This Bus Don't Carry No Luth'runs, This Bus

All aboard!

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "This Bus Don't Carry No Luth'runs, This Bus":

Jackson, Diet, BM, DK, Church Lady,

Regardless of how you spin it, slice it, or dice it you will not have any effect on the ministries you attack.

***

GJ - No effect? The Word has no effect? I almost forgot - the Reformed WELS Chicaneries think that way. And yet they fill the world with their own words, albeit copied from various sources without attribution. Why, Kelm would have flunked himself for plagiarism, according to his syllabus.

One effect of the Word is to harden the hearts of people who obstinately refuse to hear it. I see that when JWs come to the door and I teach them the Gospel. That enrages them, just as it infuriates the Mormons.

I have Church and Money Changers reading this blog every day. They take the time to make comments. They start and stop blogs to attack this one - anonymously. I call that an effect.

Moving with glacial speed, WELS is rejecting the cancer transplant they obtained from the Schwaermer of Full and Willow Creek.

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Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "This Bus Don't Carry No Luth'runs, This Bus":

The Shrinkers are WELS without water.

2 Peter 2:17, "These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever."

Button up buttercup, your judgment lingereth not.

***

GJ - I watch Google Analytics and Feedjit for information about readers. Hostile comments routinely come in from Austin, Texas and Fox Valley - predictable ones at that. I see New Ulm light up and smart-aleck college comments get sent. Those are the three hotspots.

The map is lit up from all over the world, but there are "no readers." The cowardly Shrinkers have even vowed to shut down this bog, just before discovering that they love me after all.

'Tis funny.

I have given them all kinds of new material on the Moline Memories blog, but they still come up with the Eighth Commandment. With a limited education, limited intelligence, and limited reading skills, echoing the howls of their Father Below is all they can manage.

Poster in the Chicanery headquarters lounge.

WELS versus Missouri View of the Ministry

Old Lutherans drink good coffee.

Joseph Schmidt asked me about the Missouri view of the ministry versus the WELS view.

Supposedly there was a great gap between the two, but the Little Sect on the Prairie had those on both sides and traditionally was closer to the LCMS. WELS took over as Big Brother, after the Synodical Conference broke up.

Pastors like to go over the histories and cases, because they can avoid the current issues. At best they hint at the current issues, to avoid career-ending positions.

LCMS

The classic view of Missouri held that the congregation was only divinely instituted form of the church. The classic view, like UOJ, does not go back very far. That was promoted and heavily defended in the early 20th century. The extremely hilariously view of this, held by Jack Cascione, is that the Voters' Assembly is supreme and validates the call, the Means of Grace, and the Oscars.

Walther did not practice this form of Waltherianism. He simply sent certain men to congregations. That was their call. If anyone is familiar with the Prussian view of democracy, that is as close as they get to it.

Walther let the voters argue about everything non-essential, but he was in charge of the spiritual matters in the congregation. By today's standards (in some quarters), he was a softie. He argued for taking in Masonic Lodge members but counseling them out of the Lodge. Walther excommunicated only three people at his church, over many years. In contrast, one CLC (sic) pastor excommunicated over 100 member of one congregation. One of his relatives excommunicated most of the members as an LCR pastor.

Missouri's congregational position has been good and bad. A conservative man is left alone if he is established in his congregation. The officials have trouble getting at him. However, an apostate is just as secure.

Missouri creates some peculiar applications. For instance, the seminary professors have to have a call to a congregation, even though that means very little. The seminaries also have a local congregation sponsor a communion service, even though everyone knows it is a seminary communion service, not St. Walther's by the Brewery.

Missouri DPs often wear neckties to show they are not in divine calls but are serving as executives. Is that good? Bishop is a better title, but when American Lutherans get or grab that title, they go funny in the head. It would be good to have DPs who really are pastoral and doctrinal bishops, and bishops who are also the same.

WELS

The WELS position is rather papal, but papal-babtist. The DPs have the power to do more, they claim, but they do not exercise that in promoting sound doctrine and whacking apostates. Instead, they whack conservatives and protect apostates. Pastors who want the protection of their DP should murder their wives or fall for some far-out doctrinal weirdo, such as Leonard Sweet.

Wisconsin used to say they believed in prayer fellowship. One WELS pastor made a point of leaving the dinner table when his evil LCMS brother said a prayer. But the same WELS pastor had no problem with Fuller Seminary or Reformed doctrine. Foreign languages - that was his problem. Bad news in the mission field.

Wisconsin said they had a unit concept of fellowship. No one says that anymore. They have levels, degrees, and dimensions of fellowship. A WELS pastor can be in fellowship with any denomination (Methodist, Babtist, Roman Catholic) or any entity (United Nations, Trinity Deerfield, Willow Creek, Fuller Seminary) as long as he is not in fellowship with Ichabod.

Missouri and WELS have morphed into the Fuller view of the ministry, spending the years since 1977 promoting that view.

Feucht in Missouri sold his guys on Everyone a Minister, which he got from Fuller. WELS adopted the same motto and promoted it in their motto.

