Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Wandani at St. Marcus - Epicenter of Church and Change



Mark Jeske, Stealth Televangelist, has adopted the same type of programs ELCA spawned, good works without religion.


News Story:

Wandani. The word doesn’t seem to belong in inner city Milwaukee. It means companions in Swahili, say the organizers of Wandani Youth Outreach, a program sponsored by St. Marcus Lutheran church and school located at the corner of Palmer Street and North Avenue.



Wandani's mission is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the inner city of Milwaukee and to assist urban youth to prepare for lives of positive service to their communities, according to the program’s literature.



So it is perhaps appropriate that the word wandani varies its meaning depending on context: in addition to companions it also means allies or followers.

For us this is a Christian ministry, says Peter Fraser, Wandani's director.

Of course behind it is the Christian faith. We don't force that down people’s throats, he says. We try not to proselytize.



Wandani started modestly with a grant from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) in 1997. Funding has also come from the Christian Stewardship Foundation and the Kid Brothers of St. Frank.



From an evangelical community study group meeting once a week, the program grew to include Bible study, arts and crafts, karate and open gym. In 1999, Fraser and two others took over Wandani and it started to assume its current shape.



Today there are Wandani activities every day of the week except Friday, including the recently added girls’ night and liturgical dance. Basketball is still the biggest hit, with junior and senior high open gym Monday and Wednesday respectively, and Wandani Wolves club games Thursday and practice on Saturday.



Most of the parents are really grateful there's a safe place for their kids to go, Fraser says.



It's About God (And Basketball)

The program provides a surrogate family for urban youths an explicitly religious family, and one both its leaders and participants say helps develop a sense of discipline and respect for authority.



It's about God, says Daron Evans, 15, a Wandani regular for Monday night basketball. It's just like roots, like our house rules and stuff: Don't cuss, don't yell, don't argue with your brothers and sisters, cause one time you're going to need them.



A three-year Wandani veteran tells a similar story. Before I came here I didn't want to listen to anybody, says Tim Groce, 14. Now he says he listens and uses respectful language.



Both boys say they think they would be in trouble if not for Wandani.

Leaders cite an altercation that almost happened as evidence of the values Wandani instills.



There was going to be a fight, but one of our guys stepped up and made it stop,” says Brian Davison, St. Marcus staff minister who supervises basketball Monday and Thursday. It looked like it was going to be a gang fight right here in our gym.



Davison says he was later told, You know, Brian, the only reason nothing happened tonight is we respect what you do.



Wandani alumni have also stepped up as program leaders.



One of them is Marvell Dean Jewell, 20, now a paid staff member who referees basketball games.



Jewell has since joined St. Marcus church. He says he can relate to kids because he was in their position.



The biggest thing is respect. Good sportsmanship. Knowing how to carry yourself, Jewell tells his little brothers.



And at the same time kids are having a good time, Jewell says, they're learning about God.



During each Wandani session, a leader reads a Bible passage and interprets it. Kids in gym shorts roll their warm-up basketballs away and gather at mid-court to sit and listen silently to the Bible, as Davison tells them about heaven and hell everyone will be judged, he says, but you must be a believer to enter heaven. After this devotion, the teenagers take the court.

Trotters in the Trough:
Church and Chicanery Piglets Learn How To Eat High on the Hog



This would be a good gift item to sell at Christian Life Resources. Call it, "Church and Chicanery Sow Teaches Piglets Grantsmanship."


Todd Wehr Foundation:

Here are a few contributions listed for 2007:
Garden Homes Lutheran School - Milwaukee $100,000
Risen Savior Lutheran School - Milwaukee $50,000
St Marcus Lutheran School - Milwaukee $100,000
Siloah Lutheran School -Milwaukee $100,000
(Those listed above are all WELS)

Contributions in 2006:
Garden Homes - $50,000
Risen Savior - $75,000

Contributions in 2005:
Garden Homes - $50,000
St Marcus - $50,000
Siloah - $50,000

Contributions in 2004:
Garden Homes - $50,000

Much More To Come



Watch as Church and Chicanery partisans improperly use Matthew 18 and the Eighth Commandment, slipping a little slander in, for good measure.


All the denominations have become dependent upon foundations for extra loot, but that has not helped them.

WELS Church and Chicanery leaders at The Love Shack view foundation/Thrivent money as their own, to spend as they choose.

When people actually became upset about the Snowbird Conference, which I published in Christian News, the WELS excuse was, "We had to spend their money or they would have given it to the liberals."

In fact, the church bureaucrats negotiate the kind of grants they will get, so the designations fit the foundation/Thrivent rules and the denomination's shortfalls. The propaganda says that the money is for extra programs, so two purposes are served. One is getting something undeserving funded. The other is providing some cash flow where normal giving is weak.

A third effect is never considered. When people know about millions from outsiders, they are not inclined to give their pittance. In the long run, the pittance matters a lot more than the special projects.

When St. Marvin of Schwan reached room temperature and gave all his money to WELS-ELS-LCMS, but mostly to WELS, I figured it was the death-knell for greedy WELS. Sure enough, WELS spent itself into bankruptcy while getting the largest single charitable gift in history. WELS spent it all and then borrowed, that is--skimmed--even more from designated funds. WELS lost the interest earned from those funds, went into debt in regards to those funds, and had nothing to show for it. All that was done under the dream candidate for the conservatives - Gurgel. Wayne Mueller and his network ran the show.

In posts to follow I will show you how staggering amounts of money have been given. Where did it all go?

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "How To Blow Through $300,000 from Thrivent":

All I see are pet projects and ego trips for some very needy leaders.

WELS and Thrivent, 2004



WELS CGM has 9 lives, because its flops are well funded.


WELS receives $412,500 grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

APPLETON, Wis. (March 31, 2004) -- The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation has awarded a $412,500 Churchwide Grant to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) to help offset the cost of a variety of projects.

Through the Churchwide Grant Program, the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation provides funds to national church bodies to help fund extraordinary projects and events that impact its mission and ministry.

WELS will use a majority of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation grant for North American outreach with an emphasis on grass roots participation. Funds will also be used for programs such as an urban ministry experience project, a program to assist Lutheran schools in accreditation and a historical institute to preserve the WELS experience digitally.

“We are grateful that Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation have the ability to benefit the Lutheran church and its members,” said Tim Schwan, the vice president of church and community engagement for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

“We know that the WELS’ leaders will put these funds to good use to have a positive impact on their ministry,” he said.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation Churchwide Grant Program was created to help Lutheran church bodies pursue general and extraordinary projects that impact and support grass roots and results-oriented projects are encouraged.

The program supports projects:

·Sponsored by church body units and that impact the health and vitality of congregations.
·That include church-body events.
·That are considered extraordinary.
·That serve mission congregations or fast-growth congregations

How To Blow Through $300,000 from Thrivent





Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation approves grants totaling $310,000 to WELS
MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 14, 2003)


-- The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation has approved 11 grants totaling $310,000 to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Milwaukee, Wis. The grants support the following WELS projects:
* New Directions in Stewardship ($65,000). This grant supports the enhancement of the resources and implementation of stewardship education at the congregational level.
* English Language Outreach Model ($50,000). This grant supports onsite training for English as a Second Language (ESL) program to be used as a model for congregational mission and outreach.
* World Missions Promotion Program ($50,000). This grant supports implementation of the new WELS Mission Partners Program.
* Pilot Program for Master of Education Degree Program ($45,000). This grant supports the development of graduate-level course curriculum to address the leadership training needs of WELS teachers and administrators.
* Facing Freedom ($25,000). This grant supports the development of resources for the WELS prison ministry that will assist prison chaplains and the newly released prisoners.
* Providing Cultural Diversity at Martin Luther College ($24,000). This grant supports cultural diversity training seminars and immersion experiences for faculty and students so they are more effective in their ministry to minority cultures.
* WhatAboutJesus.Com Web Site ($20,500). This grant supports the effectiveness of the Witness Web site through professional consultation and the development of new materials.
* Parish Care Committee Training ($10,000). This grant provides resources and training for lay leaders in the congregational support of their called workers and families.
* WELS 2003 National Convention ($10,000). This grant provided funding to support the synod’s 2003 national convention, held July 28-31, 2003, at Luther Preparatory School, New Ulm, Minn.
* Babies, Bottles and Baptism ($4,400). This grant supports a pilot program advertising local congregations by promoting baptism through fliers distributed in sports bottles targeting new parents in the community.
* Mental Health Sensitivity Training at WELS Schools ($6,100). This grant supports mental health training seminars for college students and staff.

“The task of developing and enhancing ministries and outreach by the Church is never finished,” said Jim Yagow, vice president of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation Grants Committee. “Thrivent Financial is pleased to support these Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod initiatives, and we believe they represent tremendous opportunities to expand the ministries and growth of WELS.” The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is an association of 1,239 congregations in the United States, Canada, Antigua and St. Lucia. The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation is a private foundation funded by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. As a 501(c)(3) organization with its own board of trustees, the foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary and education purposes and makes grants and gifts to 501(c)(3) exempt organizations. The Foundation does not provide grants to individuals. To learn more about the Foundation and its programs, visit: www.thrivent.com/fraternal/foundation.

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "How To Blow Through $300,000 from Thrivent":

All I see are pet projects and ego trips for some very needy leaders.

Another Eyebrow Raising Grant



At one point Fleischmann had a $2 million endowment, but I cannot find his current figures. This is an old grant.


Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides $20,000 grant to WELS for Christian Life Resources

MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 10, 2002) – Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has issued a $20,000 grant to Christian Life Resources of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The grant will be used by the synod to hire a consultant to develop a strategic plan that improves the administrative efficiency and effectiveness of Christian Life Resources outreach.

“Christian Life Resources has grown into a large and diverse ministry,” said Ruth Soby, Thrivent Financial manager of national Lutheran grants. “We are delighted to assist the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in strengthening the impact of Christian Life Resources through enhanced strategic planning, project management and communications.”

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is the new organization that was formed from the merger of Aid Association for Lutherans and Lutheran Brotherhood on

How Peter Pan Spends $50,000 From Thrivent Insurance





Peter Pan-denominational Chaplain

Announcement:



We received some very exciting news this week! St. Paul’s has just received a $50,000 grant designed to generate thousands more in financial gifts to St. Paul’s. The grant will be used to implement a two-year stewardship emphasis entitled “Plant a Seed.” The first year will focus on current giving and funds for capital expansion. The second year will highlight planned giving and the development of a St. Paul’s Legacy Society. The grant is one of 62 awarded by the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation as part of its $4 million Charitable Gifting Initiative program. The 2007 Charitable Gifting Initiative grants ranged from $7,000 to $100,000. The 62 grants are expected to generate a total of more than $177.6 million in immediate or deferred monetary gifts to Lutheran churches, schools and charitable organizations.



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Join us on Saturday, January 24, 8:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the Grace Room for our next Gathering Around the Five Purposes. We will hear a report from our ministerial team about the Simple Church concept - how we can focus our efforts to serve God's people who are already part of St. Paul's family and to reach out into our community. All are invited. Register your attendance by contacting congregation president Joel Nelson.


the simple church real. simple. church.
Designated by the simplicity even in our name, The Simple Church exists for those of us who are tired of religion getting in the way of knowing who God is. We exist to make a place for all walks of life to come together for support, relationships, help, and most importantly, to answer questions about a God who loves us.

We have a very simple philosophy, love God and love people. We do not judge here. We “simply” say, come as you are. No more red tape to get to God. It’s simple here, because that is who we are…"

simple baptism
What is baptism? 
An expression of faith: 
Baptism does not make you a believer. It is simply an obedient response and expression of your faith and commitment to Christ. Every example we see in the Bible demonstrates that first a person comes to believe in Christ then he or she is baptized as an expression of that belief.

An identification: 
Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His followers: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

A lifelong commitment: 
The Bible makes it very clear that baptism is a part of our commitment to Christ. Additional commitments when you become a Christian include:

•Realizing your need for Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23)
•Putting your faith in Christ (John 3:16)
•Turning from your sins (Acts 2:38)
•Verbalizing your trust and commitment by confessing Christ (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32)


What is the significance of baptism? 
An illustration of Christ’s burial and resurrection: 
In Romans 6:1-11, the apostle Paul explains how baptism by immersion identifies the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under water signifies Christ’s death and coming up out of the water illustrates His resurrection. Baptism symbolizes your commitment to enthrone Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life.

A symbol of your new life as a Christian: 
When you come to faith in Christ, an inner change takes place. Baptism is the outward symbol of the inward commitment you have made to Jesus Christ. It is the first step of obedience in your journey with Jesus and a public statement of your faith. But the waters of baptism do not save you. The Bible tells us we are saved by the mercy and grace of God.

Am I ready for this? 
Baptism is for believers: 
A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for salvation. Believers realize that their sin separates them from God and that only Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. It is your way of demonstrating the internal miracle, in an external way, to the outside world.

Why be baptized? 
The New Testament offers the following reasons to be baptized:

•To follow Christ’s example (Mark 1:9).
•To follow Christ’s commandment (Matthew 28:19).
•To demonstrate your faith (Acts 18:8).
How are we to be baptized? 
The New Testament gives us a clear picture of baptism:

•Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water (Matthew 3:16).
•Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water (Acts 8:38-39).
•The word “baptize” literally means “to dip or immerse under water.”
•It is the best way to illustrate a burial and resurrection.

Who should be baptized? 
Every person mature enough to make a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ should be baptized. Baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48).

What about infant baptism? 
In the Bible, parents often brought their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them, and taught us all to welcome them. But, He did not baptize them or tell anyone else to baptize them. The New Testament records the baptisms of adult believers only. Baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation.

Parents will often baptize a baby or child intending that their child will one day become a follower of Christ. If you were baptized as a child, then your baptism as an adult can be viewed as a fulfillment of your parent’s wishes. In no way does it renounce your baptism as a child.

When should I be baptized? 
As soon as you have decided to fully receive Christ into your life and have begun walking in a new direction, you should be baptized (Acts 8:35-38).

Is baptism necessary to become a member of The Simple Church? 
Yes, and this means baptism by immersion. Our heart’s desire is to simply obey the clear teaching of God’s Word. So even if you were baptized as an infant, your baptism today represents an obedience to Christ’s command for all who come to faith in Him.

Can my family all be baptized together? 
Yes, provided each family member understands the meaning of baptism and has placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ. Children under twelve years old are asked to attend our Starting Point 4 Kidz class before proceeding with baptism. To register, or for more information on child and youth baptisms, please call our office at 318-752-6134.

When do baptisms take place? 
We baptize every couple of months. We have special baptism parties in various locations. This is a very fun time and we encourage you to invite family and friends to attend. Pre-registration is required, so if you would like to be baptized, please call 318-752-6134.

What should I wear for my baptism? 
You should wear dark clothing; a tee shirt and knee length shorts. We will provide towels and a place to change out of your wet clothes. Bring a plastic bag to hold your wet clothing after you change. We suggest that you wear your baptism clothes to the service and then change into your dry clothes following your baptism.

What should I expect? 
When it is your turn to be baptized, you will enter from one side of the baptism pool. In the middle of the pool a pastor will ask you about your decision to accept Christ. For example, “Mary, have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior?” After you say “Yes,” the pastor will say, “Based on your confession, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Then he will baptize you. It is quick. You won’t be underwater long. Afterwards, you will exit the pool at the opposite side from where you entered. You can change into your dry clothes and participate in the remainder of the service. The pastor will baptize one person at a time and each person will be photographed. You will receive your picture and Certificate of Baptism by mail in a few weeks.

Where do I go on the day of my baptism? 
We will send you the information that you will need to make sure you know exactly where to go. We use various locations and we will provide you and your family directions to the appropriate location.





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GJ - The Simple Church for simpletons. It is simply Babtist. I thought Thrivent gave money to Lutherans. Peter Pan is a Babtist.

Laughter and Sadness



KJV Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

KJV Psalm 126:1 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

KJV Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

KJV Psalm 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

KJV Psalm 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

KJV Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

KJV Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

KJV Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

KJV John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

KJV John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

KJV Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

"You have as much laughter as you have faith."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 692. Erin Joy Psalm 126:5.

"But if you possess faith, your heart cannot do otherwise than laugh for joy in God, and grow free, confident and courageous. For how can the heart remain sorrowful and dejected when it entertains no doubt of God's kindness to it, and of his attitude as a good friend with whom it may unreservedly and freely enjoy all things? Such joy and pleasure must follow faith; if they are not ours, certainly something is wrong with our faith."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 146. Second Christmas Sermon. Titus 3:4-8.

"In the eyes of the world, and even in her own estimation, she has not the appearance of a prosperous and well ordered organization; rather she is a scattered group of poor, miserable orphans, without leader, protection or help upon earth. All the world laughs at her and ridicules her as a great fool in thinking that she is the Church and comprises the people of God. Furthermore, each individual is so burdened and oppressed in his need and suffering as to feel that no one else lies so low or is so far from help as he."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 304f. Pentecost, Third Sermon. John 14:23-31.

(Luther makes the following general comment on Romans 2:6-10): "Patient continuance is so altogether necessary that no work can be good in which patient continuance is lacking. The world is so utterly perverse and Satan is so heinously wicked that he cannot allow any good work to be done, but he must persecute it. However, in this very way God, in His wonderful wisdom, proves what work is good and pleasing to Him. Here the rule holds: As long as we do good and for our good do not encounter contradiction, hatred, and all manner of disagreeable and disadvantageous things, so we must fear that our good work as yet is not pleasing to God; for just so long it is not yet done with patient continuance."
Martin Luther, Commentary on Romans, trans. J. Theodore Mueller, Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1976, p. 55. Romans 2:6-10.

"If we would be Christians, we must surely expect and count on having the devil, together with all his angels and the world, as our enemies. They all will bring misfortune and sorrow on us For where the Word of God is preached, accepted, or believed, and where it produces fruit, the dear, holy cross cannot be wanting."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 357. Large Catechism

"When you preach or confess the Word, you will experience both without, among enemies, and also within, in yourself (where the devil himself will speak to you and prove how hostile he is to you), that he brings you into sadness, impatience, and depression, and that he torments you in all sorts of ways. Who does all this? Certainly not Christ or any good spirit, but the miserable, loathsome enemy...The devil will not bear to have you called a Christian and to cling to Christ or to speak or think a good word about Him. Rather he would gladly poison and permeate your heart with venom and gall, so that you would blaspheme: Why did He make me a Christian? Why do I not let Him go? Then I would at last have peace."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 928.

"The deeper a person is sunk in sadness and emotional upheavals, the better he serves as an instrument of Satan. For our emotions are instruments through which he gets into us and works in us if we do not watch our step. It is easy to water where it is wet. Where the fence is dilapidated, it is easy to get across. So Satan has easy access where there is sadness. Therefore one must pray and associate with godly people."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, III, p. 1243. 1532

"It is not the devil's aim to plague us physically; he is a spirit who is always thirsting for the tears and the drops of blood that come from our hearts. He wants us to despair and to perish from sadness. This would be his joy and delight. But he will not succeed."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, III, p. 1244. John 15:19.

