IN RECENT days an incident occurred wherein a parishioner of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) congregation that I had left behind to become a North American Lutheran Church (NALC) pastor, called me aside and said for a second time… “I agree with your positions pastor, but I have decided to stay with my ELCA congregation.” Whether she wanted absolution or understanding, or both, I cannot define. In hindsight I may have been rather terse. I stated shortly, “Some people worship buildings, and some worship God.” This response came out only slightly changed from the criticism that I leveled at my previous ELCA bishop. That ELCA leader gave the “exact” same reasoning in front of my congregations, after I had already chosen my present NALC rostering, By doing so, he thus confirmed my stance, yet made room for himself and the congregations to remain in the ELCA.
While I fear that my response to both persons may be harsh, my ire has been building by the multiplicity of persons who have offered similar words. As I realize the personal cost paid daily by myself and many others, in financial security and collegiality, now similar chaffing exists amid conversations held within a favorite Facebook group. The group is the “Lutheran CORE” which is composed of persons from the NALC, ELCA, and other Lutheran entities. All are welcomed forthrightly to comment under the group’s titling of “Lutheran CORE”. I am a member of the group and longtime member of the association.
My unrest arose after a respected member and leader of CORE stated that he had become heated because of dialog which still castigated the ELCA and its past actions. Clearly, while it is apparent that those ELCA members who are a part of the group are struggling to remain faithful to gospel ministry in situations where they are now residing, one of the participants called for those who had left the ELCA to tone down the anti-ELCA rhetoric. Within subsequent conversation, it was offered that all are called to move forward and not dwell on the past.
While this latter action is laudible, it is extremely difficult, for I view that the ELCA meanders up a hellish slippery slope in that it raises itself above scriptural mandates. I believe that it is both scriptural and responsible to keep the apostasy of that branch of Lutheranism in view and mind as we move into the future, and yet not let it mar the future expression of the faith..
While within me exists a pastoral leaning that wants to say to persons… “That’s okay, stay ELCA”, I fear that I have great difficulty. It is my opinion that those who participate in the ELCA as leaders or members contribute to its ongoing errancy, by providing tithes, trading in their publishing houses, doing quality ministries as ELCA participants, and serving in the various ELCA mission endeavors. I hear the hopes that these who are forced into an “exile” of sorts may yet turn the rudder of the wayward boat, yet I fear the strife is futile in the face of muddied theological moorings and their energy would be better spent. Yes, I do realize that all these fit rightly beneath the beneficial cloak of proper Christian ministry and outreach, but they are distorted by a warped church posture which does not faithfully follow the Word. In this I stand reading scripture that offers a historical and scriptural example of this muddled thinking. I refer to…
"And to the angel of the church in La-odicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot!
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and chasten; so be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:14-19)
Are characteristics the same? Hear the commentary by a biblical scholar, Richard L Jeske, who wrote in “Revelation For Today, Images of Hope” (Fortress Press, 1983)…,
“The church in Laodicia had tried neutrality but in the process had lost its ability to heal. Neither cold nor hot, it could neither invigorate nor soothe. Casually blending into its environment, the congregation was a show church, wealthy and prosperous, on the surface in need of nothing. Such a condition had resulted, however, in a smugly self-satisfied church whose witness had become basically impotent.”
It is my belief that the people at CORE serve as a worthy, covered conversational bridge between those in various denominations, and should do so into the future. However, to follow the analogy, a bridge remains as a span to be crossed, and fished from, yet we dare not live there. Understanding and decision cannot be accomplished without the toil and trouble of honest discourse. To dampen the voice of those harmed by the ELCA turmoil is a path not pleasing to my sense of open conversation. Unless we apply these healing waters, both hot and cold, we may do harm to the future road of our gospel proclamation.
I believe those persons who have remained in place within the ELCA are then called to develop the sensibility to hear the need of often explaining patiently again and again, to persons anew, the reasons behind their continued ecclesial position. As a pastor who must daily claim the healing waters of baptism poured upon my head, hearing the painful “We’ve decided to stay because…” from beloved Christians who are now separated from me because of the past ELCA theological error and arrogance, I wish to bath in the healing hot and cold waters of honest and open conversation. And may the waters of our baptism into Christ bring us safely home, to behold the throne of our Lord.
