Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Together - Hydra

Two hundred thirty women gathered July 16-18 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., for the second National WELS Women's Leadership Conference. The conference included worship, general sessions, and breakout sessions focused on the theme "Leading with a Christ-like attitude."

"I really appreciated the continued reminder that it all starts with the Word," says Mary Meissner, a member at St. John, Wauwatosa, Wis.

One of those reminders came from Rev. Richard Gurgel, a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, who presented a general session on Saturday that focused on the importance of personal Bible study. He emphasized to attendees that those who lead and encourage need to seek God's face in personal study of his Word.

Kathie Wendland, a member at St. Peter, Mishicot, Wis., presented the keynote address, which was based on Philippians. Wendland explained that a Christ-like attitude begins by understanding the theology of the cross. She then discussed how to live and lead with a Christ-like attitude.

Besides emphasizing the importance of being in God's Word, the conference also equipped women to organize women's ministries within their congregations and to confidently share the message of salvation with those around them.

To learn more about the conference and its sponsoring organization, the WELS Women's Ministry Committee, visit www.wels.net/women.

Church and Change promoted in the President's Newsletter - nothing new about that in WELS.

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rhs (http://rhs.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Together - Hydra":

He emphasized to attendees that those who lead and encourage need to seek God's face in personal study of his Word.

“seek God’s face”? What kind of new age mysticism is this? Perhaps it is just a manner of speech. Or it may be appealing to an intuitive grasp of the Almighty. In either case it opens the door to more nonsense.

***

GJ - It was a Church and Change conference with C and C leaders, so everyone should expect a Schwaermer leader. It's a Gurgle.

I understand Rich's booklet was so badly done that it needed several major revisions before NPH published it. No wonder the feminists wanted him to speak.

PS - The Hydra explains WELS, although a few heads are missing. It comes down to the money people in the Jeske circle. They include many districts so all the DPs are afraid of losing money, and that fear is alive at the national level too.

For example, Gunn is propped up with special gifts. Ski and Glende, ditto. Columbus Ohio has been a mess because of one rich man bewitched by Church Growth.

One of the Jeske boys gave a half million to WLC, so you think Englebrecht will meet with commoners? Ha.

The irony is this - If WELS trusted the Word of God, they would actually discipline according to doctrine rather than dollars, and the money would still be there. As Luther said, what they want most they will never have. No sect is more money-grubbing and no synod is so poor.

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One Eponymous Archon (https://me.yahoo.com/oneeponymousarchon) has left a new comment on your post "Together - Hydra":

". . . the conference also equipped women to organize women's ministries
within their congregations . . ."

Hmmmm? I wonder if these women are going to check with the men (Pastor,
Elders, Council) before they "organize" anything?

Also, since they themselves are organizing whatever group or class this
happens to be, will they allow the Pastor to have spiritual guidance and
oversight OVER them?

Finally, when the keynote address was delivered I wonder what the Pastors
who were present - if there were any, and I assume there were - "learned" at
the feet of this woman prophet, and how this fits with First Timothy 2:12?

Oh, wait, I forgot, certain passages of the Bible don't apply when the
female performance at the teaching podium in front of men - sometimes whole
rooms full of Pastors even - is sponsored by the synod, like, for example,
at the Worship Conference, and at Youth Rallies, and such. I'm sure I will
be enlightened sooner rather than later.

Oh well, so much for the ol' "Headship Principle" and "Order of Creation" in
the WELS of today, eh? I'm glad Carl Lawrence and W.R. Gawrisch aren't alive
anymore to witness this sorry spectacle. But then again, even in their day a
number of women walked out on their presentations concerning Headship and
Order, and nothing was ever done about them. So this is really not all that
surprising.

When a church body sows the wind, in this case caving in to the whims and
whining of wives, sisters, sweethearts, daughters, mothers, etc., the
whirlwind of "women's leadership," and then women voters, and eventually
women Pastors, will be the harvest; sure as the Lord's return!

But hey, the WELS is as pure as mother's milk, right? Maybe we ought to
change that to father's milk. More accurate in this case.

One Eponymous Archon

***

GJ - It was endorsed by SP Schroeder so that makes it fine.

Al Barry did the same thing years ago, at worship service not deemed a worship service, when a husband and wife together did the Schwaermer sermon which was billed as a Bible study. Al was there, and the rate of decline increased.

Lyle Schaller, the only Schaller WELS listens to, said that men abandon positions once a woman has been placed in it. Gone are the male Sunday School teachers, male SS Superintendents, etc.

"Resist the beginnings," Lenski said, but he was ~~wrong~~ right on justification, so he does not count.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Nazarenes Get It - WELS, Missouri, and ELS Remain Dumbstruck

Star heretics of WELS.
Featured speakers at all events and schools.
Who is denounced? Poor Ichabod.

From: Discernment Ministries discernment@earthlink.net>

Date: July 17, 2010 3:17:24 PM EDT

To: someone

Subject: FW: District Superintendent Speaks Out

John. . you need to read this carefully! This is what the AOG needs to do!! And every other denomination!

2 Thessalonians 2:3a (New King James Version)

³ Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first

Also Eph 5:11-14

Tim Wirth DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT INFORMATION This is a PRIVATE email, (c) Tim Wirth, 2010. It may not be reproduced in ANY format in ANY way without the express written permission of Tim Wirth. By opening and reading this email you agree to be bound by the terms of this Disclaimer & Copyright Information. Unauthorized use of the contents of this private email is illegal. Quoting from public ARTICLES is legal under copyright laws, but reproduction of PRIVATE emails is not! Reproduction of other public written materials is subject to the copyright and publication restrictions of the original author

Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:23:26 -0400
Subject: District Superintendent Speaks Out
From: standfortruthministries@gmail.com
To: mannyrsilva@hotmail.com

[Stand For Truth is dedicated to warn the body of Christ of the apostasy creeping into the evangelical church today. If you wish to unsubscribe to this list, type UNSUBSCRIBE in your email response . Many of these posts will reference Nazarene issues, but let me warn you, these things are happening in all denominations, and we must be vigilant]

I received a copy of the following letter which was sent to Nazarene District Superintendents. It was written by Dr. Orville Jenkins, Jr., Superintendent of the North Florida District, Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Jenkins is not affiliated with Concerned Nazarenes or Stand For Truth Ministries, and I have never met him or spoken with him. But I an thankful for his courage in speaking out on some really serious issues we are facing. In my last post, I referenced Ezekiel 33:1-9, and I believe that what he is doing is an example of being a true watchman for the Lord.

