Michigan Lutheran Seminary Could Close:Thank Your Church and Change Leaders - Like Radloff

The Michigan District's Church Growth buddies have finished off MLS.
That is how the Chicaneries treat their friends:
Kuske, Oelhafen, Adrian.

Saginaw News

Michigan Lutheran Seminary, a private residential high school on Saginaw's West Side, dodged the threat of closure in 1992 and 2007. Can it do so a third time?

About 400 voting delegates of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod will convene on the campus, a neighborhood mainstay at 2777 Hardin, from July 27-31, for their biennial convention. On tap: Deciding on a budget that could include closing the school.

"I'd say there's a real chance the school could close -- not this year, but possibly after next school year," said teacher Jim Wooster, 57, of Saginaw Township.

Wooster was a delegate two years ago, when synod leaders rejected a proposal to shut down the private school.

Delegates must choose between two budgets, said Joel W. Hochmuth, spokesman for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, based in Wauwatosa, Wis. The difference between them "is essentially how $1 million is apportioned," he said.

"In one budget proposal, that $1 million goes to ministerial education," Hochmuth said. "In the other proposal, the $1 million is allotted to home missions and world missions.

"It's under that second proposal that Michigan Lutheran Seminary is not viable."

A neighborhood mainstay

The possibility of closure is a concern for neighbors such as Dianne L. Felsing, 76, who lives at 2826 Hardin, across the street from the school that has 124 years of tradition.

"I'm hoping and praying that it doesn't close," said Felsing, whose daughter, Catherine Felsing, and granddaughter, Jamie Jurek, both graduated from Michigan Lutheran Seminary and work as Lutheran schoolteachers.

MLS students come from Michigan and other states, with some students living in dorm rooms on campus.

Two years after its founding near Adrian, German Lutherans moved Michigan Lutheran Seminary to Saginaw in 1885. The 8-acre campus includes a dormitory as part of its 126,400-square-feet of space. A related divinity school closed in 1910.

"That school is a godsend," said Robert F. Reed Jr., 53, who lives a few yards from the school softball diamond. "The seminary kids are great. They respect their neighbors. They walk on the sidewalks and don't cut through your yard, and they don't litter."

Saginaw City Manager Darnell Earley said he hopes the synod can find a way to keep financing seminary.

"They've been a valuable part of the community," he said.

Cuts already

In a nod to the budget crisis, seminary has cut 13 jobs -- including six teaching positions.

It had 60 staffers two years ago; today's staff size wasn't immediately apparent.
About 197 students attended at the start of last school year, and school officials expect about the same enrollment this fall. The population peaked in 2001 at 381 students.

If delegates approve a budget requiring closure, the coming academic year would be the high school's last, Hochmuth said.

Teachers losing their positions in the June cutbacks included Timothy Malchow, Marcus Manthey, Kenric Peterson, Daniel Retberg, Larry Seafert and Steven Westphal, the MLS Web site reports.

The synod operates two "preparatory schools": Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw and Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wis. Both schools train future ministers and teachers, though that doesn't mean all students end up attending Martin Luther College, the synod's worker-training college in New Ulm, Minn. Some pursue other careers.

Tuition is $4,725 for commuter students, $7,925 for those who live on campus.
The synod also runs a fourth school, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis., which prepares future pastors over four years after those men graduate from Martin Luther College.

The synod's budget for the new fiscal year that began in July declined by 21 percent from last year -- from about $38 million to $30 million, synod officials said.

"You can't go from a $38 million budget in one year, to a $30 million budget the next year, without making some stark choices," said Rev. Paul Wendland, a member of the WELS Board for Ministerial Education.

Two years ago, WELS convention delegates came up with their own budget proposal rather than approving a plan to close seminary, Hochmuth said.

"Two years ago, it was more along the lines of restructuring our synod and doing a better job of stewardship with the money we had," Wooster said. "This time the issue is, in fact, financial.

"The monies the synod counted on are not arriving, so that puts additional pressure on the synod."

Felsing believes that the denomination's members will keep the school open.

"Everybody's got to dig a little deeper for some money, and it can be done," she said.

***

GJ - The Shrinkers have been digging a little deeper...a grave for MLS for the last 15 years. Gurgle/Mueller blew through all the money and millions in restricted funds to "get the synod going." Funny how no one thought about education serving as a good and permanent investment for the future.

Some Free Books Online

Bengel, whose Gnomon influenced many generations, is connected with Pietism.

J. Gerhard's Loci. He is often confused with the hymn-writer, Paul Gerhardt. Remember the "t" in The Lutheran Hymnal and you will do better than some Lutheran teachers.

Bengels Gnomon of the New Testament has had a huge impact on theology, not necessarily for the good. Bengel had the theory that Christ's blood was stored in heaven and used for justification.

Bengel's son-in-law was the first one (I know about) to discover Universal Justification, called General in German, where General means "every single person."

DK On Socialized Medicine in America

The new Obama plan will vastly increased taxes while reducing medical care - except for illegals.

DK has left a new comment on your post "Another Pyrrhic Victory for Church and Chicanery":

Howdy Professor. Please publish this Front page. Thanks.

Ichabodians must, for the briefest moment switch gears from theology to public policy.

Is everyone staying informed about Obama and the Democrat's Health Care reform Bill? I hope that you are fully aware of what it entails. I also hope you are writing your Representatives and telling them to VOTE NO!

Obama's Health Care reform bill, H.R. 3200, along with offering free national health care to every American, would require every employer to give private health insurance to every employee. This will bankrupt hundreds of thousands of small businesses, or cause them to reduce the size of their labor force. That means YOUR job is at risk.

The reason that Obama's plan includes the requirement of private insurance offerings by employers is because if it didn't, many employers would drop their private plans. This mass number of people suddenly thrown into the nationalized plan would instantly bankrupt it. Beyond that, one can imagine that the Medical Insurance lobby is lining the appropriate pockets too.

This is the biggest 'soak the rich' move that the US government has ever made. It will threaten free market capitalism and further erode our economy. Do you want free health insurance so badly that you're willing to see 3 out of every 10 people lose their jobs? Are you sure you're not on the chopping block? Did you ever imagine that you'd see the US with 24% unemployment rate and a 70% under employment rate? It is coming and it's coming fast. (these percentages are not scientifically compiled statistics, but my own rough estimates based on a realistic analysis done by me...) It doesn't take a genius to guess that this H.R. 3200 could destroy the fabric of American Business. Want a depression? Do nothing! Rahm Immanuel, Obama's Chief of Staff paraphrased someone recently. He said "Never let a crisis go to waste." They want to push us over the brink of socialism! Fight it!

WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES NOW! Tell them how you'll relish voting them out of office! Send them this simple email four or five times:


"Dear __________

Vote no on H.R. 3200 or I will do my part to make sure you never hold public office again.

Yours menacingly

DK"

***

GJ - I am licensed in life insurance and health insurance, with a CLU to boot. This plan is worse than Hillary's previous attempt; the bi-partisan Medicare D drug plan paved the ways for this monstrosity.

Another Pyrrhic Victory for Church and Chicanery

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Breaking News - Aderman Is Back in His Parish and ...":

I don't know if Fairview is down to its conservative member or not, and that is why the CG pastor had to go. However, it should be noted that CG pastors regularly come and go from their churches and mega-churches. Of course, some pastors are more or less permanent. If Aderman went, would it just be a changing of the CG guard, or would they receive a confessional pastor?

***

GJ - I believe the Fairview conservatives would be like the Canadian conservatives. In Canada, there are liberal socialists and less liberal socialists. At Fairview, after years of Shrinkage work and frog-kissing, very little would be left. In an apostate denomination or congregation, the more discerning tend to leave, making it easier for the radicals to stay in power. The United Methodist Church is a prime example, with conservative sects leaving to establish a true Methodism and leaving Holy Mother Church like a hot-air balloon with no ballast. The hot-air balloon climbs even faster into the stratosphere of Marxism, Unitarianism, and gaiety.

The phrase 'pyrrhic victory' is an allusion to the battle. John Dryden's translation of Plutarch's Pyrrhus, 75 AD reports that:

"... they had fought till sunset, both armies were unwillingly separated by the night, Pyrrhus being wounded by a javelin in the arm, and his baggage plundered by the Samnites, that in all there died of Pyrrhus's men and the Romans above fifteen thousand. The armies separated; and, it is said, Pyrrhus replied to one that gave him joy of his victory that one other such would utterly undo him. For he had lost a great part of the forces he brought with him, and almost all his particular friends and principal commanders; there were no others there to make recruits, and he found the confederates in Italy backward."

***

One more victory like this and the Chicaneries are undone. Mail your FICs back to The Love Shack and attach a note to the Synod President. Why should members subsidize a wolf posing as a shepherd? Aderman retired from the ministry. The district announced his retirement, doubtless with a sign of relief. Grabbing back the same call is a wee bit self-centered, even for a Shrinker. The only thing commending the move is the cost-savings in keeping the parish websty exactly the same.

Does Aderman actually believe the First Table of the Ten Commandments, as explained in Luther's Large Catechism? I suggest that all members review that section of the Book of Concord, which by itself defeats the Shrinkers one and all.

Yet Aderman is going to teach the Ten Commandments to WELS.

That is more absurd that Paul Calvin Kelm being a clergy member of the Willow Creek Association, via St. Mark Depere, and being called as a Consultant at The Love Shack.

Stetzer, Warren, and Sweet - Oh My!

Two Babtists at work: Warren (DMin, Fuller) and Stetzer (DMin, Beeson).

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "WELS Kitteh Laments":

How does Ichabod feel about W/ELS pastors and congregations using Rick Warren's Forty Days of Purpose, and getting their congregations placed on Saddleback's site as a recommended congregation?

Saddleback, according to their website clearly teaches decision theology and totally denies the Means of Grace.

How could any W/ELS congregation seek the sanction of such a church?

***

GJ - WELS Seminary professors have promoted Babtist authors ever since Valleskey, and probably before that. J. P. Meyer, whose toxic Ministers of Christ became the foundation for Kokomo, offered up Decision Theology in his book.

A graduate of The Sausage Factory in the 1980s said his library was all Reformed, due to the books suggested by the faculty. Someone else wrote in to say Jay Adams was all the rage when he was there.

The Wisconsin educational faculties and Love Shack drones have clearly lost their faith in the Word of God. Deformed doctrine, which they love, is shot through with rationalism. Once rationalism is introduced to Biblical doctrine, the Sacraments recede and disappear. Following that, Christ turns into an inspirational oracle, full of insights drawn from Napoleon Hill, Buddha, and Paul Y. Cho.

So what do I think of studying Rick Warren's book? That is worse than feeding poison to one's spouse and children, telling them it is for their own good.

There are some remarkable exceptions, but the typical WELS pastor is hopeless about the Book of Concord and doctrine in general. The best education in theology comes from slugging it out with false teachers. WELS pastors are taught to excuse false doctrine and advocate unionism, with loyalty to the institution more important than the Scriptures and Confessions.

I will compare it with Islamic history. I never took much interest in it until I had to teach it to college students who knew little about any religion or world history. Suddenly, every serious book about Islam and the Byzantine Empire became fascinating. I had a real hunger for those books and read through Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire twice. Questions in class made me want to read more. Take away the need to teach and the desire to study diminished.

That is the genius of unionism. Once unionism is established, no one wants to pursue doctrinal differences and no one will address those distinctions. Curiosity is gone. If anyone dares to whisper, "We are studying false teachers," someone will join Valleskey in hissing, "They are Christians and we can learn from them, too."

In Columbus, talking about false doctrine was denounced as "Christian bashing." The very nature of Christianity, to distinguish between sound and false doctrine, is extinguished by such slogans, and the charge for all pastors (from the Pastoral Epistles) is reduced to nonsense.

KJV 2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

There are more than a few similar passages:

KJV 1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

KJV 1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

KJV 1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

KJV 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

KJV 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

KJV 1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

KJV 2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

KJV Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

KJV 2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

KJV Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

---

Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "Stetzer, Warren, and Sweet - Oh My!":

Many in the WELS are astonishingly ignorant and apathetic. Apathy of course leading to vast and sometimes unmeasurable ignorance.

Light of Life Lutheran Church, Covington Wa. under Pastor Jared conducted their own Purpose Driven study when the occultic book first came out. (Pastor Jared was nurtured by the WELS Church Growth fanatics at Sem. With the help of the congregation wrote their own Creeds, studied under Baptist Reggie McNeal and wrote and promoted some horrendous CGM drivel).

The whole Rick Warren occultic, New Age, New World Order drive reminds me of how he is fullfiling the three stages of error.

Speaking to the Islamic Society of North America recently Warren said, "“People don't want to be tolerated, they want to be respected, they want to be listened to. They want to be valued." "I am not interested in interfaith dialogue, I am interested in interfaith projects," Warren said. "Talk is very cheap."

http://www.isna.net/articles/News/Rick-Warren-calls-on-Muslims-and-Christians-to-work-together.aspx

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/warren-convention-muslims-2483889-interfaith-want

When the only money available comes from and through the New Age Roman Catholic religion the faithless in the Lutheran Synods will embrace anything for their share. And the sheeple in the pews will coo their unwitting approval, "All for the love of lost souls!"

