Who We Are

Supreme Leaders

The supreme leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church is Jesus Christ by whom our faith, sacraments, structures and visions dwell in him. For his name’s sake ELC-PNG was established.

Department Heads

ELC-PNG has seven departments and each of these seven departments a headed by Department Secretary. The duties of each of the department heads are something similar to a CEO of a Department in a large organization. They oversea that each of the respective departments focuses on their goals to achieve the overall vision of ELC-PNG.
Each department heads are appointed by the Nomination Committee of the Church and blessed by the National Church Council to take up the post. They serve a term of four years.

Church Council

The church council is the second highest decision making body of the Church. It is more like the National Executive Council of our National Government. The church council is made up of all the District President and a layperson from the each of the 17 districts. The Chairman is the Head Bishop. The Church council meeting is held twice every year unless there be need, special Church Council meetings are called.

Our Leaders


The Head Bishop


1. Rev. Dr. John Kuder, 1956 – 1972 ( ELCONG)
2. Rev. Sir Zurewec Zurenuoc, 1973 – 1981 (ELCONG/ELCPNG)
3. Rev. Sir Getake Gam, 1982 – 1997 (ELCPNG)
4. Rev. Dr. Wesley Kigasung, 1998 – 2008
5. Rev. Giegere Wenge, 2010

The Assistant Bishop

Helpim Bilong Bishop
1. Rev. Janadabing Apo, 1976 – 1979 (ELCONG/ELCPNG)
2. Rev. Getake Gam, 1980 – 1981 (ELCPNG)

Assistant Bishop
1. Rev. Ray Rasowe, 1982 – 1996
2. Rev. Kiage Motoro, 1997 (Acting)
3. Rev. Kiage Motoro, 1998 – 2004
4. Rev. Ohuno Mambu, 2005 (Acting)
5. Rev. Zau Rapa, 2006 – 2015 (Appointed A/Head Bishop)
6. Rev. Lucas Kidabing 2016 – Present

The General Secretary

1. Mr. Zurewec Zurenuoc, 1962 – 1972( ELCONG)
2. Mr. Kaidang Sishoi, 1973 – 1975 ( ELCONG)
3. Mr. Raymond Blacklock, 1976 – 1979 (ELCONG/ELCPNG)
4. Mr. Reuben Kure, 1980 – 1991 (ELCPNG)
5. Mr. Kuria Gomia, 1992 – 1995
6. Mr. Reuben Kure, 1996 – 2000
7. Mr. Fua Singin, 2001 (Acting)
8. Mr. Fua Singin, 2002 – 2006
9. Mr. Isaac Teo, 2006 – 2010
10. Mr. Albert Tokave, 2010 – 2015
11. Mr Benard kaisom 2016 – Present

Church Officials

The ELC-PNG has three head Officials
1. Head Bishop 2. General Secretary 3. Assistant Bishop

All these three officials have to fulfill 1Tim 3:1-7. They are elected at the National Synod by the delegates from all the respective 17 respective ELC-PNG districts. Each official serves a term of four years commencing from the date when they were elected. The same person holding onto a position can only stay no longer than three consecutive terms.

The Head Bishop
(a) The Head Bishop is a pastor, a teacher of the Faith of the Church and provides leadership for the life and witness of the Church. The Bishop is an ordained pastor of the Church. 
(b) is the overseer of the Confessions of the Church, and the ministry of God’s Word and the Sacraments.  
(c) The Head Bishop is supported by the Bishop Advisory Committee.Members of the committee are the presidents of the 17 districts and the Church Secretary.

The General Secretary
The Secretary is a lay person who shall fulfill. He is the Head of the Administration of the Church.