July 10, 2010

To Whom It May Concern:

This is a follow-up to the letter written three months ago, sent originally to 30 of my district superintendent colleagues and friends, in which I shared some personal concerns due to recent trends and events in the Church of the Nazarene, and specifically, the continued and expanding influence of the liberal Emergent Church (or Emerging) movement upon our church and its schools. This influence has been primarily in the U.S., and specific examples were cited.

The letter was also prompted by the increasing discussion and concerns echoed by some of the pastors I oversee, as well as others. They have asked, "Is this what we're all about now?" "Is this where we're heading? If it is, I'm not sure I still belong as a Nazarene." And, "Where is our leadership in all of this?"

In writing to fellow district superintendents, it was my intent to gauge their response in determining if sufficient similar sentiment might warrant a collective approach to the board of general superintendents about what is taking place in our church. And though I knew my thoughts were shared by others, I was not prepared for the response which the letter seemingly provoked, resulting in its circulation beyond those to whom it was intended.

I certainly do not claim an exclusive reading on the pulse of the church, or that my perspective is the most accurate measurement. I am but one voice. But what I shared from my heart seems to have resonated within the hearts of numerous Nazarenes, including laypersons, pastors, evangelists, district superintendents, and several serving in key positions at our Global Ministry Center. From their responses, the following seems evident:

One, questions abound as to why our leadership has been so deftly silent for so long on matters so crucial to our church's existence and its future. And, yes, leadership starts at the top, but the responsibility is at every level, including district leadership and that of our institutions of higher education.

Two, there is an acute awareness of the tolerance we've allowed to invade us, and that we've seemingly been willing to accept, perhaps not intentionally, but by our mere silence. Our failure to speak out, take a stand, and condemn what we once would not allow conveys the message that we are now tolerant of such things.

And three, there is also a pronounced desire to "take back our church" from those who no longer want to conform to the truth of Scripture and our holiness traditions, and would rather wrest control and take the church in a different direction altogether. It has produced a deep, growing angst among Nazarenes.

The influence of the Emergent Church movement has reached a point where we are not only being adversely affected within, but now those from the outside are questioning why the Church of the Nazarene has allowed itself to be infiltrated by such an extreme, liberal, and unorthodox mindset. While in California last month for a family wedding, I visited with three pastor friends who are not Nazarenes but know us well and share similar theological and doctrinal positions. Two of them had attended the recent Catalyst Conference on the West Coast (the largest gathering of young evangelical leadership in the country), and made an interesting observation. At the conference no one with ties to the Emergent Church was invited to speak in any of the sessions or workshops because they are considered so extremely liberal and out of the mainstream of strongly biblical evangelicalism that they are deemed irrelevant. Yet, as these pastor friends added, everyone seems to know the Emergent issue has become very divisive within the Church of the Nazarene, and no one can understand why, of all churches, the Nazarenes have allowed this.

If mainline evangelical Christianity recognizes the inherent dangers in this thinking, why has it so easily found an acceptance within the leading holiness denomination that used to be at the forefront of teaching and preaching sound doctrine and countering the opposite? Why our silence? And why have we been not only slow to address it, but remain reluctant to unequivocally distance and remove ourselves from it completely? If this is indeed our posture of weakness, then we are fair game for any and every heresy, and the efforts of the Charismatics to make inroads among the Nazarenes in the late 1960's should have been postponed to the present. Again, time and space do not allow me to elaborate on this, but the Emergent Church is far more dangerous to us than what is understood at the surface level. For if you explore and dig deep enough, its tentacles and leadership all have far reaching links and ties for which there is no foundation or accommodation in Scripture, with radical and extremely liberal social and political implications.

I say this in kindness, but those within our church who continue to sympathize with, advocate for, or clearly identify themselves as "Emergents" reveal either their own naivete and ignorance of what this movement is all about, or the fact they have sold out their spiritual birthright as Nazarenes for something far less.

Developments Since the Initial Letter

In my original letter I referenced the conference, "Nurturing the Prophetic Imagination," conducted on one of our college campuses that featured speakers who identified themselves as far left activists, globalists, and anti-capitalists, as well as a Muslim and one who was sympathetic to Buddhism and universalism. As a result of drawing attention to that event and those kinds of guest speakers, a lengthy phone conference call took place between the conference organizer and five district superintendents, including myself, during which the university spokesman graciously fielded our questions and concerns and admitted some mistakes were made with the invitation to certain speakers. In the end he promised they would consult with a group of superintendents and/or pastors from that region to avoid similar mistakes in advance of another planned conference. In addition, a two-page list of suggestions was submitted for the university to consider as protective safe guards for such conferences in the future.

But let me digress here for a moment. To set the record straight, I am FOR Nazarene higher education. I am a product of one of our schools and our seminary, as are all four of my children who have gone to Nazarene universities. But I am NOT FOR our schools being commandeered by liberals in positions of authority. As a church we have an increasing number of people who would identify themselves today as "liberal"...some in a superior, elitist manner, and because they've become progressively liberal in their thinking...some wearing it almost as a badge of honor that they have come out of conservatism (which some would define as "repressive legalism")...and some due to an exaggerated fear of being labeled a fundamentalist. Liberals and liberalism pervade every sector of our society, but its inroads into the Church of the Nazarene, including what appears now to be a growing occupancy at our schools, is a more recent development. And it coincides with challenges we are facing today as a church.

But what may not be fully understood is that the modern liberal worldview is steeped in godlessness. Its comprehensive core values are based on the inherent goodness of the nature of man, not his fallen nature due to sin. It claims man's fall is from the corruption of the world, but dismisses the Bible's formulation of a corrupt world resulting from fallen man.