---

Another person wrote:

This article from a non Lutheran source is one which does a good job of laying out the final extreme result of what Spener might never have even imagined. To quote your series re: pietism, Warren's efforts stretch Bergendoff's motto to the max, "Doctrine divides, but service unites".....Warren's version is at the expense of Christianity itself.

I recommend this (http://www.newswithviews.com) article -- Paul Proctor -- Rick Warren: From Tolerance To Respect. You should check this out at, http://www.newswithviews.com/PaulProctor/proctor183.htm

I am all for non unionistic working as a Christian Church for the love of lost souls. But if it's not done in, through and with the pure Word in doctrine and practice then it is not love. Then it harms and does not help. Just as Christ says Luke 17:1-2, "Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." Then it is not for love when what they bring is false teaching.

---

Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "Stetzer, Warren, and Sweet - Oh My!":


The WELS on Rick Warren:

http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?1518&cuTopic_topicID=941&cuItem_itemID=23728

Richard L. Gurgel, "My copy of The Purpose Driven Life proclaims: “Over Six Million Copies Sold.” Obviously many have read it and benefited. The temptation for us as Lutherans is to ignore such books, since in our justifiable fear of pietism1 we are sometimes timid about encouraging biblical piety."
http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?1712&cxDatabase_databaseID=1&id=7090&magazine=Forward%20in%20Christ

Breaking News - Aderman Is Back in His Parish and Doing a Ten-Article Series in Forward in Christ

If you kiss enough frogs, they sometimes kiss back.
"When was the last time you kissed a frog?...'Lifestyle Evangelism and Follow-up,' a Navigator video seminar for the church, makes a solid case for Christian frog kissing as a way of life."
James A. Aderman, The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Summer, 1986 p. 2.

News flash

Church Shrinker Jim Aderman, recently "retired" after shrinking Fairview in half, has just announced his "unretirement" (even though the DP had announced publicly before the whole district last month that Aderman had retired). He was able to bring in enough supporters for another congregational meeting which asked him to come back. After "much prayerful deliberation" on his "call" he immediately accepted. And immediately after that Fairvew shrunk by another half dozen or so families, with no doubt more to follow.

So if we thought we were done with Aderman, we were fooled. Not only that. I just opened the August issue of FIC to see that it features the first article of a ten-article series by Aderman on the Ten Commandments. And once again a major Shrinker gets major billing in the FIC.

---

Leadership (Past and Present)
Pastor, Trinity Lutheran, Englewood, FL
Member, Board for Parish Services, South Atlantic District
Director of Development, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee
Chairman, WELS Lutherans for Life-metro-Milwaukee
Pastor, Siloah Lutheran Church, Milwaukee
Member and chairman, Board of Directors, Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Pastor, Fairview Lutheran Church, Milwaukee
Founding member and vice chairman, Board of Directors, Calvary Academy, Milwaukee
Coordinator, WELS Southeastern Wisconsin District, Adult Discipleship Commission
Member and vice chairman, Church and Change
Chairman, Urban Pastors' Conference, Milwaukee
Circuit Pastor, Barnabas Circuit, Milwaukee

Author
Face the Facts, Northwestern Publishing House
Elijah, Northwestern Publishing House
Esther, Northwestern Publishing House
Editor, YouTHINK
Founding editor-in-chief, LivingBold (LivingBold.net)
Contributing editor, Forward in Christ magazine
Author for Partners magazine, WELS Leadership magazine, Forward in Christ magazine

Education
Bachelor of Arts, Northwestern College
Master of Divinity, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
Master of Journalism, Marquette University
Certificate of Website Design, University of Wisconsin-School of Continuing Education
Master of Practical Theology, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (in progress)

***

GJ - Dost thou doubt FIC being the Xerox room for Church and Chicanery? I knew it when Latte Lutheran Church (Randy Hunter) was featured in a glowing article.

If I were getting a subscription to the magazine, group or single, I would mail every copy back, addressed to the Synod President, giving reasons why. Canceled subscriptions would be a good message too.

Readers have been paying money to support Chicanery leaders, and the publication gives credence to Chicanery views copied from Fuller, Willow Creek, Granger, Drive, Exponential, and that space cadet Leonard Sweet (Kelm's guy).

---

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Breaking News - Aderman Is Back in His Parish and ...":

Once again the pastor is not held accountable for his actions. I wonder what guilt trip was laid on the congregation to take back Jim Aderman as pastor. Almost certainly it was rationalized as a face saving measure for WELS while Fairview members needed to be humbled. The pastor must reign supreme even if useless and remiss in his duties.

---

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Do You Really Think Your Recycled Slime Is Dauntin...":

>>If anything good will come out of this though, perhaps now more and more people can see just how wretched and dangerous the Church & Changers are--stopping at nothing to destroy anyone who would dare oppose their demonic teachings.<<

Actually the C&Cers are control freaks who get off on subjugating others.

---

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Breaking News - Aderman Is Back in His Parish and ...":

Mark my words. Fairview will lose half of the remaining members due to taking Jim Aderman back as pastor.

---

DK, with fervor has left a new comment on your post "Breaking News - Aderman Is Back in His Parish and ...":

What, besides promoting Enthusiasm broadly as possible in the WELS, has Aderman done?, specific to Fairview?

Maybe I'm unaware of where to look, but after having searched Ichabod I was unable to find any information. (besides promoting Enthusiasm broadly as possible throught the WELS.)

Fairview has been a smoldering bed of Enthusiastic coals for 10 years at least. I went there in 1999, a period when I was being led down that path; Fairview was one of the 'hip' places.

So what has happened? Have the members at Fairview had an awakening of their consciences? Has someone been actively fighting Enthusiasm in Fairview? What Catalyst for the shift from pro-Aderman to anti-Aderman?

I for one would appreciate it if an anonymous poster (Fairview member?)would give Ichabodians the scoop.

I hope Pastor Jackson doesn't mind if I speak for all Ichabodians when I say that all conservative Lutherans here on Ichabod would like to extend warm and hearty encouragement to individuals who may be standing up to false teachers and errorists--take heart that though your plans may seem frustrated, God promises persecution to the faithful, and that through persecution you will be purified.

I encourage all Ichabodians to pray for those--at Fairview and many other places--who in spite of risk of being shunned, excommunicated, lynched, and otherwise defamed, continue to fight the good fight, bearing true witness to the truth, purity and Efficacy of the Holy Word of God.

God's Blessings!