WELS had no trouble with a non-WELS, ex-LCMS pastor, Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, posing as a pastor as head of Lutheran Parish Resources. They lied for him, told his fabulous stories, and endorsed him for a pastoral position in Columbus. They lied about recommending him, too.

If a man is sued for wrecking the marriage of a Lutheran couple, WELS wants him for a Church Growth consultant and youth leader.

As long as Missouri, WELS, and the ELS promote Enthusiasm in various ways, they will have no coherent view of the ministry.

Foundational is the efficacy of the Word in the Means of Grace. Anyone who takes a different route is anti-Biblical, an Enthusiast. To return to a Lutheran view of the ministry, these practical manifestations of false doctrine would have to be banished:

1. Fellowship with ELCA in any form. Missouri has joint ELCA-LCMS parishes. WELS has had memberships in the Willow Creek denomination. St. Mark Depere is out but have they changed?
2. Cell groups - they are the essence of Pietism and Enthusiasm.
3. Women usurping authority and teaching men. 
4. Training at CG and Emergent Church beehives.
5. Roman Catholics teaching Lutherans! Why is that debatable?
6. Etc.
   

Henry Ward Beecher Advocated Love and Appealing to Popular Culture

Beecher went on trial for his ministry to lonely women.
He beat the rap.
He could have been a Church Growth leader in Columbus.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "WELS Church and Money Changers Fail To Convert Kat...":

The main problem I see with these posers is that instead of repudiating the sinfulness of our popular culture they give the appearance that they accept, condone, and promote the lyrics, antics, and lifestyles of these celebrity icons.

I hope that privately these pastors are instructing youth on the soul-damning implications of lyrics such as Perry's "I kissed a girl and I liked it, I hope that my boyfriend don't mind it." I hope that they are providing Biblical references demonstrating the grave sin of the porn-star they are embracing. However, the public impression that these images create dash all of my hopes.

Yes, the porn-star and Perry are sinful and in need of salvation just like you and me, but there has got to be a better way of getting your point across without these lame and misleading gimmicks.

Good and evil are like oil and water: they just don't mix.

In case some of you are interested, the following link will supply you with the ability to refute the new film Avatar. I better get this out there quickly before Skewer-your-soul-ski and company try posing with and endorsing the Christ-hating likes of James Cameron:

http://www.goodfight.org/a_v_avatar_one_world_religion.html

-TM

***

GJ - Yesterday I did some reading about Henry Ward Beecher. The Lyman Beecher lectures at Yale are named after his father. Harriet Beecher Stowe was his sister, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, the best-selling book in the world at the time. Lyman was president of Lane Seminary, which helped start opposition to slavery among the Northern churches. Radicals left Lane to start Oberlin College, an Ohio school known for its Lefti-ness long before the other schools caught up.

Henry's bio is called The Most Famous Man in America, because he was. He manipulated huge audiences with dramatic auctions for slaves, supposedly to set them free, gathering enormous amounts of money for himself. He was doubtless quite entertaining, a real performer. He preached to "eight mistresses each Sunday" at his church. He was doubtless the role model for all Church Growth pastors.

Henry was a political leader before and after the Civil War. He believed in marrying the church to the culture of the time.

WELS Needs a Willow Creek District

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "When Kelm Taught Reformed Theology at Wisconsin Lu...":

An English District for WELS? I noticed an article on John Berg on Bailing Water. I looked up the website for his church in Fremont, CA. I notice that his church is a member of the English District, LCMS.

The LCMS has this non-geographical district into which to send all its oddballs, liberal and conservative. Maybe it's time for WELS to add a non-geographical "English District." WLC could be its women minister training school, MLC is worker training school, Jeske its chaplain, Kelm is missionary at large, Patterson its president, etc. We could call it the Willow Creek District or the Fuller District.

WELS could re-open Northwestern College as its worker training college.
The only question is which would be larger, the Twelve Districts of WELS or the Willow Creek District.

***

GJ - I have met the Berg brothers. Their father, Norm Berg, promoted Church Growth through his position as head of Home Missions in a WEF. Norm would dictate the number of toilets in a WELS, veto an AC unit in a sub-tropical area like Columbus, Ohio, and ban a free fireplace because "it violated mission code." The only thing he did not micro-manage was doctrine.

I liked Norm as a person but thought he was ill-suited to be in charge of missions. His ideology was right for the Love Shack. That mattered most of all.

No one should be surprised that growing up Fuller would make the Berg brothers high church. I am not sure whether DP Janke or DP Marcus Nitz got rid of John Berg. WELS managed to lose a church at the same time.

WELS California was always a safe place for the Shrinkers like Valleskey, Kelm (Valleskey vicar), Bivens, Rick Johnson, and many more of the same.

Teigen on Jeske

Time for Tubby-bye-bye.
Time for Tubby-bye-bye.
Time for Tubby-bye-bye.

Norman Teigen has left a new comment on your post "LCMS Board Minutes and Jeske":

Is it possible that you may be wrong about Pastor Jeske and that his television ministry could be considered a good thing?


Norman Teigen
ELS layman

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GJ - There is always a first time, Norman, but not with this topic.

Jeske is the force behind WELS/ELS Church and Change, a combination of Reformed doctrine, unionism, and New Age philosophies.