"In view of their spiritual meaning the psalms are really lovely and sweet; for they are comforting to all depressed, wretched consciences, who are in fear of sin, the anguish and agony of death, and all sorts of trouble and misery. To such hearts the Book of Psalms is a sweet, comforting, lovely song, because it sings and preaches the Messiah, although one merely reads or recites the words without notes. Nevertheless, the use of notes or music, as a wonderful creation and gift of God, helps greatly to produce this effect, especially when the people sing along and do so with fine devoutness...Thus David, too, often dispelled, or at least checked or weakened, the evil spirit for Saul with his minstrelsy (1 Samuel 16:17ff.). For the evil spirit is not at ease when one sings or preaches God's Word in true faith. He is a spirit of sadness and cannot stay where a heart is spiritually joyful (joyful in God and His Word.)"
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed. Ewald M. Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 981. 1 Samuel 16:17ff.

"Joy is the natural fruit of faith. The apostle says elsewhere (Galatians 5:22-23): 'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control.' Until the heart believes in God, it is impossible for it to rejoice in Him. When faith is lacking, man is filled with fear and gloom and is disposed to flee at the very mention, the mere thought, of God. Indeed, the unbelieving heart is filled with enmity and hatred against God. Conscious of its own guilt, it has no confidence in His gracious mercy; it knows God is an enemy to sin and will terribly punish the same."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 93. Fourth Sunday in Advent, Philippians 4:4-7; Galatians 5:22-23.

"Satan torments you until you conclude that you are lost and ruined, that heaven and earth, God and all the angels, are your enemies."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 247. Exaudi Psalm 6:7-8.

"Not only is Christ hidden from the world, but a still harder thing is it that in such trials Christ conceals himself even from His church, and acts as if he had forgotten, aye, had entirely forsaken and rejected it, since He permits it to be oppressed under the cross and subjected to all the cruelty of the world, while its enemies boast, glory and rejoice over it, as we shall hear in the next Gospel."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 67. Second Sunday after Easter John 10:11-16.

Art Thou Worthy, Ichabod, To Receive a Comment from Mike?




Yes, worthy enough for a comment from Mike Geiger.

Mike has left a new comment on your post "Waves of Nausea Swept Over Me - Church and Change":


I debated whether this blog was worthy of a response, but for one who speaks so freely and with seeming "authority", you seem free to sin against those of whom you write by publishing comments that are neither accurate or substantiated. I can only speak for myself, but what happened to Matthew 18 and approaching the person before making an issue public? Before you post my pictures and assumptions about me, my vicar year, and my wife that are inaccurate at best, I would have appreciated you calling me. I invite you to do so and ask that you do the same for all the people you mention in your blog. For one who seemingly wants to promote the truth of the Word, this practice is anything but godly.(919) 465-4400 - if you wish. Mike Geiger.


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GJ - Typical WELS Church Growth - a string of vague and unsubstantiated accusations plus a command to phone. But did Mike Geiger phone me?

At this point it is fair to assume that any speaker for Church and Chicanery is firmly in their doctrinal grip.

Mike, you should read your Book of Concord. As Luther explained in the Large Catechism, public error does not require private admonition. Church and Change has been promoting its doctrinal errors in public for some time now.

Anyone in Lutherdom is free to criticize the substance of Ichabod. I noticed that the Church and Chance list-serve was quite verbose about me when Joe Krohn asked, "Are we really inviting a Baptist, Ed Stetzer, to speak at our next conference?" Apparently Krohn did not believe Stetzer's twitter, Stetzer's blog, or Stetzer's published schedule. So Church and Change answered Joe by attacking me, not addressing a pertinent question from one of their most devoted disciples. A few more exchanges like that and Joe may drop his bass guitar in favor of a Triglotta. Think of the loss, Mike!

I think the odious Don Patterson Network has decided to fight back.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Harmless Heretic Larry Olson Has Infected 75 with Staff Ministry




Frequently Asked Questions

1. WHAT IS "STAFF MINISTRY"?
Staff ministry is a form of public, representative ministry. An individual is given a call by a group of believers to carry out church work on their behalf.


2. WHAT DO STAFF MINISTERS DO?
The call itself defines the particular duties and responsibilities of a specific staff minister. Current position titles include the following: Minister of Music and Education, Minister of Family and Youth, Minister of Discipleship, Director of Christian Education, Family Minister, Director of Discipleship, Program Director, Minister of Music, Minister of Evangelism, Church Administrator, Minister of Administration, Deaconess, and Parish Nurse; Parish Assistant and Parish Associate are other potential position titles. In each case, the call would define and limit the specific responsibilities based on the needs of the calling body.

3. ARE STAFF MINISTERS PASTORS OR TEACHERS?
No. Some staff ministers, however, may initially have been trained for another form of ministry, such as teaching, and then subsequently been called into staff ministry.
In one sense, of course, any time a congregation or other calling body has more than one worker on the staff, it is a staff ministry. But we are using the phrase "staff minister" to refer to an individual who is not serving as a pastor or parochial school teacher, but instead has been called to work in association with the pastor(s), other called workers, and members in focused areas of parish ministry. While pastors are trained for the broadest scope of ministry and for theological leadership, and teachers are trained in Christian classroom education, staff ministers receive basic theological training and practical skills to equip them to serve in other specific areas of parish ministry.

4. WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS AVAILABLE?
There are three elements in the program: general education in the liberal arts, a religion component parallel to what teaching candidates take, and professional courses designed to equip candidates with the competencies necessary to serve as staff ministers. The professional component includes both a core of required courses and a number of electives in specialized areas such as evangelism, youth work, family ministry, administration, stewardship, parish education, and the like. In addition, an internship or a series of practica is required.
The goal is to provide academic integrity, professional competence, and program flexibility in order to best serve the needs of our congregations and of our current and prospective staff ministers.

5. WHERE IS THE PROGRAM AVAILABLE?
The staff ministry program is located at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, a town of 13,750 people in south central Minnesota. In addition to classes offered during the regular semesters, courses are available through correspondence and video, in summer sessions, at extension locations, and through independent and directed study.


6. ARE OLDER STUDENTS ADMITTED?
Yes. While traditional undergraduate students are enrolled in a four or five-year degree program, with the option of also being certified in elementary education or in parish music, the length of the program for older students will vary depending on the previous study and experience of each candidate. Courses in the program are also open to current church workers -- pastors, teachers, and staff ministers -- who want to broaden their ministry skills or who wish to equip themselves for a possible change in ministry.


7. WHAT KIND OF CERTIFICATION IS GIVEN?
Graduates of the program receive certification in staff ministry, which indicates that the candidate has attained the entry-level competencies to serve as a staff minister. As in the case of pastors and teachers, certification is not for specific skill areas. Students may also choose to pursue an additional certification in elementary education or parish music.


8. IS THE PROGRAM OPEN TO BOTH MEN AND WOMEN?
Yes. There is no difference in training, just as there is no difference in the training of male and female students for the teaching ministry. Distinctions based on gender are determined by the congregations or calling bodies as they establish the responsibilities of their specific calls.


9. IS RESIDENCE HALL SPACE AVAILABLE?
Yes, for both single male and female students. There is no married student housing, but New Ulm has apartments and homes available for rent at reasonable costs.


10. WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL FOR SERVICE?
There currently are about seventy-five staff ministry positions in the congregations of the Wisconsin Synod, as well as several dozen positions in non-parish settings. While we cannot guarantee that there will be positions for everyone who prepares for service, there does seem to be a growing desire on the part of congregations to add staff ministers.


The Staff Ministry Office at Martin Luther College provides information to the District Presidents of the WELS, who are responsible for preparing lists of candidates for calling bodies, to ensure that they are aware of who is available for service as staff ministers. In addition, we maintain an ongoing effort to communicate with congregations to help them to understand the potential for increased effectiveness in ministry that staff ministers could provide for them.

For further information, please call or write!


-----------------------
Staff Ministry Program
Martin Luther College
1995 Luther Court
New Ulm, MN 56073
Telephone: 507.354.8221
E-Mail: OlsonLO@mlc-wels.edu
Fax: 507.233.9106
Dr. Lawrence Olson, Director [GJ - This alleged doctorate is a drive-by DMin from Fuller Seminary, four courses and a paper.]
Mrs. Valerie Fischer, Secretary

***

THE BEST OF LARRY OH!



"Please stop exaggerating the amount of study that I have done at Fuller. After four years of study at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, which involved sixty-two different courses and a year of vicarage, I graduated in 1983. From 1987 to 1989 I took four courses where I was in a classroom with a Fuller instructor. That is the extent of my Fuller coursework...In addition, I have taken two courses at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and one at the University of Wisconsin--Madison. Because of Fuller's liberal (would you expect anything else?) policy on transfer of credit, and because of two independent studies I undertook, I could complete the degree by simply writing a dissertation."
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, D. Min. (Fuller), "A Response to Gregory L. Jackson, Ph.D.," Christian News, 3-28-94, p. 23. [Trinity in Deerfield lists WELS twice on its website. I wonder why. Was it that special when Larry Oh! went there, or have they trained dozens of WELS staff for hundreds of thousands of dollars?]

"To the best of my knowledge, only three WELS pastors have ever taken classes at Fuller Seminary: Reuel Schulz in the 1970s, and Robert Koester and I in the 1980s."
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, D. Min. (Fuller), "A Response to Gregory L. Jackson, Ph.D.," Christian News, 3-28-94, p. 23.

