Comments, Again

Comments from the laity are signed, for the most part, and intelligent. In the last few hours I received about 10 personal (signed) emails from laity.

I also hear from clergy who sign their emails. Ichabod comments from the clergy are never signed. Most of them are angry, incoherent, and illogical. After all, Ichabod is not required reading. It's not like Understanding Church Growth or Sweet's Starbucks book, at your favorite seminary. I figure there are two clergy, tops, who send in anonymous comments. It could be just one - with a split personality.

One layman used to post with so many names on LutherQuest (sic) that I called him Sybil.

The Future of Apostasy

The somewhat conservative Universalists merged with the radical Unitarians, who used to believe in God, to form the UUA. They are the cutting edge, to use a Fuller term, of denominational evolution. Follow the UUA to predict your synod's future.

Behind the UUA (in radicalism) is the rapidly failing United Church of Christ, comprised of Congregationalists plus the Evangelical and Reformed, the E and R being an earlier merger. Yale was founded as a conservative school to combat the influence of Harvard. Harvard turned Unitarian while Yale remained Congregationalist.

Led by David Preus, the ELCA pushed forward its relationships with the Reformed and eventually established altar fellowship with the UCC. What the UCC earlier proclaimed (after the more radical UUA), ELCA now teaches without qualms. The basis for altar fellowship now means - "We don't believe anything either!"

WELS and Missouri used to get huffy about how liberal the LCA was, how unionistic those liberals were. Now the hero du jour for WELS is one Leonard Sweet, a very lefty Methodist who makes the Wisconsin CG leaders look positively modest. They used to pretend Fuller Seminary was conservative and teaching them non-doctrinal methods, but now the mask is off. Sweet is quoted, with adoration, on WELS.net.

Someone would have to be as ill-informed as a WELS seminarian's wife to think Wisconsin, Missouri, and the Little Sect are not in fellowship with ELCA.

And yes, the four-letter synods are collapsing, financially and in membership, just like the UUA and UCC. The caboose must necessarily follow the engine of apostasy.

ELCA Dissolving

Ichabodians will recall that Pastor Rick, a classy guy, criticized me for being a member of more than one Lutheran synod. This apparently excused him from bragging about his anti-Christian reading (Sweet and Hybels).

Consider for a moment what someone has posted on the ALPB discussion group:


Re: That Goodsoil Eucharist
« Reply #107 on: August 12, 2007, 01:08:22 AM »

Quote from: Paula Murray on August 11, 2007, 04:52:29 PM

No one has to lead a congregation out of the ELCA, Jerry, the problem will be keeping them there.

That is true to my experience here. For almost 3 years now, I have been regularly asked by members of this congregation why we have not already left the ELCA. I expect, given the news coverage that we are receiving now (one of my daughters heard about this on the radio this afternoon), that more of the members here will be urging the congregation to leave the ELCA.
Mel Harris

I left the LCA in 1987, before the merger even took place. I also wrote about why I left the LCA and joined WELS.

Four things disgusted me about the Wisconsin Synod:
1. WELS worked with the ELCA on a host of religious projects and did not want their apostate sister-church offended.
2. WELS embraced the Church Growth Movement at every level (synod, district, Columbus, seminary) and lied constantly about it.
3. WELS leaders were so corrupt that they would grab a sexual predator kicked out of the ministry and defend the predator's false doctrine.
4. WELS pastors did not have the guts to fight anything.

I do not see much difference between the synods and the pastors. The messages supporting the facts reported here come from the laity. The abusive comments (many squelched because they are so repetitive) are from clergy.

Parlow on Salvation by Works - He's All For It

GJ - This WELS sermon has been passed around a bit. I believe the question marks were added by an editor. I will assign the name of the editor: pseudo-Parlow. Apparently the same sermon had already been published. I have reprinted that below. The copy I received matched up, side by side. This version is more work to compare.

Pastor John Parlow January 1, 2006
Web page’s byline: ”Magnets with Means Making a Difference”


Did anyone come down to breakfast this morning and announce -- "I'm so hungry, I feel as if I haven't eaten since last year!"??

It's fun to play with all the brand-new possibilities open to you on January 1. Go jogging this morning, and you've exercised every day this year. Get through lunch without eating potato chips or a candy bar, and this year reflects a whole new healthy and perfectly-kept diet regime. So far this year, perhaps you have never cussed at someone, never yelled at the kids, never forgotten to floss, never thrown your dirty clothes on the bathroom floor and never forgotten to read the Bible in the morning! On January 1 your whole life can be transformed. For one day at least, all your good intentions can be jump-started, and all your bad habits can be unplugged. At least for a few hours (or minutes?), the year is a perfect reflection of your best self.

But January 1 is followed inevitably by January 2 and January 3. Someday soon you will opt for staying in a cozy bed a few more minutes rather than plunging out into the cold on that jog. Pretty soon candy wrappers will start appearing in your desk drawer again. By the 4th or 5th, you will surely have been aggravated enough at a bad driver or a dropped glass or a stubbed toe to have let loose a blue streak of bad words or unsanctified thoughts. By the 7th, your socks are back on the bathroom floor and your dental floss is gathering dust. By the 10th you fall asleep before you can even get the Bible open. ? For all but a few of us, most New Year's resolutions get packed away with the last of the Christmas decorations. By Epiphany our behavior and the whole New Year are just as tarnished as they were before January 1.

The problem with most of our resolutions is that they are too safe, too sensible and too self-centered. We resolve to make tiny cosmetic changes in our lifestyles -- but refuse to consider restructuring our lives and changing the paradigms by which we live. Luke's single story about the boy Jesus offers us an example of what it would mean if we were to transform our lives by making the ultimate resolution, the mother of all New Year's resolutions, the resolution that ends all resolutions -- to declare that from this day forward we will be "about [our] Father's business."?

Joseph and Mary, their friends, neighbors and relatives, all made the required pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. But as soon as the allotted time for the holiday was over, they hit the road -- anxious to get back to all the chores and responsibilities that filled their lives. Joseph, a craftsman working with stone and wood, undoubtedly had projects awaiting his attention. Mary would have had the hundreds of time-consuming tasks it took to keep her family fed and clothed. Like most of us at the end of an extended vacation, they were probably looking forward to getting back to the comfortable familiarity of their own hearth and home.? But the young Jesus refuses to let his relationship with God be regulated according to some prearranged, culturally imposed schedule. Instead of going along with the return-to-business-as-usual attitude, Jesus answered the most important call of all -- to be about his Father's business. What would it mean if we were to act in a similar fashion? What would it mean to live, not according to human expectations or cultural patterns, but according to what God required of us? What does it mean to be about God's business, rather than other people's business, or even other people's definition of God's business? Jesus discovered at this early age that answering God's expectations can get you in trouble -- even with your own family. In fact, focusing on God's business may put an unexpected crimp in the family business. "Business-as-usual" may not be the way God does business. And the world and the church find that unnerving.? The ultimate New Year's resolution does not challenge us to cut fat grams, or quit smoking or get to aerobics class twice a week. The ultimate resolution a Christian can make is to live in the light of divine love and intentions, not human inventions. The New Year's resolution to end all resolutions is to live under the umbrella of God's forgiveness and love and motivated by those divine gifts to make it my business and your business to be a part of God's business.?

