Here's a laugh from ELCA:
I do agree with Pastor Smith. The ELCA had not been focused in planting new mission sites. Our synod is allergic to commission to "go forth and make disciples to all nations." The bishop's interested is in other financial endeavors. The statistical reports indicate that since the merger in 1988, the ELCA was at over 11,000 congregations. We are approaching 10,000 now. The church demised from 5.2 million people in in 1988 to 4.8 million in 2009. We are looking at the loss of members in congratulation who will not depart the ELCA, and congregations leaving the ELCA.
A few years back we lost an ELCA congregation in Kerrville, Texas. Humorously, the bishop was a member of the congregation, and it voted to leave the ELCA. The bishop joined another congregation a few miles down he road, and now it is voting to leave in May (It will succeed and leave).
***
GJ - When the flagship is mortally wounded, the admiral moves the flag to another ship. Usually the flagship is the most powerful and best protected ship of the group.
In this case, the admiral Bishop's ship left ELCA, so he joined another, which is ready to depart as well.
ELCA makes fun of Jonah, but this bishop must feel like a real Jonah. Here is the jibe at the next bishops' meeting - "Hey Jonah - stay out of my district."
