How To Waste Offering Money on Church and Change

Church and Chicanery Pastor Jeff Gunn needs mammoth grants to get his stealth congregration going. "For where your heart is, there will your treasure be also."

WKW Mission Projects 2008

Here is the link.

World Mission Projects
1 Cameroon Mission Assistants NEW
($39,600)
Lay workers assist Missionary Daniel Myers by managing the mission=s finances and assisting with Bible studies and evangelism efforts.

2 Zambia Mission Assistants NEW
($39,500)
Lay workers assist mission guests, oversee finances, and teach English as a Second Language classes.

3 Albania-English/Outreach/Fellowship
($33,400)
Emily Bey and Laura Jahnke raise awareness of the Lutheran church among the young and middle class people of Tirana and surrounding area.

4 Russia Business Manager NEW
($34,600)
A lay worker manages the mission’s finances, freeing the missionaries to spread the gospel.

5 Russian Church Deconesses NEW
($13,000)
Russian deaconesses reach out to Russian congregations, which are made up of 90% women and many children.

6 Brazil-Dourados Ministry Assistant
($23,800)
Chris & Cara Ewings assist with outreach, member retention, and youth ministry.

7 Brazil-Gravatai Ministry Assistant
($15,000)
A lay worker assists with outreach, member retention, youth ministry, and bookkeeping.

8 Brazil EFL Teacher NEW
($22,200)
Grace Bey and Haley Clark teach English as a Foreign Language classes.

9 Dominican Republic EFL Teacher #1 NEW
($18,100)
Julie Majerus teaches English as a Foreign Language classes to reach out to the people of Santiago and bring them into contact with the Lutheran church.

10 Dominican Republic EFL Teacher #2
($15,100)
Polly Clark teaches English as a Foreign Language classes to reach out to the people of Santiago and bring them into contact with the Lutheran church.

11 Dominican Republic Worship Assistant NEW
($3,700)
A lay worker assists with compiling a collection of worship resources that is appropriate for the Dominican culture.

12 Mexico-EFL Teacher/Vicar
($35,000)
A Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary vicar reaches out by teaching English as a Foreign Language classes and gains world mission experience.

13 Mexico–EFL in Torreon NEW
($50,000)
Taylor Bentz and David Sigrist reach out to the community by teaching English as a Foreign Language classes.

14 Native American Missions–Christian Counseling
($94,000)
An Apache lay worker offers Christian counseling and family services in Whiteriver, Ariz.

15 Taiwan English Outreach
($35,600)
Christa Krause and Kristin Lehman assist the local Chinese church by teaching English as a Foreign Language classes.

16 Southeast Asia English Teachers NEW
($31,400)
Two lay workers teach English classes to college teachers and students, and assist with outreach.

17 Southeast Asia English Teacher Coordinator NEW
($55,500)
Lay workers promote and coordinate English classes and teach English as a Foreign Language and assist with outreach.

18 Southeast Asia Middle School Teachers #1
($34,000)
Four lay workers teach English as a Foreign Language and serve as witnesses for Christ to high school students, teachers, and staff.

19 Southeast Asia Middle School Teachers #2
($22,000)
Four lay workers teach English as a Foreign Language and serve as witnesses for Christ to high school students, teachers, and staff.

20 Southeast Asia College Teachers
($21,700)
Four lay workers teach English as a Foreign Language and serve as witnesses for Christ to college students, teachers, and staff.

21 Indonesia Business Manager
($65,200)
A lay worker manages the mission’s finances, freeing the missionary to spread the gospel.

22 Thailand-English Outreach & Self Support
($55,000)
Eric Duwe and Katie Lehmann reach out through English, teaching how to manage a small business that helps support local churches.

BOARD FOR WORLD MISSIONS TOTAL: $757,400


Home Mission Projects
1 Lay Minister-Roswell, N.M.
($15,000)
A lay minister expands the evangelism efforts of Redeemer Lutheran and trains the members to do outreach.

2 Fellowship Coordinator–Phoenix, Ariz. NEW
($36,000)
A lay worker manages the CrossWalk assimilation system.

[GJ - Jeff Gunn's stealth congregation.]

3 Worship/Evangelism Assist–Yorba Linda, Calif. NEW
($59,400)
Amy Reede serves as a resource and consultant for Hispanic outreach in southwest U.S. and produces Latino worship material.

4 Hmong Outreach-Clovis, Calif.
($66,000)
David Wachong Thao and Xing Yang reach out to the Hmong in the St. Peter community while continuing their ministerial training.

5 Student Outreach Coordinator–Milwaukee, Wis. NEW
($21,300)
A lay worker at Point of Grace provides service and social activities to area WELS college students and reaches out to others from three area campuses.

[GJ - Remember the email copied from Willow Creek? He landed at Point of Grace.]

6 English as a Second Language-Colorado Springs, Colo.
($6,000)
Fount of Life members reach out to the Hispanic community through English as a Second Language classes.

7 Japanese Outreach–Findlay, Ohio NEW
($2,000)
Lay workers assist with reaching out to Japanese families who temporarily live in the area, then follow up after they have moved back to Japan.

8 Minnesota English Academy-St. Paul, Minn.
($36,000)
Lay workers reach out to many cultures through the Twin Cities English as a Second Language program.

9 Summer Enrichment Camp-South Minneapolis, Minn.
($20,000)
College students oversee a summer school program and vacation Bible school program for inner-city children in grades K to 6.

10 Hispanic Outreach Director-St. Peter, Minn.
($23,500)
Rodrigo Concha, a Martin Luther College student from Chile, reaches out to Hispanic people in Southern Minnesota.

11 Chinese International Ministry Coordinator
($59,500)
Mrs. Tingjuan Wang coordinates visits by WELS pastors and professors to China, and promotes the Chinese ministry to WELS congregations.

12 Hmong Evangelist-St. Peter, Minn.
($55,000)
Assistance is provided to Pastor Pheng Moua as he serves Immanuel Hmong congregation.

13 Lao Evangelist–Inver Grove Heights, Minn. NEW
($36,000)
Assistance is provided to a Pastoral Studies Institute student as he reaches out to the Lao community in Lakeville.

14 Asian Evangelist-Appleton, Wis.
($59,500)
Thomas Thao, a Hmong lay worker, continues to reach out while studying for the ministry.

15 Hmong Evangelist-Sheboygan, Wis.
($58,500)
Wattzai Lee is a key lay worker reaching out to Hmong in this area.

16 Outreach Burst–Palm Coast, Fla. NEW
($35,000)
Lay workers reach out to the community of Christ the King.

17 Senior Follow Up-Myrtle Beach, S.C.
($11,000)
Lay workers help members of Amazing Grace with outreach activities before and after Easter worship services.

18 Groundbreaking Celebration–Covington, Ga. NEW
($20,000)
Lay workers will reach out to the community of Abiding Grace, publicize the event, and assist with follow up.

19 Hispanic Outreach-Austin, Texas
($5,000)
A lay worker teaches English as a Second Language to a growing Hispanic community and assists in training members of Risen Savior to teach.

20 Administrative Assistant-Round Rock, Texas
($48,000)
A lay worker assists with involving volunteers involved and coordinating outreach events at Christ the Rock.

[GJ - How much to plagiarize the sermon series from Mars Hill?]

21 English/Spanish Classes–Edna, Texas NEW
($33,500)
Lay workers assist with reaching out to the community through bilingual Bible study and worship.

22 Lighthouse Youth Center
($35,000)
Rev. Jim Buske and volunteers provide for the spiritual, physical, and intellectual needs of inner-city youth in Milwaukee, Wis.

23 Prison Ministry-Milwaukee, Wis.
($38,000)
A successful WELS Prison Ministry program is expanded to the rest of the country.

24 Hispanic Seminary Students-Milwaukee, Wis.
($37,400)
Seminary students receive cross-cultural ministry experience while assisting Risen Savior and Lutheran Southside Ministries with Hispanic outreach.

25 Hispanic Evangelist–Milwaukee, Wis. NEW
($16,000)
Ismael Sialer continues his ministerial education while assisting the pastors of Risen Savior with outreach to the Hispanic community.

BOARD FOR HOME MISSIONS TOTAL: $832,600

Northside Lutheran Ministries
($72,000)
Rev. Bill Kirchner reaches out to Milwaukee's inner city, helped by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary students.


Faith In Action
Faith In Action Outreach Teams
($260,000)
Youth In Service (high school students), Travel Canvass Witness (college students), and Member Ministry Assistance (lay men and women) assist congregations throughout the United States with their outreach programs.


GRAND TOTAL OF ALL PROJECTS: $1,922,000
Through your support and our matching funds program, God can make a world of difference through you.

[GJ - And the less spent on the Means of Grace, the better. People might find out that God works exclusively through the efficacious Word.]

Otten's Nemesis Dies

Father Richard J. Neuhaus, son of a conservative LCMS pastor, was a liberal Missouri pastor, an AELC leader, an LCA and then ELCA pastor, and finally a Roman Catholic priest.

Father Neuhaus died of cancer today.

Neuhaus and Robert Wilken kicked Otten and Marquart out of the student newspaper at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Neuhaus became well known for editing the Lutheran Forum Letter, which became more conservative as the LCA became more radical.

We corresponded for a period of time and met at the Ad Fontes Conference in York, Pennsylvania. He became the best known convert to Romanism. Others, like Wilken, have followed.

Neuhaus was a caustic critic of the Church Growth Movement, calling it "tacky." He was talented and gracious, so it is a pity that he abandoned the confessional standards of his father.