But this just begs a bigger question: What is God's business? ? The apostle Paul put it this way – read Romans 12:1. God's business is transformation. An electrical transformer takes high voltage and transforms it into energy that we can use in our everyday lives. Without a transformer, there could be no light in the darkness, no safety in the storm. At Bethlehem, God came to us and gave us Jesus the Christ, who transforms in his life the love and power of God into the impulses of grace and salvation that the world desperately needs. So what does the Christian who resolves to be a part of God's transforming work on January 1 do on Monday, January 2? There are two essential requirements: First, we must go deeply into the Word. Second, we must go widely into the world.? First, the Word. When the young Jesus felt called to live beyond business-as-usual and answered the call of God's business, he first went to the temple. In other words, he steeped himself in the meanings and messages of God's Word. Knowing what God intends for men and women, learning what God has already said and done and promised for this world, is a necessary first step in the transformative process. Second, the World. Being about God's business doesn't mean we do nothing but sit in the temple -- in the church -- all day long and discuss theology. Remember that while Jesus started out in the temple, he then obediently followed Joseph and Mary back out into the world. We cannot be a part of transforming the world unless we stand in its midst. That is the trouble with our traditional New Year's resolutions -- they never step outside the confines of our own self-centered existence. ?? What if instead of resolving to lose 10 pounds this year,? you resolved to attend worship every week and dedicate five hours a month to add some spiritual weight through Bible study attendance. What if instead of resolving to get more exercise this year,? you resolved to exercise some spiritual muscles and organize a small group Bible study in a local nursing home??? What if instead of resolving to spend less time in front of the TV and more time reading some good books,? you resolved to teach those struggling with illiteracy to read those books to you??? What if instead of resolving to spend more "quality time" with your family, ?you resolved to take your whole family on a mission project for a week, or a month or even longer???

Your life, your commitment to the ultimate resolution, can help the love of God through Christ to transform the world. Today is January 1. A fresh New Year lies unblemished before us. What do you resolve to be on January 2 and for the rest of your life? Amen.

****
GJ: Here is the original. Compare.

Homiletics Online January 1, 1995 Web page’s byline:
“For Those With Too Much Integrity to Preach Someone Else’s Sermon”

Did anyone come down to breakfast this morning and announce -- "I'm so hungry, I feel as if I haven't eaten since last year!"?

It's fun to play with all the brand-new possibilities open to you on January 1. Go jogging this morning, and you've exercised every day this year. Get through lunch without eating potato chips or a candy bar, and this year reflects a whole new healthy and perfectly-kept diet regime. So far this year, perhaps you have never cussed at someone, never yelled at the kids, never forgotten to floss, never thrown your dirty clothes on the bathroom floor and never forgotten to read the Bible in the morning!On January 1 your whole life can be transformed. For one day at least, all your good intentions can be jump-started, and all your bad habits can be unplugged. At least for a few hours (or minutes?), the year is a perfect reflection of your best self.But January 1 is followed inevitably by January 2 and January 3. Someday soon you will opt for staying in a cozy bed a few more minutes rather than plunging out into the cold on that jog. Pretty soon candy wrappers will start appearing in your desk drawer again. By the 4th or 5th, you will surely have been aggravated enough at a bad driver or a dropped glass or a stubbed toe to have let loose a blue streak of bad words or unsanctified thoughts. By the 7th, your socks are back on the bathroom floor and your dental floss is gathering dust. By the 10th you fall asleep before you can even get the Bible open. For all but a few of us, most New Year's resolutions get packed away with the last of the Christmas decorations. By Epiphany our behavior and the whole New Year are just as tarnished as they were before January 1.

The problem with most of our resolutions is that they are too safe, too sensible and too self-centered. We resolve to make tiny cosmetic changes in our lifestyles -- but refuse to consider restructuring our lives and changing the paradigms by which we live. Luke's single story about the boy Jesus offers us an example of what it would mean if we were to transform our lives by making the ultimate resolution, the mother of all New Year's resolutions, the resolution that ends all resolutions -- to declare that from this day forward we will be "about [our] Father's business."

Joseph and Mary, their friends, neighbors and relatives, all made the required pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. But as soon as the allotted time for the holiday was over, they hit the road -- anxious to get back to all the chores and responsibilities that filled their lives. Joseph, a craftsman working with stone and wood, undoubtedly had projects awaiting his attention. Mary would have had the hundreds of time-consuming tasks it took to keep her family fed and clothed. Like most of us at the end of an extended vacation, they were probably looking forward to getting back to the comfortable familiarity of their own hearth and home.But the young Jesus refuses to let his relationship with God be regulated according to some prearranged, culturally imposed schedule. Instead of going along with the return-to-business-as-usual attitude, Jesus answered the most important call of all -- to be about his Father's business.

What would it mean if we were to act in a similar fashion? What would it mean to live, not according to human expectations or cultural patterns, but according to what God required of us? What does it mean to be about God's business, rather than other people's business, or even other people's definition of God's business? Jesus discovered at this early age that answering God's expectations can get you in trouble -- even with your own family. In fact, focusing on God's business may put an unexpected crimp in the family business. "Business-as-usual" may not be the way God does business. And the world and the church find that unnerving.The ultimate New Year's resolution does not challenge us to cut fat grams, or quit smoking or get to aerobics class twice a week. The ultimate resolution a Christian can make is to live in the light of divine intentions, not human inventions. The New Year's resolution to end all resolutions is to live under the umbrella of God's expectations and to make it my business and your business to be a part of God's business.But this just begs a bigger question: What is God's business? God's business is transformation. An electrical transformer takes high voltage and transforms it into energy that we can use in our everyday lives. Without a transformer, there could be no light in the darkness, no safety in the storm. At Bethlehem, God came to us and gave us Jesus the Christ, who transforms in his life the love and power of God into the impulses of grace and salvation that the world desperately needs.

So what does the Christian who resolves to be a part of God's transforming work on January 1 do on Monday, January 2? There are two essential requirements: First, we must go deeply into the Word. Second, we must go widely into the world.1. The Word. When the young Jesus felt called to live beyond business-as-usual and answered the call of God's business, he first went to the temple. In other words, he steeped himself in the meanings and messages of God's Word. Knowing what God intends for men and women, learning what God has already said and done and promised for this world, is a necessary first step in the transformative process.2. The World. Being about God's business doesn't mean we do nothing but sit in the temple -- in the church -- all day long and discuss theology. Remember that while Jesus started out in the temple, he then obediently followed Joseph and Mary back out into the world.We cannot be a part of transforming the world unless we stand in its midst. That is the trouble with our traditional New Year's resolutions -- they never step outside the confines of our own self-centered existence. What if instead of resolving to lose 10 pounds this year,you resolved to eat according to a diet that could sustain the whole world?What if instead of resolving to get more exercise this year,you resolved to exercise some spiritual muscles and organized a prayer-chain across your community?What if instead of resolving to spend less time in front of the TV and more time reading some good books, you resolved to teach those struggling with illiteracy to read those books to you?What if instead of resolving to spend more "quality time" with your family, you resolved to take your whole family on a mission project for a week, or a month or even longer?

Your life, your commitment to the ultimate resolution, can help the love of God through Christ to transform the world. Today is January 1. A fresh New Year lies unblemished before us. What do you resolve to be on January 2 and for the rest of your life?