"You may reply that by 'Fuller-trained' you mean anyone who has attended a workshop presented by the Charles E. Fuller Institute of Evangelism and Church Growth, an agency which is independent of the Seminary. If that is the case, your attribution of 'Fuller-trained' is still simply not true. It would surprise me if even half of the two dozen people on your 'WELS/ELS Who's Who' list have attended a Fuller workshop; I personally know of only five who have."
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, D. Min. (Fuller), "A Response to Gregory L. Jackson, Ph.D.," Christian News, 3-28-94, p. 23. [GJ - Right. I am trying to think of five who did not go to Fuller.]

"Paul says that people can, in some way, 'adorn the doctrine' (KJV). Does that mean adding anything to the Gospel, thereby making the Means of Grace more 'effective'? Of course not. But it does mean that a Christian, a Christian slave in the original context, can discredit the Gospel--and thus erect a human barrier--through actions and words that contradict the profession of faith." [GJ - Reformed doctrine, learned from his mentors at Fuller Seminary.]
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, D. Min. (Fuller), "A Response to Gregory L. Jackson, Ph.D.," Christian News, 3-28-94, p. 23. Titus 2:9-10.

"To believe, teach, and confess that truth is not inconsistent with being able to recognize that one approach to ministry may be more effective than another. It is more effective to hold worship services at 10:30 am on Sunday than at midnight on Tuesday; this is true, even though it is the same Gospel that is preached at either time." [WELS CG people repeated this nonsense endlessly, but see the real story below.]

Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, D. Min. (Fuller), "A Response to Gregory L. Jackson, Ph.D.," Christian News, 3-28-94, p. 23.

"Faithfulness is the standard by which God judges those he calls into the public ministry. That faithfulness may or may not be 'effective' in terms of visible results; results are up to God, not us. But part of faithfulness ought to include striving to be as 'effective' as we can be in the methods that we use to take the Means of Grace to people." [GJ - Note the other ways Larry mocks the efficacy of the Word, below.]
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, D. Min. (Fuller), "A Response to Gregory L. Jackson, Ph.D.," Christian News, 3-28-94, p. 23.

"Make no mistake; I am under no illusions here. I fully expect to be publicly pilloried in print again. You will no doubt do so with some wit, with a good selection of quotations instantly imported into your world processor from your ready-to-go database, and with my own words twisted and used against me. So be it; I can live with that."
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, D. Min. (Fuller), "A Response to Gregory L. Jackson, Ph.D.," Christian News, 3-28-94, p. 23.

"While I would not encourage it, it would not surprise me to see my name in some future writing of yours. If it does appear there, please use my given [underlined] name, Lawrence."
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, D. Min. (Fuller), "A Response to Gregory L. Jackson, Ph.D.," Christian News, 3-28-94, p. 23.

"When Frederick Horn faced that situation, the Holy Spirit moved him to accept the call, and for the last few years he has served as the [lay] Minister of Discipleship for Grace Lutheran in downtown Milwaukee." (Pastor James Huebner Fuller alumnus)
Professor Lawrence O. Olson, (D. Min., Fuller), "Another Kind of Minister, There's a lot to do in a church, and a staff minister can do a lot of it," The Northwestern Lutheran, March, 1994, p. 9. Olson is director of staff ministry at MLC.

"The church growth movement has made inroads into nearly every denomination in America. Once considered only the turf of conservative evangelicals, you will now find church growth practioners in the United Methodist Church, in the Presbyterian Church in the USA, and among the Episcopalians. The LCMS has more pastors enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary, the seedbed of the movement, than are enrolled in the graduate programs at their Fort Wayne and St. Louis seminaries combined, and most of them include church growth as part of their studies." [GJ - Stated with approval. Not mentioned - all the world mission, American mission, and Sausage Factory profs from Fuller.]
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, (D. Min., Fuller), "See How It Grows: Perspectives on Growth and the Church," EVANGELISM, February, 1991, Parish Consultant for the WELS Board of Parish Services and his district's Coordinator of Evangelism. p. 1.

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

"McGavran leaned toward me and said, 'The fields are white unto harvest. But you can't harvest a field of what with a penknife--you need a sickle, you need a scythe. Harvest intelligently." Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, (D. Min., Fuller), "See How It Grows: Perspectives on Growth and the Church," EVANGELISM, February, 1991, Parish Consultant for the WELS Board of Parish Services and his district's Coordinator of Evangelism. p. 2.

"While only the Word is efficacious, the methods we use to minister to people with that Word may vary in their effectiveness." [GJ - Typical WELS CG heresy, attacking the efficacy of the Word.]
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, (D. Min., Fuller), "See How It Grows: Perspectives on Growth and the Church," EVANGELISM, February, 1991, Parish Consultant for the WELS Board of Parish Services and his district's Coordinator of Evangelism. p. 2.

"It is appropriate to make use of educational research to improve the functioning of our small group Bible studies." [GJ - God's Word needs help, doncha know.]
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, (D. Min., Fuller), "See How It Grows: Perspectives on Growth and the Church," EVANGELISM, February, 1991, Parish Consultant for the WELS Board of Parish Services and his district's Coordinator of Evangelism. p. 3.

"Contemporary social and behavioral sciences are a working out of the reason which God has given to humanity. Granted, the assumptions of some sociologists or anthropologists may be inconsistent with the Christian faith. That calls for discernment, but it does not invalidate the proper use of the social sciences by the church; it is, however, essential that they be used in a 'ministerial' manner." [GJ - Any Reformed heretic would agree.]
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, (D. Min., Fuller), "See How It Grows: Perspectives on Growth and the Church," EVANGELISM, February, 1991, Professor, Martin Luther College, (WELS), p. 3.

"We cannot add anything to the Word, but we may be able to remove the human barriers which might be in the way of the Word." [GJ - But, as Luther said, while attacking the Word, they never stop blabbering about their own words, which they imagine are effective.]
Prof. Lawrence O. Olson, (D. Min., Fuller), "See How It Grows: Perspectives on Growth and the Church," EVANGELISM, February, 1991, Parish Consultant for the WELS Board of Parish Services and his district's Coordinator of Evangelism. p. 3.

***

GJ - Someone wondered, "How can you call him a heretic?" That is simple - all I have to do is quote him from my ready-to-go database.

St. Mark, De Pere (WELS) Shakes the Money Tree; Peter Pan, Too



Church and Chicanery Grantsmanship Protects the Throne.


St. Mark, De Pere, received a princely sum for life-coaching from the Siebert Foundation.

They also received $50,000 in 2007 from Thrivent.

Thrivent salespeople like big congregations - more potential customers. They can say, "Buy a Thrivent policy, because we just gave your congregation 50 big ones."

Remember Peter Pan, the Church and Change man? Maybe they call him Peter Pan because he is a pan-denominational chaplain. He got $50,000 from Thrivent, too. He is on the FIC editorial board, just like Gunga Don Patterson. FIC is loaded with Church and Change people. That is obvious, because the name of the magazine has lost Lutheran in the title, unlike the other Lutheran groups.

On this particular Thrivent list I found four WELS congregations receiving grants, two of them Church and Chicanery parishes. That seems statistically slanted to the Left.

Not News: WELS Spelling





Here is a WELS site featuring typical bad spelling in the Q and A section:

http://www.livingbold.net/qa.

I suppose the bad spelling is part of becoming missional, so the youth are not offended by correct spelling. I am speaking with sarcasticness, but as a freind.

Breaking News: Massive Funding of Liberals Provided by Various Foundations



Grantsmanship is taught at Church and Chicanery Conferences.


When Matt Doebler, at Church From Old Scratch, whined about needing $200,000 from Antioch for a worship leader, some of us began doing some research.

The gimlet eyes of one jaded scholar, a doctor of divinity, were opened wide into shock and dismay as the numbers added up.

Most people think, "Oh, a little from Schwan, a little from Thrivent." Not at all.

Oceans of money come from:

  1. The Schwan Foundation,
  2. Antioch Foundation, Wisconsin,
  3. IHS and Salem Lutheran, both fueled by George Skestos,
  4. Siebert Foundation, where Church and Chicanery's Ski is nestled,
  5. Thrivent Lutheran Insurance.


Here are some highlights. Much more will be coming.

  • Redemption Ev Lutheran Church $19,000, Milwaukee. Siebert Foundation start-up funding for a youth center Ski was with this youth center. Jim Buske and Ski and Parlow were at Drive 08 together. There are lots of familiar names at this - http://www.lighthouseyouthcenter.com/index.html.
    A Thrivent guy is president of the board, and Ski is on the board. Thus Lighthouse Stealth Youth Center has ties to two other funding sources at once. Ski is a Church and Chicanery board member. That puts Ski on three boards.

  • Living Word Ev Lutheran Church $20,000 Waukesha, WI. Start-up funding for a mission congregation Read the mission vision statement. John Borgwardt is the pastor. http://www.livingwordwaukesha.org/index.htm

  • Crossroads Christian Church $25,000 Chicago. Siebert Foundation start-up funding for mission congregation. Another Borgwardt - Mike - is the pastor. http://crossroadschicago.org/aboutus.html Crossroads is "missional," which is Fuller-speak for being Fuller-ish. Look for the Lutheran label with a microscope - there, I think I spotted it. WELS? Only by inference. The site features a bad version of We Still Believe.

  • St Mark Ev Lutheran Church--$66,000--De Pere WI. Siebert Foundation funding toward a peer counseling and life-coaching program. Did you read it here first? One staffmember was listed as a "life coach," but that was changed after the fact was published on Ichabod.

