National Lutheran Principal Conference

About the Conference

The conference promotes spiritual and professional growth among principals through studies and discussion on Lutheran theology, wellbeing and education, whilst providing a forum for mutual sharing. Former conference themes have included:

• Still Waters Running Deep (Brisbane, 2024)
• Embracing the Past, Inspiring our Future (Hahndorf, 2022)
• Leadership in Challenging Times (Hobart, 2018)
• Keep the Fire Burning (Cairns, 2016)
• Spirit in the Centre (Alice Springs, 2014)

The Reuther Oration

The Reuther Oration acknowledges the outstanding service of the Rev TT Reuther to Lutheran education in Australia from 1955, when he began duties as a chaplain at St Paul’s College, Walla Walla, NSW, to 1993 when he retired from the position of National Director for Lutheran Schools.

Pastor Reuther’s life within Lutheran schools commenced when he was a student first at Light Pass Lutheran Day school and later at Immanuel College. After completing theological study at Immanuel Seminary he took the opportunity to undertake post graduate studies from 1950-1954 at Concordia Seminary, St Louis. Whilst on board ship (returning from the USA) he received a call to become chaplain at St Paul’s College, Walla Walla, where he served to 1962.

After serving two parishes (Appila and Coonalpyn) from 1963-1968, he was called to be Headmaster of Concordia College Adelaide, where he joyfully served for fourteen years plus one term until 1983 where he accepted the invitation to become the inaugural national Director for Lutheran Schools.

During his outstanding service to Lutheran schools in Australia, he also completed Master Studies in Educational Administration. He was an active member of the former Headmasters’ Conference, member of the Australian Council of Education Administration, and honoured for his services to education by being made a Fellow of the Australian College of Education.

His ministry to Lutheran schools was highlighted by a professional approach based on a clear theological thinking. In the inaugural Reuther Oration, Pastor Reuther spoke of faithfulness, which was a characteristic that those associated with schools admired in him. He modelled faithfulness.

The Reuther Oration is designed to provoke and promote thinking about an aspect of Lutheran education and is delivered as part of the National Lutheran Principal Conference Welcome Ceremony.

Former Reuther Orators

• Malcolm Bartsch, 1997: Where is wisdom to be found? Finding meaning in the web of information.
• Robin Kleinschmidt, 2000: Janus at the Century’s Gate: Looking Backwards and Forwards at Lutheran Education
• Dr Loyd Fyffe, 2003: WINDOWS - Views, perspectives and reflections on contemporary education, framed with particular focus on the Lutheran School.
• Dr Norm Habel, 2005: Social Justice in a Lutheran School Context
• Ruth Butler, 2007: From the Outside Looking In…and from the Inside Looking Out - A View to the Third Way
• Dr Neville Highett, 2011: Reflections on, Thoughts and Challenges for Lutheran Education
• Dr Bronwyn Dolling, 2014: At the Edge of the Precipice: Fighting or Flying?
• Richard Hauser, 2016
• Neville Grieger (deceased), 2018
• Dr Roger Hunter, 2022
• Robert Hoff AM, 2024

The next National Lutheran Principal Conference will be held in 2026. 

Please contact executiveofficer@lpa.edu.au for further updates in 2025.