Listen to his program and read his odious blogs. He promotes and supports Mark Driscoll. Is it a coincidence that Ski and Katie went with Glende for a Driscoll conference in Seattle? Ski and Katie were at St. Marcus before they spread the blight to A-Town.

Jeske is dishonest about his fellowship, which is worse than his unionism. However, one cannot separate the deception from the unionism in his group. They are unionists who lie about their unionism. In fact, they even lie about being members of the Chicanery mob.

Check out the denials by Kudu Don Patterson, Mark Paustian, and others.

Before that, they lied about going to Fuller Seminary and adoring Church Growth.

Jeske belongs with Quiche-nik. May they go down the road to ruin together.

Suet and Squirrels

My suet blocks were not getting any business during our cold spell. As soon as the temperatures moved to 40 and above, the birds came back.

Suet lasts a long time, and Duncraft's blocks include seed. Birds pick seed out of the suet and drop some to the ground, where ground feeders get their share. Our dog Sassy follows me around when I have suet. She licks the bag every chance she gets.

I learned in Midland to have plenty of suet hanging from trees and bushes, because more birds can feed and tweet about food. Did you know birds invented twittering? Soon, children will say, "Birds twitter? What's a bird?"

Three suet bags were hanging on trees we could see easily from our living room, which faces the ravine. I added a fourth to a hook above the picture window. I was gazing at the bird convention on the more distant bags when I decided to move the window feeder away.  The ingrates were not using it. Just then a chickadee landed on it and began feeding.

Birds are wary and need time to adjust to watering and feeding places. Once habituated, they chirp for more when humans fail to provide as generously and regularly as the Creator.

The best part was seeing my grandchildren watch the birds on Saturday. I just happened to have one more package left in the fridge, so I sent that home with them. The directions are easy. Keep cold. Open the plastic container with a knife. Drop the blob into the net provided. Hang from a bush or tree.

My friend suggested a spinning corn-cob feeder. They cost about $24, so I decided to use the basic feeder already in place, a spike on a board. I bought some field corn and put the first one on. It took a few days to get noticed. This morning it was bare, so I put a new one on. Watching squirrels eat is great fun too. They are real acrobats, so I will get a spinner later - for the grandchildren, of course.

Squirrel corn spinner - available from Duncraft

WELS Church and Money Changers Fail To Convert Katie Perry, Who Is Living in Sin

WELS Pastor Tim Glende made this his profile photo on Facebook for weeks, open to anyone who searched his name.

 

WELS Pastor James Skorzewski - Ski - opened his Facebook photo albums to everyone for weeks, including this pose with Katy Perry and a similar one with Playboy model MariQueen.

Jim Becker WELS has left a new comment on your post "From Appleton - The Entertainment Capital of WELS ...":

KATY PERRY AND RUSSELL BRAND TO LIVE TOGETHER?

Jan 20 2010. Posted by Adam

* katy perry
* russell brand

Katy Perry and Russell Brand

KATY Perry and her fiance Russell Brand have fueled speculation they’re set to move in together — after they were seen paying a visit to Bed, Bath & Beyond in Hollywood earlier this week.

The I Kissed A Girl singer and the British comedian got engaged on New Year’s Eve after a whirlwind romance.

Russell — who owns a $3 million home in Los Angeles and recently put his North London pad on the market — was pictured loading up a trolley with the kind of necessities most couples would require when they move in together.

The trolley contained items such as a Bialetti Moka Express 9-Cup Espresso Machine priced $39.99; a Cuisinart Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press, $49.99; and a Cuisinart Stainless Steel Microwave Oven, priced at $149.99.

Katy recently revealed that she and Russell are yet to set a wedding date.

“We love each other and we desperately want to be with each other, so we’re going to take it as we come,” she said.

“I think the right time will be the right time.”

Guess Ski's evangelism efforts toward Katy Perry were fruitless.

***

GJ - The efforts of Ski and Glende were not entirely fruitless. They made themselves the poster boys for WELS Church and Change, the public face of private apostasy.

Both of them finally hid their infamous poses with the half-clad Perry. They cannot hide their in-your-face attitude, which manifests itself in so many ways.

People expect teen-aged boys to be awestruck and proud that they got to pose with Miss Perry, who apparently forgot to finish dressing that day. But no one expects middle-aged men with wives and families to remain emotionally frozen in the teen years, especially when the pastors offer themselves as youth leaders.

"Avoiding the appearance of evil" is for chumps, Church and Change says.

I am glad Church and Change chose this pair to show everyone what the organization could do. A lot of money was spent in Columbus, Ohio, to show what Church Growth could do. Glende knows because his big, old non-WELS congregation went along with it. Shrinker Stolzenburg did his work and the church is much smaller than it was in the past.

The question is how long members and pastors will put up with the DPs running interference for these louts.

Remember the Church and Change playbook:

1. Pretend to be doing something no one else can or will do.
2. Deny the facts, especially when supported by evidence.
3. Erase the evidence.
4. Anonymously attack anyone who doubts the supreme virtue of the apostates.

Deputy Doug, Anything Goes District

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "WELS Church and Money Changers Fail To Convert Kat...":

We have not made the world more Lutheran, but the world has made us more worldly.