  • Mark Jeske's Time of Grace (unLutheran) Show - $250,000 from the Siebert Foundation.

    All the Church and Chicanery people link to Time of Grace and quote His Eminence on such topics as eternal life.

    More to come in the future. Our research department has to warm up Excel to add the figures for Schwan.

    Otten is still reeling over Larry Burgdorf's salary - $440,000 plus $40,000 for benefits. Spending money is hard work.
  • Egbert (Eggs) Albrecht Died


    Rev. Egbert Albrecht

    Pastor Em. Egbert Albrecht died on Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at the Barrett House in Markesan.

    He was born to Theodore and Minna Eifealdt Albrecht on Jan. 25, 1921, in East Farmington, Wis.

    He grew up in Lake City, Minn., where he attended St. John's Lutheran School. He graduated from Lake City High School and enrolled at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minn.

    He completed his undergraduate work at Northwestern Lutheran College in Watertown, Wis., and attended the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Thiensville, Wis.

    After graduation, he taught and coached at Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac. He loved sports and played college football, basketball and baseball.

    On June 29, 1948, he was united in marriage to Lois Pieper.

    Egbert served for almost 60 years in the ministry at parishes in Abrams, Little Suamico, Marquette, Green Garden, Mich., Stoddard, Onalaska, and Manchester-Marquette-Markesan, where he labored for 27 of those 60 years. He also served as President of the Church of the Lutheran Confession.

    Egbert was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents; his son, Stephen; his sister, Dorothy Goede; and his brothers, Eugene and Curtis Albrecht.

    He leaves behind, yet in this time of grace, his two daughters, Lisa and her husband Lynn Dumke of Markesan and Holly and her husband Larry Youngerberg of Waukon, Iowa; his two sons, Paul Albrecht and his wife, Valerie, of Ripon, and Jim Albrecht and his wife, Jolene, of Okabena, Minn.; his daughter-in-law, Cindy; his sister, Irmgard; 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many other relatives; and friends. He will be dearly missed and his memories cherished.


    Services: Funeral services for the Rev. Egbert Albrecht will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in rural Markesan. The Rev. Mark Bernthal will officiate.

    Special thanks to the Barrett House for the love and care Egbert received during his time there.

    "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:8-9

    ***

    GJ - Albrecht and his congregations were so disgusted with the CLC (sic) that they left the sect. Now the group is chasing the Church Growth Movement, so one denomination is even farther behind the learning curve than WELS/ELS.

    Leaving the Mess Behind



    Rick Warren posed with his group at the Exponential Conference.





    "It was him or us. By golly, we thought we were dead men."


    Leave your mess behind

    If we look at ourselves according to our sins, we will forever be the guy who spilled his drink. Instead, we need to leave our mess at the cross of Jesus.

    Author: Donald W. Patterson

    Recently I was on a plane sitting quietly and waiting for other passengers to board. Across the aisle and a few seats in front of me, a tall young man in military fatigues was trying to get into his seat. He was obviously coming home from Iraq. In one hand he had a backpack. In the other he had a soft drink in a cup, which he put precariously above the seat on the edge of the luggage storage shelf.

    ***

    GJ - One reader asked, "Was Patterson writing about returning from another Church Growth conference?" Ben Golish denies being at the Exponential Conference, but his co-pastor Stelljes, son of Patterson's Abiding Word Church, was in attendance with Gunga Don and others. Unfortunately, a complete list of attendees from WELS has not been published. Yet Rick Warren posed with his gang. And Ski posed all over the place at Andy Stanley's Drive Anabaptist Conference.

    Note that unionist Patterson is still merrily writing for FIC (nee The Northwestern Lutheran). Other Church and Change gurus are also prominent authors in the same issue.


    ---

    Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Leaving the Mess Behind":

    How long will you wring your hands and regurgitate the same vomit week after week? Just maybe you are the one in error with your little band of Ichabodians. Misery sure does love company. Satan is crouching at your door, desiring you Mr. Ichabod, waiting to devour you, if he hasn't already...

    Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Leaving the Mess Behind":

    It amazes me about the plank in your eye...blind hatred. What a paradox you are Ichabod. An enigma. Just rememeber while you point the finger at others, three are pointing back at you.

    Here is a new acronym for you. Gospel according to Greg. GAG.

    ---

    Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Leaving the Mess Behind":

    Wow the attackers and the tone have gotten more biting. Rev. Jackson must be hitting pretty close to home for some.

    These attackers have no problem with CG conferences, Keynote Stetzer, plagiarized sermons, free vicars, tons of free grant money to copy the reformed.

    Step-up and show the errors in Rev. Jackson's posts. Pastor Ben admits to not going to the CG conference but others have bragged about going to CG conferences..

    ***

    GJ - I wonder why some people read almost 2,000 insightful, fact-filled posts and come away filled with blind hatred. Is this required reading at The Love Shack and The Sausage Factory?

    ---

    Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Leaving the Mess Behind":

    Just curious, why do you call the WELS Seminary at Mequon the "Sausage Factory" ? Is it because it is an all male school? For example, if you go to a party and no females show up, someone will say: "Looks like it's a sausage fest".

    GJ - Nothing so lurid as that. Jay Webber told me the nickname for Mequon in the ELS is The Sausage Factory, because "they all come out the same." WELS Pastor and CG Guru James Huebner told me that they made fun of anyone with an interest in one topic or another, "which guaranteed that everyone came out the same." I said, "It also guarantees mediocrity."

    Also, why do you call the HQ of the WELS the "Love Shack"? Are you inferring there is a lot of sexual hanky panky going on? I heard recently that another WELS teacher has been accused of sexual misconduct.

    GJ - You have been reading too many news stories about WELS. I use the nickname The Love Shack because the Church Growth experts claim they convert people through love, and no group shows less love than the Church Growth Enthusiasts. They are filled with hate, spite, and envy. They cannot abide sound doctrine but use any tactic, no matter how loathsome, to drive out genuine Lutheran doctrine. Thanks to the spinelessness of the conservatives, they have almost succeeded.

    Proof That Someone Reads This Blog with Discernment



    Oops, wrong graphic. This one is for all the comments from Church and Chicanery zombies.


    Lesli Frank has left a new comment on your post "The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name: Stealth Con...":

    I would personally like to thank you for your thorough investigation of these churches and pastors. Often times when my family and I go on vacation, other than sound emphasis on God's word, we don't really know what we are going to experience when we go to a Wels church. Because of your reporting, we now know that if we are in the areas of these churches you have highlighted here, we will most certainly attend them. We are always looking for the congregations that are looking to preach and live out the gospel message that Christ died to give us the freedom to follow Him. While most churches claim that and may very well do that, it seems that those that are willing to acknowledge that God himself gives no preference over traditional or contemporary, and He certainly doesn't state that either is wrong and that really appeals to us. May all of these churches and their pastors be blessed according to God's promise to those persecuted for His namesake. To God be all the glory.

    ***

    GJ - Once I told Doctrinal Pussycat Robert Mueller what a church member related to me. She said, "When my husband and I worship at WELS churches in Florida, the only way we can tell they are Lutheran is from the sign outside." That was 20 years ago.

    Mueller glared at me. He claimed I was the "only one having problems with the Church Growth Movement." When I mentioned Pastor Stern's problems with CG, Mueller and Oelhafen immediately began making fun of Stern. I thought, "So this is how the Wisconsin leaders act?" And that was not the most disgusting moment by far.

    I hear positive comments from a wide variety of people, included ordained pastors with some clout. No ELS, WELS, or LCMS pastor is allowed to be caught thinking. The officials remove the pastor by any means possible (since the officials reject the Means of Grace) and spew their venom on him and his family. I have seen it many times over. Next they justify their criminal behavior as saving their beloved Holy Mother Synod from harm. The results speak for themselves.

    So I get a lot of positive remarks from all over, by phone, email, and even in person.

    And there is this one:

    "A friend alerted me to your slander. Please remove my name and image from your web site. I did not attend the Exponential conference. Get your facts straight.

    Sincerely,
    Ben Golisch"

    I am checking it out with my source. I will make the correction if it is correct. The comment was anonymous and could have come from anyone, including Gunga Don. I do not think people have control over their published photos.

    Pastor Ben fails to mention his co-pastor Stelljes being at Exponential. Stelljes is directly related to VP Gunga Don Patterson's Church and Change Network. Daddy Stelljes is a member at Holy Word, an ironic name for Patterson's nest of Enthusiasts.

    For years Valleskey peddled the lie that he never went to Fuller. He even claimed that his study of Church Growth was forced upon him when he gave his Figs From Thistles paper (which WLQ subsequently published). He had been teaching CG at The Sausage Factory for some time already, and his class notes clearly showed that he was completely smitten by Church Growth. When CLC (sic) Pastor David Koenig got him to admit going to Fuller, Valleskey was furious that Koenig told me the truth in writing. Of course, Koenig was also mad as a hatter about my publication of the truth. Church Growth never advanced by being honest with anyone.

    Yet Valleskey denied going to Fuller when I asked him after he gave his horrible paper at the Ohio conference.

    Later, Valleskey even claimed I never spoke to him, a common WELS accusation aiimed at any public criticism of their published false doctrine. Of course, that was also a fabrication. I had to corner Valleskey, who tried to escape my probing questions. That claim about never speaking to Valleskey was passed on by Doctrinal Pussycat Nitz, whom Frosty Bivens called "the second most spineless DP in WELS."

    A Midland circuit pastor asked, "Who is the most spineless?"