---

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Breaking News - Aderman Is Back in His Parish and ...":

As a failed kamikaze pastor, Jim Aderman gets another chance to finish off Fairview. WELS leaders must feel like they are wonderfully forgiving.

Denominations Explained

1. The micro-minis loathe the bigger micros and long to be like them and have their money.
   
   
2. The Little Sect on the Prairie loathes the WELS and longs to be like them and have their money.
   
   
3. The Wisconsin Sect loathes the Missouri Synod and longs to be like them and have their money.
   
   
4. The ELCA only loathes the conservative Lutherans, while longing to be like the Church of Rome and have their money.

Kinder Kirche - Another Great Babtist Idea

***

GJ - The CORE should try Kafe Kirche in A-town, which enjoys a German heritage. Someone told me CORE is attending another expensive Schwaermer conference - about $380 per.

WELS Kitteh Laments

---

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "WELS Kitteh Laments":

"Why didn't my pastor offer a lecture series on the Confessions?"

WELS Tomkitteh: Maybe your pastor was busy getting ready to do Rick Warren's (Saddleback Church's) 40 Days of Purpose like the WELS congregation in Plymouth, MN did a couple of yrs ago. You can go there and feast on their 'blended' service on Sunday, too.

Do You Really Think Your Recycled Slime Is Daunting?

Erin Joy loved her swing. She acknowledged her baptismal grace, her faith in Christ many different ways.

Bethany was born a few months before I was accepted at Notre Dame. She poured out love for everyone.

Our daughters Bethany and Erin died of neurological degeneration. Mrs. Ichabod has something similar, but a lite version. She also has severe heart problems, diabetes, and cartilage loss.

A few ignorant people think recycled slime from their Shrinker friends will daunt me. The opposite is true.

Their source, Paul Kuske, left such a foul odor behind him wherever he went that his fellow pastors voted him out of office. (Ditto - Wayne Mueller) Robert Mueller, another CG thug, quit before being soundly defeated. Gerry Schroer, who also carried water for the Enthusiasts, did not stay in office.

Paul Kuske was suggested for the Shrinker's Spiritual Renewal Project in WELS, but DP Nitz told me about stopping it. Nitz made some phone calls and Kuske was blackballed. (Wait a few seconds for the denials to roll in.)

More importantly, lying and going against the Word of God are both fatal. I realize that the Shrinkers think the Word is dead unless they freshen it up with rock music, marketing, and espresso. However, God's opinion--which I value more--is just the opposite.

Three Shrinker clergy have already marked themselves with eternal death by becoming atheists.

WELS has committed institutional suicide by devoting itself to false doctrine and persecuting sound doctrine. My opinion does not matter. The facts speak for themselves.

I am glad the Chicaneries are using a few ignorant louts to channel their bilge. That allows everyone see that the Shrinkers have not changed in method since they slandered a dead pastor by calling him "brain-damaged" for saying the same things I published. Corky's essay is posted on the left for everyone to read.

---

Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "Do You Really Think Your Recycled Slime Is Dauntin...":

Luke 6:45, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

Matthew 12, 33-36, "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

I was disgusted when I read the vile post on the imitation Ichabod 'is' site. The 'letter' was pure propaganda from a black demonic heart which tried to use the dear little children and their sickness and early death as a tool to attack Pastor Jackson. The 'team' of editors who manage that blog are, in my opinion, the authors of that same letter due to it's clear bent, similar terms and grammar and inarticulate wording (ie. "common wisdom"). And even if they are not the authors they posted the letter because it fit their objective and are accountable. They've since removed it as they have with other postings which show what their heart is made of.

It should make those in the WELS stop and consider what and who they are in fellowship with.

That site is spoken of by Christ, John 16:1-4, "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them."

In Christ,
Brett Meyer

---

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Do You Really Think Your Recycled Slime Is Dauntin...":

When I read that trash on the Fake Ichabod site I couldn't believe it. It was absolutely sickening to think that my fellow WELS members (and likely fellow WELS pastors) could stoop to such a horrifying level. To use a man's dear daughters against him in a piece of shameless propaganda is simply evil.

Greg, I'd like to apologize to you on behalf of WELS members and pastors for the terrible thing that was done to you on the other site. I too have lost a child and know how I would have reacted if someone tried to use my child's death against me. You have handled it with far more grace and patience than I would be able to muster.

If anything good will come out of this though, perhaps now more and more people can see just how wretched and dangerous the Church & Changers are--stopping at nothing to destroy anyone who would dare oppose their demonic teachings.

---

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Do You Really Think Your Recycled Slime Is Dauntin...":

When I was in college, I came across Pastor Jackson's old website, on which he detailed the secrets of GA at the seminary. I was naturally concerned and talked to a professor at the seminary who told me to ignore everything that Greg wrote because "he went insane after his daughters died".

Well, my first year at the seminary, I soon found out that every single thing that Pastor Jackson said about GA was absolutely true, and that every single thing that the seminary professor told me was an absolute lie.

So, I can assure you, Pastor Jackson is absolutely sane. I'm not sure I can say the same about the seminary professor.

---

DK has left a new comment on your post "Do You Really Think Your Recycled Slime Is Dauntin...":

Anon 12:10

Stop being anonymous. Also please publish that professor's name. It would do you and him some good to put his name out there. If you're willing to call a Sem Prof. a liar (and I don't doubt that you're being truthful) then you oughta say it to his face. Opposed to what the C&Cers claim, this is not breaking the eighth commandment. When that man took a 'Divine Call' (Public Ministry) he opened himself up to higher standard and or higher level of criticism.

You'll be helping other laymen disseminate between truth and falsehood of those they supposedly can trust.

thanks

DK

---

rlschultz has left a new comment on your post "Do You Really Think Your Recycled Slime Is Dauntin...":

This proves that the C&C/CGM/enthusiast group in the WELS is getting desperate. They cannot defend their actions and could never back them up from the Word. Over at Bailing Water, Rick Johnson took a cheap shot at Dr. Jackson. Needless to say, that opened up the floodgates. After GJ went for the jugular, the other bloggers began tag teaming him. It is unfortunate that we must all be so firm. This is much more than personal. Defending the proper doctrine ultimately prevents others from being led astray.

I recently found my copy of Angel Joy, from its first printing. Having a child that is handicapped, has special needs or is terminally ill can bring much hardship. Because of our Lord's providential and often hidden hand, it is difficult to understand what it is all about. There is great blessing in it. It bestows wisdom and tenacity which cannot be obtained easily by other means. You also develop a sense of courage that rivals that of soldiers in wartime.

In the oddest twist of all, it often exposes the rats and other vermin who would stoop so low as to use blessing against you.