That's what happens when you try to copy what the rock stars are doing.

Here's and example from the evangelical camp at large: Contemporary Christian Music. I remember 30 years ago when it was their aim to be a bridge to the lost. The lost would heard the message in music that they liked. 25 years ago Amy Grant came out with "Crossing Over" with very little if any "Gospel" message in the music. It was to be a bridge to bring people to a comfort level that would perhaps lead them to checking out the scriptures. Amy's legacy as a purely pop star is well known. Now you have "God is my girlfriend" type music that is hard to differentiate from any other secular pop.

There is no longer any message in the music. But boy does it sell!

It seems the Ski and Glende types have taken lessons from they folks described above. Now their banal and insipid attempts at being "real, relavent" has left them with a bag of nothing.
But, man are they cool.

Where's the message?

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "WELS Church and Money Changers Fail To Convert Kat...":

Thank you for your comments Mr. Jim Becker. We are all glad so see lay-leader(elder?) men taking an outspoken stance against apostasy.

Ski and Glende middle-aged? Those guys are under 40! Fifty-two is the new middle-age. My pastor was born a fuddy duddy; however, he did go through the ages of 12 and 20. Pastors are supposed to be squares, it comes with the job description. The Bible says that pastors are to be ABOVE REPROACH. I pray for the poor wives. Give it six months, a year at most, at least one wife from that circle will go ballistic.(always happens)

I remember the CCM from 30 year ago. Amy Grant went through a divorce. Sandy Patty had a little trouble with the 6th commandment. Showmanship is a far cry from just singing in the church choir.

In Christ,
from WELS church lady

Graphic Evidence of WELS Laity Discontented with Mary Lou College Leadership

Someone sent me this picture. He or she is a layman, active in WELS.

LCMS Board Minutes and Jeske

Below is a section of the official Minutes of the LCMS BCS, posted publicly on the Internet. Note highlighted paragraph. It will be very interesting to see how DP Dave gets around this, "evangelical" or not!



Page 1 of 3 Minutes - Board for Communication Services

April 27-28, 2009

LCMS International Center

St. Louis, MO

Present: Dennis Clauss, chairman; David Berger, John Bush, Ernest Garbe, Candace Mueller, Charles Mueller, Jr., Kevin Vogts Non-voting: David Strand Excused: Eileen Bishop List

Guests during the strategic planning segment of the meeting included several BCS staff members.

Chairman Clauss called the meeting to order at 8:05 AM and opened with prayer.

Welcome to Rev. Charles Mueller, Jr., appointed member replacing Rev. David Kluth..

Agenda approved by consensus, with addition of J. Connett in I. KFUO discussion.

M/S/C to approve the minutes of January 27, 2009.

Old Business

1. The Director of News and Information Services position is exempt from the hiring freeze. Salary for the position is included in the budget beginning January 1, 2010 (possibly earlier).

Roland Lovstad has been helping out in the interim. Time frame for DNIS search: applications due in early August; interview candidates in late August / early September; COP action on candidates in their September meeting. Pending their action, a board phone conference might be arranged to expedite the process. A question was raised regarding venues to be used for the announcement of the position; official periodicals of the Synod are not sufficient to get the word out to a broad constituency. While a theologically educated person is highly desirable, the position need not be filled by ordained clergy. Mix of skills might include marketing as well as journalism. Recommendations may be made to D. Clauss or D. Strand.

2. Time of Grace

The program hosted by Pastor Jeske remains the only Lutheran television program available nationally. RSO status was granted in January by the BCS, contingent upon the ToG board’s including a clergyman of the LCMS. At least one LCMS layman is currently on the board. The organization is adamant about maintaining a lay board and has resisted including any pastors. Given that RSO status is revocable if necessary, the board took the following action: M/S/C to remove the contingency of LCMS clergy presence on the board for LCMS RSO status for Time of Grace Ministry. [The operative assumption, however, is that the board will continue to have LCMS lay presence.]

3. Executive session guidelines from the February 2009 BOD minutes provided by R. Hartwig were discussed.

New Business

1. D. Clauss and Ch. Mueller reported their impressions of the "President’s Core Leadership Team Meeting" earlier in April. Included in the discussions were the proposals for LCMS

Church and Money Changers at Mary Lou College - WELS Lady Pastor Speaks

Pastor Kristen "administers the Means of Grace"

at Latte Lutheran Church.

Puff piece in FIC.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "When Kelm Taught Reformed Theology at Wisconsin Lu...":

Forget about Kelm. Today is MLC Evangelism Day.

Openening Speaker Pastor Richard Gurgel - Church and Money Changer.

At 9:30 Pastor Mark Bitter.

Pastor Bill Limmer - He and Parlow plagiarized Hybels' email.

and Kristin Koespell will conduct the panel discussion on worship and evangelism.

Isn't she the one at Hunter's church? (yep!)

