The Intrepids agree with Dauntless Doug - it's Jackson's fault."
rlschultz has left a new comment on your post "Conformity Is First, But Fidelity to the Word - W...":
The leaders in the WELS do not pull hair. But, getting them to listen to the legitimate concerns of the laity is like pulling teeth. Likewise, they do not hit with belts. They yield the 8 and 18 switch, which is quite tattered and worn from overuse. The most recent tactic is the de facto method of persona non grata. This occurs when one concerned is admonished to write a letter to the bishop. Then, the bishop acts as though he never received the letter.
The suggestion to leave is a setup. If you stay, you are then a trouble maker. If you leave, you have mental problems.
The intimidation in the WELS in very pervasive at the congregational level. Many older members may remember a time when the WELS was closer to true Confessional Lutheranism. But, many of the lifelong members have been sucked up by the whirlwind of activity and have lost their discernment. They can be counted on to conform to whatever rolls down from the Guilt Shack and funneled through their leadership. They see nothing wrong with hiring overpaid consultants to teach them how to fleece their fellow members more. They also have no problem wasting their time with the endless litany of workshops, seminars, and conferences on leadership, evangelism, and stewardship. They have become so mired in this muck that they are afraid to walk away from it all.
Shunning is powerful and members will talk behind their backs.
John 8:31,32:
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Being faithful to the Word is liberating.
