Victorian/Tasmanian District where Tim previously served as Pastor of the Greensborough congregation, were then shared by the ALC Board Chair, Mrs Cheryl Bartel.

The rite of installation concluded with ALC staff and directors declaring their intent to support their new Principal and Bishop Smith proclaiming a blessing.

In reflecting on his new role, Pastor Stringer said, ‘Although my association with Australian Lutheran College has been extensive and has included teaching as a casual academic, never did I imagine that I would one day serve as its Principal. But like so many other times throughout my life’s journey, God clearly had other plans for me, and here I am!’

‘Although this is a challenging time in the life of the College, and indeed the life of the LCANZ, I am confident that God has brought me to ALC for a reason, and with his help and guidance, I intend to faithfully carry out the many duties associated with the role of Principal.’

‘I am very much looking forward to meeting members of ALC’s student community, which is spread throughout Australia and New Zealand, and working alongside ALC staff to prepare people for service in the Church.’

For those unable to attend the installation, a recording of the service is available to view at

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTdsYSCa7hYN26wXAd65qQ.

ALC extends its sincere thanks to the St Michael’s congregation for hosting the installation.