Finkelstein on the Willow Creek Franchise Called Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel

Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel (WELS) joined Hybel's Willow Creek Association, too. They liked the discount on training. Discount? For training? Yes, the whole staff has been converted to Enthusiasm, so WELS can spend millions converting more Lutherans to Enthusiasm.

Freddy Finkelstein has left a new comment on your post "Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, A Willow Creek Franchis...":

I visited the website of the Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel & Student Center, a WELS Campus Ministry at UW-Madison. I browsed the events calendar and discovered that, in fact, this series has been ongoing -- for months -- and that this series is intended as a presentation of basic Biblical theology. Here are the other Sermon Titles:

September
- Description: The Real Jesus: "Is Jesus the Only God?" (Part 1 of 12)
- Description: The Real Jesus: "How Human Was Jesus?" (Part 2 of 12)
- Description: The Real Jesus: "How Did People Know Jesus Was Coming?" (Part 3 of 12)

October
- Description: The Real Jesus: "Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?" (Part 4 of 12)
- Description: The Real Jesus: "Why Did Jesus' Mom Need To Be A Virgin?" (Part 5 of 12)
- Description: The Real Jesus: "What Did Jesus Accomplish On the Cross?" (Part 6 of 12)

November
- Description: The Real Jesus: "Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?" (Part 7 of 12)
- Description: The Real Jesus: "Where Is Jesus Today?" (Part 8 of 12)

December
- Description: The Real Jesus: "Why Should We Worship Jesus?" (Part 9 of 12)
- Description: The Real Jesus: "What Makes Jesus Superior To Other Saviors?" (Part 10 of 12)

WHAT?? Is there nothing suitable from Lutheran sources from which a pastor could draw that would assist him in meaningfully preaching Law and Gospel and teaching sound theology? Of course there is, so much so that even the most uncreative and unskilled Lutheran Pastor is left without excuse. Unapologetic and open use of Reformed sources such as this is inexcusable, and earns Lutheran pastors who do so the title of “mingler of religion and churches.” On another blog (Bailing Water) I posted the following letter, written by Walther to a man who wanted to know whether is was advisable to use Methodist hymnals in a Lutheran church. Walther's answer applies as much to Methodist (or Reformed) preaching and teaching materials as it does to Methodist (or Reformed) hymnals.

----------------------------------------

Honored Sir,

This morning I received your worthy letter, written on the 19th of the month. In your letter you ask for my opinion on whether it is advisable to introduce the singing of Methodist songs in a Lutheran Sunday School. May what follows serve as a helpful reply to your questions:

No, this is not advisable, rather very incorrect and pernicious.

1. Our church is so rich in hymns that you could justifiably state that if one were to introduce Methodist hymns in a Lutheran school this would be like carrying coals to Newcastle. The singing of such hymns would make the rich Lutheran Church into a beggar which is forced to beg from a miserable sect. Thirty or forty years ago a Lutheran preacher might well have been forgiven this. For at that time the Lutheran Church in our country was as poor as a beggar when it comes to song books for Lutheran children. A preacher scarcely knew where he might obtain such little hymn books. Now, however, since our church itself has everything it needs, it is unpardonable when a preacher of our church causes little ones to suffer the shame of eating a foreign bread.

2. A preacher of our church also has the holy duty to give souls entrusted to his care pure spiritual food, indeed, the very best which he can possibly obtain. In Methodist songs there is much which is false, and which contains spiritual poison for the soul. Therefore, it is soul-murder to set before children such poisonous food. If the preacher claims, that he allows only "correct" hymns to be sung, this does not excuse him. For, first of all, the true Lutheran spirit is found in none of them; second, our hymns are more powerful, more substantive, and more prosaic; third, those hymns which deal with the Holy Sacraments are completely in error; fourth, when these little sectarian hymnbooks come into the hands of our children, they openly read and sing false hymns.

3. A preacher who introduces Methodist hymns, let alone Methodist hymnals, raises the suspicion that he is no true Lutheran at heart, and that he believes one religion is as good as the other, and that he thus a unionistic-man, a mingler of religion and churches.

4. Through the introduction of Methodist hymn singing he also makes those children entrusted to his care of unionistic sentiment, and he himself leads them to leave the Lutheran Church and join the Methodists.

5. By the purchase of Methodist hymn books he subsidizes the false church and strengthens the Methodist fanatics in their horrible errors. For the Methodists will think, and quite correctly so, that if the Lutheran preachers did not regard our religion as good as, or indeed, even better than their own, they would not introduce Methodist hymn books in their Sunday schools, but rather would use Lutheran hymn books.

6. By introducing Methodist hymn books, the entire Lutheran congregation is given great offense, and the members of the same are lead to think that Methodists, the Albright people, and all such people have a better faith than we do.

This may be a sufficient answer regarding this dismal matter. May God keep you in the true and genuine Lutheran faith, and help you not to be misled from the same, either to the right or to the left.

Your unfamiliar, yet known friend, in the Lord Jesus Christ,

C. F. W. Walther
St. Louis, Missouri
January 23, 1883

Taken from from Appendix A of Mark DeGarmeaux’s (ELS) article, Sacramental Worship, Sacramental Preaching: Treasures of our Lutheran Church

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, A Willow Creek Franchis...":

Well put Freddy. I wish more people could make your clear assertions, and help clean up this slothful mess made by persons not wanting to put forth the effort necessary.

---

Freddy Finkelstein has left a new comment on your post "Rock-N-Roll Advocate Copies and Pastes Felt-Needs'...":

“I can only top it with this passage from Matthew 15: [6] Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8" 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”

I've also posted about this recently on BW, as well (A Christmas Miracle). The CG Church Changers don't know the definition of “tradition” -- neither how the Confessions use it, nor how it is being used by Jesus in this reference. Jesus in this reference is skewering the Pharisees for elevating practice not commanded by Scripture as meritorious before God. Likewise, we Lutherans refer to the Romans. The Confessions, however, clearly distinguish between this tradition (which is rejected) and rites (which are embraced), and clearly qualifies adiaphora in practice. Rather than point out these facts, leaders among the CG Church Changers are more than content to allow their followers to wallow in ignorance, to accuse Confessionals of hypocrisy and Roman Traditionalism by misquoting Scripture, and to regard themselves more mature, more creative, and truly forward looking, Lutherans.

Nonsense. Rather than look forward, they are looking back to the methods of Evangelicals that today are manifest failure -- manifest. Twenty years ago, these CG leaders among us were taking the same gamble that Evangelicals were – putting their faith in methods over the Means of Grace. Today, Evangelicalism is imploding, and their worthless CG practices are a big part of the problem. Today, WELS is facing ruinous debt due to CG spending.

Nonsense. Rather than look to Scripture and the Confessions and embrace the clear Confessional Principal, they look aside in jealous envy of the heterodox, and, with open contempt for our bonds of Fellowship, unapologetically join in association with them, and with crass disregard for the danger of their false theology, liberally integrate their materials into Lutheran teaching and practice.

Freddy Finkelstein

Rock-N-Roll Advocate Copies and Pastes Felt-Needs' Defense

Joe the Bass Player:
"Well, since my bloggers left me,
I found a new place to dwell.
It's down at the end of lonely street
At heartbreak hotel."


An Apology for a 'Rock and Roll' Lutheran Church
Fair and respectful dialog concerning change in today's Confessional Lutheran Church.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Last on the Ichabodians...

I ran across this (see below) today on Tim's blog. Classic. It really put things in perspective for me.

I'll be posting much less. I have so many other constructive things I can be doing. It amazes me how much time people can and do spend on these blogs. It would serve the Ichabodians well if they actually got out from behind their computers and actually had human contact with the outside world. Sometimes I think it was Satan and not Al Gore who invented the internet. It's a great way for him to get you isolated so he can lie to you.

I originally set this up as a counter to the Ichabodians as I truly thought that this was a big deal. But I realize that it has been the accuser all along messing with me. How easy it is to fall prey. I expected a lot of heat on this blog, but am pleasantly surprised at the lack of it which tells me that Tim was right on in his assessment of the two groups being on the fringe(CG vs. the Confessional Crusaders).

I challenge any one of them to come on here and back up their behavior with one scripture passage and leave their identity. Where in the Bible did anyone ever demean, slander, make fun of or ridicule anyone of faith? I dare say that if the one person who exuded perfect love came back to earth, not one of the Ichabodians would recognize Him even if He bit them on the cheek. (Yes, I mean that one!)

I can only top it with this passage from Matthew 15:

Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
8" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.





Posted by Tim Niedfeldt


Ventosus Veritas
This blog is a place for me to spew my long winded thoughts on anything from conservative Lutheranism, contemporary worship, educational theory, politics, computer programming, raising teenagers, and any other ol' thing that comes along


Crusader's Unite!
Blogs are an interesting creature. They are the next "AM Radio Mentality" generator of the 21st Century. I make fun of those whose world view is based upon what they hear from AM Radio Talk show hosts. Even though I may agree with many things of those most conservative talk show types, that is only a place to start investigating the issues at large. Well the issue is similar in the Blogosphere and I believe it is definitely a problem with the Confessional Crusaders.
I took an opportunity to make the lives of the confessional crusaders more interesting and fulfilling the last few days. I had taken some time off for a couple of months during a lull in topics but thought, "Hey what better time to stir up some debate than Reformation time."
However the latest round of bantoring (sic) certainly was illuminating about Confessional Crusaders. Here is what I have learned.

1.) The confessional crusaders actually feel as if their position is the same minority position within the WELS as the contemporaries do. The weird part about it is that we each feel that the other group is the dominant group. I guess what that means is that we are two different fringe groups. There is uber confessional, there is contemporary, and there is this massive majority in the middle who might just say "whaaat are you talking about???" If this is the case however, I would contend that that large mass in the middle would be far far far more friendly towards the uber confessionals. They get the hanging chad. I think both groups are disappointed in the apathy of that group in the middle.

