I had a long conversation with a Lutheran layman. Here are some points:
- I think there is hope for the Wisconsin Synod.
- Interested laity will need to show up for the convention, because the Church Shrinkers will be there in force, trying to regain control.
- The Holy Mother WELS syndrome has been a major problem but the financial meltdown may sweep away a lot of bad attitudes.
- I sense widespread support for heading the synod in the right direction.
Twenty years ago, when I began eviscerating the Church Growth Movement, most of the interested people were retired women, who were baffled about the apathy of fellow members and spineless pastors. Now younger men from all over are studying Lutheran doctrine and discussing the issues.
Many people are the source of information on Ichabod. Before this, Church Growth buddies could control the information and do damage control. Now everyone is free to check out the facts through the links provided.
WLC graduates remember Archbishop Weakland, Martin Marty, and the anti-Lutheran teaching of Paul Kelm (required course for graduation).
PS - I fixed the Tendrils paper so it is easier to read.
9 comments:
Sorry to be anonymous for this, but what exactly do you consider to be "the right direction" for the WELS?
"Before this, Church Growth buddies could control the information and do damage control."
~~~
They still do control information and do damage control using local pastors to shill for them.
Poor guy. You're the last person I would ever ask advice from. I bet that really feeds your ego when someone who doesn't know you calls, seeking your "wisdom."
Fellow faithful had better hope he is right, and pray to God to help the SP clean house.
This sounds familiar:
http://adage.com/article?article_id=136541
There is a deep assumption among the WELS faithful that the synod and the colleges are rock-ribbed stalwarts. It's just a "given" as in a mathematical proof, that our local church takes care of ourselves, and we give money to synod to trust that they will take care of the bigger issues.
[game show buzzer] /"I'm sorry that's the wrong answer."/
Reading Ichabod is discomforting, at first, because it challenges those closely held assumptions. Once you get over that cognitive dissonance hump of "it can't really be happening" it is apparent and obvious how far off track [or festering and contemptuous] synod actually has become.
How will it change? One mind at a time deciding "enough is enough."
+Diet O. Worms
I, for one, will say enough is enough! I'm mad as hell and can't take it anymore!!
Responding to Diet:
I was not aware that Wisconsin Lutheran College was a WELS college. I know that it is associated with the synod, but not run by the synod. The only college that can claim that status is Martin Luther College.
"Interested laity will need to show up for the convention, because the Church Shrinkers will be there in force, trying to regain control."
How true!!! Don't look for rock-ribbed pastors to assert themselves. They sold out or were cowed years ago.
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