    Frosty said, "Mueller."

    Later, Buelow related his shock at Bivens openly criticizing an official. Normally the officials all treat each other as infallibly led by the Holy Spirit. One pastor even said, "I am not going to argue with the Circuit Pastor. The Holy Spirit appointed him." When ex-convict DP Ed Werner was choosing CPs who would wink at his criminal behavior, was that the work of the Holy Spirit?

    ---

    Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Proof That Someone Reads This Blog with Discernmen...":

    How ironic that the Doctrinal Pussycat is now filling a vacancy in Florida! He'll fit right in there.

    Monday, January 12, 2009

    Breaking News



    Church and Change vows to be good.


    Later today.

    Sunday, January 11, 2009

    Columbus, Ohio: Church Growth Nest



    What hath Kuske wrought?


    Columbus, Ohio was VP Paul Kuske's personal sandbox. Backed by Doctrinal Pussycat Robert Mueller, Kuske could make up any excuse he wanted to walk on the wild side of doctrine and practice.

    First he courted Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, just kicked out of the LCMS ministry for cause, divorced and unemployed. Kuske set up a Church Growth agency so Floyd could have his own sandbox: Lutheran Parish Resources. The board did not want Floyd, so someone doubled-down and Roger Zehms became the head of LPR, with Floyd also working there. Roger was recently divorced too, but part of the Wayne Mueller Church Growth network.

    Zehms and Stolzenburg "answered to no one" because "we have a call directly from the Holy Spirit." Zehms announced that at an LPR meeting. They had a great old time messing around in all the congregations.

    Kuske also flattered Marc Schroeder (no relation to Mark Schroeder the SP) at Prince of Peace, another Church Growth outlet. Marc could do no wrong. He was also divorced and remarried. His father-in-law (Johne) hunts zebra with Gunga Don Patterson.

    Zehms and Stolzenburg remarried in Columbus. At one meeting both of them separately announced they needed a call, "because I have a new wife and a mortgage." That is how it works.

    Kuske and Schumann (another Church Growth guy) backed Stolzenburg for a call while denying any WELS support of Floyd. Official denials are routine in WELS.

    Where is Columbus today?

    St. Paul's, where Floyd's schemes were first hatched, is not doing so well, in spite of Schuman's Mission Vision of having 8,000 communicants and a world-famous parking valet ministry. Schuman became an AAL salesman and disappeared from view soon after.

    Floyd got his church in Columbus, thanks to Kuske and Mueller. The ELS courted Floyd, or at least his offerings, for a number of years. Roger Kovaciny, another CG guru (in his opinion) was bagman for the Ukraine when Jay Webber was rector of the seminary there. Floyd's money went to Jay through Roger, showing that the love of money is not the root of all evil but the ultimate absolution.

    Prince of Peace got kicked out of WELS and joined the LCMS. Still, Marc Schroeder sends checks to The Sausage Factory (from the Salem Lutheran Foundation). Isn't it fun to ponder all the money spent on Prince of Peace, only to have it join the LCMS orbit once established? That is Wally Oelhafen's District Mission Board at work. Wally simply gushed Church Growth ideas, so Prince of Peace was never a problem for him.

    In short, a great deal of money was spent in Columbus to promote false doctrine and support three divorced pastors. Church Growth really works: it spread like cancer all over WELS. But there are fewer congregations and members in Columbus, thanks to Kuske, Oelhafen, and Church Growth.

    Floyd still has his church. The Kuske Report is one of the most read pages on Ichabod.

    Zehms suddenly left Columbus and went to work for WELS Lutherans for Life, but he continued to think he was in charge of the Columbus members. He suddenly left Lutherans for Life and took a parish in Illinois where buddy Wayne Mueller once was, then in Texas. Details are blurred by the passage of time.

    The non-Lutheran Church Growth schools have many thousands of dollars from WELS for training Lutheran pastors in false doctrine: Trinity Divinity in Deerfield, Fuller Seminary, and Willow Creek Community Church.

    Church and Change, hatched at Wisconsin Lutheran College, runs the synod and countermands SP Schroeder, plots to get rid of him, and conspires to bring Brother Ed Stetzer (a Babtist) to teach God's Word to Lutherans.

    Saturday, January 10, 2009

    The First Sunday after Epiphany



    Rose, by Norma Boeckler


    The First Sunday after the Epiphany

    Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

    http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship

    Bethany Lutheran Worship, 8 AM Phoenix Time

    The Hymn # 277 Vox delecti
    The Confession of Sins
    The Absolution
    The Introit p. 16
    The Gloria Patri
    The Kyrie p. 17
    The Gloria in Excelsis
    The Salutation and Collect p. 19
    The Epistle and Gradual Romans 12:1-5
    The Gospel Luke 2:41-52
    Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
    Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
    The Nicene Creed p. 22
    The Sermon Hymn # 657 Schoenster Her Jesus

    Objective Truth of the Gospel

    The Hymn #130 Valet will ich dir geben
    The Preface p. 24
    The Sanctus p. 26
    The Lord's Prayer p. 27
    The Words of Institution
    The Agnus Dei p. 28
    The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
    The Benediction p. 31
    The Hymn #40 Yigdal

    KJV Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

    KJV Luke 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

    First Sunday After Epiphany
    Lord God, heavenly Father, who in mercy hast established the Christian home among us: We beseech Thee so to rule and direct our hearts, that we may be good examples to children and servants, and not offend them by word or deed, but faithfully teach them to love Thy Church and hear Thy blessed word. Give them Thy Spirit and grace, that this seed may bring forth good fruit, so that our homelife may conduce to Thy glory, honor and praise, to our own improvement and welfare, and give offense to no one; through the same, Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

    Objective Truth of the Gospel

    In this Gospel we see that Joseph and Mary were unable to comprehend the Child they raised, even though they knew about His divine origin and unique virgin birth. Secondly, this Gospel silences anyone who wonders why God did not convert the Jewish religious leaders. There stood Jesus in their midst, showing His amazing superiority at an early age. They had every opportunity to believe in Him, starting at that time, but also later, when He revealed Himself through His teaching and miracles.

    Throughout Epiphany we have lessons that emphasize the revelation of Jesus to the entire world. This one is especially intriguing. As Paul asked in Romans, “What advantage does the Jew have?” The advantage is knowledge of the Scriptures. Every faithful Jew is raised with a knowledge of Hebrew, a cycle of readings, and access to what we call the Old Testament. The Hebrew name is literally Torah, Prophets, Readings. I think it is exciting to think of these elderly scholars, with an incredible knowledge of the Scriptures, listening to Jesus with awe.

    It’s important to understand how this works. Jesus was not found until the third day, so we can assume He was at the Temple the entire time. In addition, His role was not to stand there and lecture the Jewish leaders. Sometimes we see paintings of Jesus standing in front of the leaders, His arm raised, as if He were delivering a solemn address. The Jewish tradition encourages younger people to ask difficult questions of the learned. So the text tells us that Jesus was listening and asking questions. Obviously, the questions revealed how much He understood.

    I may have mentioned that in Columbus we had a family visit on a regular basis. The father was a pioneer in military jets. The mother was brilliant. The children radiated intelligence. The oldest son went to the U. of Chicago and earned a Ph.D. in economics. The children loved to ask difficult questions, and their questions not only gave away their understanding of the Christian faith, but also what was being discussed in the adult class. We only guess that Jesus in the Temple was 10 times as perceptive. Everyone was astonished at His understanding and answers, for surely the teachers began asking Him questions as well.

    People can sense when someone has an unusual amount of knowledge. There will always be fakes and pretenders, but still people know real authority. Nothing has more authority than the Word itself. Jesus was and is the Word of God in the flesh. When He spoke, He taught with authority, not the authority of the scribes and Pharisees, but the authority of God.

    This happens today as well. The Word of God has its own authority. The whole world can preach against the Word, and it does, but people still believe the Word and consider the Scriptures infallible. From time to time I heard people tell me that the minister would attack the Bible in the pulpit. More than one person said, “Why go to church to hear the minister preach against the Bible and say it is full of errors?” Most people do not get involved in all the historical data confirming the truth of the Bible, and it’s just as well. Too many get involving in an outward proof that depends upon a certain discovery, such as Noah’s Ark or the ark of the covenant. I saw a television show where Pat Robertson seemed to be claiming that they just found the ark of the covenant. They must have been wrong, because the story died away.

    I have no question about the historical and geographical accuracy of the Bible. If anything, I am surprised that any liberal can open his mouth, considering what we have learned in the last century. Obviously few of them have studied these discoveries. But I doubt whether the guestbook from the Temple, signed by Jesus, would convince them. They would say, “That is interesting, but it does not prove Jesus walked on the water.”

    On the other hand, a believer, someone converted by the Word, cannot be dissuaded by the arguments of man. Why? Because he knows that the Word of God pierces his heart with the Law. No matter what any fool might say about the Bible and the Christian faith, the Law reveals us for what we are. It can be so dramatic that people will burst into tears, as one group of prisoners did once when I simply quoted the Bible to show how we are all sinners. The individual knows that the Word of God has done this, not an effort by a human, but through the power of the Holy Spirit alone. Individuals know this because of their own resistance. There are only two causes of conversion: the Holy Spirit and the Word. The Bible does not recognize “a willing heart” or “a receptive person” as a third cause.

    How receptive was Paul on the road to Damascus, persecuting the Christian faith? How receptive was Grace Fuller, spouting her Unitarian blather (her conversion by the Word alone is quoted verbatim in Thy Strong Word)? How ready was Augustine, who willfully resisted the Christian faith of his mother Monica? How ready was John Newton, a hated member of a crew doing hateful business, hauling slaves from Africa? Look at how we diminish the power of God when we make man or the human will a cause of conversion.