This liberal worldview sees redemption not through God but in the belief that individual citizens should not necessarily be held accountable for their own actions; rather, government is responsible for the happiness, well being, justice, security, and equality of every citizen. In addition, it is the "general will" of a government that will unerringly purge society of its cultural and social poisons and remold human nature. Therefore, we can trust a democratically-elected government to do the correct things regarding social engineering projects. And, it is the role of government to not only provide a good economic environment, but to insure the economic equality of every one of its citizens...regardless of poor choices or lack of ambition, commitment to excellence, degree of talent, etc.

Since, according to this thinking, no Supreme Creator or Author of Law has established what is good or bad, there is no clear standard of right and wrong or good and evil, except that which is established by human government. Perhaps this is why so many liberal, secular humanists are caught up in environmental causes, almost in a pagan admiration of Mother Earth, mystified and overawed by her power. It is also why more and more liberals disassociate themselves from anything having to do with nationalism or patriotism. They deny the biblical idea of dominion and progress, the most ringing affirmation of which is the United States of America.

In short, liberalism, at its core, is pure and simple casuistry...the deciding of moral issues by subtle but false reasoning.

When we invite guest speakers to our campuses who openly describe themselves as an "activist," it almost always conceals far more than what it conveys. For an activist is invariably a militant reformer, someone who crusades for change, often associated with leading demonstrations and strikes in opposition to or in support of a cause, and who is more often than not considered to be a radical militant. (Ever wonder how all of those militant demonstrators just happen to "show up" whenever there is a G-8 or G-20 Economic Summit somewhere? Their demonstrations, destruction, and violence are carefully planned and financed in advance, and then carried out by the anarchists of the far left). A "globalist" favors a one-world governing system that no longer allows for the sovereignty, freedoms, rights, privileges, and independence that has made America unique and great from its inception. And an "anti-capitalist" is one who sees free enterprise as "the enemy," and is either a socialist, Marxist, fascist, or communist, which have always been flawed and failed economies based on the subjection and captivity of people, and unable to sustain themselves.

Why should these kinds of guests, or anyone with a liberal worldview, be welcomed, entertained, celebrated, and honored on a Nazarene campus, not to mention being paid an honorarium? Why conduct events comprised of the same kinds of guest speakers easily found at an event on a secular campus? Who are we trying to placate or impress? How close to the edge are we wanting to appear in terms of maintaining one foot with ties to a conservative, evangelical, holiness denomination, and yet have the other foot "in the world?" Are we taking our cues and seeking academic validation from those with a radically different agenda...be it spiritual, philosophical, political, or social? Shouldn't it be important that speakers we invite to appear on our campuses have a message--and embody a message--that would be edifying, even pivotal, for our students, as well as congruent to our mission? Until more recently we were willing to maintain some isolation, if need be, in order to maintain our spiritual heritage, values, and identity.

I mentioned I have been surprised, to say the least, by the responses and feedback I've received, all of which, with the exception of two, have been extremely supportive and encouraging. And the two exceptions were not necessarily negative, but simply questioned whether or not I should have been as direct and open as I was in a public letter. If I erred in this manner, I stand corrected. But the letter was produced only because I believe we are in a battle for the very survival of our church. And every effort was made to state and report things accurately, to write in a spirit of loving concern for our church, and with no intent to chastise or embarrass anyone.

Perhaps most revealing is what people have communicated back to me. The following are exact quotes and a sampling of those comments:

I have been extremely concerned and fairly active attempting to stand for truth in the midst of the Post Modern, emergent church, open and process theology movement that seems to be significantly impacting our church and overwhelming some departments of our Nazarene schools, and specifically the Theology and Christian Ministries Department at NNU. While that is another discussion it has been difficult finding anyone to openly speak against such things for reasons completely unknown to me. There seems to be a feeling or perception that any disagreement of thought or opposition to the previously mentioned movement, and some of the more prominent proponents within our denomintion who are promoting it, is seen as divisive and dangerous. I am way past concern for our denomination. I believe she is in full blown crisis and fear the ship is adrift with no one at the helm. ---Nazarene layman and commercial airline pilot

I'm not sure I even recognize our church anymore. And because of that it could be that my wife and I won't even attend a Nazarene church when I retire. ---Noted Nazarene pastor

I am thankful that you are being bold for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and are taking a stand against all the evil that is happening in our church. I am sure you realize that among much of the leadership it is certainly not the thing to do. We were told by our district leadership that it would not be discussed anymore, and if we did not like it we could leave. My prayer is that more leaders like yourself would not only count the cost, but also be willing to pay the price. I will be praying for you and your family, for there is a price to pay. ---Nazarene layperson

I am alarmed. The emergent church has penetrated our colleges and seminary and our very own publishing house. It is coming at us from all sides. And no one in the general leadership of the church appears to be stopping it. I had a conversation two weeks ago with a graduate of NTS who recently completed his D.Min. He gently corrected me for referring to God in masculine terms as I had prayed. I had used the term "in Jesus Christ Your Son." This NTS graduate informed me that it was wrong to use masculine terms to identify God. Perhaps God was feminine. To refer to God or His Son Jesus in masculine terms was wrong. He then proceeded to go on and advise me that great pastors challenge everything, question most things, and doubt some things. In the end his conversation concluded that he didn't believe most of the great stories of the Old Testament like Daniel in the lion's den. This young pastor has graduated from one of our universities and now from our seminary, and one day he will even probably be a DS on some district. He comes from a Nazarene heritage, has all the right endorsements, and knows the right people. That is what is scaring me to death...that these emergent church followers will one day be leading our denomination. They are in our schools and in our publishing house, so where does it all end? ---Nazarene elder connected with the GMC

Is it too late? Have we moved down the path so far we can never return? Probably. I do not see the church turning back to loving God with all her heart, mind, soul, and strength. I do not see the church repenting of her arrogant assumptions and throwing herself upon the mercies of a Holy, Holy, Holy God. I fear far too many of our preachers do not pray and do not engage in the Word and certainly do not preach expositional sermons. Many do not believe people are lost and desperately need to repent of their sin that leads to death. Nor do they believe that God is inviting them to be sanctified through and through, to die to self that Christ might live His mighty life through them. ---Well-known, highly profiled Nazarene church leader

I'm responding to you personally and not in a group reply due to the fact that I've not yet "come out of the closet," so to speak. To actually say that you hold traditional, conservative, Nazarene values is becoming less acceptable as the days go by. I think I was the only one at my table (at the DS Leadership Conference) that believed God specifically created life, major species, and Adam and Eve. Another DS openly questioned the validity of a specific moment of sanctification in favor of a gradual growth in grace that just evolved until it was noticed one day. At that point I wondered if I was accidentally attending a meeting of Freewill Baptists.