In Christ,

from WELS church lady

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From their website:

Minister of Worship - Kristen Koepsell

Home » About Us » Staff - Minister of Worship Kristen Koepsell

As Staff Minister of Worship, Kristen is responsible for planning and implementing all worship opportunities at St. Andrew.  She also oversees the large corps of worship volunteers who serve in many and varied capacities each week. Music is the largest part of the worship ministry at St. Andrew, but the worship ministry also includes lay readers, dramatic and visual arts, hospitality ministries and audio/visual tech support.  Kristen works closely with Pastor Hunter to study and understand biblical worship principles and practices, evaluate current worship practices at St. Andrew, and define future directions for St. Andrew’s worship ministry.

Kristen graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2003 with a B.A. in Psychology and minors in Communication and Theology. While at WLC she worked for two years in the Campus Ministry Office planning and implementing daily chapel services, organizing various musical groups for worship, and learning from Campus Pastor Nathan Strobel.  She is currently pursuing Staff Ministry certification from Martin Luther College.

Kristen grew up in the Pacific Northwest and always intended to return there after college, but God had other plans for her. He has planted her firmly in the family of faith at St. Andrew and for this she is truly and deeply grateful. When she’s not writing services or running rehearsals, Kristen spends her time reading science fiction and classic literature, playing piano, writing music, taking long walks in good weather, staying connected with friends and family, and generally enjoying life.

“The best part of my job is knowing that my work directly impacts the spiritual lives of those who worship here and enables them to connect with God. I say this with a full and complete understanding (and appreciation!) of the fact that the actual work is done by the Holy Spirit through the means of grace – but it is a great privilege and a great joy to be an instrument in ‘administering God’s grace’ in the form of worship gatherings. The second most rewarding aspect of my work is assisting all sorts of members of the congregation in bringing their gifts to God and to each other as joyful offerings. How exciting it is to see brothers and sisters in Christ – of all ages! – learning and working together to serve God and His people. The interpersonal connections made and the spiritual lessons learned through this ministry are invaluable blessings from our gracious God.”

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Mary Lou College (WELS)

Church and Change Evangelism Day at MLC 2010

last modified 2009-11-30 04:16 PM

The public is invited to attend the opening worship service and an informative panel discussion at MLC’s Evangelism Day, January 20, 2010.

Evangelism Day is dedicated to equipping MLC students to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, both in their personal lives and when they serve in the public ministry. “How Shall They Hear?” will be this year’s focus.

The opening service and the panel discussion will be held in the auditorium of the Wittenberg Collegiate Center starting at 8:30 am. The opening service preacher will be Professor Richard Gurgel of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

At 9:30, Pastor Mark Bitter, Pastor Bill Limmer, and Kristin Koepsell will conduct the panel discussion on worship and evangelism. While you are on campus, lunch is available at the college cafeteria at a modest cost.

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WELS Pastor Bill Limmer, Point of Grace, Milwaukee, Campus Ministry, copying and pasting his latest insights?  



Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church - Not WELS.



Paul Calvin Kelm, WELS DMin from Concordia, St.Louis
  



John Parlow, WELS


----- Original Message -----
From: jp (this is how John Parlow sends his messages)

Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2003 2:47 PM
Subject: Letter from Pastor Limmer (not sure how Limmer got added, but he was)

Dear St. Mark Family,
I have never been an early riser all my life. And so for someone like me to be tossing and turning two hours before sunrise, after a fourteen hour work day at St. Mark...well that is worth trying to figure out. Jet lag? Nope. I have been in the same time zone for weeks. Family trouble? Nope. My family still graciously puts up with all my quirks. Anxiety? The world has its share of troubles, and I like many of you, have felt the need to pray more fervently for so many who are suffering. But after reflecting on that for a little while, I knew that wasn't the root cause of my sleeplessness.

Being the seasoned spiritual leader that I am, I finally resorted to a formula that has been a secret embarrassment to me for decades: "When all else fails...turn to God and ask for help." When I quietly breathed a prayer for insight from above, the Spirit whispered, "It is old fashioned excitement, Bill. You felt it in years past when Holy Week services were filled with a sense of anticipation and wonder and you are feeling it again now. It is a good thing. In fact, why not revel in the fact that you have been doing something for fifteen years and you love it so much that you can't sleep come ‘game day’." Duh.

Last night I prayed for Scott as I knew he would be putting on the finishing touches for the three Maundy Thursday Services. And today I'm contemplating the final rehearsals for our Good Friday services, and felt a sharp pang of sadness that it is not being broadcast all over the world. It was that touching to me. I was completely convinced that any and all who experience it will be moved to tears as I was, and as irresistibly drawn to the Crucified One. The Tenebrae services are at 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 tomorrow.

Earlier in the day John, a few others and I reviewed the Easter message. (Remember we are at West High, 966 Shawano Ave. at 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.) As the group left my office, I sat with John and we grieved over the fact that we would only be having eight Holy Week services! All John and I could talk about was the redemptive potential of the next four days. Who knows what God might do--in how many lives?!