    J-112
    "Mrs. Barnhill looked at me and said, with such a loving look in her gray eyes, 'Oh, Grace, Christ said, 'No man cometh unto the Father but by Me,' and, my dear, you have no way of approach to a holy God unless you come through Christ, His Son, as your Saviour.' "The Scripture which she quoted," Mrs. Fuller continues, "was the Sword of the Spirit, and at that moment Unitarianism was killed forever in my heart. I saw the light like a flash and believed at that moment, though I said nothing. She had quoted God's Word, the Spirit had used it, and, believing, I instantly became a new creation in Christ Jesus. She might have talked and even argued with me about it, but instead she just used the Word."
    J. Elwin Wright, The Old Fashioned Revival Hour and the Broadcasters, Boston: The Fellowship Press, 1940, p. 54.

    As Grace Fuller realized, the proclaimed Word has the power to slay the elegant doubts of Unitarianism and to energize faith in the Gospel in an instant. Therefore, believers have an abundant witness in the Scriptures about the power, clarity, and effectiveness of the Word, but they also have the added benefit of experiencing the energy of the Law and Gospel, which work together to kill the dead old skeptical sinner and to create a new man who loves God and wants to serve Him. The Old Adam remains, but the leaven of the Gospel continues to work in those who hear the Word.

    1.12 Conversion of St. Augustine,
    Thy Strong Word

    People think of St. Augustine (354-430) as a religious leader of the distant past, but he was once a famous, hedonistic pagan. His mother Monica gave him Christian instruction as a child and prayed for his conversion to the faith. Augustine’s unique intellectual gifts made him a powerful intellectual leader and the finest orator at a time when rhetoric was the pathway to fame. He was so brilliant that he felt the Scriptures were beneath him. In addition, Christianity was one of many religions of his day and not very successful in the marketplace of ideas. Monica never ceased her prayers. Another burden in her life was an unbelieving husband. One day, as Augustine felt the weight of his sins, he was overwhelmed with a sense of contrition. Weeping under a fig tree, he heard a child’s voice sing out a Latin song, “Tolle, lege. Take and read.” The song had no religious content, but Augustine felt compelled to pick up the Scriptures where he read the damning words of the Law and the comfort of the Gospel:

    KJV Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

    J-131, Thy Strong Word
    Augustine wrote: “I wanted to read no further, nor did I need to. For instantly, as the sentence ended, there was infused in my heart something like the light of full certainty and all the gloom of doubt vanished away.” Augustine then went to tell his mother Monica, who “leaped for joy triumphant, and she blessed Thee, Who art ‘able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.’” (Ephesians 3:20) [24]
    Monica prayed to have a believing son, but God gave her something she never imagined, a son who became one of the greatest of all teachers of Christianity. Augustine became a bishop and served the African church, writing such classics of the faith as his Confessions and The City of God. It is impossible to study Christian thought apart from Augustine or find a topic he did not write about, using the gifts abundantly given him by God. At the last bookstore I visited, not long ago, I saw a well known highly respected biography of Augustine in paperback, a testimony to the kind and loving Father Who blessed Monica far beyond her ability to think or ask. That power gave her, like many heart-broken mothers afterwards, the faith to pray, the hope to find comfort in waiting, and the patience to wait for the effectual working of the Triune God, who can use a child and a secular song to fashion a bishop and theologian out of a rogue.

    J-131, Thy Strong Word
    "In like manner, St. Paul says that God's ability is thus proved, in that He does exceeding abundantly above and better than we ask or think. Ephesians 3:20. Therefore, we should know we are too finite to be able to name, picture or designate the time, place, way, measure and other circumstances for that which we ask of God. Let us leave that entirely to Him, and immovably and steadfastly believe that He will hear us." [25]
    Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p.179f.

    J-132, Thy Strong Word
    "A very fine example of the power of prayer is provided by Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. She asked for nothing in her prayer for her son except that he might be liberated from the madness of the Manichaeans [pagans] and be baptized...But the more she prayed, the more stiff-necked and stubborn the son became, and her prayer seemed to her to have become a sin. But when the time for hearing her solicitous prayer had come (for God usually defers His help), Augustine is not only converted and baptized but devotes himself entirely to the study of theology and turns out to be such a teacher that he shines in the church to this day, teaching and instructing the church. Monica had never asked for this. It would have been enough for her if her son had been freed from error and had turned Christian. But God wants to give us greater blessings than we can ask for, as long as we do not weaken in our prayer."
    What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald M. Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959 II, p. 1094. Genesis 17:19-22.


    When we consider Jesus in the Temple, we should not assume that everyone who heard Him rejected Him. It is likely that we have vignettes from the life of Jesus to show us why the Gospel was a powerful force in Israel. After all, the persecution of the church did not happen because it was harmless and ineffective, but precisely because it was uprooting sclerotic Judaism and converting Jews to the Christian faith. Paul, before his conversion, was eager to have Christians arrested. The apostles preached in synagogues until they were expelled. When the truth becomes apparent to people, the enemies of the truth must silence the Word by killing, persecuting, jailing, and expelling. Nevertheless, key leaders became believers.

    KJV John 19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

    KJV John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

    Should we think that the initial listening and questioning by Jesus in the Temple had no effect? When Jesus spoke, God incarnate spoke. When He converted key leaders through the Word, they converted others through the Word. The Word is not as sharp as the sharpest sword, but sharper than any double-edged sword.

    KJV Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

    The Word is sharp and powerful in discerning and powerful in comfort, as the subsequent verses show.

    KJV Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

    So we can see that Jesus conducted His public ministry for the very purpose of revealing the comfort of the Gospel to all people. Who would aid the Roman government in killing Him? Jesus spoke with them, the Jewish religious leaders, for days in the Temple? That was “His Father’s business.” By this we know that there is no comparison between our thoughts and God’s thoughts, our ways and God’s ways. God provided the Gospel in the flesh for those who were in a position to crucify Christ. Many were justified by faith. Many more were condemned to eternal death and punishment for their unbelief.

    And we can consider this wonderful story, the only one about the youth of Jesus, and think, “All this happened for me.” The very fact that we are hearing the Gospel means that God has provided the means to give us His Word. He sent the prophets and the apostles and most of all, His beloved only-begotten Son. The Gospel has been sent out to the entire world, but in particular to individuals.

    The Gospel moves forward in positive ways, through people God has sent and trained through the Word. But it also moves ahead because of afflictions, disruptions, persecutions, splits, and controversies. Many people have been shocked to find themselves expelled or excommunicated for believing the Word, but the warnings began clearly enough in the Gospel of John.

    KJV John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

    It is difficult at the moment to see these events as good, but they are God’s will, or at least within the control of God. He limits the evil that people can do and also turns evil into good. Some people miss the ease and comfort of the large congregation, when they form a tiny, independent congregation. No money, no furniture, no hymnals, no candles, no Sunday School materials, no building (usually) or too much building. But look at this contrast: in a large congregation an inordinate amount of time is spent running the organization, and secular concerns often dominate the agenda. In an independent congregation, organization strength is missed, but endless meetings are not. Very little time is spent in an established congregation on spiritual matters.

    That also happens in denominations. When I was in the LCA, we never had parish pastors giving papers. The bishop would give a talk, very unprepared. National church leaders, sometimes called The Wisemen From the East, would lead sessions. One man had a huge division and an enormous budget – all the American missions plus most of the social activism efforts. Someone noted on a napkin: “The greater the height, the larger the view of the speaker and the shallower the content.” The man was so vain he put on glasses to write on a board and took them off in facing the group. In contrast, when pastors are forced to give papers, they have to study a topic and at least one person learns something. If he does a good job, someone else learns something. If he is orthodox or not, something worthwhile is accomplished, if people are discerning about the Word. If not, they are damned for their unbelief and participate in the spread of false doctrine.

    But the greatest testimony to the power of the Gospel is this. Although many books have the power to judge us and condemn us for our actions, our sinful nature, only the Gospel has the power to comfort us through the forgiveness of sins. This is the very purpose of the Christian Church, to show sinners that their Savior has paid for their sins on the cross and risen from the dead. No one, no matter how religious or moral he might be, is anything more than a lost sinner without Christ. No one can ever be comforted apart from the Gospel. We live in a troubled world because people want forgiveness but only receive more Law – commands, demands, and judgment.

    Someone may say, “But I don’t feel forgiven.” That is all the more reason for hearing the Gospel and clinging to it. If someone is tortured by regret, the Gospel promises must penetrate the regret with the constant message of true and genuine forgiveness through Christ. If someone has grown up with nothing but the Law, this is difficult to grasp. In fact, for all of us, our weak faith is always in need of God’s love to strengthen the trust He plants in our hearts. Complete and full forgiveness, through God’s grace alone, received in faith, goes against our human pattern of thought. We cannot imagine taking on the sins of the world and dying for sinners. Because we cannot imagine it, God reveals it as truth and proclaims it in hundreds of ways through the Scriptures and the Sacraments.