I'm greatly troubled by the theological drift to the left. This 180 book truly is a 180. Instead of stories of lives that have been traditionally turned around by the grace of Christ, we're given stories of Christians turned from traditionally held Nazarene positions to those that would be more acceptable in secular universities. ---Both statements from one of our younger district superintendents

Thank God for your courage. For nearly a decade the deafening silence has brought me near to despair. ---Highly respected Nazarene evangelist

Over the past year or so I have had an increasing number of Nazarene pastors and lay leaders bring their kids to __________ (a non-Nazarene Christian university) and explicitly tell us that they don't trust their Nazarene schools anymore and that they are thrilled to find a college of the Wesleyan-holiness family that is unapologetic in its defense of inerrancy and the historical orthodoxy of the Church. ---The president of a non-Nazarene Christian university

Frankly, I am both saddened and troubled that these comments are the reflections of any Nazarene, but they represent comments I have received. And if the prominent names of these and others who have responded were known, it might be both disturbing and shocking.

And then there has been a rather new development. My initial letter also alluded to a full-page tribute to Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu of Africa that appeared in the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries magazine a couple of years ago. Why would a conservative, evangelical, Wesleyan denomination give any kind of tribute to a man recognized as the most liberal Anglican bishop in the world, and whom many consider to be an avowed Marxist? I found it indefensible then, and still do. But now comes along another inexplicable and embarrassing indictment of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in the form of a 62-page document entitled, "Creation Care--Environmental Stewardship for the Church of the Nazarene," that appeared on our Nazarene website until it was mysteriously removed over a month ago due to "numerous calls and complaints."

When I first learned of it, I managed to download the document before it disappeared. It began not with Scripture, but with an American Indian proverb, and much of the document reads as if it were put together by far left environmentalists, with discussion topics on global warming, who's to blame for the environmental crisis, the Green Belt Movement, the responsibility of the rich, etc. But perhaps the real insult to our mission and to who we are as a church was found on page 59 when it says, "In this most critical moment in Earth's history, we are convinced that the central moral imperative of our time is the care for Earth as God's creation."

When did our moral imperative change from reaching the lost for Christ to caring for the earth? Who is responsible for writing or speaking this for the Church of the Nazarene, and guiding us down these paths? Why does a 62-page liberal environmental document appear on our official church website? Who approved it, and by what authority? Why, and by whose authority, was it removed when people began asking questions? And has the infection of liberalism, that does not represent the mainstream of our church, reached certain positions at the general church level as it has at some of our schools? If so, the disconnect within our church will not only widen, it will become irreparable.

What is Next?

I contend that these and other questions raised must be answered clearly and succinctly before our "house is in order." It is imperative that they be addressed and answered sooner rather than later in order to diffuse the growing sense of fear, frustration, and angst within our church as to who we are, or who we've become, or where we're going. They must be addressed and answered in some format made public and available to the entire church, for they are questions Nazarenes want and have a right to have answered because too much is at stake for the present and the future of our church.

Perhaps equally troubling is why there is even the need for anyone to bring attention to and question these matters...the silence of leadership...the tolerance of a heresy that challenges the truth and certainty of God's Word and has become so divisive...the encroachment of a liberal worldview almost without reaction...the publication of questionable material by our own presses...or liberal, left-of-center documents that keep on "slipping by," all within the Church of the Nazarene. Has our sight and vision as a church become so blurred or opaque that we no longer know, immediately and automatically, what is right and best and correct for us to do...or what is necessary...or what is prudent...or what is holy? And if not, who is giving guidance, governance, and correction? Who is demanding excellence? Who is requiring accountability and following through? Tough questions, I know, that may sound harsh. But as a Nazarene I simply want us to be the best at who we are and what we do without the need of having to explain or defend or justify or rationalize...period!

In so doing and going forward from here, the following appears to be essential:

1. Our leadership at the highest level must take bold, decisive, transparent action at this crucial hour...and lead. I am grateful for the response from the board of general superintendents to my initial letter. They, too, identify with many of the concerns I and others share, have asked a number of people to partner with them in discussion about the needs, and even have some initiatives presently underway. In a reply to them I have submitted some suggestions for their consideration, one of which is the calling of a "summit meeting" of all US/Canada district superintendents and college/university/seminary presidents, as soon as possible, to intentionally address a number of issues point blank, face to face. Just as we need to hear from our general leadership, they also need to hear from the rest of us, for we all share in the responsibility for our church. The importance of such a meeting cannot be overstated, for we are beyond the stage of mere discussion and more dialogue.

2. District and pastoral leadership must also sense their own responsibility. As a district superintendent, I am part of the leadership of our church, and thus accountable for the kinds of pastors and churches I oversee. Our Church Manual (208.9) states that all pastors selected for local churches must be approved by the district superintendent. Recently a fellow DS provided new meaning and substance to this provision. He notified the religion department of one of our schools, known for their emergent tolerance, that no one graduating from that institution with emergent thinking would be given consideration or allowed to interview for a pastoral position at any church on that district. Which is why pastors must recognize their own responsibility. No ministry activity is more important than rightly understanding and clearly proclaiming sound doctrine, and our church is only as strong as what is taking place at the local grass roots level.

