One of the new WELS reports has this shocker in it. Sit down while reading this. Oh, you are sitting down. Then stand up and shout. But read the bold part and sit down again.
Specific issues suggested for study Year One first half: Trusting the Means of Grace Year one presents a study examining a simple question: What is the raw power of God's word both to convert and to harden? Concerns have been raised about a growing lack of confidence in the Means of Grace in our midst that is seen in an increasing interest in techniques and methodology as a means toward ministry ends. Considerable concern has been raised about adoption of styles and methodologies from other church bodies and dabbling in church growth methods, without a full understanding of the connection between the outward style and the false theology that underpins it. On the other hand, concern has also been raised about a spirit of contentment with mediocrity, using the pretext of trusting the Means of Grace as a smokescreen for poor preparation, fear of change, and lack of creativity and innovation. Both ends of the spectrum need to be studied and properly articulated. Preliminary Report, Ad Hoc, p. 31.
Obviously, Valleskey's team got to mangle a perfectly good idea and slander their fellow pastors - again. Read the bold print. Anyone who signed his name to this blasphemy is not a Lutheran, just a Pentecostal marketing executive in sheep's clothing.
They are going to study the Sacraments and the influence of Pietism. That is like asking wolves to study the problem of predation in the flock. As Paul warned, there will be wolves from within and without to scatter and murder the flock.
Look over the colorful seating chart for the deck chairs on the sinking WELS-tanic. I just noticed that adding one little letter makes it the WELSatanic.
Fellow sufferers, this is your chance to change the direction of the Wisconsin sect by studying doctrine. If the members and pastors can stay on the track of doctrine alone, they can create a revolution. If they accept the idea that doctrine is a spectrum, from lazy and contented orthodoxy to hard-working, prepared Church Growth, they will execute another denominational pratfall.
The premise of the bold print is that Church Growth people improve the church through their hard work, preparation, fearlessness, innovation, and creativity. The boneheads who signed this slander should take note of who got caught plagiarizing the bad sermons of false teachers - their heroes: Kelm, Parlow, and a few others. That is a matter of public record.