The Assistant Bishop
(a)The Assistant Bishop is a pastor of the Church. He assists the Head Bishop in the performance of the duties and responsibilities of the Bishop.
(b)The Assistant Bishop will be the Acting Bishop of the Church when the Head Bishop is off duty or outside Papua New Guinea

Evangelism Department

Rev. Janadabing Apo, 1976 – 1979
Rev. Getake Gam, 1980 – 1981
Rev. Peanudi Kumin, 1982 – 1991
Rev. Beka Kosieng, 1992 – 2004
Mr. Sakey Ronuc, 2005 (Acting)
Rev. Binora Yunare, 2006 – 2013
Rev. Elymas Bakung 2013 – 2021
Rev. Hans Giegere 2020 – Present

Education Department

Mr. Raymond Blacklock, 1974 – 1975
Ms Gretchen Mueller, 1976 (Acting)
Mr. Sakey Ronuc, 1977 – 1985
Mr. Titi Solomon, 1986 – 1998
Mr. Taman Kim , 1999 – 2001
Mr. Bravy Towika, 2002 – 2007
Mr. Paul Omot, 2009 – 2013
Mr. John Larandioloa  2014 – 2016
Mr. Elisah Waga 2017 – 2020 (Acting)
Mr. Daniel Suan 2021 – Present

Finance Department

Mr. Don Ruthenberg, 1976 – 1981
Mr. Dingel Arui, 1982 – 1991
Mr. Larry Warra, 1992 – 2000
Mr. Zabba Kewoing, 2001 (Acting)
Mr. John Kombati, 2002 – 2003
Mr. Kamandong Kanai, 2004 (Acting)
Mr. Jonathan Soten 2005 – 2007
Mr. James Pena, 2008 – 2015

Treasure
Dovi Sasaka 2016-2017 (Acting)
Noreo Kindip 2013 – 2022
Benard Kaisom 2023 (Acting)
Titus Denano 2024 – Present

Budget Manager
Getung Gori 2017 – 2022
Shelly Nelson 2023 (Acting)
John Opotio 2024 – Present

Development Services

Mr. Reinhard Tietze, 1984 – 1985
Mr. Kamandong Kanai, 1986 – 1994
Mr. Fua Singin, 1995 – 2001
Mr. Teria Kevere, 2002 – 2012
Mr. Roger Yayabu
Mr. Bonnie Keoka 2012 – 2015 (Acting)
Mr. Bonnie Keoka 2016 – Present
 

Health Services


Mr. Wilson Waesa, 1980 – 1992
Mr. Vincent Michaels, 1992 – 1999
Mr. Abraham Yapu, 2000 – 2009
Mr. Don Kudan, 2009 – 2011
Mr. Nena Nagg
Mr. Ulch Tapia 2012 – 2017
Mr. Katu Yapi  2018 – 2024
Mr. Japalis Kaiok 2025 – Present

Ministerial Training

Rev. Helmut Horndasch, 1980 – 1991
Rev. Giegere Wenge, 1992 – 1999
Rev. Gerry Mangiri, 2000 – 2010
Rev. Hans Giegere, 2010 – 2020
Rev. Giesa Panpan 2021 – Present

Lands and Property(AMU)

ELCONG PROPERTY TRUST ( ELCONG)
Mr. Sesengo Narangeng    1982 – 1991
Mr Nagong Ahi                  1992 June
 
Lands and Property(AMU)
Mr. Yasom Kahata               1992 – 1996
Mr. John Kuman                   1997 – 2002
Mr. Sesengo Narangeng     2003-2004 (Acting)
Mr. Sesengo Narangeng     2005 – 2015

Jabim District

1. Mr. Gedisa Tingasa
2. Mr. Jakotong David
3. Rev. Janading Apo
4. Rev. Robert Gesungtau
5. Rev. Gedisa Okamaisa
6. Rev. Chris Yalu
7. Rev. David Dani
8. Rev. Yasam Aiwara

Goroka District

1. Mr. Enarekic
2. Rev. Baina Meseya
3. Rev. Ray Rasowe
4. Rev. Kabian Tesasi
5. Rev. Ohuno Mambu
6. Willie Patimos

Hagen District

1. Rev. Rungwo
2. Rev. Jeremiah Mambu
3. Rev. Sanangkec Dole
4. Rev. Zau Rapa
5. Rev. Rauke Rawa
6 Rev. Ten Tengdui

Papua District

1. Rev. Anonga Pingina
2. Rev. Sommy Setu
3. Rev. Qgi Zongoreng
4. Re. Karl Gundu
5. Rev. nathan Denmark

NGI District

1. Rev. Gerrie Sunga
2. Rev. Furu Tierape
3. Rev. Rowec Rowenu
4. Rev. Haynnac Motec
5 Rev. Tobby Elisha
6. Gedisa Okamaisa ( Acting)