3. From the beginning of their establishment, each of our schools of higher learning has been afforded a level of autonomy. But that autonomy must be balanced with accountability, not only from the school administrations, but also from their respective governing boards. Too often these boards have viewed their role as more of a "rubber stamp" of approval for what the institution is already doing or proposes to do rather than taking time to study, probe, and ask some direct, hard, and sometimes delicate, questions. But no question should be too sensitive or too simple when, as an elected trustee, you are also a spiritual gatekeeper of that institution. Trustees have not only a right, but an obligation to know exactly where the institution stands when it comes to open theism, relativism, post-colonial readings of Scripture, process theology, or anything that promotes homosexuality or Marxism or socialism or big government. For a school is beholden to its governing board of elected trustees, not vice versa.

4. The conscience of the church must speak out. It's one thing for one voice, or a few, to articulate concerns. But it's quite another when the conscience as a body is stirred to action and begins to be heard. The hour is at hand...the time is now...for the conscience of the Church of the Nazarene to no longer be dormant or silent, among both clergy and laity.

5. And then there is the matter of prayer...and the need of our own hearts. The truth is, far too many in the Church of the Nazarene today have never experienced what this church was built upon, why it came into existence 102 years ago, and the source of its dauntless strength and success. It was the sanctifying, infilling power of the Holy Spirit. Even the words, "sanctification," or "the baptism of the Holy Ghost," often seem but a distant echo of something spoken from the past. Yet it was that experience that made us different (set apart), helped us overcome great odds during our formative, early years, and produced uncharted growth, anointed preachers and preaching, and a spirit of revival...even in the midst of a great economic depression sandwiched in between two world wars.

In Acts 15:8-9 we read these words, God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them for he purified their hearts by faith. It is the report of the Apostle Peter to the mother church in Jerusalem, telling of the Gentile Pentecost at Caesarea, tying the Gentile Pentecost to the Jerusalem Pentecost that had occurred some 20 years earlier. Maybe it's time for us as a church to clearly admit that, more than anything else, we are in need of a modern day Nazarene Pentecost, tying it back to the Gentile Pentecost, which was linked back to the Jerusalem Pentecost that changed the whole complexion of the early church. It begins by getting alone with God in earnest prayer to initiate or renew the death to self process by which we become dead instruments in the hands of a holy God...the only way to truly, effectively serve the Lord and have spiritual victory.

When such a movement of God's Spirit comes, it will consume, purge, and cleanse every concern, every issue, every challenge, and every sin presently facing our church. It is for this reason that district superintendents are meeting this coming September 14-16 for a prayer gathering in Tennessee to specifically seek the Lord on behalf of our church.

On the authority of God's Word we have ample evidence that God desires to utilize and bless our church here in the U.S. and Canada in the same manner and full extent He has done elsewhere. But if He finds those channels here no longer operative, tragically He will look elsewhere. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Orville Jenkins, Jr, Superintendent
North Florida District
Church of the Nazarene

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Manny Silva,
Stand For Truth Ministries

"The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever." Psalm 119:160

A soma da tua palavra é a verdade, e cada uma das tuas justas ordenanças dura para sempre.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Em tudo somos atribulados, mas não angustiados; perplexos, mas não desesperados;perseguidos, mas não desamparados; abatidos, mas não destruídos;

Blogging at www.reformednazarene.wordpress.com
FaceBook group: Concerned Nazarenes

ELCA, Missouri, Methodists - One Big Happy Excited Dysfunctional Family

Missouri occupies the center of the universe,
and was present at the beginning of time.

ELCA NEWS SERVICE
July 16, 2010

ELCA, United Methodist Church Embark on New Relationship

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- A joint commission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The United Methodist Church (UMC) held its inaugural meeting here July 15. The commission is charged with assisting the two mainline denominations in fostering their new full communion relationship. This is the first such relationship for the 8-million-member UMC and the sixth for the 4.6-million-member ELCA.

"This new relationship of full communion marks a denominational milestone in the ecumenical history of The United Methodist Church," said the Rev. Stephen J. Sidorak Jr., general secretary, UMC General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns.

"We're really excited about it," said Sidorak.

ELCA NEWS SERVICE
July 15, 2010

LCMS Convention Votes to Continue Cooperative Work with ELCA
10-195-JB

HOUSTON (ELCA) - Delegates to the national convention here of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) voted overwhelmingly July 15 to continue cooperative work with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) "with theological integrity," and asked that its leaders assess and report on the current state of cooperation in one year.

Resolution 3-03, "Cooperation in Externals with Theological Integrity" was adopted with minor amendments, 961-175, following a lengthy discussion by delegates.

In response the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, said in a statement that the ELCA "affirms the cooperation in externals with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod that provides care for all people. The outreach provided by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Lutheran Services in America, Lutheran World Relief, and Lutheran Disaster Response has provided for the needs of people in our country and in places throughout the world."

"We have a mutual commitment to serve our neighbor and respond to the cry of people in need," he wrote. "The opportunities to provide care are and will be with us. Concerning the need to provide formal and serious discussion on issues that might develop in our cooperation, the ELCA is open to being a partner with the LCMS in discussing any concern."

The LCMS resolution refers to the sexuality actions of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly and a response to those actions produced by a task force appointed by the LCMS president, "Theological Implications of the 2009 ELCA Decisions."

The resolution stated that:
+ "cooperation in externals with other churches, including the ELCA, continue with theological integrity"
+ the LCMS gives "thanks to God for the opportunity to give witness to God's care for all people through such cooperative work"
+ the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), in consultation with the LCMS president, vice president and others will "develop more in-depth theological criteria for assessing cooperative endeavors, determining what would necessitate termination of such cooperative efforts"
+ the LCMS president and vice presidents, in consultation with the CTCR, "provide an assessment of the current state of cooperation in externals and a full report of criteria for ongoing assessment of the same by July 13, 2011."

ELCA Bishop Does An Englebrecht (WELS DP)

DP Englebrecht skipped a meeting with a group of pastors and laity, so the Anything Goes District re-elected him.

ELCA

Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, NY got its hopes raised but then dashed

Rev. Dr. Norm David reports that Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, NY got its hopes raised but then dashed when Bishop Robert Rimbo of Metropolitan New York Synod / ELCA promised to meet with him to discuss the Bethlehem property issue then broke that promise.

The opportunity arose when the Synod at its annual assembly in May adopted unanimously a resolution to pursue "a year of forgiveness and healing" after a lot of aggravation this past year.