Response to Church and Change

John Bauer (Church and Change) Clobbered by the Word

Bauer:
I've taken a few days before responding. Here goes.

With all due respect, the criticism of the CHARIS announcement articulated below is based on a definition which writer provides. Anyone can argue from their own presuppositions and definitions. Nowhere has CHARIS advocated "humanistic non-evangelical shortcuts." These words are themselves human contrivances. So in the five paragraphs following the "clearer definition," the writer has succeeded only in arriving at a conclusion based on a self-defined first premise.

I am not advocating the study of any "methods" or strategies outside of means of grace ministries. But to condemn all methods based on human reason creates a restriction that no WELS pastor could live with. I am assuming that every pastor who graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary took at least one course in homiletics. What is homiletics other than preaching methods, i.e., the use of human reason to interpret text, plan an outline, think of illustrations, etc? And when a pastor plans a worship service, doesn't he use certain human methods to organize the liturgy? Aren't there methods involved in selecting hymns? And in the practical realm, aren't decisions about whether or not to canvass a community, host a blood drive, place a worship service advertisement in the paper, start a day care center-- aren't these the utilization of human reason to make judgments about how a church makes its presence known in a community? Aren't they methods? Does that make them "humanistic?"

Unfortunately, many of these arguments end up in black and white distinctions. No one that I know is saying that conversion comes about by any other means than the means of grace. It is God the Holy Spirit working through word and sacrament. But the means and methods by which God's people reach out into their communities, make connections, establish relationships, serve others - - all so that the opportunity to proclaim the Word is obtained - that is what the symposium is about. Let's try another equally valid definition of "church growth methods" just for argumentation's sake. (And by the way, no where in the Symposium literature is there an indication that "church growth methods" are going to be examined or promoted.) Let's define church growth methodologies as "those plans, strategies, and actions which are aimed at equipping and mobilizing God's people to more directly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with an unbelieving world in any and every circumstance and context so that more and more people may come to know Jesus as their Savior." I just made this up. But try the definition on for size and then see if the same conclusion of condemnation can be arrived at.

John Bauer
________________________________

Paul D. Lindhorst Does the Clobbering - Via the Word
From: church_and_change@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:church_and_change@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rev. Paul D
Lindhorst
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 10:40 PM
To: church_and_change@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [church_and_change] 3rd Annual Church Door Symposium


On Fri, 6 Jan 2006 19:27:57 -0600 "John Bauer"
writes:

The CHARIS Institute, Inc.
Announces its 3rd Annual
CHURCH DOOR SYMPOSIUM
"Effective Evangelistic Churches"
March 6 and 7, 2006
At Wisconsin Lutheran College

Much has been written by conservative Lutheran theologians which is critical of "church growth" methodologies. At the same time, utilization of practical strategies within "means of grace" ministries is a proper use of God-given reason and should be explored so that others can benefit from the knowledge and experience of churches which have been shown to be effective at sharing the gospel.

In my opinion, a clearer definition of true "Church Growth" methodology would be "Humanistic, non-evangelical short-cuts used to effect substantial numerical increases in attendance and membership" methodology.

Two questions: 1) How could one possibly benefit from the study of a methodology whose very essence is intrinsically founded on man's wisdom and not on God's powerful means of grace? 2) Therefore, why would one even attempt to incorporate such a humanistic methodology into their own means-of-grace ministry? The product of such a union would be (at best) a watered down means-of-grace ministry.

Allow me to loosely paraphrase 2 Cor. 6:14,15: Do not be yoked together with humanistic church growth vendors. For what do God's means of grace and humanistic church growth methodologies have in common? Or what fellowship can God's means of grace have with humanistic church growth? What harmony is there between God's means of grace and humanistic church growth?

Maybe Paul's "Keep away from them" warning ought to be considered here (and at other similarly proposed venues). Peter's warning may also be a beneficial addendum to Paul's: Why keep away from them? "[Because] your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Be careful, your faith really isn't that strong, no matter how long you've been a believer or how often you read your Bible. Only the One in whom your faith is founded is strong - the One who builds us up alone through the truths of His Word, not through the humanistic, false teachings of the heterodox.

Consider this: Paul and Peter never went humanistic in their approach to ministry. They simply proclaimed to those inside and outside the Visible church the truths of God's law and gospel to all who would listen. By doing so, they continued their "on the job training" and their personal "getting to know the culture education." They then taught their sheep to do the same. That's Great Commission, evangelical, means of grace ministry.

I truly believe that if we'd spend our time doing the same, there wouldn't be this perceived need on the parts of so many of us to go and find "better" and "more effective" ways of doing (in our own corners of the world) what the Lord has already equipped us to do with the tools of His powerful Word and sacraments. I do understand that we all can and ought to learn and grow from fellow like-minded believers. Yet, let's continue to place our trust and confidence when it comes to the "effectiveness" of our ministries where it belongs - on our Lord Jesus and His powerful Word & sacraments, and not on "better, more effective ways" of "doing ministry." Remember, no "better, more effective way" has or will ever save anyone.

Paul D. Lindhorst

Never Heard of Church Growth in WELS? Ask Megatron

"The publication TELL ('The Evangelism Life Line') has been inaugurated to promote the cause of church growth." Ernst H. Wendland, "Church Growth Theology," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, April, 1981, 78, p. 105.

"In the light of church growth principles as they are promulgated in many mission schools these days, the question naturally arises as to whether or not our approach to world mission work is in need of reassessment or improvement." Ernst H. Wendland, "Church Growth Theology," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, April, 1981, 78, p. 108.

"TELL has served the church faithfully for 15 years. Three editors have served; Ronald Roth (1977-84), Paul Kelm (1985-88), and the undersigned since 1989...The lead article in the first issue of TELL was titled 'Church Growth - Worthwhile for WELS.'...The author of this article in April 1988 issue of TELL concludes, 'It's obvious by now that I believe we in WELS can profit greatly from the writings of the church-growth leaders.' ... TELL as a separate publication ends with this issue. Nevertheless, the focus of The Evangelism Life Line will continue for years to come as an integral part of the new Board for Parish Services journal - PARISH LEADERSHIP. Rev. Robert Hartman TELL (WELS Evangelism) Summer, 1992.

LPR 46 from St. Paul's attended the Win Arn Church Growth seminar, including Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, George Skestos, Vicar Mike Nitz, etc. March and April, 1985.

LPR/St. Paul's "IT'S COLOSSAL! IT'S GIGANTIC! IT'S SPECTACULAR! A PERSONAL NOTE FROM WM. J. BRITTON, RE: CHURCH GROWTH SEMINAR, FEB. 24-25, 1985. Registration is 347! We prayed for response - the Lord gave it to us!...Win Arn says, 'We are not here to make you work harder, but only to help you work smarter.'" CG Conference, attended by St. Paul, Columbus, members and pastor.

LPR Letter from Pastor William J. Britton, Zion (LCMS), Columbus, inviting St. Paul's to participate in an on-going Church Growth program. Pastor William J. Britton, April, 1985.

"In the autumn of 1985 and the winter of 1985-1986, a truly momentous step was taken by the five Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) congregations in the metropolitan area of Columbus, Ohio. The five pastors and lay representatives of those churches organized and incorporated Lutheran Parish Resources, Inc., the first Church Growth institute in the WELS." David G. Peters, "Lutheran Parish Resources: Pilot Program in Church Growth," Mequon: Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, April 27, 1987 p. 1.

