Shepherds of Our Communion: A Closer Look at LUCSA's Bishops
Bishop's Profile:
Name and Title: Bishop Gilbert Filter
Personal Background:
- Family details
- Married to Renate. We have 3 adult children
- Educational background and significant achievements or titles only.
- BTH (hon) at University of KwaZulu Natal
- First and Second Theological Exam of United Evangelical Church in Southern Africa (UELCSA)
Tenure:
- Date of ordination: 11 August 1991
- Duration in the current position: since June 2013
Vision and Mission:
- A personal statement outlining the Bishop’s vision and mission for their church.
- Being Church WITH and FOR the people.
- Following the 5 disruptive habits as outlined by the Partnership of Missional Churches.
- Ecumenical engagement for the better of God’s people.
Church Overview:
Name of the Church: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (Cape Church)
Establishment Details:
- In 1963 the church was found by congregations that started during Dutch and English occupation of the Cape. The Evangelical Lutheran Church Strand Street, Cape Town, was established in 1780. (more detail can be found in the book by Reino Ottermann, which can be found on our webpage https://www.lutherancape.org.za/ PDF
Demographics:
- Number of congregations within the region/country.
- 18 congregations
- Total membership count. 4000
- Geographical distribution and key locations.
- Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Orange Free State, Cape Town, East London, Bloemfontein
Leadership Structure:
- Number of pastors
- 11
- Overview of administrative hierarchy.
- Church Council with 7 members. Laity in the majority
- Circuit Conference West. Laity in the majority
- Circuit Conference East. Laity in the majority
Headquarters:
- Location and contact information of the head office.
- 24 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001
- Tel: +27 214220592
Additional Sections:
Notable Programs and Initiatives:
- Highlight significant programs or outreach initiatives led by the church.
- Preacher Training
- Equipping Laity
- Lutheran Coordinating Committee (together with ELCSA-COD and Moravian Church in the Western Cape)
- Outreach and Diaconic Projects:
- IThemba Labantu Diaconic Centre in Philippi
- Paarl Soup Kitchen in Paarl East (together with ELCSA-COD)
- Kid’s Week in Paarl East
- Vasco Special Needs Centre
- Good Hope Psychological Centre
- SA Children’s Home
Community Impact:
- 1 Story or testimonial showcasing the church’s role in the community.
- https://www.lutherancape.org.za/what-is-man/
- See luthernancape.org.za
Photo Gallery: Images from church events, services, and community activities.