Friends, don't miss anything these next few days. Don't miss private promptings from God regarding what He wants you to reflect on this Holy Week. Don't miss a single opportunity to ask additional friends and family to come with you to the services. Don't miss the teaching moments with young children that this season affords. Miss a little sleep...but don't miss anything else. Deal?
Bill

[Milwaukee -- Cardinal Stritch Coll
(F) Rev Bill F Limmer
The Point of Grace, Milwaukee WI
414-963-2047
pastorbill@thepointofgrace.net
Wisconsin Lutheran Student Center Worship Facility]



---

But two and one-half hours earlier, this message had already arrived from Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church:


----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Hybels
To: enews@arrow.willowcreek.org
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2003 12:08 PM
Subject: Sleepless in Barrington (from Bill Hybels)

Dear Enews Family,

I have been an early riser all my life. It goes back to growing up in a family that owned a fresh produce business. But for someone like me to be tossing and turning two hours before sunrise, after a sixteen hour work day at Willow...well that is worth trying to figure out. Jet lag? Nope. I have been in the same time zone for weeks. Family trouble? Nope. We recently returned from one of the most enjoyable vacations we have ever had. Anxiety? The world has its share of troubles, and I like many of you, have felt the need to pray more fervently for so many who are suffering. But after reflecting on that for a little while, I knew that wasn't the root cause of my sleeplessness.

Being the seasoned spiritual leader that I am, I finally resorted to a formula that has been a secret embarrassment to me for decades: "When all else fails...turn to God and ask for help." When I quietly breathed a prayer for insight from above, the Spirit whispered, "It is old fashioned excitement, Bill. You felt it in years past when Good Friday and Easter services were filled with a sense of anticipation and wonder and you are feeling it again now. It is a good thing. In fact, why not revel in the fact that you have been doing something for thirty years and you love it so much that you can't sleep come ‘game day’." Duh.

Last night I sat through the final rehearsals for our Good Friday services, and felt a sharp pang of sadness that it is not being broadcast all over the world. It was that touching to me. I was completely convinced that any and all who experience it will be moved to tears as I was, and as irresistibly drawn to the Crucified One. The first service starts tonight at 7:00 p.m. (And then we get to do it three more times on Friday--at 4:00, 6:00, and 8:00 p.m.!)

Earlier in the day God had graciously given my Easter message to me, after which the team and I reviewed the Easter program one final time. As the group left my office, I sat alone for just a moment and grieved over the fact that we would only be able to do it seven times! At the end of my workday Greg Ferguson and I did our typical run, but at a ridiculously fast pace, because all we could talk about was the redemptive potential of the next four days. Who knows what God might do--in how many lives?!

So, that's why I'm pecking at my laptop well before the guys with broken exhaust systems deliver the newspapers . . .raw spiritual amperage. And at my age...it is a good thing.

Friends, don't miss anything these next few days. Don't miss private promptings from God regarding what He wants you to reflect on this Holy Week. Don't miss a single opportunity to ask additional friends and family to come with you to the services. Don't miss the teaching moments with young children that this season affords. Miss a little sleep...but don't miss anything else. Deal?

Bill

-------------------------------
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To unsubscribe from E-news, send a blank message to enews@willowcreek.org with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you have questions about Willow Creek, you can e-mail info@willowcreek.org or call (847)765-5000. Thank you.

---

From Mike Schottey, earlier:

Rev. Mark Bitter on "Spoiling the Egyptians:" "While the Lord was telling Moses exactly how he wanted to be worshiped, the Israelites were worshiping like the Egyptians did."

He then went on a 10 minute binge against churches who want to use praise songs instead of psalms.

It was easy to see the classmates who were grinning and those squirming in their seats.

This was all at Evangelism Day...somewhere down the hall "Ski" was torturing minds. I skipped Kelm's key note for my own sanity.

When Kelm Taught Reformed Theology at Wisconsin Lutheran College (WELS)

Paul Kelm, D.Min., Concordia Lutheran Seminary

GJ - Below is a complete, verbatim copy of Paul Kelm's syllabus when he was teaching a course required for graduation at WLC. Are the Reformed and Pentecostals at Fuller Seminary reciprocating? Having Luther, Chemnitz, Walther on their required reading lists? Are Fuller D.Min. topics something like this? -

1. Luther Was Right, Get Over It
   
2. Pentecostalism Is Swallowing the Holy Ghost, Feathers and All
   
3. God Works Only through His Word and Sacraments
   
4. We Admire Everything about the Reformed, Except Their Doctrine
   
5. Worship God in the Beauty of His Holiness
   
6. What Can We Learn from the Means of Grace?
   
7. Useful Ideas from the Book of Concord

GJ note: The school had a hissy-fit when one student asked to avoid the assault of false doctrine. My name was never mentioned by the student, but the school brought up my name in a weird, paranoid way. No, this student skipped Kelm on his own and then sent me the material.


WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

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

I.    COURSE DESCRIPTION

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

II.   COURSE OBJECTIVES

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

study, reflection and discussion.

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

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

together with the challenges and opportunities confronting contemporary churches.

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

III. COURSE METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS

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



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

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

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

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

F.   There will be no exams.

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

THE HOLY BIBLE


IV. EVALUATION AND GRADE

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

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

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

[GJ - That does not apply to St. Mark, Depere, Wisconsin sermons and emails. Or to the clergy there. Or even to this course, copied from the Reformed.]