LPR/Publisher "Lutheran Parish Resources, Inc. (LPR) is dedicated to the concepts of the Church Growth movement only insofar as they agree with the Scriptures and as taught by the WELS--that is, Church Growth with Lutheran theology rather than Evangelical, and without the typical Church Growth emphasis on quantitative measurement of growth. Kent R. Hunter's definition of 'Church Growth' justifies the use of this term in describing LPR: 'Church Growth: That science which investigates the nature, function and health of Christian churches as they relate specifically to the effective implementation of God's commission to make disciples of all peoples (Matt. 28:19). Church Growth is simultaneously a theological conviction and an applied science,....' Foundations for Church Growth, p. 187. David G. Peters, "Lutheran Parish Resources: Pilot Program in Church Growth," Mequon: Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, April 27, 1987 p. 1.

LPR/Stolzenburg "We have discovered that the Early Church was an institution that unknowingly saw its world through Church Growth eyes. We have some benefits they did not have in that we can look back today and analyze their successes and failures." Floyd L. Stolzenburg, "Church Growth - the Acts of the Apostles," Taught at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio LPR/Stolzenburg

"As you read, pick out the principles of Church Growth in this "FOCUS ON A GREAT CHURCH" (Acts 11:19-30)...11:26 tells us this studies the Word 'in great numbers.' How can we improve our numbers?" Floyd L. Stolzenburg, "Church Growth - the Acts of the Apostles," Taught at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio January, 1986

LPR/Stolzenburg "He has served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri and Senior Pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Florissant, Missouri...He is trained in the Bethel Bible Series, Church Growth program and Dialogue Evangelism. As a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Columbus, he now seeks a different form of Christian service, outside the pastoral office." Floyd L. Stolzenburg, "The Homewood Church Enrichment Program,"

"WELCOME TO CHURCH GROWTH. Our study is designed to help all of us gain a new perspective of what God has always had in mind for His Church. Church Growth is not new." Floyd L. Stolzenburg, "What the Bible Says about CHURCH GROWTH," Taught at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio p. 1.

"CHURCH GROWTH. This program was basically the beginning of L.P.R. at St. Paul's. Certainly a church growth consciousness exists in all of the congregations which was not there four years ago. It is also evident that most of the congregations are not really willing to make church growth a major priority of their ministry. Some new people who visit our churches are turned off by the comments of church members. It would seem that many members will 'tolerate' growth if it does not upset the church's traditions." Floyd Stolzenburg, Consultant's Annual Report, 1-12-89 Lutheran Parish Resources

“A half-hour film entitled 'See You Sunday' shows the problem and solution in a credible case history. Anguish and humor accompany the efforts of Church and Diane Bradley to keep their newly-won friends from dropping out of the church. This is one film in a series of six available from: Church Growth 709 E. Colorado Blvd. #150 Pasadena, CA 91101. It rents for $42.00. "On the Subject of Incorporating Members," The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Winter, 1985, p. 8.

"This downplaying of the importance of the means of grace on the part of many in the Church Growth Movement would seem to stem from several factors." [That is like saying that many Lutherans downplay the infallibility of the pope.] David J. Valleskey, "The Church Growth Movement: An Evaluation," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, Spring, 1991 88, p. 105. Holidaysburg, 10-15-90

Spoiling the Egyptians "Yet this writer is confident we won't go astray in adopting a 'spoiling the Egyptians' approach to the various Church Growth Movement sociological principles and the research that produced them." David J. Valleskey, "The Church Growth Movement: An Evaluation," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, Spring, 1991 88, p. 116. Exodus 12:36. [GJ - Spoiling the Egyptians is from CG guru Larry Crab, who borrowed it from Augustine.]

"Not that Word and Sacrament are ineffective in incorporating new souls into our fellowship. Not at all! But according to some serious Church Growth studies, as many as one-third of the people gained for protestant church membership today do not feel they really belong." David N. Rutschow The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Winter, 1985, p. 3.

NASCG Lutheran members of the North American Society for Church Growth: Harold S. Drageger, Grace Lutheran, Visalia, CA; Bradley Hoefs, King of Kings Lutheran, Omaha, NE; Kent Hunter, Church Growth Center, Corunna, IN; Elmer Matthias, Emeritus Concordia St. Louis, MO; Dale Olson, Cross of Hope Lutheran, Ramsey, MN; Waldo J. Werning, Stewardship Growth Center, Ft. Wayne, IN; Gregory L. Jackson, Columbus, OH.
Doris M. Wagner, Fuller Theological Seminary, December 10, 1991

CG Principles John H. Yoder, my dissertation advisor at Notre Dame, really went after Church Growth, quoted by Wendland. Ernst H. Wendland, "Church Growth Theology," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, April, 1981, 78, p. 112f.

Waldo Werning "There are other church growth programs which have been developed along more conservative lines. Here we are thinking of adaptations of McGavran's principles such as developed by Waldo J. Werning of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In his study entitled "Vision and Strategy for Church Growth" Werning has modified some of McGavran's extreme positions. Using some of his own adaptations Werning has conducted many seminars and workshops in applying church growth principles to a local congregational setting in America." [Werning is Who's Who in Church Growth] Ernst H. Wendland, "Church Growth Theology," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, April, 1981, 78, p. 117.

Donald McGavran "Dr. Donald McGavran, Dean Emeritus and Senior Professor of Mission at the Institute of Church Growth, Pasadena, California, is very much concerned about the Two Billion. He severely censures the leaders of the World Council of Churches as having 'betrayed the Two Billion.' Ernst H. Wendland, "Missiology--and the Two Billion," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, January, 1974 71, p. 9.

"Recently we had opportunity to read a book written by Dr. George W. Peters, Professor of World Missions at Dallas Theological Seminary, who is also a leading spokesman for the Evangelicals." [Note: Peters is Who's Who in Church Growth] Ernst H. Wendland, "Missiology--and the Two Billion," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, January, 1974 71, p. 14.

Paul Kelm "THIS QUESTIONNAIRE WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED AS A RESEARCH INSTRUMENT, PART OF REV. DAVID LUECKE'S INVESTIGATION INTO THE NEED FOR PASTOR DEVELOPMENT. HIS HYPOTHESIS, WHICH WAS CONFIRMED BY THE RESEARCH FINDINGS, WAS THAT PASTORAL EFFECTIVENESS RELATIVE TO CONGREGATIONAL GROWTH WAS PREDICTABLE FROM THE ATTITUDES OF THE MINISTERS...THIS TOOL HAS BEEN PREPARED AS A CONSCIOUSNESS-RAISING DEVICE TO HELP MINISTERS ASSESS THEIR OWN NEEDS FOR CONTINUED TRAINING IN CHURCH GROWTH AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVELY FOCUSED AREAS. Fuller Evangelistic Association, Copyright, 1981, MINISTERIAL ATTITUDES DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE, Sent to congregations using the Spiritual Renewal Consultant program, headed by Rev. Paul Kelm, 1990, p. 1.

"A number of experts on church growth principles added muscle to the conference. Among the experts were George Barna, George Gallup Jr., Lyle Schaller, and Tom Sine--icons in the church growth movement...Of the four church growth experts mentioned above, I have heard three of them speak at some length." [On opposing page, letter about Church Growth which Wayne Mueller answered] James P. Schaefer The Northwestern Lutheran, October 15, 1991, p. 363.