    Forgiveness in the Book of Concord
    Megatron Database

    "But Christ was given for this purpose, namely, that for His sake there might be bestowed on us the remission of sins, and the Holy Ghost to bring forth in us new and eternal life, and eternal righteousness [to manifest Christ in our hearts, as it is written John 16:15: He shall take of the things of Mine, and show them unto you. Likewise, He works also other gifts, love, thanksgiving, charity, patience, etc.]. Wherefore the Law cannot be truly kept unless the Holy Ghost is received through faith...Then we learn to know how flesh, in security and indifference, does not fear God, and is not fully certain that we are regarded by God, but imagines that men are born and die by chance. Then we experience that we do not believe that God forgives and hears us. But when, on hearing the Gospel and the remission of sins, we are consoled by faith, we receive the Holy Ghost, so that now we are able to think aright."
    Apology Augsburg Confession, III. #11. Love Fulfilling of Law. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 159. Tappert, p. 125. Heiser, p. 42.

    "If we call Sacraments rites which have the command of God, and to which the promise of grace has been added, it is easy to decide what are properly Sacraments...Therefore Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and Absolution, which is the Sacrament of Repentance, are truly Sacraments. For these rites have God's command and the promise of grace, which is peculiar to the New Testament. For when we are baptized, when we eat the Lord's body, when we are absolved, our hearts must be firmly assured that God truly forgives us for Christ's sake. And God, at the same time, by the Word and by the rite, moves hearts to believe and conceive faith, just as Paul says, Romans 10:17: 'Faith cometh by hearing.' But just as the Word enters the ear in order to strike our heart, so the rite itself strikes the eye, in order to move the heart. The effect of the Word and of the rite is the same..." [Luther, Bab Captivity, 3 sacraments]
    Apology Augsburg Confession, XIII,#3. Number/Use Sacraments. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 309. Tappert, p. 211. Heiser, p. 94.

    "Also they teach that men cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works, but are freely justified for Christ's sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor, and that their sins are forgiven for Christ's sake, who, by His death, has made satisfaction for our sins. This faith God imputes for righteousness is His sight. Romans 3 and 4."
    Augsburg Confession, IV. Justification. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 45. Tappert, p. 30. Heiser, p. 12f. Romans 3; Romans 4

    "Of Repentance they teach that for those who have fallen after Baptism there is remission of sins whenever they are converted; and that the Church ought to impart absolution to those thus returning to repentance. Now, repentance consists properly of these two parts: One is contrition, that is, terrors smiting the conscience through the knowledge of sin; the other is faith, which is born of the Gospel, or of absolution, and believes that, for Christ's sake, sins are forgiven, comforts the conscience, and delivers it from terrors. Then good works are bound to follow, which are the fruits of repentance."
    Augsburg Confession, Article XII. Repentance. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 49. Tappert, p. 34f. Heiser, p. 13.

    "But outside of this Christian Church, where the Gospel is not, there is no forgiveness, as also there can be no holiness [sanctification]. Therefore all who seek and wish to merit holiness [sanctification], not through the Gospel and forgiveness of sin, but by their works, have expelled and severed themselves [from this Church]."
    The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #56, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693. Tappert, p. 418. Heiser, p. 195.

    "We further believe that in this Christian Church we have forgiveness of sin, which is wrought through the holy Sacraments and Absolution, moreover, through all manner of consolatory promises of the entire Gospel. Therefore, whatever is to be preached, concerning the Sacraments belongs here, and in short, the whole Gospel and all the offices of Christianity, which also must be preached and taught without ceasing. For although the grace of God is secured through Christ, and sanctification is wrought by the Holy Ghost through the Word of God in the unity of the Christian Church, yet on account of our flesh which we bear about with us we are never without sin."
    The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III. #54. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693. Tappert, p. 417. Heiser, p. 195.

    "Everything, therefore, in the Christian Church is offered to the end that we shall daily obtain there nothing but the forgiveness of sin through the Word and signs, to comfort and encourage our consciences as long as we live here. Thus, although we have sins, the [grace of the] Holy Ghost does not allow them to injure us, because we are in the Christian Church, where there is nothing but [continuous, uninterrupted] forgiveness of sin, both in that God forgives us, and in that we forgive, bear with, and help each other."
    The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III. #55. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693. Tappert, p. 418. Heiser, p. 195.

    "For now we are only half pure and holy, so that the Holy Ghost has ever [some reason why] to continue His work in us through the Word, and daily to dispense forgiveness, until we attain to that life where there will be no more forgiveness, but only perfectly pure and holy people, full of godliness and righteousness, removed and free from sin, death, and all evil, in a new, immortal, and glorified body."
    The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III. #58. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693. Tappert, p. 418. Heiser, p. 196.

    "Behold, all this is to be the office and work of the Holy Ghost, that He begin and daily increase holiness upon earth by means of these two things, the Christian Church and the forgiveness of sin. But in our dissolution He will accomplish it altogether in an instant, and will forever preserve us therein by the last two parts."
    The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III. #59. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693f. Tappert, p. 418. Heiser, p. 196.

    "Therefore we believe in Him who through the Word daily brings us into the fellowship of this Christian Church, and through the same Word and the forgiveness of sins bestows, increases, and strengthens faith, in order that when He has accomplished it all, and we abide therein, and die to the world and to all evil, He may finally make us perfectly and forever holy; which now we expect in faith through the Word."
    The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III. #62. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 695. Tappert, p. 419. Heiser, p. 196.

    "Therefore there is here again great need to call upon God and pray: Dear Father, forgive us our trespasses. Not as though He did not forgive sin without and even before our prayer (for He has given us the Gospel, in which is pure forgiveness before we prayed or ever thought about it). But this is to the intent that we may recognize and accept such forgiveness."
    The Large Catechism, The Lord's Prayer, Fifth Petition, #88, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 723. Tappert, p. 432. Heiser, p. 202f. Matthew 6:12

    "For this reason let every one esteem his Baptism as a daily dress in which he is to walk constantly, that he may ever be found in the faith and its fruits, that he suppress the old man and grow up in the new. For if we would be Christians, we must practise the work whereby we are Christians. But if any one fall away from it, let him again come into it. For just as Christ, the Mercy-seat, does not recede from us or forbid us to come to Him again, even though we sin, so all His treasure and gifts also remain. If, therefore, we have once in Baptism obtained forgiveness of sin, it will remain every day, as long as we live, that is, as long as we carry the old man about our neck."
    The Large Catechism, Part Fourth, Of Baptism. #84-86. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 753. Tappert, p. 446. Heiser, p. 209f.

    "Therefore also it is vain talk when they say that the body and blood of Christ are not given and shed for us in the Lord's Supper, hence we could not have forgiveness of sins in the Sacrament. For although the work is accomplished and the forgiveness of sins acquired on the cross, yet it cannot come to us in any other way than through the Word. For what would we otherwise know about it, that such a thing was accomplished or was to be given us if it were not presented by preaching or the oral Word? Whence do they know of it, or how can they apprehend and appropriate to themselves the forgiveness, except they lay hold of and believe the Scriptures and the Gospel? But now the entire Gospel and the article of the Creed: I believe a holy Christian Church, the forgiveness of sin, etc., are by the Word embodied in this Sacrament and presented to us."
    The Large Catechism, Sacrament of the Altar. #31-32. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 759. Tappert, p. 450. Heiser, p. 211.

    "For here in the Sacrament you are to receive from the lips of Christ forgiveness of sin, which contains and brings with it the grace of God and the Spirit with all His gifts, protection, shelter, and power against death and the devil and all misfortune."
    The Large Catechism, Sacrament of the Altar. #70. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 769. Tappert, p. 454. Heiser, p. 214.

    "...it has been unanimously taught by the other teachers of the Augsburg Confession that Christ is our righteousness not according to His divine nature alone, nor according to His human nature alone, but according to both natures; for He has redeemed, justified, and saved us from our sins as God and man, through His complete obedience; that therefore the righteousness of faith is the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and our adoption as God's children only on account of the obedience of Christ, which through faith alone, out of pure grace, is imputed for righteousness to all true believers, and on account of it they are absolved from all their unrighteousness."
    Formula of Concord, SD, III. #4. Righteousness of Faith. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 917. Tappert, p. 539f. Heiser, p. 250.

    "These treasures are offered us by the Holy Ghost in the promise of the holy Gospel; and faith alone is the only means by which we lay hold upon, accept, and apply, and appropriate them to ourselves. This faith is a gift of God, by which we truly learn to know Christ, our Redeemer, in the Word of the Gospel, and trust in Him, that for the sake of His obedience alone we have the forgiveness of sins by grace, are regarded as godly and righteous by God the Father, and are eternally saved."
    Formula of Concord, SD, III 10, Righteous of Faith before God, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 919. Tappert, p. 541. Heiser, p. 250.

    "This righteousness is offered us by the Holy Ghost through the Gospel and in the Sacraments, and is applied, appropriated, and received through faith, whence believers have reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, the grace of God, sonship, and heirship of eternal life."
    Formula of Concord, SD III. #16. Righteousness of Faith. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 921. Tappert, p. 541. Heiser, p. 251.

    "Moreover, neither contrition nor love or any other virtue, but faith alone is the sole means and instrument by which and through which we can receive and accept the grace of God, the merit of Christ, and the forgiveness of sins, which are offered us in the promise of the Gospel."
    Formula of Concord, SD, III 31, Righteous of Faith before God, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 925. Tappert, p. 544. Heiser, p. 252.

    "The other eating of the body of Christ is oral or sacramental, when the true, essential body and blood of Christ are also orally received and partaken of in the Holy Supper, by all who eat and drink the consecrated bread and wine in the Supper--by the believing as a certain pledge and assurance that their sins are surely forgiven them, and Christ dwells and is efficacious in them, but by the unbelieving for the judgment and condemnation, as the words of the institution by Christ expressly declare...."
    Formula of Concord, SD, VII. #63. Holy Supper. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House 1921, p. 995. Tappert, p. 581. Heiser, p. 270.