Divorced Clergy in the Pulpit - The Unspoken Shift

Someone asked about the unrecognized shift in keeping divorced clergy in the pulpit. One mainline clergy database had to stop naming the spouse of the minister listed because the name changes came in so fast.

The case is easily made that divorced clergy should leave the ministry and no longer be listed as pastors. That policy was not debated - even in the liberal denominations a few decades ago. The history of that policy goes back to the pastoral epistles - husband of one wife - and the Old Testament: "I hate divorce."

In WELS, when someone is loses his call for one reason or another, he is automatically off the roster and must beg to get on again. I believe Missouri is similar, with CRM status meaning Can't Recall the Minister.

When I was in Columbus, three of the six clergy were divorced, and all three were Shrinkers. Of course, one was a pseudo-pastor and not a WELS member, but no one seemed to notice.

The new thinking on divorced pastors is now just as strong in WELS, the ELS, and Missouri as it is in the Methodist Church and ELCA.

This is doubly corrupting for all concerned. The man who gets divorced and stays in the ministry is the best liar--"Scriptural divorce!"--or best buddies with the District Pope. A convenient escape hatch is to promote the divorced man to headquarters when he paints himself into a corner with his own actions.

Someone argued years ago that political conservatives lost their credibility when they began divorcing their wives and marrying their mistresses. The same is true for conservative Lutherans, laity and clergy alike. When Marvin Schwan left his wife and married the wife of his manager, pastors said, "It was a Scriptural divorce."

I asked, "Is that like a Scriptural murder?"

The simplest solution is to follow the Word of God. Lenski observed from his years of serving as a district president - that men who are unreliable with the Word are unreliable in other ways as well.

I would not make someone denied custody of his own children the leader of WELS youth. I would not put his second wife on a LWMS board. I would not let him parade around as a pastor until he bought himself another job.

"The peacock is an image of heretics and fanatical spirits. For on the order of the peacock they, too, show themselves and strut about in their gifts, which never are outstanding. But if they could see their feet, that is the foundation of their doctrine, they would be stricken with terror, lower their crests, and humble themselves. To be sure, they, too, suffer from jealousy, because they cannot bear honest and true teachers. They want to be the whole show and want to put up with no one next to them. And they are immeasurably envious, as peacocks are. Finally, they have a raucous and unpleasant voice, that is, their doctrine is bitter and sad for afflicted and godly minds; for it casts consciences down more than it lifts them up and strengthens them."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 642.

"There is a false, ungodly, carnal zeal that does not come from God and is not produced by the Holy Spirit, but is rooted either in animosity against those who teach a different doctrine or in the selfish thought that a display zeal will bring the minister honor, at least in certain congregations, or in fanaticism. In the days of Christ, what zeal in the discharge of their office do we behold in the high priests, elders, scribes, and Pharisees who opposed Christ!"
C. F. W. Walther, The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel, trans., W. H. T. Dau, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1928, p. 380.

VP-in-Waiting Jim Huebner Thought Stolzenburg Was Being Persecuted

Fuller-trained Jim Huebner came to Columbus at the instigation of Rich Krause--who was earning his union DMin under the supervision of Larry Olson. Huebner, like all the WELS officials, considered Floyd a victim of persecution.

Why did Doctrinal Pussycat Robert Mueller, VP Kuske, and the Michigan District pastors do nothing about Stolzenburg? The Columbus pastors almost had a cow when I suggested showing some friendship to Rev. Steve Archer, who was the legitimate called pastor at Emmanuel before Floyd got hired for a year to replace him. Floyd failed to tell his buddies on the Michigan District praesidium that he only had a provisional job for a year. It is ironic when liars are startled by lies from a brother wolf.

All this happened before the Bill Clinton scandals and the Roman Catholic Church priestly debacle. So, was I surprised about the cover-ups with either one? Not at all.

Step One
Floyd Luther Stolzenburg was forced to resign, for cause, from the LCMS ministerium and from his call at Salem in Florissant, Missouri. 1984.
Source: the District President who forced the resignation and preached for Floyd the next day. Other details were added by: Dr. J. A. O. Preus; Pastor Herman Otten; Floyd's assistant pastor; and a conservative LCMS pastor in Milwaukee.

Separation agreement, July 24, 1986. Floyd Luther Stolzenburg and Jane Dorothy Stolzenburg. Sole care, custody and control of the minor children given to Jane.

Lawsuit filed by Alvin E. Wendt, plaintiff, against Reverend Floyd Stolzenburg, 243 S. Stanwood Road, Bexley, Ohio, 43209; Salem Lutheran Church, 5180 Parker Road, Florissant, Missouri, 63033; The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, Misouri, 63122. FS left Salem Dec 15, 1984 "19. Stolzenburg continues to hold an improper influence over Plaintiff's wife through Stolzenburg's affirmative acts of writing letters, sending gifts, and making phone calls to Vicki Wendt." p. 3.
In the Circuit Court of the County of St. Louis, Missouri.

Step Two

Floyd was promoting the Church Growth Movement at St. Paul, German Village, Columbus.

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

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

Stolzenburg Taught Church Growth at St. Paul, German Village.

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

"We have discovered that the Early Church was an institution that unknowingly saw its world through Church Growth eyes. We have some benefits they did not have in that we can look back today and analyze their successes and failures."
Floyd L. Stolzenburg, "Church Growth - the Acts of the Apostles," Taught at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio. [GJ - Doctrinal question: When did the Word of God ever fail? Floyd failed this question at a meeting and WELS kept him as a pseudo-pastor in his pseudo-pastoral position.]

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

Step Three

Stolzenburg started looking for grants, because no church would hire him and no school system would let him work.

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

"People Person: Have been recognized as a counselor and mediator. Brought harmony to what was once described as 'the most troubled Lutheran church in America. Personal: Born, December 6, 1941, Columbus. Married, three children. Spiritual gifts: Exhortation, teaching, administration and evangelism. Floyd Luther Stolzenburg 2904 Maryland Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43209-1157 614-235-5200.

Lutheran Parish Resources

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

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

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

"...Your share of Floyd's accommodations..." [Floyd Stolzenburg leading the Buckeye Circuit LWMS retreat]
Buckeye Circuit LWMS December 10, 1989.

"Most pastors and members do not seem willing to pay the price for growth and new life."
Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Consultant's Annual Report, 1-12-89 Lutheran Parish Resources

"The area L.W.M.S. annual retreat has been created and led by L.P.R. General successes in this area have been very positive."
Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Consultant's Annual Report, 1-12-89 Lutheran Parish Resources.