"I share the judgment of Prof. David Valleskey that one 'can probably pick up a few helpful hints' from the church growth folks." [On opposing page, letter which Wayne Mueller answered] James P. Schaefer The Northwestern Lutheran, October 15, 1991, p. 363. e May 15, 1991 NWL Valleskey article

Olson/McGavran "Donald C. McGavran died at home in Altadena, California, on July 10, 1990. He was 92 years old. Dr. McGavran is widely recognized as the founder of the church growth movement, a movement which has sought to put the social sciences at the service of theology in order to foster the growth of the church. In August of 1989 I borrowed a bicycle and pedaled several miles uphill up from Pasadena to Altadena. I found Dr. McGavran in his front yard with a hose in hand, watering flowers." Lawrence Otto Olson, D. Min., Fuller Seminary, "See How It Grows: Perspectives on Growth and the Church," EVANGELISM, February, 1991, Professor, Martin Luther College (WELS), p. 1.

Olson/McGavran "The church growth movement has made inroads into nearly every denomination in America. Once considered only the turf of conservative evangelicals, you will now find church growth practitioners in the United Methodist Church, in the Presbyterian Church in the USA, and among the Episcopalians. The LCMS has more pastors enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary, the seedbed of the movement, than are enrolled in the graduate programs at their Fort Wayne and St. Louis seminaries combined, and most of them include church growth as part of their studies." Lawrence Otto Olson, D. Min., Fuller Seminary, "See How It Grows: Perspectives on Growth and the Church," EVANGELISM, February, 1991, Parish Consultant for the WELS Board of Parish Services and his district's Coordinator of Evangelism. p. 1.

"What do people mean when they talk about effective church growth principles? Do we make God's kingdom come? 'God's kingdom certainly comes by itself,' Luther wrote. Ours is to sow the seed. We hamper the kingdom if we sow carelessly or if we do not sow at all. But we do not make it grow." Mark Braun, The Growing Seed, What Do People Mean When They Talk about Effective Church Growth Principles? The Northwestern Lutheran, September 1, 1991, p. 300. Mark 4:26-29.

DP Mueller "Several of our brothers have been warning us to be careful about the leaven of The Church Growth Movement and the insidious Reformed doctrine contained within. Not a few of us have heard their warning and have thought to counter the danger by saying we will weed out the erroneous material and use only that which is proper and beneficial to the Lord's work in our congregations. Fellow-shepherds, there is some evidence to show that that is exactly what the devils wants us to think. That seems to be used to lull us and our members into sleep, and without our intending it, the soul-harming false doctrines creep in undetected, under the guise of religious printed materials and programs." Michigan District President Robert Mueller, (WELS), "President's Report to the Conferences, Spring, 1991, p. 2.

George Barna "Marketing churches to reach people is consistent with biblical principles and doesn't mean the message needs to be watered down or compromised, according to researcher George Barna...Church growth is primarily accomplished by word of mouth. Barna advised clergy to see themselves as cheerleaders rather than leaders, as laypeople carry out the practical marketing of the church." News From Around the World, The Northwestern Lutheran, November 15, 1991 p. 395.

Robert Preus "Please display this [Team Evangelism, Church Growth] prominently. The WELS is more committed to the church growth movement than LCMS." Note from Robert Preus to Herman Otten, Church Growth Institute P. O. Box 4404, Lynchburg, VA 24502 1-800-553-GROW School of Outreach IV

"'Church growth.' I've seen people cringe when they hear those words. I think I know why. They react negatively because they feel 'church growth' implies an obsessive fixation with numbers and statistics." Pastor James Huebner, Spiritual Renewal Consultant, Notebook, School of Outreach IV, Seventeen Ways to Keep Your Church from Growing, p. 178. School of Outreach IV. (GJ - Huebner is now a synod VP!)

"We can't do a thing to make his Word more effective. But surely we can detract from its effectiveness by careless errors and poor judgment. It just makes good sense to utilize all of our God-given talents, to scour the field for appropriate ideas, concepts, and material (sic), to implement programs, methods, and techniques so that we do not detract from the effectiveness of the gospel we proclaim. Church growth articles, books, seminars, and conferences can offer such ideas and programs." Pastor James Huebner, Spiritual Renewal Consultant, Notebook, School of Outreach IV, Seventeen Ways to Keep Your Church from Growing, p. 178. (GJ - This is Reformed false doctrine.)

Phoning "Resources mentioned in this 'Bulletin' are available from CHURCH GROWTH, 709 E. Colorado Blvd. #150, Pasadena, CA 91101. Or call 1-800-423-4844." Pastor Jim Radloff, Mission Counsellor Newsletter, Austin, Texas, May, 1988 Types of Groups "Types of Home Groups, by Karen Hurston (Church Growth Assoc.), from material by Bob Fulton. Copied with the permission of Charles Arn." Pastor Jim Radloff, editor WELS Mission Counselors' Newsletter, Oct., '91, 2929 Mayfair Road, Milwaukee, WI 53222 p. 11.

"The dynamics of assimilation into active church membership have very little to do with theological issues. Rather, a new members' class should focus primarily on relational issues of involvement and belonging." (Defining an Assimilated Member, by Charles Arn, copied with permission from EVANGELISM, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI, 53092. Annual subscription rate for EVANGELISM is $12...Charles Arn is Vice President of Church Growth, Inc. in Monrovia, Ca.) Pastor Jim Radloff, editor WELS Mission Counselors' Newsletter, Oct., '91, 2929 Mayfair Road, Milwaukee, WI 53222 p. 150.

Kelm "Church growth theory suggests the need for seven fellowship groups for every 100 members." Pastor Paul E. Kelm, The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Winter, 1985, p. 4.



"Assignments:...2. Prepare a term paper on the subject of evangelism and/or church growth." Prof. David J. Valleskey, Class Notes, The Theology and Practice of Evangelism, PT 358A p. 3. "Introduction to the Church Growth Movement by Lutheran authors, Hunter, Kent R., Foundations for Church Growth (New Haven, MO: Leader Publishing Co., 1983) - the author, an LC-MS clergyman who has now set up his own church growth consulting service, performs the valuable service in this 204 page book of presenting an introduction to church growth goals and terminology. Werning, Waldo, Vision and Strategy for Church Growth, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1977) –

Werning, active for years in LC-MS stewardship work, explains the foundations, presuppositions and principles of church growth and then shows how a congregation can benefit from making use of certain church growth principles - of the two books listed in this category, Werning's is the more practical." Prof. David J. Valleskey, Class Notes, The Theology and Practice of Evangelism, PT 358A p. 6.

"Useful Ideas for My Ministry from the Church Growth Movement...The Church Growth Movement--Strengths and Weaknesses...The Church Growth Movement--An Evaluation...Church Growth Sounds Good, But...Dangers of the Church Growth Movement...Friendship Evangelism...Rationale for Friendship Evangelism..." Prof. David J. Valleskey, Class Notes, The Theology and Practice of Evangelism, PT 358A

Serendipity "In an article on the small group movement, J. A. Gorman notes that 'both the Church Growth Institute of Fuller Seminary and the American Institute of Church Growth became centers for influencing the use of this means for evangelizing." (Christian Education, Moody Press, 1991, pp. 509, 510) Prof. David Kuske, "Home Bible Study Groups in the 1990s," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, Spring, 1994. p. 126.