2.) I've realized that the scope of the issues is very small yet the Crusaders have manufactured a crisis. This goes back to the "AM Radio mentality". The Crusaders point to the same 1% crowd of churches and pastors and actually believe it represents a tidlewave (sic) of Synodical change. It's like believing Ralph Nader is a serious election threat. Actually its (sic) probably more like the hype around Global Warming. Sure you can reduce emissions or increase them. You can panic your way into living on bark and berries in the woods but whether its 10 years from now or 100 you'll finally realize there was no threat at all. Same deal for the Crusaders. I wonder if they all have priuses. They're a scared little bunch of people of whom some seem hyped up by some Area 51 type conspiracy theories.

3.)I believe the Crusaders are for some reason or another afraid of Christian Freedom. I can't put my finger on why that is, but they need rules and laws and regulations around the various principles of the Bible so they can go to their Bible Principle Application Matrix and locate the proper answer to all life's situations. You can see that if something is not delineated in Scripture they will pore (sic) through Luther's works and hope that Luther had an opinion and wrote on it. If he did, phew (sic) we're (sic) saved by scripture part II. Their frustration must be similar to the frustration level of the pharisees after they had tried to trick Jesus so many times with a loaded question. Jesus always answered the questions with a principle not an application. I think that if you are not confident in your Christian freedom that the inclination will be towards legalism, rules and ritualism. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing necessarily wrong with anything traditional or ritualistic. What's wrong is prescribing that as the only acceptable application of a loosely defined principle. I actually wonder if they are a bit afraid of the Bible itself. They will often quote an article of a confession but will rarely go into the Word to examine all the scripture that Luther did to write the confession in the first place. I appreciate that the confessions state the doctrine of the Bible but honestly I'd rather see those confessions laid out in scripture. I think you can better appreciate the confession right at the source. I'd say its like depending only on the Cliff notes.

4.) Crusaders blindly believe you cannot have "meat" in a contemporary setting. There is no convincing them that really there may be no difference at all. I'll confess that not every contemporary setting may be the same or offer as much. However when I go to church and have a confession of sin...I had a confession of sin. When I received an absolution, I received and absolution. When a sermon was preached it was a Law and Gospel sermon. I receive the Sacraments. My old church would be so confusing for them as the contemporary service uses all the elements from the other 4 traditional services but changes up some of the songs and adds the multimedia. In a situation like that, based on the differences, that the meat that is lacking in contemporary is just the music style. Thats (sic) just not the meat for me. Apparently the truth of the Bible we enjoy in the WELS just can't be presented in any other fashion or it ceases to be truth at all.

5.) So since we contemporaries are all smug in our service style and such we'll just let them prattle on about how our services are like the reformed and evangelicals etc. etc. bad theology is a foregone conclusion etc etc.. I have learned that it is not a point worth winning. Its like listening to my daughter complain about being fat because she is in size 8 jeans.. There is no convincing her she's not...the reality doesn't change..yet winning the point is just not important either. The point is contemporaries are content to be off doing their thing and not caring much about the choices others make. They can be traditional and such. There is no need to convert them or anything. How about they just don't go to a contemporary church and instead go to a traditional church. I will say I'm not in favor of churches replacing their traditional services. A contemporary service should always be an add-on not a replacement. For the mission churches that are all contemporary. Well thats (sic) the choice they made to start with so I guess if thats (sic) not what you want don't join the mission. I don't understand why they can't leave the 1% society alone.

6.) Crusaders feel that all the mission work and personal growth is done in the service. The service must be traditional because that is the only presentation of the Word so it must be done in its historic way. Anyone in a mission church knows how false this is. It is done by getting out and talking to people. Its having Bible studies with them in their homes. Its getting them into Bible study groups. Its the Bible studies after church. Its the getting into the Word with people as often as possible. It's getting into the community in a visible way so you can even have the first conversation with someone and get them into Bible class. The process takes months or years maybe. Who knows when someone who is searching may actually come to church. We've had people go to months of Bible study before they would come to a service. Its the opportunities to get into the Word. There is more than just the service. This is something you could only show a Crusader. They might say "The kids were running around, the sound guy was drinking coffee, the band was loud, etc..." but often when you suggest they stay for our bible study on Acts, or hit up the Women's bible study or the Men's Breakfast Bible Study, or the Small Group study or the Bible instruction bible study...queue the crickets here... Bring a friend?....still the crickets...

Well I think the Crusaders should unite. Quite honestly I want them to be heard in the synod. Then truly there would be some Bible study going on and it would sorely benefit them. Although the crusaders would show up with their Triglotta and say all the Bible study has been done already so why bother. Ok that was a joke....kinda.

***********************

Blessings to all of you; Ichabodians included.

Grace, Peace and Mercy in Christ Jesus!

Joe Krohn
Posted by The Bass Player at 2:33 PM 0 comments

Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, A Willow Creek Franchise, Channels Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill

Mark Driscoll interviewed Ed Stetzer here.

Tom Trapp is so well trained by The Sausage Factory that he needs to borrow material from Driscoll to preach about Jesus. See below. That is what Kelm and Patterson told the seminary in their papers - "We have to teach the Kinder how to copy the Enthusiasts. Get to work on those copy and paste exercises."

The Real Jesus: "What Difference Has Jesus Made In History?" (Part 11 of 12)
Worship on Sunday, January 11 at 10:00 am

H. G. Wells who wrote The War of the Worlds (1898) stated, “I am an historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.” The apostle Paul goes further than this, “All things were created through him [Jesus] and for him....in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17).
Thanks to Mark Driscoll’s book Vintage Jesus for the outline, ideas and visual materials for this series. Pre-sermon video clip Copyright © 2008 Mars Hill Church (Creative Commons license). Used by permission.

The Real Jesus: "What Will Jesus Do Upon His Return?" (Part 12 of 12)
Worship on Sunday, January 18 at 8:30 & 11:00 am
Comedian Woody Allen, who married his own stepdaughter said, “If Jesus came back and saw what was being done in his name, he would not be able to stop throwing up.” The Bible says God wants all to come to repentance and that none perish (II Peter 3). But a Day of Judgment is coming where eternal punishment and eternal life will be revealed to the world. Jesus will judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42) and will separate believers and himself from unbelievers—forever (Matthew 25).
Thanks to Mark Driscoll’s book Vintage Jesus for the outline, ideas and visual materials for this series. Pre-sermon video clip Copyright © 2008 Mars Hill Church (Creative Commons license). Used by permission.

Mars Hill theology:

Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers
We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37–40; 10:27–30; Romans 8:1, 38, 39; 1 Corinthians 1:4–8; 1 Peter 1:5). We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for the flesh (Romans 13:13, 14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11–15).

the Ministry and Spiritual Gifts
We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowing of spiritual gifts. It is, however, the believer’s responsi¬bility to attempt to develop their sovereignly given spiritual gift(s). The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion and is the placing of the believer into the Body of Christ. We also believe that particular spiritual gift(s) are neither essential, nor prove the presence of the Holy Spirit, nor are an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 13; Ephesians 4:7–8). We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accordance with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14, 15). We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gift(s) and grace of God that is given to him (Romans 12:1–8; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:10–11).


***

GJ - The WELS parents are saying, "Thank God we have a chapel there to keep our children Lutheran. We wouldn't want them wandering over to the Enthusiasts."

Global Warming Alert

(AP) Ben Tobin, right, and Jamie Schmidt remove a snow berm left in their driveway by snowplows.

Spokane, Wash., residents cope with record snow

Jan 7, 5:36 AM (ET)

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - More than 6 feet of snow in the past three weeks has left Spokane residents frustrated. Tempers are so frayed that a man was arrested for shooting at a snow plow operator.

This unusually harsh winter has disrupted schools, traffic, garbage pickup and mail service in the city of 200,000.

Roofs are collapsing, streets are clogged with ice and slush and locals are starting to refer to this as Sno-maggedon.

The Rebel's Guide to Plagiarism - At Doebler's Rock and Roll Church: Cutting Edge of Church and Chicanery

Busta Move, borrowing someone else's music.

Copycat Matt Doebler must be emulating Paul Kelm and John Parlow, or the rest of the creative Church and Chicanery leaders.

From Mars Hill Church: The Rebel's Guide to Joy

"We live in a society where everybody is peddling joy. Stuffed shirt types try to sell you religion, and the legion of advertisers tell you that joy can be found in a bottle, pill, or new car. Yet, as Pastor Mark Driscoll examines the life and teachings of the apostle Paul in Acts 16 and Phil. 1:1-1a you will learn where joy is to be found as the Bible is the rebels guide to joy."


Added: 6 months ago
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01hr:06mn
show series clips The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Temptation
Phil. 2:12-30 Pastor Mark Driscoll
Part 6 November 11, 2007


Added: 6 months ago
Views: 3436
01hr:09mn
show series clips The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Humility
Phil. 2:1-11 Pastor Mark Driscoll
Part 5 November 04, 2007


Added: 6 months ago
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01hr:10mn
show series clips The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Death
Phil. 1:19-30 Pastor Mark Driscoll
Part 4 October 28, 2007


Added: 6 months ago
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01hr:12mn
show series clips The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Suffering
Phil. 1:12-18 Pastor Mark Driscoll
Part 3 October 21, 2007


Added: 6 months ago
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01hr:09mn
show series clips The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Loneliness
Philippians 1:1b-11 Pastor Mark Driscoll
Part 2 October 14, 2007


Added: 6 months ago
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01hr:12mn
show series clips The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Anxiety
Phil. 4:2-9 Pastor Mark Driscoll
Part 9 December 09, 2007


Added: 6 months ago
Views: 7157
01hr:07mn
show series clips The Rebel's Guide to Joy
Acts 16, Philippians 1:1-1a Pastor Mark Driscoll
Part 1 October 07, 2007

From Doebler's Rock and Roll Church: The Rebel's Guide to Joy

NEW SERIES FOR JANUARY!

