Kris Guglielmucci, beloved youth pastor at Victory Church in Adelaide, has died after being struck by lightening.

Mr Guglielmucci, 39, was running a two-day Summerfest youth camp at Cornerstone College in Mt Barker, east of Adelaide, last week, when he was struck by the bolt of lightening. There were no other fatalities.

Kris Guglielmucci was a musician, a key part of the worldwide youth movement Planetshakers, and the youth pastor heading up the youth ministry at Victory Church in Pooraka.

Senior Pastor of Victory Church Tony Rainbow said in a message on their website, “Kris was a much loved member of our staff and church and our hearts go out to Lisa and the children during this time. Our thoughts also extend to Pastor Danny and Sharonne Guglielmucci, as well as the Edge Church family.

Kris Guglielmucci, his wife Lisa and their four children | Facebook

“Our priority now is to care for the children who attended Summerfest, the amazing youth leaders of Victory Youth and our church family. We have been in contact with all those involved — and we are offering counselling to those who require it,” said Pastor Rainbow.

In an interview with the Adelaide Advertiser, Pastor Rainbow said, “(Mr Guglielmucci) was a fun-loving, much loved member of our church community but it went much broader than that. Kris had an impact not just in our local church but many churches and through his involvement with (the) Planetshakers (youth group) has a global reach and his loss will be (felt) right across the world. The tragedy is he leaves behind a lovely wife and four young children.”

According to the Advertiser, Lisa Guglielmucci unexpectedly appeared at Victory Church on Sunday morning, where she embraced the teenagers her husband had mentored.

A private memorial was held for Kris Guglielmucci at Victory Church on Saturday afternoon, with over 500 people in attendance, including camp participants and their parents.

Danny and Sharonne Guglielmucci are Kris’ parents and the Pastors of Edge Church International.

Pastor Jonathan and Rebecca Fontanarosa, some of the pastors at Edge Church, issued a statement saying, “For many years Kris has been a much loved part of the Edge family and our hearts and prayers go out to Lisa and their four children during this time. They have felt the love and support of the church across the globe and have had an overwhelming number of people offering all kinds of practical assistance. At this stage we encourage the church to continue to pray for Lisa, their four children, Pastor Danny and Sharonne, Mike and Amanda with their children, and Danielle. We also encourage you to pray for the leadership and families at Victory Church”

A date is yet to be set for the funeral, but it is expected that many people from around the world will be in attendance.

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