Bob: "..I'd like to share with you a book I came across the other day. It's interesting, easy to read, and may be the answer to our problem..." [Could this be the Bible, The Book of Concord, What Luther Says?] "Its title is Your Church Can Grow, and it's filled with all sorts of practical hints that could help us turn things around here." Author: "Bob didn't realize it at the time, but in his browsing he had stumbled upon one of many similar books written from the perspective of the church growth movement, books with such titles as How to Grow a Church, Ten Steps for Church Growth, Church Growth: Strategies that Work, and Leading Your Church to Growth." Prof. David Valleskey, "The Church Growth Movement, Just Gathering People or Building the Church?" The Northwestern Lutheran, May 5, 1991, p. 184.

"For several years I've been a Pete Wagner fan. Although I don't see eye to eye with him on many important theological points (he approves of faith healing and speaking in tongues as long as it promotes church growth and he comes from a Billy Graham decision for conversion doctrinal background), he is the most eloquent spokesman of the Church Growth Movement. A prolific author on mission/evangelism/church growth subjects, Wagner is also an excellent teacher and a crystal clear writer." Reuel J. Schulz The Evangelism Life Line (WELS) Winter, 1980,

"Neither things I shared with you nor any of my writings, published or not, substantiate the implications that I am an advocate of Church Growth theology. I did attend a Pasadena forum on Church Growth featuring Win Arn and others...I therefore request a public apology from you for making an unfounded accusation against me based on the fact that I attended a Church Growth conference. My attendance is no greater proof (by association) of my alleged Church Growth advocacy than your attendance at and degree from Notre Dame is proof of your acceptance of Roman Catholic heresy!" Rev. Norman W. Berg, WELS, former mission board chairman Letter to Gregory L. Jackson, 3-27-96,

Lutheran Forum Cover: "Evangelism and the Church Growth Movement," Rev. Richard J. Neuhaus, Lutheran Forum, "What's Really Wrong with the Church Growth Movement: The Lutheran Difference," August, 1990 pp. 18-24.

"Then there is the church growth movement, which has made more devastating headway in LCMS than in ELCA (although it is evident enough in the latter). Today, it is said, Missouri has three seminaries-- St. Louis, Ft Wayne, and Fuller Seminary in California, the hothouse of church growth enthusiasms. The synodical and district mission offices are frequently controlled by church growth technocrats...But the idea that Word and Sacrament ministry is somehow validated by calculable results is utterly alien to the Lutheran Reformation...The triumph of style over substance, however, is all too evident in LCMS congregations that look like Baptists with vestments. As we have noted before, second-rate Lutherans make fourth-rate Baptists." Rev. Richard Neuhaus, (ELCA at the time), Forum Letter, 338 E 19th Street New York, NY 10003 November 26, 1989 p. 2.

"If we have abundance of money to support new programs of the synod, ranging from the controversial Church Growth Movement Program to our Mass Media Ministry, surely we should be able to find some funds for our Indian brothers and sisters in Christ." Robert F. Koester, Lakeville, Indiana, Letter, "Saving Souls vs. New Programs, The Northwestern Lutheran, October 15, 1991 p. 362.

School of Outreach IV "Types of Groups...This table relies on information from Eddie Gibbs. I Believe in Church Growth, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982, pp. 275-279." School of Outreach IV, Notebook, WELS Evangelism Commission p. 51. Eddie Gibbs is (Who's Who in Church Growth) School of Outreach IV "How do we get there (Resources)...1. Book (3 ring binder): Facing the Facts for Church Growth by Diane Barber and Kent R. Hunter, a step by step manual for understanding 'all you ever wanted to know and more' about the nature of graphs...This is a very good resource...Order from the Church Growth Center." School of Outreach IV, Notebook, WELS Evangelism Commission p. B-5. Kent Hunter is (Who's Who in Church Growth) School of Outreach IV

"For the Love of Pete is an excellent overview of the entire friendship witnessing process and is recommended for use with the workshop or as a follow-up too...from Church Growth, Pasadena, California." School of Outreach IV, Notebook, WELS Evangelism Commission p. B-5. n is in (Who's Who in Church Growth) School of Outreach IV "PRINCIPLES OF GROWING CHURCHES - APPLIED TO THE LARGE CHURCH. 1. Church growth begins with a desire, commitment, and expectation for growth on the part of the pastor and lay leadership. The pastor and congregation must want to grow and be willing to sacrifice for growth. The congregation has a mission statement." School of Outreach IV, Notebook, The Large Church, WELS Evangelism Commission p. 45.

Waldo Werning "I would not say this publicly, but I will tell privately that I received a phone call from a WELS pastor who said that some claim that there are several WELS pastors in your Circuit who are into church management and some kind of church growth (and possibly even funded by some agencies) and that some believe that you are trying to get at them and a few others in WELS, and that is why you are writing the articles. Whatever the facts are, your entering into this fray, it seems to me, will not open up channels for God to use your very good talents in WELS in profitable ways." Waldo J. Werning, Letter to Gregory Jackson, August 23, 1989 (Letter stamped in red: CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL)

Wayne Mueller "There is no Church Growth Movement Program in our synod. Our church body is opposed to the false theology of the Church Growth Movement. We have no programs inside or outside the budget with that name. Nor do we have any programs with a different name which utilize Church Growth theology." Wayne D. Mueller, Administrator for the BPS, WELS, "A Response to 'Saving Souls vs. New Programs,'" The Northwestern Lutheran, November 1, 1991, February 1, 1992 p. 50.

Now Look at What Wayne Also Wrote!
Wayne Mueller "There may be pastors or congregations which use methodology which church growth people use. This does not mean they have adopted the theology of the Church Growth Movement. Our Lutheran Confessions allow complete freedom among our churches in methodology that does not conflict with the gospel." Wayne D. Mueller, Administrator, Parish Services, "A Response to 'Saving Souls' vs.'New Programs,'" The Northwestern Lutheran, February 1, 1992 p. 50.

School of Outreach IV "Every congregation of the WELS was provided a TRACT CATALOG reviewing tracts from CTM, ATS, ACTS and IBS at the 'Getting Everyone Involved' District Evangelism Worships held in '89." [Note: George Barna, Who's Who in Church Growth, is on the board of ACTS. Faith, Prayer and Tract League, recommended on the same page, offers decision theology: Grand Rapids, 1-616-453-7695] WELS Notebook, School of Outreach IV, p. 223. Types of Groups "Types of Home Groups, by Karen Hurston (Church Growth Assoc.), from material by Bob Fulton." WELS Campus Pastors, Small Group Training Conference, Jan. 7-9, 1991, Madison. p. 10.