"We live in a society where everybody is peddling joy. Stuffed shirt types try to sell you religion, and the legion of advertisers tell you that joy can be found in a bottle, pill, or new car. But as the economy worsens, brokenness increases, and relationships continue to disintegrate, the search for joy grows all the more desperate and fruitless. Starting January 11th, we will be digging deeply into the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippian Church and will find out where real joy is to be found in every circumstance, good or bad."

1/11 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy Intro

1/18 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy in Loneliness

1/25 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy in Suffering

2/1 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy in Death

2/8 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy in Humility

2/15 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy in Temptation

2/22 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy in Conflict

3/1 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy in Exhaustion

3/8 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy in Anxiety

3/15 The Rebel’s Guide to Joy in Poverty

All of Pastor Matt's sermons are located right here on our website under the Resources tab for Media. If you missed last Sunday don't worry! Catch up right here by listening to Pastor Matt through our Podcast by visiting our media page.

***


GJ - I said it before - plagiarism is a civil crime. Ask any doctor of divinity. Yes, it is against the law to use the words of someone else and claim them as your own. Here Doebler gives no credit to the Mars Hill Church or to the minister who gave the sermons and posted them six months ago. Where are the quotation marks around the introductory words, which are almost identical? Where is the link to the source?

Get this - Rock and Roll Church copyrights their plagiarized material. Here it is:

Copyright Christ the Rock Ministries 2008 All Rights Reserved

St. Mark, Depere has been a leader in nabbing the sermons--yay, even the emails--of false teachers. That is why The Sausage Factory invited Paul Kelm to give a paper on how to improve seminary education. Imaginary excerpt: "There is not enough plagiarism being taught here. Buckle down and teach the Kinder how to plagiarize."

Meanwhile, Gunga Don Patterson and Doctrinal Pussycat Glaeske do exactly nothing.

---

Blog promotion of the Mars Hill series.

More Digital Advances

The semester ended in a frenzy of grading and being graded. I had to catch up with all my past-due journalism homework and grade a bunch of classes. Everything had to be finished just before the Winter Break. Now everybody in education gets two weeks off for Winter Break to celebrate Winter. We also spent time buying Winter presents for our grandchildren and their parents. We were in the retail capital of the world, so we also shopped for bargains during the Winter and post-Winter sales.

We are trying to keep the Winter spirit alive the rest of the year.*

The spring semester brought a surprise. I am taking a required course to increase my knowledge of all the digital media. That is why you will be seeing more PhotoShopped work on this blog and many more additions to my domain. I will be learning more about social networking (FaceBook, Twitter) and podcasting, and video on the website. I also have to refresh my knowledge of Flash, which is great software for web design. Regent has quite a program in digital media, movie and TV production, and screen-writing.

*I make a point of always saying Merry Christmas to anyone to tries to dodge the name of the season. I enjoyed a little moment of fun when I said "Merry Christmas" to two atheists who spent a lot of class-time making their dubious points. They were pained to hear those odious words. The demons believe, but their hides bristle.

Blog of the Week

Issues, Etc. decided the Ichabod quotation of Luther qualified it for the coveted Blog of the Week Award.

That was December 5th.

But "no one reads Ichabod."

Ohio State Chokes Again

Ohio State solidified its reputation for losing The Big One
at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, January 5th.

The Buckeyes seemed to outplay the Longhorns throughout the game, establishing a fine lead with 2 minutes left to play. First they blew a 2 point attempt after their touchdown. Next they let the Longhorns gallop down the field for a touchdown and extra point, losing by 3 points.

To Study or Not To Study: That Is the Question

Oh no, not Reformed doctrine again!

Freddy Finkelstein has left a new comment on your post "Fellowship Principles - Loose Bowels":

Valleskey said that the Reformed "downplay the Means of Grace?" They don't "downplay the Means," they reject the Means! That's why they have a doctrine called Immediate Grace -- they insist that God works immediately, not mediately. For them, the "so-called Means of Grace" are merely an "attending circumstance," as Walther, in Lecture 16 of Law and Gospel and Pieper, in Vol 3 of his Dogmatics, point out at length. The perspectives of the Reformed are perspectives which despise and reject the Means of Grace, not merely downplay them. That is why borrowing from the Reformed is tantamount to vicious attack on Lutheran theology!

Which brings me to my second point. You state, "One WELS pastor said correctly that many WELS pastors know their Biblical languages quite well, but they are hopeless when it comes to theology." Sadly, based on experience, I must concur. I've read Walther. I've read Pieper. I've read some works of Chemnitz. I've read Krauth. I've read parts of Hoenecke. I've also read parts of Hodge, Nevin, and most of Grudem. Often I find that, when I attempt to engage WELS pastors that I meet in discussion over theological works -- Lutheran works in particular -- many scoff and reply, "I didn't take that elective at Seminary." While I applaud their skill in languages, I am dismayed that they don't read theology! This certainly isn't the case in every instance -- I've met a couple who did take the comparative religion elective, and met one who has read Lutheran theological works at length -- but I have been left without a good conversation often enough that it leaves me with a feeling of concern, and frankly, of diminished respect.

Freddy Finkelstein

---

Benjamin Tomczak has left a new comment on your post "Fellowship Principles - Loose Bowels":

Freddy ~

I'm sad to hear about your concern and your diminishing respect. I concur that I'm disappointed when it appears (or doesn't just appear, but is actually the case) that pastors aren't interested in growing in theological depth and knowledge. We preach to our people that "Jesus loves me, this I know, and this is all I want to know," is not and can not be the motto for the Christian life. As Walther says in his Law and Gospel (merely paraphrasing 2 Peter 3), the Christian, converted by the Spirit, wants nothing else but to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and understand more and more of the Scriptures. You'd think that would automatically go double for the shepherds of the flock.

Sadly, we're sinful too (not an excuse, but a reason). It's easy to get overwhelmed with so many other tasks, to let ourselves get overwhelmed, to create extra tasks, and let our own personal study sort of slip to the side. (It is of course also easy to schmear, or not dig as deeply as we should when prepping for classes.) I don't know how many days I've had "Dog Log" (as we called it at Sem) reading on my To-Do list and it keeps slipping down because it seems hard (and I feel guilty) just spending an hour in the middle of the afternoon reading without it being for a specific purpose for that day -- Sunday's Bible class or sermon, responding to a counseling situation, a member's question, a situation at hand, etc. Again, not a good excuse, but a reason.

But we have to make time for growing in our theological depth and understanding. We need to understand the controversies we're facing, the controversies that have come before (and will come again), and understand where we came from. Besides, most of those guys (Luther, Chemnitz, Walther, et al., said it all so much better than I ever could, why reinvent the wheel?). And we have to not just make time for it, but we have to avoid the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) anti-intellectualism that creeps into our brotherly relationships. It's not bad to be smart, to be well-read, to have your nose in a book once in a while, to have a more than one page bibliography. Especially when it's about diving deeper into the Holy Word of God, growing in faith and knowledge for yourself and for your people, so that you are, as Peter said, always prepared to give an answer.

Thanks for your warning! It spurs me on to keep reading, reading, reading.

Pr. Benjamin Tomczak

PS
I've found that nothing gets me reading more, thinking more, studying more, than getting assigned a conference paper (a close second is my midweek and Sunday Bible classes -- I'm trying to make more time in my sermon prep for checking the Fathers for neat quotes, interesting insights, etc.). It helped me get into a lot of Luther that I haven't yet read. I'm hoping that we might perhaps consider breaking our conference into two conferences soon so that perhaps we have the opportunity to do some more research type work.

On second thought, could we move to add about one or two more days to the week with the phones unhooked, no special services, no member visits and no crying children -- just read, read, read, study, study, study?!?!?

---

RandomDan has left a new comment on your post "Fellowship Principles - Loose Bowels":

Speaking of loose fellowship principles, the church workers out there reading this might want to take a gander at who else we are now in fellowship with via the Willow Creek Association.

St. Edna Catholic Church

Welcome to the Archdiocese of Chicago!


***

GJ - Ben, I studied doctrine and the Scriptures with dying children in the house, with constant medical crises. That tends to concentrate the mind on important matters. A pastor only needs to preach, teach, and visit. All the social activities are adiaphora and best left to the congregation. Being the Social Director of The Love Boat is a Fuller idea, to generate "happy campers," as one CG guru said at a conference I attended.

A WELS conference paper is not the best way to study. Quite the contrary. WELS pastors expect a conference paper to repeat what they heard before, to skirt all issues, and to avoid offending anyone except God.

The best way to study doctrine is to read Luther, Chemnitz, and the Book of Concord, then address doctrinal issues in the congregation, circuit, and conference. The firestorm resulting will send anyone back to the sources to see what went wrong.

Columbus, Ohio was my Harvard and Yale, to paraphrase Melville, because all the pastors promoted false doctrine, open communion, etc. We also had three divorced pastors out of six - all with Scriptural divorces, they said. I am grateful to them for making me study Luther and the Confessions. When my wife became disabled, I read thousands of pages of Luther to her, the sermons plus Galatians plus some commentaries plus Luther's Family Devotions and some other items. That is the best kind of study, both Biblical and doctrinal. Luther is forgotten today. He refused to have any fellowship with those who denied the Real Presence.

