ABORIGINAL WELFARE
	Since their arrival in Australia in 1838, Lutherans have shown their concern for the welfare of Australian Aborigines by putting in effort and personnel, as well as providing money to help Aborigines spiritually, physically and socially.
	Finke River Mission (centred in Hermannsburg and Alice Springs) was established in 1877, and now ministers to more than 6000 Aborigines.
	Koonibba (1901) and Yalata (1954) missions were established on the west coast of South Australia.
	Hope Vale Mission on Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland serves over 1000 people in several centres.
	Approximately 20 Aboriginal pastors assisted by evangelists (who are all trained in local communities) now minister to approximately 70 communities, mostly in Central Australia.
	In the early 1990s Yirara College for tribal young Aborigines was handed by the Government to Finke River Mission. Over 200 boarders of both sexes from tribal areas are now enrolled.
	PAPUA-NEW GUINEA
	Lutheran missionaries began work in Papua-New Guinea in 1866.
	One in four people in Papua-New Guinea are now Lutheran.
	Local people now shoulder the work of the Gospel with manpower and financial assistance from Australia and elsewhere.
	Approximately 1000 indigenous pastors serve local churches. There are 3 seminaries and the church is involved in extensive shipping, construction, medical, and developmental work.
	THE WIDER COMMUNITY
	Lutherans are encouraged to share their faith and the Good News wherever they establish themselves.
	There are active outreach programs in cities, provincial and rural centres, and many migrants from the post World War II era have found a spiritual home in Lutheran congregations.
	Lay people assist the efforts of the clergy to spread the peace and joy found in Christ amongst the community.
	EDUCATION
	Strong emphasis is placed on the need for a membership well instructed in the truths of God's Word.
	Pastors undergo a six year course in theology and practical training at Luther Seminary, North Adelaide, SA. The seminary also conducts an extensive distance education program, accessed via the Internet, for hundreds of students. Teachers for Lutheran schools are also trained at Luther Seminary as well as various workers for parish ministry.
	The Church operates 18 secondary colleges and about 70 primary schools in most States and Territories of Australia, and offers children and young people an education that is integrated with the Christian faith. All these schools are co-educational.
	In congregations, stress is laid on Christian education for all age groups through children's ministry, confirmation instruction, adult study and home groups, inquiry classes and the like.
	University chaplaincies exist to meet the needs of students and staff.
	WELFARE
	Children's homes, youth hostels, retirement settlements, hostel and nursing homes for older persons, kindergartens, child-minding centres, youth camps, prison and hospital chaplaincies, have been established by the Lutheran Church to cater for people's physical and social needs.
	Australian Lutheran World Service (a division of Lutheran World Federation) provides support for the problems of poverty and suffering as well as developmental work in many parts of the world.