Evangelism Wkshop IV "RESOURCES AVAILABLE...CALLING IN LOVE; A HANDBOOK FOR THE TELEPHONE OUTREACH. Order from Church Growth, Inc...Monrovia, CA, 1-800-423-4844...Evaluation: It offers almost everything you will need to know when it comes to using the telephone for outreach." WELS Evangelism Workshop IV, LOCATING THE LOST, p. 53. Evangelism Wkshop IV

"THE EXPANDED PHONE'S FOR YOU! by Norman W. Whan. Order from Church Growth Development International...Cost $229." [The original version, which was copied verbatim by WELS mission congregations, had a deceptive dialogue script for phoning and brochures which suggested joining the church "to meet new friends, develop self-confidence..."] WELS Evangelism Workshop IV, LOCATING THE LOST, p. 55. Evangelism Wkshop IV

"The role of worship seen by the Church Growth movement is not the same role of worship understood by the Lutheran Confessions. This must be said from the beginning in order to be fair to both the Lutheran Confessions and the modern Church Growth movement. My paper is indebted to Dr. David Leucke on this point and I am confident that his Evangelical Style and Lutheran Substance will be an invaluable aid to this discussion. Leucke has offered an indepth review of what principles can be identified in the newer, faster growing churches which have been studied by the Church Growth movement." WELS Evangelism Workshop IV, LOCATING THE LOST, Larry A. Peters, "Lutheran Worship and Church Growth," LCMS Commission on Worship, p. E-1.

Evangelism Wkshop IV "Some in the Church Growth movement have challenged Lutherans to give up their 'style' while keeping their 'substance.'...How can we utilize the Church Growth movement to help us reach out with the Gospel without changing the basic definition of what it means to be Lutheran?" WELS Evangelism Workshop IV, LOCATING THE LOST, Larry A. Peters, "Lutheran Worship and Church Growth," LCMS Commission on Worship, p. E-2.

Evangelism Wkshop IV "Some active in the Church Growth movement have allowed that Lutheran worship is at best a neutral factor; and more often, a hindrance to the growth and outreach of a Lutheran congregation." WELS Evangelism Workshop IV, LOCATING THE LOST, Larry A. Peters, "Lutheran Worship and Church Growth," LCMS Commission on Worship, p. E-4.

WELS Church and Change

http://www.churchandchange.org/

Registration Has Begun!
Visit the 2007 Conference Webpage

Thank You Thrivent!
$10,000 Grant Awarded
to Church and Change
2007 Church and Change Conference Milwaukee, WI

October 15-17, 2007


Our Purpose
Church and Change is a growing group of WELS Christians who desire to think and work like the Apostle Paul who said, "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." The Church and Change group is interested in practicing and promoting innovation in ministry methods throughout the WELS especially at the "grass roots" level. Some in WELS live and breathe music. Some history. Some church libraries, or mission festivals, or prison ministry, or limiting abortion. Good! God uses all effort by his people to his glory. Church and Change is group of committed WELS Christians who live and breathe innovation in ministry across all spectrums. Church and Change folk are committed to Lutheran Theology as explained in the Lutheran Confessions. However, they are thinking about, working with, and pioneering different ways to reach more people, more often, with the gospel so the Holy Spirit can do His thing. Innovation in methodology is yesterday's news in the WELS. Pastors, teachers, synod administrators, worker training leaders, home and world missionaries, worship leaders, computer buffs, and countless local laymen and laywomen, have been tweaking (and/or radically changing) ministry methods for years. In every WELS generation God has raised up men and women, for reasons known only to Him, who are interested in pushing the envelope of "gospel delivery systems." And this, long before concepts like "English" or "radio ministry" or "Parish Assistance," or "paradigm" or "long distance learning" entered WELS thinking or culture. The goal of Church and Change is to provide a gathering point, a "home room" for WELS innovators. Perhaps this is the same need felt by the WELS Church Librarians which led them to gather for support, encouragement, and well -- good old fashioned fellowship - one of the greatest assets in the WELS. Do WELS administrators and WELS laypeople know about each other's efforts at innovation? The purpose of Church and Change includes inviting WELS innovators to communicate with one another, and work together where possible to avoid duplication of effort which wastes God's resources. The world is changing rapidly. Who are the innovators of today who will help us "make the leap from German to English" in this generation? Hopefully, Church and Change can encourage the process of helping WELS ministries keep pace with our rapidly changing culture in America, and around the shrinking globe. If you are currently serving as an innovator in your WELS ministry, please join us. Encourage us. Pray for us. Let us know what you are learning these days. We will happily do the same for you.

Too Sweet for Me - WELS

The Quest for Community"eBay may just be the closest experience of small-town America available to postmoderns. Where else can they find people with similar interests? Where else can they be drawn into community around a single purpose? Where else can they tell the stories most central to who they are and find people eager to hear them? Where else can they participate so fully and have their lives changed by the experience? Nowhere else. Except, perhaps, the church." - Leonard Sweet describing the popularity of eBay among postmoderns. Christianity Today/Leadership Journal, Fall 1999.

Here is the link. Look it up before they erase it:

http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?2617&collectionID=717&contentID=1627&shortcutID=2187

Leonard Sweet Named as Authority in WELS Conference Paper

The paper makes no sense and the footnotes are incomplete, but Sweet is mentioned as an authority. Look up this confused effort before the link is erased forever:

http://www.az-cadistrict.org/downloads.htm

I never heard of Leonard Sweet until WELS pastors told me the liberal Methodist was the new WELS guru. And people were upset about Martin Marty? At least Marty is a nominal Lutheran (ELCA) and a scholar of sorts.

Church and Change Shocker - WELS

Church and Change has its own jumpword on the WELS website. See this link before someone changes it:

http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?804&jumpword=church%20and%20change

Issues in WELS does not have its own jumpword. Nor does Ichabod. Mrs. Ichabod was grieved to hear this.

Wouldn't a jumpword on the search feature at the WELS.net site qualify as an endorsement by The Love Shack? Yet the WELS AnswerMan wrote this:


Q:
I recently was sent this copy and I am wondering if this is a WELS sponsered event. I found it a little strange to say the least, especially in some of the noted items such as "Insightful interviews with former WELS members" and the keynote speaker being Leonard Sweet. I know I received a brochure for the WELS Worhip Conference in MN this summer, so I'm wondering what this is, and what is the "Church and Change Steering Committee?" Is there a link on the synod website for the listserv this brochure speaks of? Here is the copy: 2005 Church and Change Conference November 9-11 Madison, Wisconsin The 2005 Church and Change Conference will challenge, inspire, and encourage you as a Christian and as a leader of Christians. But then, when several hundred creative WELS pacesetters gather around God's Word and share their ideas, that's what we expect would happen. We are excited to announce that world-class Christian researcher and communicator Dr. Leonard Sweet will be the keynote speaker for this year's conference. He will address the general session all day on Thursday, November 10. More information about Dr. Sweet can be found at http://www.leonardsweet.com/biocv.asp In addition to Dr. Sweet, we are putting together 15-18 workshops that will cover subjects such as: * New approaches to children's and youth ministry. * Starting a contemporary worship service. * New and effective approaches to apologetics (defending what we believe). * Insightful interviews with former WELS members. * Women's ministries. * Small groups. * Preaching in today's world. * And much more... The conference steering committee is interested in hearing about workshop topics you feel are beneficial for this year's conference. Please share your suggestions with Barry Spencer at spebar@tds.net. New to this year's conference will be a Church and Change Exhibit Hall. This room will feature the latest in ministry resources! This conference is for innovative Christian leaders like yourself. Please keep it in your prayers! Mark your calendar now! Invite your friends. And stay tuned to our Church and Change listserv for information updates in the coming weeks and months.
A:
The Church and Change conference is put on by leaders of a number of WELS congregations, but it is not sponsored by WELS. Church and Change people have, however, reported to our Conference of Presidents in regard to their activities and WELS does send one of its administrators to attend the conference. The Conference of Presidents has in the past urged discretion on the part of all WELS affiliated organizations who use speakers from outside our doctrinal fellowship. We do not have a web link to connect you to information on the speaker.