One such aggrieved party is Bethlehem, whose property near the heart of the city at the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues the Synod seized and shuttered in January 2009. Bethlehem contends this action was illegal and actively seeks its return. Rev. David, who attended the assembly as a guest, took Bishop Rimbo aside, expressed his gratitude for the resolution, and asked if they could meet. Bp. Rimbo said that if Rev. David would send him a letter stating what he'd like to discuss, the bishop would meet with him.

Rev. David wrote the letter stating the Bethlehem concerns. Bishop Rimbo responded that there was no "Bethlehem issue" and that "all issues brought forth in your letter have been resolved by the Courts of New York State and by the Church." Rev. David wrote back to say "You know as well as I that nothing has been settled and that, if leaders of our respective entitities (sic) fail to reach some kind of accord, we of Bethlehem will be forced to contest all that you claim in all possible forums."

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Resist the Beginnings, Part 87

Hey Don, where's the Easter egg hunt?
I'm a confessional Lutheran too.

Mequon graduates, left-click here.

LCMS-WELS-ELS pastors will think, "That just shows how terrible the Episcopalians are! If only we had their money."

They will never imagine that their embrace of ELCA has already led them into mainline apostasy. They may not be dancing in the groves yet, but they will.

Anyone who questions their progress will be branded as negative, lazy, divisive, etc.

Maybe Someone Has Some Experience in This Issue

Timothy Buelow has left a new comment on your post "Church and Change Still Rules at the WELS Love Sha...":

Dear WELS church lady,
When Northwestern College and Dr. Martin Luther College were being amalgamated, Pastor Nathan Pope quoted his father, Rev, Reinhard Pope, as saying "The problem with those guys is they don't teach catechism class any more," meaning, they are out of touch with ordinary people, their level, and how to teach them the basics. Having worked at Bethesda Lutheran Home during my summers at Northwestern College, I can say, that at least on this one, Dr. Jackson, my old friend, hasn't had the privilege of teaching the retarded. Jesus Cares, as you write, is just such a program designed to reach the retarded. Teaching MUST be at their level. (The WELS Simplified Catechism is a wonderful starting point, as are some of the Sunday School Bible story materials Bethesda Lutheran Home used to send out and maybe still does.) If I arrange a Saturday program for the retarded in my city, and their parents come to that program, I too, will reach out to the parents on that day with "frivolous" programs like water balloon tosses, or whatever, to get them to feel at home so I can share the Gospel with them. Then on Sunday morning, I will conduct my proper Lutheran mass.

So thanks for your comment. I'm glad Greg published what you said. Before we properly question things, it's good to know the context.
Pastor Timothy Buelow
pastor@faithcarthage.org
www.faithcarthage.org

***

GJ - I love the patient, condescending tone used by WELS/ELS pastors when addressing the errors of the hoi polloi.

Around 1971, when some people were still new to two-wheelers, my wife and instituted a confirmation class for special needs students at the largest Lutheran church in Canada. There was no program, no materials, no supporting organization, just a need.

The class went well and the students recited the Apostles Creed from memory as part of their confirmation service. Afterward, one student with Downs Syndrome, knelt at the communion rail praying, because he was so happy and grateful.

As many know, our daughters suffered from a neurological degenerative condition from birth to death, so there was a period from 1974 to 1987 when we were always dealing with major medical issues and visiting with many parents who also had extremely rare health issues with their children.

WELS, in its infinite capacity for wisdom and compassion, has used our daughters' illness and death to attack me, including a recent rant on the fake (anonymous) Ichabod blog from Appleton. I do not recall any WELS or ELS pastor posting an objection to those gutter tactics, which they use to cover up for their adulterous pastors, murderous church workers, and false doctrine. I probably would have remembered it if someone had. In fact, WELS is not even ashamed of trotting out this canard whenever useful.

By the way, a WELS member pointed out the post on the official website. He objected to the way the material was presented, not to the education of retarded members nor to Jesus Cares in particular

An objection I shared with this reader was this implication - we need to address their felt needs to get them inside, a message more odious when voiced by a Church and Change leader.

Perhaps one day WELS/ELS leaders will start with the Word, emphasize the Word, and stick with that.

The article reminds me of the LCA evangelism expert who urged everyone to organize baseball teams because that is how his church grew.

---

bruce-church (https://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Church and Change Still Rules at the WELS Love Sha...":

Hi Dr. Jackson, You wrote about a C&Cer at Kokomo. That got me Googling and I found the WELS was covering their tracks on UOJ.

First, the WELS church behind the Kokomo scandal no longer exists. It was Faith Lutheran, which is ironic because UOJ is about justification without faith. Faith only makes a person conscious of every person's 30 AD justification, UOJers teach.

Second, I found that the C&C Adam Mueller moved a rural congregation, Peace, into Kokomo proper, so in effect the two churches were joined. Now, when one church moves into another church's location and merges, it usually takes the name of the church that didn't move, right? So they should have kept the name Faith and ditched the name Peace. But to cover their UOJ tracks, they chose the name Peace. Of course, someone might claim Faith closed first, but it would counter that's just part of the WELS mechanizations to rid itself of Faith Kokomo.

Third, Rev. Adam Mueller's taking the reins for the synod on this project is just another way C&C is trying to position itself as defender of Synodical Conference's old time religion orthodoxy, something I've sensed has been going on from statements C&Cers have made, i.e., claiming that the real reason they are being attacked is their belief in UOJ.
----------
http://ichabodthegloryhasdeparted.blogspot.com/2010/07/church-and-change-still-rules-at-wels.html

GJ - Sending a Church and Change leader to Kokomo must be the equivalent of shipping a gambler to Las Vegas. Does it get any better?
---------
http://www.churchandchange.org/home/2384/2384/files/CanCprogram.Web.pdf

From 2007: Adam Mueller serves Peace Lutheran Church in Kokomo, IN. He recently led his rural congregation
to relocate inside the city and is now spearheading aggressive outreach initiatives.
----------
http://welslocator.locatorsearch.com/

http://www.peacekokomo.com/

http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/sitelist/02/churches_list.asp?st=IN

---

Scott E. Jungen has left a new comment on your post "Church and Change Still Rules at the WELS Love Sha...":

Church Lady, to my knowledge the Jesus Cares is just what it says, helping people with disabilites. I spent several years working with a young man with Down's Syndrome. To him, Jesus was "Ge-ge". He professed his faith by signing "Jesus loves me". He answered questions by pointing to pictures. Yet I knew the Word is powerful, and the Holy Spirit was strengthening his faith. The things described are perfect for a Jesus Cares service. However, when they become the worship service of your members without "Special Needs", then you have... C&C!
Scott

---

bruce-church (https://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Maybe Someone Has Some Experience in This Issue":

I found out from a source that "about five years ago Faith in Kokomo changed it's name to Peace." So Faith never closed before it changed its name.