Norm Teigen Speaks

They even parade for Norm in Minnesota.

Norman Teigen has left a new comment on your post "Snarling at the Wrong Thing":

My radar goes off when you mention the ELS. I question the believability of at least part of your post because there is no ELS congregation in Cottage Grove MN. I don't know who was on the ELS Doctrinal Committee in the past and had never heard of the Fuller connection. Who might that have been who was a raving Fuller graduate?

Norman Teigen
ELS layman
(I am not an official spokesperson for the ELS but I did today receive an official 'King of Grace' golf shirt for my service at the school. I presume that the gift of this golf shirt certifies my membership in the previously mentioned Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The golf shirt does not imply certification as a spokesman for the ELS, however.}

***

GJ - OK, I had the wrong state, but the right city. I am sure everyone in the Little Sect on the Prairie knows about Nathan Krause, Church and Chicanery, and Cottage Grove. The ELS Bad Boy posted blog material about the parish website some time ago.

The person on the doctrinal board? I recall he was in Naples, Florida. I think he joined ELCA next. The letter came from an ELS source. I lost track of the letter and asked for another copy. My source (not Webber - he's too coy) refused. Jay gave me the newspaper article about Dan Kelm and his Willow Creek services. Mrs. Ichabod got a clean copy and I sent it to Christian News. That was and still remains typical ELS behavior - circulate a newspaper article, cluck tongues loudly (when the pope is not in the vicinity), and do nothing.

No one wants the Left Foot of Fellowship.

The ELS pastors always brag about how confessional they are, but really, they could not together knock the skin off a pudding, let alone fight false doctrine. Getting upset about doctrine makes one late for dinner.

Fellowship Principles - Loose Bowels

Freddy Finkelstein has left a new comment on your post "CEO Delivers Another One-Two Punch to Satan, Spell...":

I don't mean to add to what appears to be growing despair, but there are some facts that need to be faced. One of them is a loosening of Fellowship terminology that has been coming from Milwaukee over the past few years. Although I am not an avid reader of WLQ (as I am of ELS-LSQ and CLC-JOT, since they are free and online), every now and then I will borrow a copy of WLQ from my pastor, to see what's going on. Overall, I must say, I am quite pleased with the quality of our theologians. Some disappointments, however, include what appears to be a broadening permissivity in WLQ toward expressions of Fellowship with those of heterodox confession. This has resulted in distinctions such as “Christian Fellowship” and “Church Fellowship.”

Reading with cow eyes, I have understood these distinctions as merely descriptive of the relative imperfection with which Fellowship principles may be carried out between individuals, as opposed to when organizations are directly involved. In other words, I have understood them not as separate prescriptive principles, but as descriptive of how the single principal of Biblical Fellowship (unit concept) may at times be carried out as a practical matter in distinct contexts. Given that this may have been the intention at first, I am no longer under the impression that these terms are being treated merely as descriptive, but rather that they are being regarded as prescriptive -- as separate principles. I'm not the only one who has noticed this, either. Theologians of the LCMS have picked up on it too, and have commented on it in public. In a recent interview with Dr. Martin Noland (LCMS) on Issues, Etc., for example, he pointed out this very thing. Here is the link: http://www.issuesetc.org/podcast/Show121121508H1.mp3 -- fast-forward to minute 37:00, and begin listening there (actually, I thought the whole interview was quite interesting).

I've also heard additional terms like “Confessional Fellowship” thrown in the mix, along with distinctions like “Christian Brother” versus “Confessional Brother.” Under classic and orthodox Lutheran teaching, all of those with faith do indeed share Unity in the “Brotherhood of the Saints“ -- the Una Sancta. But this Unity, which is a product of our faith in Christ's promises, is invisible. Recognizing an individual as a “Christian Brother,” however, moves one to the realm of the Visible Church, and the Biblical criteria for such recognition is not a measure of that individual's faith (since faith is invisible to us), nor is it appreciation for orthodox aspects of an openly heterodox confession, but agreement in all matters of doctrine and practice. With all of the imperfections that we must admit exist in such agreement, recognizing individuals of openly heterodox confession as “Christian Brothers” has never been considered consistent with the Biblical doctrine of Fellowship, nor has organizational association with them -- until recently, it seems. Do a search on WELS Q&A for “Confessional Brother” and “Christian Brother,” for example, and you'll be surprised how these terms are being used, now.

The fact is, for Church Growth to make any headway over the past two/three decades, whether officially or unofficially, a loosening of application in Fellowship standards has had to occur. While the laity has slept, while the laity has trusted the Ministerium to keep pure our doctrine and practice, it seems that the job hasn't been getting done (then again, in all charity, maybe the attacks have grown so withering that those doing the job have lost ground). There simply is no way that individual laymen, pastors and theologians, or entire congregations, could otherwise enter into open association with the heterodox the way that CG Church Changers are doing today (and I am thinking especially of the association between St. Mark's DePere and WCA, at the moment). Whether WELS is changing it's position on Fellowship, or whether the clarity of that teaching has been muddied as Church Changers and other restless Lutherans throw challenges at it (and exploit opportunities produced from the resulting lack clarity and lack of decisive and consistent application), it seems evident that our terminology is catching up with the reality of our practice. Whether intentional or not, with all of the new categories of fellowship represented by this new terminology, the seeming result is a framework for recognizing “levels of fellowship” of some sort.

So, is this the reason for the “deafening silence” we hear coming from Synodical leadership? There may well be other explanations, but lack of clarity will always result in lack of grounds for action, and thus lack of decisiveness – and lack of decisive action against CG and the Church Changers seems to have been the problem all along.

I've heard it said, “Fellowship is the immune system of the Church.” It appears we in the WELS are currently suffering from immune deficiency. This is a definite problem.

Freddy Finkelstein

***

GJ - Paul Tiefel, CLC cousin of James Tiefel, was always anxious to prove that anti-Lutherans were good tonic for Lutherans (not that he knew what Lutheran doctrine was). His clownish side-kick David Koenig always praised Roman Catholic and Reformed missions, so the CLC sent Koenig back into the world missionary field. Lutherans seem to be the only denomination to spend millions of dollars to promote another denomination's doctrine. How dumb is that?

Here are some funny Koenig stories. That is why you are reading this blog, for the inside stuff. Koenig was always doing research with WELS CG guys to prove I was wrong. He was in touch with Larry Olson and David Valleskey. I knew that because Koenig loved to write ugly, hateful letters filled with scrawled writing and weirdness. He said in one letter that he checked with Valleskey and Valleskey admitted he did attend Fuller Seminary, a fact the seminary president denied more than three times, and not just in front of a charcoal fire. So I published that fact and named my source. So then Koenig was furious with me that Valleskey was furious with him for telling the truth. That is Church Growth in a nutshell.

In Columbus, Ohio, the WELS Church Growth gurus (Paul Kuske, Floyd Luther Stolzenburg) insisted among the laity that criticism of false doctrine was "Christian-bashing." Since the bashing term was modified from the lingo of homosexual activists, it seemed especially irksome.

Valleskey told Guy Purdue that his famous Figs from Thistles--or was it Spoiling the Egyptians?--article was written against "that legalist Greg Jackson." Oddly, Valleskey went out of his way to flatter me by name in the WLQ article. Naturally, I smelled a skunk. Echoes of Romans 16: "By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people" (NIV, so the WELS pastors can follow it).

I cannot comment on the quality of the WLQ articles. I thought of the tabloid as kindling once they let Valleskey claim that the Reformed "downplay the Means of Grace." Their Hebrew teacher-football coach-dogmatician Brug solemnly declared that there is nothing in the New Testament against women's ordination. So why shouldn't women consecrate the elements of Holy Communion?

One WELS pastor said correctly that many WELS pastors know their Biblical languages quite well, but they are hopeless when it comes to theology.

Kelm Anecdote

When Paul Kelm was promoting Reformed doctrine at Wisconsin Lutheran College, his course was required for graduation.

One student asked to be excused from the course.

The response was, many years after I was out of WELS, "Have you been talking to Greg Jackson?"

The family thought this was hilarious since they came to their conclusion on their own.

The MLC keynote speaker job, noted below, is meant to send a message - just like the gig at The Love Shack. The apostates are lining up to shove their Reformed doctrine in everyone's face. WELS funded Church and Change. Sow the wind - reap the whirlwind.

Church and Chicanery's Peter Pan - Chaplain

Police Chaplain

Chaplain Peter Panitzke began his volunteer service with the Muskego Police Department in January of 2006. As chaplain he rides along with the patrol officers as often as possible. He provides spiritual care to members of the department and individuals the department serves.

Chaplain Panitzke received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College, Watertown, Wisconsin in 1978 and the Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin in 1982. He is currently completing course work for the Master of Sacred Theology degree, also from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He began his pastoral ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of St. Peter’s, Missouri where he served for sixteen years. In 1998 he was called to serve St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Muskego. At St. Paul’s he is the ministerial team leader and pastor for outreach.