***
GJ - Does anyone else think WELS has Sweet on speed-dial?

Pastor Rick wrote about Sweet on his blogsite. Here is the link. Hurry before it is erased:

http://pastorrickjohnson.blogspot.com/2007/08/gospel-according-to-starbucks-my.html

Why am I doing homework for WELS students? All this information is available on the Internet. The difference is that Ichabod offers concentrated, focused information.

Comments and Humor Policy

Comments
Nasty comments need to be signed with the author's actual name, address, and synod affiliation.

Comments adding to people's perspective (whether they agree with me or not) can be anonymous. I know how the WELS KGB works. Look at how fast Corona's pastor took down his shrine to Church Growth heroes (without mentioning it) and erasing his offering record. So informative anonymous comments are welcome.

Ichabod is a free service for everyone. That does not mean everyone has a right to say anything he pleases, anonymously.

Humor
Yes, I know what FIC means. I enjoy playing with names that fit the actual publication. Slick Brenner used to call The Northwestern Lutheran, "The Ladies Home Companion." That was before the magazine got really insipid. Someone else called it Chicken Soup for the Soul, so I adopted that for the anti-Lutheran new title.

How can I call the periodical for the Little Sect on the Prairie The Lutheran Sentinel when the writers are obviously not Lutheran and decidedly not awake? The Lutheran Sound-Asleep is far closer to the truth and rather flattering at that. I am still giving the ELS some credit for some shreds of Lutheran doctrine.

Glad to See Some Eyes Are Opening

I enjoyed this comment - a WELS student never heard of Fuller or Leonard Sweet until he read this blog. Innocent? Just fell off the beet wagon on the way to the farmer's market? Hard to tell.

Church and Change, heartily and merrily endorsed by WELS, sponsored Leonard Sweet. The Church and Change convention is advertized on the WELS website. I doubt whether the Issues in WELS group has the same free PR from The Love Shack.

Leonard Sweet was the author just read by Pastor Rick at Corona, California. Anyone could read that on his blog...until he wiped out the evidence. The other favorite book just read was by Willow Creek guru Hybels.

Never heard of Fuller Seminary? Lawrence Otto Olson received his D.Min. from Fuller, a fact announced in the faculty biographies at Martin Luther College.

Pleading ignorance is a logical fallacy, one worn out by WELS. "I never heard of that" is not exact proof of its non-existence or lack of influence.

Perhaps someone so devoted to writing anonymous posts should read the cascade of verbatim quotations from WELS sources, posted without cost on Ichabod, your one-stop shopping guide for Lutheran information.

I Remember the Good, Old Days

Anonymous raised an interesting perspective about the good, old days. I remember the post-WWII era very well, since I was in grade school in the 1950's. All the mainline congregations in the 1950's were building new additions for us little Baby Boomers.

Billy Graham was the Protestant minister of America. Bishop Fulton Sheen was the priest for Roman Catholics. Sheen was demoted over a fight to get some donations, but he is still remembered today and rebroadcast. Graham is alive, but ailing.

Ministers complained in the 1950's that attendance was only half the membership on a given Sunday. In large congregations that figure is more likely 25% or lower.

The Lutheran congregation I joined in 1965 (LCA) was far more conservative, Lutheran, and liturgical than WELS-LCMS-ELS today. My pastor was trained in the 1930's, when the Augustana doctrinal textbook was from the Hoenecke of his day. (The founding leader of my own school, Waterloo in Canada, had a similar claim.)

The Disciples of Christ congregation I left was just as traditional in its own way. No one thought of entertaining the visitors. Pit bands would have been a one-Sunday event. We had soloists, but they sang church music, not tear-jerking Reformed pap. The choirs sang anthems, not pop music. Sunday School was packed at both congregations.

What changed? The ministers and church leadership changed. The apostates took over, finally wrestling control from the traditionalists. Church bureaucracies grew enormously on the generous contributions of the membership. Bureaucrats awarded themselves fat salaries and benefits. Even today the WELS drones at The Love Shack earn considerably more than the seminary professors. Look up the synod scale for yourselves. Mission pastors get the least and are treated like dirt. They are supposed to be CGM finger-puppets, like their apostate bosses.

If someone assumes the true Church grows only through the Word - and I realize WELS fanatics reject this - then it makes sense that the promotion of man-made wisdom has been strangling all the denominations since the 1960's.

Here is a case in point. The last gasp of WELS traditionalism came in breaking with the LCMS. Almost immediately WELS began dabbling in the Church Growth Movement. Ron Roth was already editing an official Church Growth periodical for WELS (with SP Naumann's blessing) by 1977. Kelm and Hartman edited it later. Then Radloff. Valleskey taught Church Growth as a seminary course while Kelm promoted the CGM every chance he got. One of the new synod VP's, James Huebner, complained in print that people did not like his beloved Church Growth Movement.

WELS is not a Lutheran church body now. WELS is a Reformed sect where some pastors are still allowed to use the liturgy. The Lutheran Hymnal is dead in Wisconsin. Members and pastors make fun of the liturgical service. WELS leaders adore working with ELCA and do so every chance they can get. They also work with Missouri - which may be good. Missouri is less tainted with Church Growth, but not from lack of trying.

The tree is rotten at the roots, so the fruit is not coming forth. Law motivation is not drumming up the financial support because the lash only generates the minimum. Wisconsin leaders do not use Gospel motivation because they no longer know, no longer trust the Gospel.

The more Wisconsin shrinks, the more the apostate leaders order the membership to invite their friends to church and give more money. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

When the brain-washed read the truth about WELS, they react against me. I have already been called every name in their limited vocabulary, so I do not mind their response. Even if I were 10 times worse than they pretend, WELS would still be insolvent and apostate.

Synod Kickbacks!

Anonymous wrote: "I KNOW that synod official's kickbacks are not quite as lucrative as you pretend."

I did not say kickbacks. Fact: the tuition for all synodical schools was given back to the graduate from seminary. That was halted during the Marvin Schwan era. Previously, the money had several advantages. One was to encourage the student to finish the program, since the tuition cost ended up as zero (prep, college, seminary). Another advantage was giving the new shepherd some money to buy furniture for the new parsonage and the new shepherdess (likely a DMLC graduate).

The synodical heroes who benefited from this policy took it away, using tuition and fees to help balance the budget they overspent.

Anonymous, keep that sunnyside-up, brainwashed attitude and you will do marvelously well in WELS. One very bright seminary graduate always answered any questions about doctrine and practice with, "I'm dumb but happy." He was soon the dumb but happy circuit pastor.

If you do not turn the brain switch to the off position, watch these things:
1. Who gets the synodical travel money to act like big-shots around the country?
2. Who speaks at the seminary's mission festival?
3. Who gets published in Forward in Chicken Soup for the Soul?
4. Who is running the synod machinery at the Love Shack?

The answer is - CGM apostates. They used to quote McGavran, Werning, and Wagner whenever possible. The new fad is Leonard Sweet.