Rising above, beyond and together

Rising above, beyond and together: LYQ LIFT Conference 2026

Leadership and discipleship are deeply connected. Both begin with following Christ, serving others, and responding to God’s call with courage and compassion. At LYQ LIFT Conference 2026, young people in Years 7 to 12 from Lutheran schools and congregations across Queensland were invited to explore this connection, discovering that leadership is not simply about influence or achievement, but about living out faith in ways that make a difference.

Held at the Griffith University Multi-Faith Centre, the conference brought together young leaders under the theme Leading with Heart. Making a Global Difference. Through spiritual reflections, keynote presentations, workshops and shared conversations, students were encouraged to consider how Christian leadership can contribute to a more just, compassionate and hopeful world.

Organised by Lutheran Youth of Queensland in partnership with Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) and Lutheran Education Australia, and generously sponsored by LLL Australia, the conference focused on developing young people who understand leadership as service. From the outset, participants were challenged by a simple but powerful idea: leadership begins with seeing people as God sees them.

A highlight of the day was the keynote presentation by Celia Fielke from ALWS, who explored the relationship between leadership, justice and human dignity. Through stories from ALWS programs and the PRECIOUS campaign, students learned how Lutheran communities partner with vulnerable people around the world to create lasting change. Her message encouraged participants to consider how their own gifts and opportunities might be used to serve others.

The conference also provided practical leadership and faith formation. Pastor Greg Fowler from Faith Lutheran College, Redlands, explored servant leadership through a Christian lens, highlighting the importance of integrity, humility, and Gospel-centred relationships. Jodie Hoff, Executive Director of Lutheran Education Australia, challenged students to think critically about service, emphasising the value of listening, partnership, and respecting the dignity of those they seek to support.

In the afternoon, Sarah Hoff-Zweck and the LYQ Blue Crew led students through the session Teams that Change the World. Working collaboratively, participants reflected on the impact they hope to have within their schools and churches and developed practical plans for leadership and service.

Beyond its leadership focus, LYQ LIFT Conference 2026 was a living testimony to the LCAQD Open Doors Strategic Charter of the Fourth Door: Collaboration. The conference brought together schools, church agencies, educators, chaplains, pastors and students around a shared purpose, demonstrating the strength of partnership across our grace communities.

This spirit of collaboration extended beyond the presenters and organisers. Students also learned from one another, exchanged ideas across school communities, and discovered opportunities to engage with Lutheran ministries serving both local and global needs. In doing so, they experienced first-hand how opening doors to one another creates greater opportunities for growth, learning and mission.

As young people returned to their schools and churches, they took with them more than new skills and ideas. They left with a clearer understanding that leadership is grounded in discipleship, shaped by service, and strengthened through collaboration. LYQ LIFT Conference 2026 offered a hopeful vision for the future: young people growing as followers of Christ, equipped to lead with humility and work together in God’s mission in the world.

Sarah Hoff-Zweck
LYQ Ministry Lead (SMP Candidate)