Email: ppanitzke@stpaulmuskego.org

***

Panitzke:
Tonight at eight you shoulda seen
A chauffeur pull up in a rented limousine!
My neighbors burned! They like to die!
When I tell them who is gettin' in and goin' out is I!
If they could see me now,
That little gang of mine,
I'm eating fancy chow
And drinking fancy wine.
I'd like those stumble bums to see for a fact
The kind of top drawer, first rate chums I attract.
All I can say is "Wow-ee!
Looka where I am.
Tonight I landed, pow!
Right in a pot of jam.
What a set up! Holy cow!
They'd never believe it,
If my friends could see me now!
If they could see me now,
My little dusty group,
Traipsin' 'round this million dollar chicken coop.
I'd hear those thrift shop cats say:
"Brother, get him!
Draped in a squad filled with three kinds of cops."
All I can say is, "Wow!
Wait till the riff an' raff
See just exactly how
He sign this autograph."
What a build up! Holy cow!
They'd never believe it,
If my friends could see me now!
If they could see me now
Alone with Captain V.,
Who's waiting on me like he was a maître d'
I'd hear my buddies saying:
"Crazy, what gives?
Tonight he's living like
The other half lives!"
To think the highest brow,
Which I must say is he,
Should pick the lowest brow,
Which there's no doubt is me!
What a step up! Holy cow!
They'd never believe it,
If my friends could see me now!
What a step up! Holy cow!
They'd never believe it...
They'd never believe it,
If my friends could see me now
Hi, guys it's me, Panitzke!

***

WELS Mission Counselors' NEWSLETTER, April, 1992: authors are - James Woodworth, Disciples of Christ; "Net Results," March, 1991; Roger K. Guy, Disciples of Christ; Arnell P. C. Arn, American Baptist Church; Jane Easter Bahls, Presbyterian; C. Jeff Woods, freelance writer and minister; Lyle Schaller, United Methodist; Pastor Paul Kelm; Pastor Jim Mumm, WELS; Pastor Peter Panitzke, WELS; Pastor Randall Cutter and Mark Freier, WELS; First Congretional Church, Winchester, MA."
Pastor Jim Radloff, editor, WELS Mission Counselors' NEWSLETTER, April, '92, 2929 Mayfair Road Milwaukee, WI 53222. [GJ - Note how many WELS pastors listed here have left the Lutheran Church.]

Group Ministry - Small (Church and Chicanery Conference)
Pastor Peter Panitzke

[Better known as Peter Pan, this guy will teach congregations how to set up Pietistic cell groups, the essential method and doctrine of Fooler Seminary, Willow Crick, and various clones.]

Two 40 day programs with daily devotions and small group sessions.

Email: ppanitzke@stpaulmuskego.org

Willow Creek Association Pastor Paul Kelm - Keynote Speaker at Martin Luther (sic) College

Pastor Paul Kelm (DMin, Church Growth, Concordia, St. Louis) joined the Willow Creek Association while at St. Mark, Depere. He is now at The Love Shack.

Speechless.

Martin Luther College

Evangelism Day 2009
last modified 2008-12-30 08:08 AM
Wednesday, January 21, MLC will conduct its fourth annual Evangelism Day

You are invited to attend the opening worship service and the key‐note address for MLC’s Evangelism Day, January 21, 2009.

Evangelism Day is dedicated to equipping MLC students to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, both in their personal lives and when they serve in the public ministry.This year the focus of the day will be evangelism as a way of life.

The opening service and the key‐note address will be held in the Chapel in the Wittenberg Collegiate Center. The opening service will begin at 8:30 a.m. The speaker will be the Rev. Tim Soukup, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas. The key‐note address will be repeated three times: 9:30 ‐ 10:25 a.m., 10:35‐11:30 a.m., and 1:50 ‐2:45 a.m. Rev. Paul Kelm, a church consultant for the parish assistance program of the WELS, will speak on Outreach + Evangelism = Mission.

You are welcome to attend these events. While you are on campus, lunch is available at the college cafeteria at a modest cost.

***

GJ - There is the proof of WELS prostrate before Fuller Seminary and Willow Creek. St. Mark, Depere, Wisconsin, is openly in union with the Willow Creek Association. Here is the link:

Willow Creek Association Find a Church

"While we do not oversee the ministry expressions of individual churches, WCA Membership is intended solely for churches that hold an orthodox understanding of biblical Christianity. All WCA Member Churches have affirmed the central doctrines of the Bible reflected in the WCA Statement of Faith and also presented in the historic creeds of the Christian faith. WCA Membership is open to churches of any size or denomination that are marked by a deep commitment to furthering the cause of Christ." Willow Creek Association

Willow Creek and St. Mark, Depere Statement of Faith

The Bible is God's unique revelation to people. It is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the supreme and final authority on all matters upon which it teaches. No other writings are vested with such divine authority.

There is only one God, creator of heaven and earth, who exists eternally as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each fully God yet each personally distinct from the other.

All people are created in God's image and matter deeply to Him. Central to the message of the Bible is that God loves people, and invites them to live in communion with Himself and in community with each other.

Apart from Jesus Christ, all people are spiritually lost and, because of sin, deserve the judgment of God. However, God gives salvation and eternal life to anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ and in His sacrifice on his or her behalf. Salvation cannot be earned through personal goodness or human effort. It is a gift that must be received by humble repentance and faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross.

Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless human life, willingly took upon Himself all of our sins, died and rose again bodily, and is at the right hand of the Father as our advocate and mediator. Some day, He will return to consummate history and to fulfill the eternal plan of God.

The Holy Spirit, third Person of the Trinity, convicts the world of sin and draws people to Christ. He also indwells all believers. He is available to empower them to lead Christ-like lives, and gives them spiritual gifts with which to serve the church and reach out to a lost and needy world.

Death seals the eternal destiny of each person. At the final judgment, unbelievers will be separated from God into condemnation. Believers will be received into God's loving presence and rewarded for their faithfulness to Him in this life.

All believers are members of the body of Christ, the one true church universal. Spiritual unity is to be expressed among Christians by acceptance and love of one another across ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, national, generational, gender, and denominational lines.

The local church is a congregation of believers who gather for worship, prayer, instruction, encouragement, mutual accountability, and community with each other.

Through it, believers invest time, energy, and resources to fulfill the Great Commission — reaching lost people and growing them into fully devoted followers of Christ.

Evangelism Day is another romp for the Church and Chicanery People.

---

QUOTATIONS BY AND ABOUT PASTOR PAUL KELM (WELS)



"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.



"The Network of WELS Small Group Leaders. 1. Information on active/interested small group leaders. 2. The Resource Sharing Network led by Divine Savior in Indianapolis, Indiana [Pastor Dan Kelm]." WELS Campus Pastors, Small Group Training Conference, Jan. 7-9, 1991, Madison. p. 19. Finding the Receptive: People in Transition, by James Witt - "The Bible illustrates the people-in-transition receptivity principle very well. Converts such as Naaman, a leper; Ruth, a widow; the woman at the well, a five-time divorcee; the thief on the cross, a convict near death; were all people who in a period of transition were receptive to hearing the Gospel. The Receptivity-Rating Scale shown at left... Paul Kelm, editor, The Evangelism Handbook, WELS Evangelism Appendix III,



"MOTIVATING AND ORGANIZING THE CONGREGATION AROUND THE GREAT COMMISSION" [This is the Donald Abdon view of relating all church structures to evangelism, as noted in Valleskey's PT notes.]

Paul Kelm, editor, The Evangelism Handbook, WELS Evangelism



"Don't let the world paint us into a corner of antiquarianism on subjects like a six-day creation or verbal inspiration."

Rev. Paul Kelm, "How to Make Sound Doctrine Sound Good to Mission Prospects," p. 13.



"Thesis Seven: Sound Apologetics Can Make Sound Doctrine Sound Good...Logic never converted anyone; but Christianity is logically defensible, once one makes reason ministerial to God and His Word...Read C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer and Josh McDowell for practical apologetic tools. In fact, lend your copy to the prospect whose intelligence and education have become his curse. Once you've read Josh McDowell's 'Lord, Liar, or Lunatic' argument for the deity of Christ, you'll find yourself using it."

Rev. Paul Kelm, "How to Make Sound Doctrine Sound Good to Mission Prospects," p. 14. "PLANNING, long-range or short-range, should be S-M-A-R-T...specific...measurable...accepted...realistic...timed...." Paul Kelm, editor, The Evangelism Handbook, WELS Evangelism p. 3.



"A last word on sound doctrine is in place. Sound doctrine must be distinguished from tradition, praxis and preference. The liturgy, translation of the Bible, vestments and organizational policies of the church are not equatable with sound doctrine." Rev. Paul Kelm, "How to Make Sound Doctrine Sound Good to Mission Prospects," p. 3. "Doctrines in controversy and applications to those doctrines are a disciple's meat. They are swallowed only after patient doses of discipling milk. The art of mission work is to preserve that sequence despite a prospect's desire to chew what he can't swallow."

Rev. Paul Kelm, "How to Make Sound Doctrine Sound Good to Mission Prospects," p. 3.



"Non-Christians usually become good prospects for personal reasons or as I like to say: 'They come for sociological reasons and stay for theological reasons.'" [Note: this is the felt needs approach of Fuller, also endorsed by Pastor Forrest Bivens, now a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary: "I went to Fuller Seminary and I happen to believe we can use sociological methods to bring people to church so we can apply the Means of Grace." Midland circuit get together, attended by Pastor - now DP - John Seifert.]

Rev. Paul Kelm, "How to Make Sound Doctrine Sound Good to Mission Prospects," p. 4.



"Thesis One: Sound Doctrine Sounds Good When Good People Sound it. Normally, people respond to other people before they respond to doctrine."

Rev. Paul Kelm, "How to Make Sound Doctrine Sound Good to Mission Prospects," p. 7.



WELS Mission Counselors' NEWSLETTER, April, 1992: authors are - James Woodworth, Disciples of Christ; "Net Results," March, 1991; Roger K. Guy, Disciples of Christ; Arnell P. C. Arn, American Baptist Church; Jane Easter Bahls, Presbyterian; C. Jeff Woods, freelance writer and minister; Lyle Schaller, United Methodist; Pastor Paul Kelm; Pastor Jim Mumm, WELS; Pastor Peter Panitzke, WELS; Pastor Randall Cutter and Mark Freier, WELS; First Congretional Church, Winchester, MA."