"There is a strong feeling of strength in tradition. Even non-doctrinal issues bring fear to the membership and an unwillingness on the part of staff to 'buck the system.' In a church that opposes other groups who trust in traditions, are we raising 'We've always done it that way' to the level of Scripture? Is it possible for our faith to be exciting and still be traditional?"
Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Consultant's Annual Report, 1-12-89 Lutheran Parish Resources.

"In the doctrinal sense, the word 'fellowship' may have hindered some growth by the fear of new techniques and ministries. There seems to be an openness to new programs but also a fear that such new ideas may destroy some facets of the doctrine of church fellowship. Will that inevitably happen?"
Floyd Stolzenburg, Consultant's Annual Report, 1-12-89 Lutheran Parish Resources.

Pilgrim Community Church

"A major part of LPR involvement currently centers around assistance with Beautiful Savior's establishment of a new experimental mission on the west side. Named 'Pilgrim Community Church' by the committee from Grove City, the new congregation will maintain solid Lutheran doctrine without an up front emphasis on the Lutheran name. All materials identify sponsorship by Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church." [note: in very, very small print] On the same page, artwork for the area Reformation service at St. Paul's: "STANDING WHERE LUTHER STOOD"
LPR UPDATE October, 1989.

"L.P.R. is due to play a major role in the West Side Mission." [Pilgrim Community Church]
Floyd Stolzenburg, Consultant's Annual Report, 1-12-89 Lutheran Parish Resources

"Initial services will be less formal than our traditional worship services. LPR Director Roger Zehms has been requested by Beautiful Savior to serve as pastor of the new mission with Floyd Stolzenburg serving as evangelist and music consultant. Please include this new approach project in your prayers."
LPR UPDATE October, 1989. [GJ - I prayed all the time about Pilgrim, and my prayers were answered when three (3) people showed up for worship there.]

"Mr. Floyd Stolzenburg will serve under Rev Zehms providing such services as are appropriate for a person who is not 'CRM.' As a layperson Mr. Stolzenburg can under appropriate supervision do anything that a layman in your congregation can. -- We also reject any inference that Pastor Zehms will not be able to stand up to pressure from Mr. Stolzenburg, or from the donor who provides the funds for LPR. -- We also question the procedure in which the reason for Mr. Stolzenburg's resignation has been broadcast, even though the issues had been addressed by LPR." [GJ - Not true. People were told Floyd had a Scriptural divorce, that the divorce was the fault of his first wife.]
Pastor Paul Kuske Letter to the Ohio Conference Pilgrim Community Church, sponsored from Grove City by Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church Fall Conference, Gibsonia, 1989

"The administrative committee has applied to Lutheran Parish Resources for the services of Rev Roger Zehms. This application is the equivalent of a (limited) call. The committee has also applied for the services of Mr. Floyd Stolzenburg to act in a supportive role in the mission. Both of these applications have been approved."
Pastor Paul Kuske Letter to the Ohio Conference Pilgrim Community Church, sponsored from Grove City by Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church Fall Conference, Gibsonia, 1989

“I think it was the last letter I wrote you in which I said 'It would be a disaster if you left the ministerium of the synod.' I retract the entire letter. I have owed you great debts in the past. I consider them all discharged by the times I have protected you from the consequences of your own bad decisions. I'm not going to run interference anymore. Suffer your own consequences hereafter. Speaking of consequences, I have never heard, or heard of, one of our brethren getting a public reprimand in writing such as the one Kuske gave. I wonder who Kuske was talking about." [The reference is to Kuske's remarks supporting Floyd Stolzenburg and Pilgrim Community Church.]
Pastor Roger Kovaciny, Letter to Gregory Jackson, October 17, 1989.

"Are pastor's (sic) bound by the 8th Commandment? LPR knew about Floyd's background from the beginning. What right did Pastor Jackson have to assume that we were being duped? What right did Pastor Jackson have to investigate, without even asking people at LPR about their knowledge? What right did Pastor Jackson have spreading this investigative information to the young pastors of the Ohio Conference? What right did he have to spread it to the DMB?"

[GJ - I was not told the truth about Floyd being removed from the LCMS ministerium, neither by Paul Kuske, who led the call meeting at Shepherd of Peace, nor by Wally Oelhafen, who discussed the call with me. The mission counselor and others were told that Floyd had a Scriptural divorce. Pastors are supposed to protect their congregations from wolves, but the truth makes enemies, as Walther has said in Law and Gospel.]
Paul Kuske, Letter to Michigan District Mission Board, April 21, 1990 p. 8.

Kuske and Schumann Helped Floyd Get Himself Another Church

"I would also convey to you that I will continue to commune lodge members as long as I feel assured that they know and believe that their salvation is by faith." "Please feel free to contact Pastors Kuske or Schumann or come and hear for yourself."
Floyd Luther Stolzenburg Letter to Emmanuel, 9-20-91, Lutheran Parish Resources letterhead "Serving the congregations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod"

"The church has not wavered from its theology: The Bible is the inerrant word of God, and everything in it is to be taken literally. Stolzenburg's theology is uncompromising. 'What is written in the Bible stands.'" [GJ - hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!]
Sylvia Brooks, South Side Lutheran Church Goes Its Own Way, Columbus Dispatch, August, 9, 1998 p. 2C.

"Consultant, Lutheran Parish Resources, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, 1985-1991, as a consultant for this program, I worked with the training of pastors and lay people for effective ministry in leadership skills, Sunday School organization and teaching, youth ministry, outreach, stewardship and care ministry. I continue to work with supervision of some of these programs. Senior Pastor, Salem Lutheran Church and School, Florissant, Missouri, 1976-1985. (nothing said about being removed from the ministry) Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church and School, St. Charles, Missouri, 1968-1976. Floyd Luther Stolzenburg 2904 Maryland Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43209-1157 614-235-5200.

ELS Happy To Be in Fellowship with Stolzenburg

"Pastor Kovaciny, obviously excited about the possibilities, has agreed that the new church would be named Emmanuel Lutheran and would have a picture of the 'mother church' prominently displayed in the new building." Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio #899 for August, 1999 1500 South Third Street Columbus, Ohio 43207 $50,000 to be raised

"In the midst of all the positive, exciting things Pastor Kovaciny had to say about the mission work being done in the Ukraine, he constantly mentioned the most pressing problem, a lack of space...As he spoke to us about the many needs, he mentioned the possibility of building achurch of the approximate square footage of our sanctuary (though not nearly as elaborate) for $50,000...Pastor Kovaciny, obviously excited about the possibility, has agreed that the new church would be named Emmanuel Lutheran and would have a picture of the 'mother church' prominently displayed in the new building."
Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, "From the Mission Committee, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Kremnetz, Ukraine, Emmanuel Lutheran Church #899, August, 1999 1500 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207-1000

"About Missions" c. Thoughts of Faith through the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, d. St. Sophia Lutheran Seminary-Ukraine
Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Cornerstone Emmanuel Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio August, 1996

"Pastor Kovaciny, in an effort to respond to our request, sent a copy of the third quarter treasurer's report of the Ukrainian congregation, signed by the treasurer and written in his own hand. We thought you might enjoy seeing it! You should be aware that our budget offering goes to pay for Pastor Kovaciny's salary and expenses through 'Thoughts of Faith,' the radio ministry which has been bringing the Gospel to the Ukraine for many years...." Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Cornerstone, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio January, 1995.

