From the Grand Canyon Synod to Wittenberg, Germany: A young adult’s travels into the global church
NAU student Sarah Lee represents our synod at an international lay leader conference
The cobblestone streets of Lutherstadt Wittenberg have witnessed centuries of Christian history, but this past May, they welcomed a young leader from Northern Arizona who would carry their legacy back across the ocean. Sarah Lee, a student at NAU and leader in Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry, spent May 25-June 2 at the International Seminar for Laypersons in Church Leadership—a transformative experience that connected her to both Lutheran roots and global Lutheran community.
A Unique Global Gathering
The International Seminar for Laypersons represents something special in Lutheran World Federation programming. Once a year, lay leaders from LWF member churches gather for an intensive experience combining theological training with immersion in Reformation history. The program splits between Lutherstadt Wittenberg, where participants walk in Luther's footsteps, and Geneva, Switzerland where they engage with the Lutheran World Federation's global ministry.
For Sarah, supported by the Grand Canyon Synod's investment in young adult leadership, this represented far more than educational travel. "I was definitely far outside of my comfort zone, traveling out of the country by myself for the first time, meeting strangers," she reflected. "However, I experienced a large amount of personal growth in my leadership that I would not have been able to experience without [the synod’s] endorsement!"
Walking Where Luther Walked
In Wittenberg, Sarah joined lay leaders from around the world for thematic theological work led by expert teachers, intensive exchange among participants from different LWF regions, and visits to Reformation sites. The program structure encouraged deep engagement—participants led daily devotions, sharing their respective traditions and forms of piety, while joint celebrations and evening gatherings reflected the diversity of Lutheran cultures worldwide.
But the real transformation happened in conversations with fellow participants. Sarah met leaders from Columbia, Hong Kong, Tanzania, and many other countries, discovering both significant differences and surprising commonalities. "We had many different opinions," she noted, "but the one thing we could agree upon was that there aren't enough youth in the church."
As one of only three participants under 21, Sarah found herself representing something precious to the global Lutheran community: hope for the church's future.
A Voice for Radical Welcome
Sarah didn't just attend as a young face in an aging church. She came as an advocate for the Gospel's inclusive message. "I was able to share about the importance of making churches a space where all are welcome, including our LGBTQIA+ siblings in Christ," she explained.
While not everyone was immediately receptive, Sarah encouraged leaders "to look into ways to open their doors to everyone, spreading the Gospel that Jesus himself preached." Her willingness to discuss "the biblically rooted concept of inclusivity" with international church leaders demonstrates the kind of prophetic courage that emerges when young people are empowered to speak authentically about their faith.
"I had the privilege to be a beacon of hope for churches across the world," Sarah reflected, "and that is a blessing I will carry with me."
Theological Discovery in Geneva
The Geneva portion of the seminar expanded Sarah's understanding of Lutheran World Federation work. Meeting key leaders like Sivin Kit, Árni Daníelsson, and Anne Burghardt, she discovered how extensively the LWF engages global humanitarian and justice issues.
"My knowledge of global issues was truly expanded. I did not realize how engaged and involved the LWF was with current global issues until we dove deep into the nitty-gritty of it all," she shared. This discovery inspired deeper commitment: "It inspired me to keep working for a better world."
Breaking Down Ministry Hierarchies
One of Sarah's favorite seminar topics explored the relationship between Common Priesthood and Ordained Ministry. "We dove deep into the heart of the community and explored the connection between lay leaders and the ordained," she explained.
The central insight? Both serve "one another and minister to the world—everyone, regardless of social class, race, or gender." But discussions revealed concerning patterns in some contexts where "ordained leaders weren't listening to lay leaders, exemplifying the long-standing hierarchy between the two."
The seminar called participants "to put that aside and work with each other," including the revolutionary idea that "everybody is called to study theology, even lay leaders!" For Sarah, these conversations highlighted how "breaking down long-standing hierarchies can allow for spiritual growth and empowerment in ministries."
Discovering Ecumenical Identity
A quote from the seminar particularly resonated with Sarah: "To be Lutheran is to be ecumenical." This quote reminded her of her campus pastor, Mike Girlinghouse, who often reminds students at NAU that "we are not meant to live in isolation," and Sarah applied it more broadly to congregational life. "When we stop living in our own little congregational 'bubbles,'" she reflected, "we can create and strengthen bonds with not only churches in our communities, but around the world!"
Bringing Global Vision Home
Sarah returns to campus ministry with more than memories and theological insights. She carries concrete plans for implementation and deep gratitude for the synod's investment in her development. "I cannot wait to implement everything that I learned at this conference into the campus ministry!" she shared.
Her experience demonstrates why supporting young adult leaders in global contexts matters beyond individual benefit. When we send emerging leaders to international gatherings, they return with expanded vision, practical skills, and renewed commitment to the Gospel's inclusive message—gifts they'll bring to campus ministry and eventually to congregations throughout our synod.
The young woman who nervously left for Germany and Switzerland returned as a leader who sees herself as part of a larger Lutheran community working to bring God’s hope, grace and love into this broken world. This is a unique transformation our synod was privileged to support and one that will benefit our entire community for years to come.