Pastor Jim Radloff, editor, WELS Mission Counselors' NEWSLETTER, April, '92, 2929 Mayfair Road Milwaukee, WI 53222



"The mistaken announcement by a reporter from another Lutheran body was clearly repudiated in the March 15, 1992 issues of The Northwestern Lutheran. Yet you boldly state that the WELS continues to be a part of this project, in which it never participated. Dr. Jackson, I ask you to repent of your slanderous lie and retract it publicly. Galatians 6:1-2 leads me to ask this of you, for the sake of your spiritual life. Titus 3:10 urges me to ask this of you for the sake of the church. cc: District President Robert Mueller, Vice President Paul Kuske, Vice President Gerald Schroer, Rev. David Grundmeier, Rev. Gary Baumler."

Pastor Paul Kelm (WELS), Letter to Gregory L. Jackson, 9-23-92.



"Your September 21 article in Christian News perpetuates a lie, slanders leaders of your church and risks spiritual offense to weak brothers and sisters. You describe a conference on leadership in which fellowship lines were clearly drawn and at which testimony to the truths which separate Lutherans was publicly given as 'a joint ministry conference with a liberal agenda.' Then you add, 'Months later, the three groups [ELCA, LCMS, WELS] joyfully announced a joint religious radio show, Joy, also funded by Lutheran insurance money. WELS participated in 'Joy' from the beginning and continues to be a part of the project.'"

Pastor Paul Kelm (WELS), Letter to Gregory L. Jackson, 9-23-92.



"Small churches need not be small thinkers, but small-thinking churches will always remain small. Churches and people seldom go/grow beyond their expectations."

Rev. Paul Kelm, "How to Make Sound Doctrine Sound Good to Mission Prospects," See Waldo Werning and Robert Schuller for the same thought. Did the Apostles know this? p. 6.



"Small thinking churches typically budget to remain small."

Rev. Paul Kelm, "How to Make Sound Doctrine Sound Good to Mission Prospects," See Waldo Werning and Robert Schuller for the same thought. Did the Apostles know this? p. 7.



"Evangelism upside-down is starting with the subjective issues of perceived reality and working back to God's objective truths of ultimate reality - sin and grace. It's offering the attendant blessings of salvation as the 'hook' to gain an audience for God's plan of salvation." [felt needs used to sell the Gospel]

Paul Kelm The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Fall, 1985 p. 4.



"Upside-down evangelism may begin with different diagnostic questions. What do you want out of life? lets the other person pick the path for witness. How do you feel about where our society is heading? uncovers fears and needs without becoming too personal. What makes people happy (or unhappy) do you think? allows someone to express preceived [sic] needs in the third person."

Paul Kelm The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Fall, 1985 p. 5.



"Upside-down evangelism doesn't begin with personal sin and guilt, but rather with the consequences of sin. Societal consequences (for which each day's newspaper provides evidence) are the 'perceived need' door to understanding the alienation of life and people from God."

Paul Kelm The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Fall, 1985 p. 5.



"It's just easier for many people to work backwards from the subjective to the objective in their thinking. In fact, upside-down evangelism may start with gospel and work back to law, stating the solution as a prelude to the problem and clarifying both at the cross." [This is Moravian Pietism, as shown by Walther's Law and Gospel.] Paul Kelm The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Fall, 1985 p. 5.

"Upside-down evangelism follows the path of least resistance to the God of gracious acceptance."

Paul Kelm The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Fall, 1985 p. 5.



"Lifestyle evangelism is the merger of visual and verbal witness, by the people Jesus intended, in the way that He modeled. It's the primary element in a church's strategy to win the lost." [Other endorsements from Rev. Burton Bundy, Church of the Lutheran Brethren, and Dr. Erwin Kolb, LCMS] Rev. Paul Kelm, Evangelism, WELS

Your Invitation! Kent Hunter, (D.Min., Fuller; S.T.D., LSTC) Church Growth Center, Corunna, Indiana 46730 Phone 219-281-2452 Invitation for Heart to Heart Workshop,



"When planning the service, Rev. Kelm and the worship committee decided immediately that there wouldn't be any organ music and that the usual Lutheran liturgy wouldn't be used."

Carol Elrod, "Pastor Hopes Seeks Will Find Way to Special Church Service," Indianapolis Star, May 12, 1990 printed in CN



"The role model for this carefully choreographed and rehearsed service, referred to by Rev. Kelm as a 'seeker service,' is Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Ill., near Chicago, an independent congregation formed 14 years ago...Rev. Kelm said he viewed a videotape of a service at the Chicago-area church before planning the first seeker service for Divine Savior, which is affiliated with the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod."

Carol Elrod, "Pastor Hopes Seeks Will Find Way to Special Church Service," Indianapolis Star, May 12, 1990 Reprinted in CN



"Our synod now has a fulltime executive secretary for evangelism. He's the Rev. Paul Kelm; and we need him. We need him to be our evangelism advocate."

Rev. Ron Roth, The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Winter, 1985 p. 2.



"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.


---

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE

Milwaukee, WI



THE 211: The Christian Faith and Life (3 credits)

Pastor Paul Kelm, Home Phone 784-0492 (Consultation by appointment)





I. COURSE DESCRIPTION



A biblical study of the Christian’s relationship with God~ self and others, with a particular focus on the ministry and fellowship of Christians gathered to be Christ’s church.





II. COURSE OBJECTIVES



A. That students develop a more personal relationship with their God through Bible

study, reflection and discussion.



B. That students develop a clearer understanding of themselves and their gifts, as well as Christian skills for coping with life and using their gifts.



C. That students become familiar with the nature and mission of Christ’s Church,

together with the challenges and opportunities confronting contemporary churches.



D. That students evaluate several significant issues and functions of confessional Lutheran churches.





III. COURSE METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS



A. Three distinct areas outline the content of the course: Skills of Christian Living, Is sues of Personal Christianity and Principles of Church Leadership. Sometimes students will be asked to prepare for class discussion, especially by thoughtful study of a chapter of the Bible during the “issues of personal Christianity” subjects. Most classes will be guided by a handout prepared by the instructor. Lecture, question and answer, focused discussion and small-group interaction will be the methodology employed. Students are invited to raise related issues for discussion.



B. Each student will develop a Bible study, based on a specific chapter of the Bible and for a specific audience. Chapter and audience options are listed later in this syllabus. Bible studies will be graded according to the following criteria: 1) How well did this study bring out the main truths of the chapter in a detailed outline or narrative that both explained and illustrated these truths? 2) Is this study relevant to the audience selected? 3) Does this study involve the audience in the study through effective questions, discussion starters, action involvement, etc.? 4) How clear and practical are the applications of the chapter’s truths to life? 5) Does this study clearly relate Jesus Christ to the chapter and to the Christian’s life? 6) How creative and engaging is this study? Bible studies are to be turned in no later than September 23.





C. Each student will deliver an oral book review of six minutes in class. Book choices are listed later in this syllabus. The book review should include: the title of the book and a brief introduction of the author; a clear statement of the major premise/point/purpose of the book; at least four significant secondary or supporting arguments the author raises: an explanation of what value the book has to a Christian life and/or a church leader: a theological evaluation of the book (Is it biblically accurate and doctrinally correct?). Finally, the book review must convince the instructor that you actually read the book. The book review is due on or before Wednesday, October 21.



D. Students will complete an interview, analysis and summary project in teams of two. Options are listed later in this syllabus. Students must register their choice of project with the instructor by Wednesday, September 30, and must submit the written summary - no less than four typed, double-spaced pages with interview sheets attached - by Wednesday, November 18.



E. A research paper on one issue or aspect of congregational life and ministry is due on or before Wednesday, December 9. This paper must be not less than five typed, double-spaced pages of original composition. Two copies must be submitted, one of which will be returned. The paper should combine research, evaluation and the clear presentation of a thesis or strategy. Research should include interviews, essays, articles and books. At least five different sources must be cited in the bibliography. A list of suggested subjects is included in this syllabus. However, students may choose their own subject, with the approval of the instructor. The subject matter of each student’s research paper must be established with the instructor by Wednesday, November 4.



F. There will be no exams.



G. Texts for this course are available in the bookstore and include:

THE HOLY BIBLE



IV. EVALUATION AND GRADE



Completion of all course requirements assures a C. Grading above a C will be based on the level of thoroughness, thought and clarity in each area of course requirement. The grade will be compiled with approximately 20% weight attributed to each of five areas: the Bible study, the book review, the team interview project, the research paper, and class contribution. Failure to complete all of the course requirements will result in an F. Late submission of any required assignment will lower the final grade by as much as one-half of a grade point (A to AB, AR to B, etc.) for each week or portion thereof overdue.



Because class preparation and discussion rather than examinations are an essential means of evaluation as well as education, each unacceptable absence from class will lower the final grade by as much as one-half of a grade point.



Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will mean failure of this class, and may result in expulsion from the college. Academic integrity means that you will not attempt to use one paper for two classes without prior agreement with both professors.









V. ATTENDANCE POLICY



Attendance at each class period is expected.



Absence from class must be excused with the instructor, in person. prior to the class to be missed where anticipated or in the following class when unanticipated.



Illness, family crisis and participation on in college-sponsored extra-curricular events are acceptable excuses. Issues of personal discipline and responsibilities to other educators or employers are not in themselves acceptable excuses for absence.