V.  ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance at each class period is expected.

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

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

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


VI. COURSE OUTLINE


Week One:





Week Two:



Week Three:





Week Four:





Week Five:



A. Instruction and overview

B. SKILLS: Personal Bible Study



B.   SKILLS: Christian Prayer Life



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



A.     SKILLS: Christian Values Choices 

B.     SKILLS: Christian Witness



A.   SKILLS: Apologetics

B.  SKILLS: Christian Decision Making





Week Six:

A.      ISSUES: Repentance. Psalm 51

B.      ISSUES: Sell-Image. Psalm 139





Week Seven:





Week Eight:    

ISSUES:Sanctification. Romans 6-7

B.   ISSUES: Character Formation. H Peter 1



A.   ISSUES: Christian Hope. Romans 8

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









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

(B.  ISSUES: Being Sure    John 3)







Week Ten:



A.   Book Reviews B. Book Reviews


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

B. LEADERSHIP: Understanding Ministry



Week Twelve:                     A. LEADERSHIP: Mission and Vision

B. LEADERSHIP: Analyzing a Church



Week Thirteen:              A. LEADERSHIP: Philosophy of Ministry

B. LEADERSHIP: Organizing Ministry



Week Fourteen:              A. Interview and Summary Sharing

B. LEADERSHIP: Involving Members in Ministry



Week Fifteen:                A. LEADERSHIP: Small Group Ministry

B. LEADERSHIP: Leading Change



VII. OPTIONS FOR THE BIBLE STUDY ASSIGNMENT:

Audience Options:

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



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

Bible Chapter Options:

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

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

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

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

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

Viii.     BOCK REVIEW OPTIONS



Generating Hope by Jimmy Long (InterVarsity Press)

The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren (Zondervan)

The Contemporary Christian by John Stott (InterVarsity Press)

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

The Body by Charles Colson

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

Inside Out by Larry Crabb (NavPress)

Entertainment Evangelism by Walt Kallestad (Abingdon)

Effective Church Leadership by Kennon Callahan (Harper and Row)

Church Without Walls by Jim Petersen (NavPress)

Getting Together by Em Griffin (InterVarsity Press)

Christ Esteem by Don Matzat (Harvest House)

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald (Olive Nelson)

Fit Bodies Fat Minds by Os Guinness (Baker).

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

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

by Thomas Schultz (Group)

Three Generations by Gary Mcintosh (Fleming Revell)

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

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

Reflections ot a Contrarion by Lyle Schaller (Abingdon)

Strategies For Change by Lyle Schalller (Abingdon)

A Primer on Postmodernism by Stanley Grenz (Eerdmans)

Gentle Persuasion by Joseph Aldrich

User Friendly Churches by George Barna (Regal Books)

Darwin On Trial by Philip Johnson

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


XI.  OPTIONS FOR INTERVIEW AND ANALYSTS

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


X.  SUGGESTED SUBJECTS FOR RESEARCH PAPER


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

2.  The Parish Nurse: real holistic health.

3.  The Lutheran Deaconess - past and future.

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

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

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

7.  Programmatic approaches to evangelism - pros and cons.

8.  Keys to cross~cu1tural ministry.

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

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

11.Prison Ministry: Describe several working models.

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

13 Lutheran confirmation should it be changed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. “Seeker Service” - definition and evaluation.

22. Assimilation and retention - principles and methods.

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

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

25. Religious publishing:  Should the market drive decisions?

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

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

considering it

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

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

30.  YOUR IDEA. with instructor’s approval

LCMS Story on Time of Grace

Time of Grace

KFUO-AM airing a new show KFUO-AM is now airing "Time of Grace," a weekly program featuring Pastor Mark Jeske, senior pastor at St. Marcus Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wis. Each week, Pastor Jeske delivers a Bible-based message providing the hope and truth of God's Word in down-to-earth "straight talk." Tune in at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays to KFUO-AM 850 in St. Louis or listen wherever you are online at http://www.kfuoam.org/ Listen Now

About "Time of Grace" "Time of Grace," a service organization recognized by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is an outreach media ministry founded in 2001 by a small group of committed, focused Lutheran Christians. The sole mission of this nonprofit organization has always been to share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible through the most advanced technology available. To most effectively accomplish that goal, "Time of Grace's" centerpiece ministry is a weekly, 30-minute television program. It is the audio portion of this program that will be broadcast on KFUO-AM 850.

Cell Groups Growth Pietists

Hey Spener, you're so fine,
You're so fine, a golden mine.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post  "Time of Generic Grace Update":


Lay led cell groups are great for training pietists. I know. I was one.

I remember one person at a self-study group who was not wanting to do a WELS produced study (current bilge not withstanding)- just wanted to study the Bible and organically come to the "right" conclusions without the "directing" effect of a Bible study guide. He grew WELS and was very solid and should have known better. He now resides in the world of Ev Free.
Sweet deal huh?

***

GJ - That's nothin'. The Michigan District of WELS started CrossWalk in S. Lyons as a Church Growth, cell group growing, entertainment-style sect...and now the whole congregation is Evangelical Covenant.

Deputy Doug has a whole district that is E. Free. The Evangelical Free Church--which grew from Swedish Augustana Pietism--should draft him as a theologian.