"EMMANUEL SAVES BIBLE SCHOOL! A SPECIAL MESSAGE was just received from Pastor Kovaciny to let us know that Emmanuel's Mission offerings have rescued their Bible School this summer!...[Pastor Kovaciny] writes to tell us about it. 'As we looked forward to an even more successful program this coming summer, we were told by our sponsoring organization that our Bible School budget had been cut by $8,000. It seems that some people in charge believe that we have been too successful and they need to put their funds toward programs in other areas which are lagging behind.' (Pastor Kovaciny)"
Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Cornerstone Emmanuel Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio June 1998.

"From the Mission Committee...Good News from the Ukraine Reproduced at the bottom of this page is the masthead from the Ukrainian Lutheran, which has now been published by our mission in Ukraine for two years and grows in circulation with each issue." Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Cornerstone Emmanuel Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio November 1996

"All designated funds for Thoughts of Faith are spent on the program for which they are designated by the donor. Funds not designated by the donor are used to pay for administrative expenses. Thoughts of Faith would like to thank our congregation for our support towards this important work in spreading the gospel throughout the world." Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Cornerstone, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio November, 1995 Recording secretary, Christine E. Scheiderer; treasurer, Charlotte Proctor. Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Cornerstone, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio November, 1995.

"...the Ukraine project of Thoughts of Faith (Pastor Kovaciny)" Use of mission funds. Charlotte Proctor, treasurer Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Cornerstone, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio November, 1995 "I

"Since the salary of Pastor Kovaciny and their basic expenses are paid through the 'Thoughts of Faith' ministry, we will continue to include the overall work in our regular budget." Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Cornerstone, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio October, 1994 Roger Kovaciny's letter about seed distribution Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, Cornerstone, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio October, 1995

If You Like Church and Change, You Will Love "O Come All Ye Faithful"

We loved it.

I am only posting the link to the music video, for obvious reasons.

The mockery displayed in the video is typical of Shrinkers. For example, when the LCMS pastor posted "Because Christmas is not my birthday," he clearly mocked Holy Communion.

---

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "If You Like Church and Change, You Will Love "O Co...":

The only thing is that by watching this video you are going to lose over 6 minutes of you life that you will never get back. You are much better off reading a couple of Psalms in that time that is otherwise wasted.

However, the ironic thing is that many would find no problem with doing "Oh Come All Ye Faithfull" in that heavy rock style. After all isn't it "becoming all things to all people?" The sobering fact should be clear that Twisted Sister is mocking what is a beautiful Christmas song...and they know it. They (TS) must laugh heartily when many Christians today would actually think they are doing God's will by copying their antics.

Remember the Rock anthem, then Christian rock anthem, then Rock anthem once again, (this time by KISS), called "God Gave Rock and Roll to You?"

God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you, put it in the soul of everyone.

Same refrain for every band that has done the song.

Baby Blue Eyes Explained

Baby Blue Eyes sees nothing wrong, and if it is wrong, it's harmless.
Baby Blue Eyes will cry if Holy Mother Synod is criticized.

Ichabodians know that the Chicaneries never tell the truth - they even deny belonging to Church and Change. Their hearts and minds are wrapped around Fuller, Willow Creek, Granger, Stetzer, NorthPoint, Exponential, Trinity Deerfield, and Leonard Sweet, but "they are not Changers." Ask Vicar Gurgle, whose dad at Mequon posted a Chicanery diatribe on the Church and Change listserve.

Ask Kudu Don Patterson, who led a Bible study of sorts at a Church and Chicanery conference.

The Baby Blue Eyes are a different breed, easily exploited by the Shrinkers. Holy Mother WELS can do no wrong, so there must be something terribly evil about anyone who suggests otherwise.

All the false teachers are "nice guys." How could a classmate be wrong about anything?

Worse, they are relatives. Blood is thicker than doctrine in all denominations. For instance, I wondered how Pope John the Malefactor (Little Sect on the Prairie) could stay in office. Then I read that someone named Moldstad helped found the ELS. Case closed.

Officially entered into Ichaslang.

Civil War in WELS - On Bailing Water

From: "Donald Patterson" kududon@gmail.com
To: bethanylutheranworship@gmail.com
Subject: don't be a fool

Hey, Greg,

I am not a part of Church and Change Leadership. I went to one conference a few years ago and had my own reservations. Also, Robert Timmerman does not serve as a church council pres at our church. You are lying on your blog.

Don

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Civil War in WELS - On Bailing Water":

Patterson is on the short list for VP - look out.

On Bailing Water

Monday, July 13, 2009
Civil War in the WELS ?

Greetings!

I've been following this blog since its inception, most of the time in general amusement, and often in perplexity. However, I have decided to weigh in on a comment I read recently - actually, a couple. The individual surmised that perhaps the WELS is heading toward a "civil war." Others then made reference to the incorrectly-named conflict among the states of the United States. As the Confederacy was in no way interested in taking over the U.S. Federal government - that conflagration was not a "civil war" per se, i.e. Wars of the Roses. However, what we're looking at in the WELS is a "real" civil war, or more correctly - we have already been at war for at least the last 20 years, with a good many small battles before that. The WELS is hopelessly (and I say that admitting that God can do anything) divided into 3 camps. One camp consists of the C&C folks and their hangers-on. Then there's another camp made up of the "Issues in WELS" men and various allies. But by far the largest camp is right in the middle, most of whom want little or nothing to do with the war at all. The battle is for the hearts and minds of this third group. The camp that convinces them that their way is best will win - pure and simple. I should add that there is a very small group who basically feel - "a pox on all your houses!" This then leads to my last observation concerning the comment about whether or not doctrinal issues will be dealt with at the convention. Most WELS Pastors, and a lot of laymen, know that the "real" actual work of the convention is done in the floor committees. In turn, the Presidium has pretty much carte blanche in deciding who chairs these groups and also their make-up. Thus, if the SP has done his work well - and I believe he has - the issues will be dealt with in those meetings, and the memorials which come out of those committees will tell the tale. Also, the recent Ad Hoc Committee obviously dealt with doctrine and practice and called it like it is. I believe the same will be true in the floor committees. Regarding elections: The C&Cers are on the run and hoping to get a man they can depend on into the 1st VP slot. As to finances, it really won't matter too much what is decided since our nation's leaders will continue horrible policies and the economy will not recover any time soon - with the result that more cuts will be needed anyway, regardless of how the convention goes. So, in short, a nasty little quiet war has been raging in WELS behind the scenes for decades. While LCMS and ELCA often do their fighting out in the open, that is seldom, if ever, the case in WELS. I don't see any reason for this pattern to change. I seriously doubt any group will arise at Saginaw and "walk out" of the synod, and I don't think any group will be "thrown out" either. Thus, it may look to many as though very little was done. But I believe our SP will most likely get 75 to 80% of what he needs done, and we will be on our way to fixing many problems that have accumulated over the past 20 years. From my keyboard to God's ear!