***

GJ - That reminds me of a film, Bruce: "They didn't move the cemetery - they just moved the tombstones!"

WELS never repudiated their Kokomo Statements. They just blamed the Statements on the people they kicked out of WELS for not accepting them. One sardonic WELS member just wrote me -

There must be a typo in my Book of Concord.

Epitome, Article IX "Christ's Descent into Hell" includes the sentence, "It is enough to know that Christ went to hell, destroyed hell for all believers, and has redeemed them from the power of death, of the devil, and of the eternal damnation of the hellish jaws."

Seems to me the church fathers accidentally included "for all believers" when what they obviously meant was, "for all."

You Are the Problem

bruce-church (http://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Church and Change Still Rules at the WELS Love Sha...":

What's bad about society and church nowadays is if a person is more interested in the intellectual side of Lutheranism, and doesn't get into rock and roll liturgy, yard games like the bean toss, water slide park-themed youth retreats, or baseball camp VBS, that person is thought to be depressed or have Asperger syndrome. In other words, attention deficit hyperactive adults have taken over church, school and society, and learning is disrespected. No longer is a person just a party-pooper, but now they search the DSM-IV Manual for your ailment, and prescriptions one might take.

***

GJ - Those who frown at Church and Change, Emerging Church, Purpose-Driven Church, Church Growth - they are lazy and legalistic. If only Glende, Ski, Mueller, Olson, Gunn, Borgwardt, and Hunter could set them free.

Seventh Sunday after Trinity

"I AM the way, and the truth, and the life."
By Norma Boeckler

The Seventh Sunday after Trinity

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

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

Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Time

The Hymn #9 O Day of Rest 1:89
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #237 All Glory Be 1:12

Something Out of Nothing

The Communion Hymn #341 Crown Him 1:70
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn # 261 Lord Keep Us Steadfast 1:93

KJV Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
KJV Mark 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, 2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: 3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far. 4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? 5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. 6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. 7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. 8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. 9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Lord God, heavenly Father, who in the wilderness didst by Thy Son abundantly feed four thousand men besides women and children with seven loaves and a few small fishes: We beseech Thee, graciously abide among us with Thy blessing, and keep us from covetousness and the cares of this life, that we may seek first Thy kingdom and Thy righteousness, and in all things needful for body and soul, experience Thine ever-present help; through Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

Something Out of Nothing
This miracle teaches us many things, especially about how God creates something out of nothing, not just in the distant past, but even today.

If we study the Word carefully, we are protected against the nonsense which is taught and believed because people are unprepared.

As I mentioned before, this miracle is dismissed by moderns a number of different ways. One is that the Gospel writer is confused, writing up the same miracle twice, with two different numbers for the crowds.

In the New Testament era, writing and manuscripts were rare, so people had superb memories based on their lack of recording techniques. I am trying to imagine how the Evangelist could write up the “same” miracle twice and not identify his mistake.

It is clear that miraculous abundance accompanied Jesus. The Word of God shows Jesus creating the best wine from water at the wedding, miraculous catches of fish, and feedings of the multitude.

The rationalists have an explanation for this miracle. The rationalists have the crowd sharing their food, so this was a miracle of sharing. True, the boy with the food is not mentioned here, but the modernists blend things together and make their Biblical studies a creative writing seminar.

We can determine that no one was hiding food because they were with Jesus for three days. All the food was gone. In the desert, burning up calories, that was dangerous. Fainting along the way home was a real threat. Since the brain runs on blood sugar, a lack of food can lead to irrational behavior, which hastens death.

First of all we see the impossibility of food appearing from the crowd itself, and it is nowhere to be found where they are. Outside of a village, we could imagine some source of food, although I remember being admonished for ordering 30 sandwiches at once from a fast food place, because I did not warn them. Imagine 4,000 families and their need for food, outside any village or city. But they were in the desert.

Second, the text shows that Jesus had compassion on the crowd before anyone even asked for food.

2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: 3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

This alone should remind us of God answering prayers before we even ask, especially concerning our material needs. That is always paramount for us, but God teaches us throughout the Word that He provides for all people, believers and unbelievers alike.

The ministry of the Word suppresses the Old Adam in us, so that many pitfalls of natural man are taken away, in spite of the fact that we are still sinful. The result of a God-pleasing life is going to be far more peaceful and balanced that someone who follows impulses of the moment. The celebrities, who are admired one moment, are arrested or put in addiction rehab the next. They mourn or brag about the millions they have squandered.

God is merciful and compassionate.

KJV Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

When Jesus announced His determination to help everyone, the disciples answered as true rationalists.

4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?

Everyone knows that is impossible. There is nothing in the desert to provide for the multitude. I still read about people who imagine they can saw open a cactus and eat the pulp like watermelon, with water gushing out of the barrel cactus.

The disciples are offering the same objections we hear all the time, since our default attitude is rationalism. “This is impossible.”

Nothing is impossible with God, Who creates something out of nothing, through the Word.

Creation by the Word teaches us why this is so. The entire universe was called into being by the Word of God. All things were made through Him and nothing was made apart from Him. When God said, “Let there be light,” light came into existence, before the sun and stars were fashioned.

He spoke man into existence and filled the world with plants and animals to take care of man’s needs, including medicine – from the digitalis in foxglove to the penicillin mold living on bread. That ugly field weed is called deadly nightshade, related to the tomato, not good for animals to eat, but it contains belladonna, with medicinal properties used to treat stomach problems.