Take The CORE Survey

Dinner waits at Ski-ville when Spongebob Squarepants is on the tube.

Here at The CORE we are looking for better ways to keep in touch with you and perhaps some new ways for you to interact during worship. Your help in answering the following 5 quick questions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

1. Do you use texting on your cell phone?

yes

no

2. Would you be interested in receiving text message updates of important events or messages from The CORE? (note: we wouldn't go crazy, we promise! only the important stuff such as canceled events, special event reminders, etc)

yes

no

3. Is your cell phone a smart phone? (aka blackberry, iphone, android, etc?)

yes

no

4. If your phone is a smart phone, do you use the YouVersion Bible app?

yes

no

I don't have a smart phone

5. Regardless whether you currently use the YouVersion Bible app, would you consider using it to take sermon notes, submit prayer requests, ask questions, etc?

yes

no

I don't have a smart phone & therefore couldn't use this option

Enter your email address here to verify your identity:

***

GJ - Using a smart phone, future WELS transfers can check whether the latest tidbit is from Groeschel or Stanley or Sweet or Stetzer or Granger Community or Driscoll - or from Jeske copying the previously named Schwaermer.

St. Peter Freedom is getting transfers from local WELS congregations, transfers to St. Peter/The CORE. Fox Valley - reaching out to raid the henhouse.

Many rest easier at night, knowing Deputy Doug is watching over the Anything Goes District.

Deputy Doug

Second Teigen Blog

Irrelevant, but funny photo -
Redneck houseboat.

Norman Teigen has a new blog. I am spelling it out and linking it, because there are a lot of Shrinkers reading this blog.

http://lutherancolportage.blogspot.com/

I have listed it on the left. Google updates with thumbnails, a nifty feature available only with blogs, not with websites.

I am listing my Moline blog a little longer. I will keep it going but take it off the list. So far I seem to be the only person blogging about that city, where I was born. I am happy to say that this area, Northwest Arkansas, is very much like the Moline I remember.

Recently a neighbor yelled her head off at me because Sassy barked at her dog, coming right up to the door and carrying on a canine debate about who was a true loser. The lady screamed out the door, "Get your dog outta my yard, and get her on a leash." Today, she was out in her front yard. She made a point of smiling at me, at Sassy, and at me again. People are very polite and gentle here.

Patterson's Pet Mission Is Hungry

Dom Perignon Patterson, VP of His district,

wants to be the next Doctrinal Pussycat.

He attended the latest Church and Change conference.

Worship Gatherings

A church designed to meet you where you’re at.

We’re a group of people who just “came as we are” and discovered the adventure of the Christian Life. At our church, we want you to come as your are too. We worship on Sundays at 10 AM at the Old Settler’s Association Building in Round Rock, TX. 

We’re casual!

When you visit CTR , dress casually and comfortably. We’re more interested in meeting you just as you are than we are in seeing you stylin’ in a power suit, or struttin’ that new skirt from the fashion stores. You’ll feel right at home in jeans or shorts. 

We’re hungry!

Our Cafe’ Rock provides snacks, with coffee, bagels, donuts, fruit, and juices. If you didn’t get a chance to have breakfast, don’t worry! You can count on us to hold you over till your next big meal! 

We’re friendly!

We strive to create a warm, friendly environment for you. We won’t surprise you by asking you to stand up or stick out in any way. We also won’t ask you to give us any money. We want you to be able to check us out without feeling singled out. No Pressure! 

We’re relevant!

Our messages are meant to apply to your everyday life. They’re practical and filled with comfort. We believe that everyone needs to know what God expects of us, and what God offers us in His love. If you come to CTR, you’ll hear just what God has to say about this – straight from His Word, the Bible! With our upbeat music and our fun and creative worship, you’ll go home encouraged and equipped each week!

---

Jeff Gunn is on the board, with two other CrossWalk members, 

at Willow Creek College, WELS, Milwaukee.

CrossWalk, Phoenix, Arizona

Worship

We're casual!

When you visit CrossWalk, the very first thing we want you to know is that it's OK to relax. You can dress casually and comfortably if you'd like. You'll feel right at home in jeans or shorts. On the other hand, if wearing a suit and tie seems best to you, then bring it on!  We simply want you to come as you are and hear loud and clear—you matter to God! 

We're hungry!

Bring an appetite. Our CrossWalk Cafe puts out a huge spread every Sunday, with great coffee, bagels and donuts, along with fruit and juice for the health-conscious. If you didn't get a chance to have breakfast, don't worry! You can count on CrossWalk to feed you body and soul!

We're friendly!

We strive to create a warm, friendly environment for you. We won't surprise you by asking you to stand up or stick out in any way. We also won't ask you to give us any money. We want you to be able to check us out without feeling singled out. No pressure!

We're relevant!

Our messages are meant to apply to your everyday life. They're practical and filled with comfort. We believe that everyone needs to know what God expects of us, and what God offers us in his love. If you come to CrossWalk, you'll hear just what God has to say about this—straight from his Word, the Bible! With our upbeat music and our fun and creative worship, you'll go home encouraged and equipped each week!