Who am I and why am I writing?

I am Pastor Michael Steicke, often referred to as Pastor Mike.  I am the Pastor of St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Hobart, that worships on the Eastside Lutheran Campus (every Sunday 10.00am – all welcome) and am Pastor to the College.  This column is a way for you to get to know me and us a bit better.  I am also available for consultation. 
 
I have been a Lutheran Pastor for over 30 years, having served Parishes in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia which also included some Aboriginal ministry (Port Lincoln).  My first parish in Northern NSW also covered ‘alternative lifestyle’ areas.  I moved to Tasmania to be the Pastor of St Peter’s Lutheran Parish in Hobart at the beginning of 2016.  Even though both parents were Australian, I was born and grew up in New Zealand, moving to Australia at the age of 18.  I have a brother and two sisters.  We also had a number of foster children staying at our home at various times as I grew up, including a reasonably long term foster sister. 
 
My teenage years were an interesting journey through which I experienced and explored many facets of our culture.  While being able to affirm various aspects of modern day life, the emptiness, brokenness and meaninglessness I encountered personally and often observed led me to appreciate more fully the love and faithfulness of God as revealed in Christ Jesus.  I came to know my need for God’s forgiveness, peace, direction, power and blessing.  This led me on a new journey as I wanted to understand the presence and purposes of God more and to be able to share the good news of who Jesus is with others.  As I turned 21 I began my studies to be a Pastor at what is now called Australian Lutheran College in North Adelaide.  My Batcher of theology (BTh) back then was a five year course (it has since been shorted a bit).  This was followed by a practical year on the Gold Coast called vicarage to gain experience, then back to Adelaide for a final year of studies.  
 
I have been married to Leanne since 1982.  After raising our children she has run small, part time cleaning businesses and has enjoyed being a vocalist in bands as well as singing in Church  We have five sons, four of whom are in their high twenties or low to mid thirties.  The eldest is a psychologist in SA, followed by a cleaner, spray painter in SA who is also a part time stay at home dad, and another son who is a guard with Qld rail.  One of these also had a testing disability as well as other challenges which stretched us enormously but also provided opportunities for growth.  Finally , we have what we call our ‘late surprise’ who is the only child left at home.  He is currently in year nine here at Eastside Lutheran College, Hobart. 
 
This column is a means through which I can communicate with students, families, caregivers, staff and others through a regular column in the newly formatted College newsletter.  I want you to participate and to set the agenda through your questions.  The articles presented here in this column will be pasted on a Page on the St Peter’s Lutheran Church website (you can go there by the link at the end of this column or do a search) where you will be able to ask questions and to leave comments.  The Page will be moderated (therefore be prepared for a slight delay after posting) so as to be a safe place to explore the ultimate questions of meaning, purpose and faith and for you to inquire about and discuss the Christian faith from a Lutheran perspective (see 'Comments and questions policy by clicking on ‘Please read before commenting' link at top of Page).  The Page should be both interesting and stimulating, so you may wish to bookmark it or add it to your favourites so that you can visit it frequently.  Looking forward to your questions and comments
 
Warmest regards and blessings,
 
Pastor Mike.