Jiwaka District

1. Rev. Dama Kindi
2. Rev. Anton Awi
3. Rev. Kair Boting
4. Jeffrey kaman

Immanuel District

1. Rev. Kapinidl Rombe
2. Rev. Kawa Rambamita
3. Rev. Moses Koyamu
4. Rev. Tande Tumbo

Karkar District

1. Rev. Ibak Riani
2. Rev. Bagg Gubag
3. Rev. Lavong
4. Rev. Matei Ibak

Ukata District

1. Rev. Seru Milenge
2. Rev. Hariewe Gello
3. Rev. baysuo

Siassi District

1. Mr. Martin Ningau
2. Rev. Stephen Siddy
3. Rev. Ben Aiwal
4. Rev. Walter Yalamu
5. Rev. Micah Yalamu
6. Rev. Joshua Max
7. Rev. Christopher Akwa
8. Rev. Allen Ephraim (Acting)

Kainantu District

1. Mr. Zureo Mavino
2. Rev. Kabian Tesasi
3. Rev. Patori Sokewe

Boana District

1. Rev. Kaik Yunamu
2. Rev. Sokeka Tawaman

Simbu District

1. Rev. Kaman Au
2. Rev. Boniepe Agere
3. Rev. Ilai Buge
4. Rev. Maima Mogia Dom
5. Rev. Kamem Gena
6. Rev. Daryl Boyd
7. Rev. Apa Dilu
8. Rev. Baundo Kaupa

Madang District

1. Mr. Stahl Mileng
2. Rev. Liwa Kolau
3. Rev. Magob Krou
4. Rev. Francis Ambuk
5. Rev. Nawon Mellombo
6. Rev. Saul Salgaria
7. Rev. Markut Kamanang
8. Rev. Jautamo Kumbo (Acting)

Mumeng District

1. Rev. Yaningao Nabilen
2. Rev. Yasam Geseng
3. Rev. Robert Gisungtau
4. Rev. Binato Taus
5. Rev. Yaling Ngayaeng

IS Simbu District

  1. Rev.
  2. Rev. Gaimai Kimbe

Kate District

1. Mr. Mufuanuc Butik
2. Rev. Bapiangnuc Buma Sike
3. Rev. Beka Kosieng
4. Rev. Francis Siki
5. Rev. Zawi Dego
6. Rev. Muhuju Muhujupe

Synod

The general convention of the delegates elected and appointed by the Districts to deliberate on matters affecting the work of the church. Also the election of the Executives of the Church. It is held every 2 years at a place and time as approved by the Church Council.

Church Council

The governing body of the church. This body is made up of;
– The Bishop
– Assistant Bishop
– General Secretary
– Church Treasurer
– Present of each district
– One lay person representing each district appointed by district and verified by the Synod
– Two women representative
– Youth representative

District

A group of congregations, parishes and circuits which have agreed to gather together as a single unit to promote the Objectives of the church. ELC-PNG has a total of 17 Districts.

Circuit

A group of Parishes and Congregations which have agreed to work under a single administration.

Parish

A congregation or a group of small congregations which have formed an entity which is served by one or more ordained pastors.

Congregation

Group of persons adhering to to the Lutheran faith who regularly meet for the worship of the Triune GOD, proclamation of GOD’s Word and the administration of the Sacraments, and who have constituted themselves as an organized body.

ELC-PNG Districts

Yabim

Established in 1956.

Kate

Established in 1956.

Madang

Established in 1956.

Goroka

Established in 1966.

Simbu

Established in 1968.

Hagen

Established in 1970.