Habitual absence or dishonesty in reporting absence can result in a failing grade. Repeated late arrival is a disruption of the class and an expression of poor sell-discipline. Without prior explanation, repeated late arrival will be treated as an absence.





VI. COURSE OUTLINE





Week One:





Week Two:



Week Three:





Week Four:





Week Five:



A. Instruction and overview

B. SKILLS: Personal Bible Study



B. SKILLS: Christian Prayer Life



A. SKILLS: Christian Encouragement B. SKILLS: Christian Conflict Resolution



A. SKILLS: Christian Values Choices

B. SKILLS: Christian Witness



A. SKILLS: Apologetics

B. SKILLS: Christian Decision Making





Week Six:

A. ISSUES: Repentance. Psalm 51

B. ISSUES: Sell-Image. Psalm 139





Week Seven:





Week Eight:

ISSUES:Sanctification. Romans 6-7

B. ISSUES: Character Formation. H Peter 1



A. ISSUES: Christian Hope. Romans 8

B. ISSUES: Christian Sexuality. I Corinthians 6:9 - 7:18









Week Nine: A. ISSUES: Christian Giving II Corinthians 8 and 9

(B. ISSUES: Being Sure John 3)







Week Ten:



A. Book Reviews B. Book Reviews




















Week Eleven: A. LEADERSHIP: What’s A Leader?

B. LEADERSHIP: Understanding Ministry



Week Twelve: A. LEADERSHIP: Mission and Vision

B. LEADERSHIP: Analyzing a Church



Week Thirteen: A. LEADERSHIP: Philosophy of Ministry

B. LEADERSHIP: Organizing Ministry



Week Fourteen: A. Interview and Summary Sharing

B. LEADERSHIP: Involving Members in Ministry



Week Fifteen: A. LEADERSHIP: Small Group Ministry

B. LEADERSHIP: Leading Change





VII. OPTIONS FOR THE BIBLE STUDY ASSIGNMENT:



Audience Options:

high school-aged youth; college students: young adult singles; married couples; families with children aged 4-10; and adult Bible class at your church; young mothers; business men and women; a men’s Bible class; a women’s Bible class; seniors.



Assume that the class for which you are preparing your study consists of ten people, is lay-led, and runs for 45 minutes.

Bible Chapter Options:

Genesis 3: Genesis 15; Exodus 3; Numbers 14: Deuteronomy 6; Joshua 24;

II Samuel 7; Nehemiah 9; Psalm 40; Ecclesiastes 9; Isaiah 40; ‘Jeremiah. 31;

Ezekiel 3; Hosea 11; Matthew 13; Luke 10; John 6; Galatians 3;

Ephesians 2; Philippians 3; Colossians 3; 1 Thessalonians 4: I

Timothy 6; Hebrews 12: James 1; I Peter 4; I John 4; Revelation 22.

Viii. BOCK REVIEW OPTIONS



Generating Hope by Jimmy Long (InterVarsity Press)

The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren (Zondervan)

The Contemporary Christian by John Stott (InterVarsity Press)

Renewal for The 21st Century Church by Waldo Werning (Concordia)

The Body by Charles Colson

A Church For The 21st Century by Leith Anderson (Bethany House)

Inside Out by Larry Crabb (NavPress)

Entertainment Evangelism by Walt Kallestad (Abingdon)

Effective Church Leadership by Kennon Callahan (Harper and Row)

Church Without Walls by Jim Petersen (NavPress)

Getting Together by Em Griffin (InterVarsity Press)










Christ Esteem by Don Matzat (Harvest House)

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald (Olive Nelson)

Fit Bodies Fat Minds by Os Guinness (Baker).

The Once and Future Church by Loren Mead (The Alban Institute)

Why Nobody Learns Much. of Anvtbinng At Church and How To Fix jt

by Thomas Schultz (Group)

Three Generations by Gary Mcintosh (Fleming Revell)

Effective Church Leadership: A Practical Sou,rce Book by Lee Harris

It’s A Different World by Lyle Schaller (Abingdon)

Reflections ot a Contrarion by Lyle Schaller (Abingdon)

Strategies For Change by Lyle Schalller (Abingdon)

A Primer on Postmodernism by Stanley Grenz (Eerdmans)

Gentle Persuasion by Joseph Aldrich

User Friendly Churches by George Barna (Regal Books)

Darwin On Trial by Philip Johnson

Connecting by Paul Stanley and J. Robert Clinton (NavPress)





XI. OPTIONS FOR INTERVIEW AND ANALYSTS



1. Interview 15 or more students at an urban university to determine religious attitudes and beliefs, with a view toward analyzing how to do evangelism with young adults. Teams will develop a questionnaire, interview students face-to-face, summarize conclusions and suggest implications for evangelism.





2. Interview 12 or more high school juniors or seniors who no longer attend church, though they were confirmed, to determine why they dropped out and how the church might better serve them. Teams will get names from churches or pastors, develop a questionnaire (for personal or phone interview), conduct interviews, and draw conclusions re why dropout occurs and how the church can better prevent it.

3. Attend a voters meeting in 3 different churches, then interview the pastor and two

key lay leaders from each church to determine what is effective and what is ineffective in the decision-making process of churches. The written summary will be based on the interviews and personal observation.



4. Conduct a door-to-door canvass until 12 or more unchurched people have been located for interviews to determine what about the church turns unchurched people off. Teams will develop an interview or questionnaire format (while open-ended questioning should be included; multiple choice questions will assure some meaningful response), conduct the canvass and interviews, summarize and prioritize reasons why the unchurched remain so, and draw conclusions for the church’s mission today.



5. Interview 12 or more elderly church members, 4 in nursing homes, 4 in senior

apartments and 4 in their own homes, to determine what are their spiritual

perspectives and personal needs and how the church can better serve its elderly.

Teams will develop a basic interview format (personal or phone), gather the names of elderly members from one or more pastors, conduct interviews, compare responses and summarize.









6. Interview 12 or more new members (joined within the last year) from at least 3 churches. 4 transfers from sister churches, 4 who had been members of a different Christian church and 4 who were new to Christianity, to determine how well they have been assimilated into their churches and what facilitates assimilation of new members. Teams will, gather names and addresses and phone numbers from three or more pastors, develop an interview format, conduct interviews, compare responses from the three groups, summarize conclusions and draft suggestions for churches,



7. Interview 12 or more young, single members of at least 3 churches, with a balance of male and female as well as those who are members of the congregation in which they grew up and those who’ve recently joined a different church, to determine the level of involvement of young singles and what they believe would make the church more effective at involving young singles. Teams will gather names and addresses or phone numbers from three or more pastors, develop an interview format, conduct interviews, summarize and compare responses, and develop suggestions for the church.



8. Interview 10 or more Christian business leaders or professionals to determine what are the challenges facing Christian leaders in the business world, what are the ways in which they witness their faith, how can they best serve their churches, and how they balance the responsibilities to family, work; church and community. Teams will gather the names and addresses or phone numbers of business leaders - both male and female, draw up an interview format, conduct the interviews, compare and summarize responses, and draw conclusions for future Christian business leaders and for the church.



9. Interview 10 or more Christian public school teachers to determine what are the challenges to Christianity they’ve encountered, the ways in which they witness their faith, and what they believe the church can do to reach the non-Christian children they teach. Teams will gather the names and addresses or phone numbers of teachers, draw up an interview format, conduct the interviews, and summarize findings.



10. Interview 10 or more home missionaries to determine the challenges in church planting, the strategies that have been successful, and the kind of support or assistance that the church can best provide. Teams will gather the names and phone numbers of missionaries, develop an interview format, compile and compare responses, and draft conclusions for the church.



11. Interview 8 or more Christian psychologists or social workers to determine their assessment of the most significant problems facing families, children and adults, as well as what they believe the church could do to more effectively prepare people for these problems. Teams will gather the names and addresses or phone numbers of Christian psychologists or social workers, develop the interview format, conduct the interviews, and summarize findings.



12. Students may propose additional interview, analysis and summary projects, but must have instructor approval before proceeding.



NOTE: WLC students are NOT to be included in the people you interview.









X. SUGGESTED SUBJECTS FOR RESEARCH PAPER







1. “Staff Ministry” what’s the future?

2. The Parish Nurse: real holistic health.

3. The Lutheran Deaconess - past and future.

4. Why do para-church agencies develop and are they a good idea?

5 Family Ministry: who’s doing what, how?

6. The annual stewardship program - what it is and if it works.

7. Programmatic approaches to evangelism - pros and cons.

8. Keys to cross~cu1tural ministry.

9. Ministry among the urban poor - how are we doing?

10. Peer counseling programs in the church - possibilities and pitfalls.

11.Prison Ministry: Describe several working models.

12. The “Mega-Church’ is bigger better?

13 Lutheran confirmation should it be changed?

14. Campus ministry: can a regular congregation do it?

15. Church-planting strategies: what’s new and what works?

16. Special ministries for the handicapped - what and how.

17. 12-Step programs in the church - pros and cons.

18. Deferred giving: is this the answer to the church s financial crunch?

19. Why the Sunday school is in decline and what should be done about it.

20. Tuition in the Lutheran Elementary School - trends and implications.

21. “Seeker Service” - definition and evaluation.

22. Assimilation and retention - principles and methods.

23. The Church Growth Movement: can we lean anything from it?

24. Does the church have a place in cyber- space?

25. Religious publishing: Should the market drive decisions?

26. Religious broadcasting - issues and trends that affect the future.

27. Christian day care - issues and questions confronting congregations who are

considering it

28. Legal issues and concerns confronting churches in a litigious and secular society.

29. Conflict in the church: avoiding it and resolving it.

30. YOUR IDEA. with instructor’s approval