While I fear that my response to both persons may be harsh, my ire has been building by the multiplicity of persons who have offered similar words. As I realize the personal cost paid daily by myself and many others, in financial security and collegiality, now similar chaffing exists amid conversations held within a favorite Facebook group. The group is the “Lutheran CORE” which is composed of persons from the NALC, ELCA, and other Lutheran entities. All are welcomed forthrightly to comment under the group’s titling of “Lutheran CORE”. I am a member of the group and longtime member of the association.
My unrest arose after a respected member and leader of CORE stated that he had become heated because of dialog which still castigated the ELCA and its past actions. Clearly, while it is apparent that those ELCA members who are a part of the group are struggling to remain faithful to gospel ministry in situations where they are now residing, one of the participants called for those who had left the ELCA to tone down the anti-ELCA rhetoric. Within subsequent conversation, it was offered that all are called to move forward and not dwell on the past.
While this latter action is laudible, it is extremely difficult, for I view that the ELCA meanders up a hellish slippery slope in that it raises itself above scriptural mandates. I believe that it is both scriptural and responsible to keep the apostasy of that branch of Lutheranism in view and mind as we move into the future, and yet not let it mar the future expression of the faith..
While within me exists a pastoral leaning that wants to say to persons… “That’s okay, stay ELCA”, I fear that I have great difficulty. It is my opinion that those who participate in the ELCA as leaders or members contribute to its ongoing errancy, by providing tithes, trading in their publishing houses, doing quality ministries as ELCA participants, and serving in the various ELCA mission endeavors. I hear the hopes that these who are forced into an “exile” of sorts may yet turn the rudder of the wayward boat, yet I fear the strife is futile in the face of muddied theological moorings and their energy would be better spent. Yes, I do realize that all these fit rightly beneath the beneficial cloak of proper Christian ministry and outreach, but they are distorted by a warped church posture which does not faithfully follow the Word. In this I stand reading scripture that offers a historical and scriptural example of this muddled thinking. I refer to…
"And to the angel of the church in La-odicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot!
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and chasten; so be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:14-19)
Are characteristics the same? Hear the commentary by a biblical scholar, Richard L Jeske, who wrote in “Revelation For Today, Images of Hope” (Fortress Press, 1983)…,
“The church in Laodicia had tried neutrality but in the process had lost its ability to heal. Neither cold nor hot, it could neither invigorate nor soothe. Casually blending into its environment, the congregation was a show church, wealthy and prosperous, on the surface in need of nothing. Such a condition had resulted, however, in a smugly self-satisfied church whose witness had become basically impotent.”
It is my belief that the people at CORE serve as a worthy, covered conversational bridge between those in various denominations, and should do so into the future. However, to follow the analogy, a bridge remains as a span to be crossed, and fished from, yet we dare not live there. Understanding and decision cannot be accomplished without the toil and trouble of honest discourse. To dampen the voice of those harmed by the ELCA turmoil is a path not pleasing to my sense of open conversation. Unless we apply these healing waters, both hot and cold, we may do harm to the future road of our gospel proclamation.
I believe those persons who have remained in place within the ELCA are then called to develop the sensibility to hear the need of often explaining patiently again and again, to persons anew, the reasons behind their continued ecclesial position. As a pastor who must daily claim the healing waters of baptism poured upon my head, hearing the painful “We’ve decided to stay because…” from beloved Christians who are now separated from me because of the past ELCA theological error and arrogance, I wish to bath in the healing hot and cold waters of honest and open conversation. And may the waters of our baptism into Christ bring us safely home, to behold the throne of our Lord.
1 comments:
What the bishops of the ELCA is doing is the same thing as the Roman bishops did when the sex abuse scandal response from the people became to intense for them. They claimed they were being victimized because there was strong internal opposition to their sinful leadership. This is a clear sign that the enemy ~ the great deceiver is doing what he does best~ move the faithful away from their faith in God and God's True message. This clouding of the Truth allows satan to move souls through this earthly journey without clear knowledge of costly discipleship. We are in the midst of an on-going spiritual battle. We cannot forget that fact. You are correct to speak out prophetically. As in Jeremiah,"So these messages from the LORD have made me a household joke.But if I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in His name,His word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones!I am worn out trying to hold it in!I can't do it!" In the end Tom, I believe we will be judged on our willingness to follow our Father's will as His Son did...even when it is so very hard and the consequences so very real. satan does not want the churches, hymn books and musical instruments. he is in need of souls and to get that he has to attack faith in God. he is doing that in spades these days. One thing has never changed over the generations, a prophet is never welcomed...so rejoice since your reward will be great in the Kingdom. In Christ's service with you.
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