Siassi

Established in 1973

Papua

Established 1980.

NGI

Established in 1984.

Jiwaka

Established in 1984.

Immanuel

Established in 1984.

Karkar

Established in 1988

Mumeng

Established in 1992.

Ukata

Established in 1992.

Kainantu

Established in 1992.

Boana

Established in 2000

East Simbu

Established in 2004

Missions in PNG

The dawn of the Lutheran Christian Faith in Papua New Guinea came on July 12 1886 through Johann Flierl when he sailed into the quiet beaches of Simbang, Finschhafen. God instilled the courage the wisdom, the strength, and the perseverance into the life of Rev. Johann Flierl. Together with all the other early missionaries in the likes of; Rev. Karl Tremel, Rev. Georg Bamler, Rev. Georg Pfalzer, Rev. Korad Vetter, Rev. Adam Hoh, Rev. Johann Ruppert, Rev. Johann Decker, Rev. Andreas Zwangzer, Rev. Friedrich Held, Ms. Frieda Goez (nurse), Rev. Ernst Hansche, and Rev. Christian Keysser. Rev. Johann Flierl (Senior) did set foot on Simbang on July 12, 1886. Simbang, a village at the mouth of the Bubui (Mape) River in Langemak Bay was the first site of the first mission station. In 1890, he moved the mission station from Simbang to a nearby hill called Gaigeresa that was also known as Simbang II. That same year (1886), Johann Flierl was joined by Karl Tremel in which they moved into Simbang village to set up the first mission station

June 12, 1886

Neuendettelsau Mission Society

The dawn of the Lutheran Christian Faith in Papua New Guinea came on July 12 1886 through Johann Flierl when he sailed into the quiet beaches of Simbang, Finschhafen .

June 12, 1886
January 1, 1887

Rhenish Mission

Rhenish Mission was establish at Madang in Raicost Bogadjim village, by Rev Wilhelm Thomas and Rev Friedrich Eich.

January 1, 1887
January 1, 1890

Kawailo Mission station Karkar(Rhenish)

Kawailo Mission station was established at Karkar Island..

January 1, 1890
January 1, 1890

Tami Island mission station (NMS)

Tami Island Mission Station was established

January 1, 1890
January 1, 1892

Sattleberg Mission Station(NMS)

Sattleberg Mission Station was established.

January 1, 1892
January 1, 1901

Graged Mission Station (Rhenish)

Sattleberg Mission Station was established

January 1, 1901
January 1, 1904

Heldsbach Mision Station(NMS)

Heldsbach mission station

January 1, 1904
January 1, 1906

Bukawa Mission Station (NMS)

Bukawa mission station was establioshed

January 1, 1906
January 1, 1906

Nobonob Mission Station(Rhenish)

Nobonob Mission station was established

January 1, 1906
January 1, 1907

Malalo Mission station (NMS)

Malalo Mission station was estabished

January 1, 1907
January 1, 1908

Hube Mission station (NMS)

Hube mission station was established

January 1, 1908
January 1, 1910

Kurum Mission station Karkar (Rhenish)

Kurum mission station was established at Karkar Island Madang province

January 1, 1910
January 1, 1911

Mission station at Ampo,Gabmazung,Rooke Siassi (NMS)

In 1911 the mission station at Ampo, Gabmazung and Rooke at Siassi Island was established

January 1, 1911

ELC-PNG National Synod

The ELC-PNG National synod is the highest decision making body of the Church. It is much similar as a parliament session of the National government. Each of the 17 Districts of the church has delegates who voice the concern of the districts at the synod. The Districts presidents are the automatic delegates in the synod one other member of the district council. Only the delegates are allowed to vote and move resolutions. Delegates does not involve any department heads any administrative staff of the Church. The Chairman of the Synod is the Head Bishop, the Assistant Bishop is the 2nd Chairman and a third Chairman is elected by the floor on the first day of the Synod.
The Synods are held biannually, usually at the first or the second week of January. Every Synod is held at different districts of the Church.

The table below shows the history of the ELC-PNG National Synod.

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