Deo Vindice!

John Bunyan - Pilgrim's Progress

William Blake illustrated the book and was buried next to Bunyan, over a century later.

Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress was once the most read book in the English language, after the King James Bible. Bunyan's most read book, after the Bible, was Luther's Commentary on Galatians. I wonder how many Church Growth gurus have read either one.

Bunyan was famous for cursing before his conversion. He did not belong to the Church of England, so he was imprisoned for about 12 years for teaching as a Dissenter. He was released under a new edict of toleration but arrested again. They gave him a little jail cell, special built, where he wrote most of Pilgrim's Progress. In all he wrote 60 books, some of which perished forever because copies were gradually destroyed from being passed along and studied.

Pilgrim's Progress has been turned into an animation, which makes it a great introduction for children.

My copy of Pilgrim's Progress is from the Limited Edition Club, which means - superb paper, color prints tipped in, large print and margins. The book is a pleasure to read for its beauty, but the content surpasses that.

Allegories are difficult to write and often even more difficult to read. Moby Dick and Lord of the Rings have been called allegories.

Pilgrim's Progress...more later. Sassy needs a walk and it is 5:30 AM already.

Paradise Lost: Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio was central to the old, old ALC of 1930, not to be confused with The ALC of 1960. Lenski and many other great theologians taught at the seminary, which influenced the Augustana Synod and other Lutherans in Lutheran orthodoxy. Much later, the seminary merged with they trendy Hamma seminary of the LCA and went downhill faster than a WELS congregation with blended worship.

In WELS, Columbus was called "the sewer of the synod" for good reason.

Floyd Luther Stolzenburg was kicked out the LCMS ministerium for cause, forced to resign. His wife divorced him for the same reason.

Floyd followed her back to Columbus and began church shopping. Soon he was at St. Paul, German Village. He never joined WELS because St. Paul was not a member of WELS at that time. Floyd also made it clear that he despised WELS.

District VP Paul Kuske got an organization together, Lutheran Parish Resources, first promoted by Floyd, to introduce the local church to Church Growth. Floyd gathered up a bunch of WELS people and pastors, including future Pastor Nitz, to attend a CG workshop at a---gasp--LCMS church.

Floyd also taught CG at St. Paul, German Village.

The local congregations did not want Floyd, so funds were arranged for Roger Zehms (recently divorced) to work with Floyd. That gave Columbus two divorced Church Growth leaders. Wait, there's more.

Marc Schroeder (not related to the SP Mark Schroeder) was the pastor of Prince of Peace. He was also divorced. And he loved the Church Growth Movement.

Out of six (6) local pastors--since Floyd pretended to be one--half were divorced.

The Columbus ministers met at The Donor's house. No one named the sacred name. He was just "The Donor" at LPR meetings. The Donor was also divorced. I did not attend those meetings, which pretended to be circuit meetings.

One day I discovered that the Columbus circuit involved twice as many congregations as the metro area alone. A future DP advised me that the circuit was required by the constitution to meet. And yet, the District VP and Circuit Pastor had not called a meeting in years. Boy, did they resist having a circuit meeting. They fought it tooth and nail.

Some of the fruits of Church Growth in Columbus, WELS:

1. St. Paul, German Village, got much smaller. Robert Schumann and Nitz, both Growthers, did not get along, so the congregation become totally polarized. Schumann was forced out of the ministry and is reputedly an atheist.
   
2. Marc Schroeder was kicked out of WELS, so he and his congregation--lavishly funded by WELS--joined the LCMS.
   
3. Paul Kuske and Robert Schumann supported Floyd getting a job at an independent Lutheran congregation, though Kuske denied it. Floyd promised to commune Masons at his new job.
   
4. Roger Kovaciny joined the ELS and Thoughts of Faith, but resigned from the ELS.
   Roger raised funds at Floyd's new church for Thoughts of Faith.
   
5. Paul Kuske was voted out of office as District VP.
   
6. Doctrinal Pussycat Robert Mueller chose not to run after betraying his own district over the DMLC/NWC Anschluss. No one would stay in the same room with him, so he wisely chose not to run. WELS made him a fake missionary to Russia, which amounted to some free travel time.

Cell Groups Are the Foundation of Pietism and Reformed Doctrine

No, your eyes deceive you. That is a harmless sheep. Go back to sleep.


The quotations about cell groups, below, prove two things:

1. Pietistic lay-led conventicles are essential to the Church Growth Movement.
   
2. WELS promoted cell groups through its educational programs, funded by the offerings of faithful members.

Did WELS know what was going on? Sure! David Kuske studied cell groups and researched cell group operations in WELS. He published an article in The Pope Speaks (Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly). 1991. I think some people were getting alarmed, so Kuske's article made cell groups safe for WELS.

Notice that a lot of my quotations came from a WELS Campus Ministers training event in Madison, Wisconsin, 1990. Hmmm. Would that be where the campus church joined the Willow Creek Association, under Thomas Trapp? Oh my - I just discovered another Church Growth Principle - Use your own guys to promote false doctrine. At the 1990 event, paid for by WELS, various pastors were trained in cell groupism, with a case of books by Occultist Paul Y. Cho brought to the workshop for the participants.

Have you noticed how quickly WELS, the Little Sect, Missouri, and ELCA have grown since Church Growth promotion started in all their groups? Whoosh, the statistics climb ever sky-ward. No?

In fact, cell groups are a great way to turn a Lutheran congregation into an Evangelical Covenant franchise...or a Pentecostal sect. Any doctrine (except Lutheran) will suit cell groups. Lutheran cell groups quickly begin to rely on prayer as a Means of Grace, which paves the way for praying in tongues. After all, where do they get their training manuals - from Pentecostal cell group authors, like Cho and Ortiz and C. Peter Wagner.