As believers, we do not need to ask how God arranged all this. We know it is true and that His gracious will only desires good for us.

What has already happened on a galactic scale in the past also happens on a smaller scale in the present.

No matter what we think or imagine, based on our knowledge and experience, God can and does accomplish miracles through the Word, for us personally, throughout our lives.

The most common, but overlooked miracle, is Holy Communion, where the Word consecrates the ordinary elements so that they are still bread and wine but also the body and blood of Jesus Christ. And there remains the greatest miracle, represented and offered by Holy Communion - the forgiveness of sins, justification by faith.

“Your righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees,” and it does – when we are justified by faith.

There is the righteousness of man, which people trust and admire, and the righteousness of faith, which the world scorns and mocks. The righteousness of man is good for the moment and deadly in eternity. The righteousness of faith means bearing the cross, but gives us internal and eternal peace. There may be no outward peace for long stretches of time, but that does not matter when we know and experience “the peace that passes all understanding.

The declaration of forgiveness by the Word is even greater than Creation of the universe by the Word. The two go together, which is why we are called New Creations in the New Testament. (Often translated as new creatures, which hides the meaning a bit.)

One passage in the Bible informs us about other passages, because they all belong together in this singular doctrine of God. The Reformers preferred to use the singular term, so people did not thing there were rows and rows of “doctrines” where someone could chose one over the other, or emphasize one over the other.

Commonly, sectarians will emphasize one concept at the expense of all others. They may spend all their time on the return of Christ. Or they may have a new table of commandments to follow. Their lack of balance in showing the entire doctrine of God shows that they are cafeteria believers. They slide their tray along the line and pick out what they like and leave the rest, sometimes calling it the “whole Gospel.”

The abundance is this miracle is even greater than the original feeding, because so many fragments are leftover when people have completely filled themselves, after being famished.

When we worry about God’s grace in forgiving our sins, there is more than enough, a great abundance of His mercy. There is so much forgiveness in the Gospel that it overflows to many others around us.

When we are anxious about how He will take care of us, there is more than enough, and plenty to share as well.

Church and Change Still Rules at the WELS Love Shack

Adam Mueller, Larry Olson, Jeff Gunn - all are righteous dudes in the new, confessional WELS.

This is under Missions at the WELS website. I get the joke. Anyone else?

Each month the Jesus Cares service is preceded by a fun-filled fellowship event that lasts about a half an hour. One month we hosted an Easter egg hunt, and then illustrated in the Service at the Cross the beautiful truths of the resurrection. Another month we played bean-bag-toss and awarded a trophy to the winner. But, as we learned later, that trophy does not compare to the happy assurance we have through Jesus, our Ascended Lord. This past month members of Jesus Cares navigated their way through a human checker-board and were “kinged.” Later we joined to sing “Crown Him with Many Crowns” to Jesus Christ, our only King. Each month the fun “come-event” is designed to serve as a connected object lesson to the service that follows.

We’ve found that inviting people to the fellowship beforehand is well-received. Many have begun to invite those they know from their homes or workplaces. The relaxed fellowship setting allows us to develop relationships with the different people who come, and put into practice our Christian love. Still, no matter how fun the fellowship may be, it doesn’t compare with the excitement they show in the Service at the Cross. One young man’s reaction will forever be etched in my mind. When Vicar Italiano announced that Jesus forgives all their sins, he blurted out, “YES!” and started clapping. Yes, indeed – Jesus cares!

Pastor Adam Mueller
Peace Lutheran Church
Kokomo, Indiana

***

GJ - Sending a Church and Change leader to Kokomo must be the equivalent of shipping a gambler to Las Vegas. Does it get any better?

Love the gimmicks, Adam. Everyone should take note - the Word does not draw people. God's Word is weak, so it needs bean bag tossing and other VBS games to get people inside to learn they are already guilt-free saints.

The WELS promotion of this claptrap shows that it remains committed to Enthusiasm in all forms. But we know that from Fox Valley, where Ski and Glende play around while soaking up enormous subsidies.

Given the kiddie games, I would rather see people drawn to church by ultimate high church worship, extreme high church, as long as the Word is taught. That would be different in today's Emerging Church climate.

Oh WELS, you almost had us fooled. We thought you were going to turn serious, but it was all smoke and mirrors...again. Talk a little. Move a few people to new positions. Hint at what may happen in the future. You are getting sleepy, very sleepy. Look at this light. Poof. Now no one remembers what was said before.

Nauseating - More Like Ski and Glende or the "Youth Ministry" Guy?

"Ed Young's newly recorded solo rap for Hillsong 2010 -
takin' things in the Kingdom to a 'Hole 'Nutha Level!"
Youth Ministry satire.
"Troy says:
I was at Hillsong Conference, and that video was not a promo for the conference. It was a funny video that Ed Young made and showed for fun before he started his message."
July 18, 2010 at 8:53 am

Hillsong Conference

Hillsong Team

Brian Houston

Brian is the Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. He is passionate about the Cause of Christ, consumed with seeing people come into relationship with Jesus and committed to championing the cause of the local church - globally. His relevant presentation of the Gospel will inspire and motivate you to be all God has called you to be.

Bobbie Houston

Bobbie is the Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia, along with her husband Brian. With a contagious zest for life, Bobbie passionately believes in the potential of all people and is devoted to the Cause of Christ. Her desire to see value placed on womanhood will greatly inspire you and give you a fresh perspective on the magnificence of God and His Church.

Joel Houston

Joel Houston is the Creative Director of Hillsong Church and a world renowned songwriter and worship leader. As well as overseeing the creative team, Joel also travels the globe with Hillsong United bringing a message of worship and justice to an emerging generation. Through this, he has birthed 'I heart'; a movement that inspires this generation to rise up and change the world around them.

Gary Clarke

Gary is passionate about seeing people's lives flourish as they are planted in the House of God. Gary believes in every Christian harnessing the blessing of God in their own lives, to create a platform from which they can influence and impact their world for the Cause of Christ. Gary has developed a brand of practical, thought-provoking biblical teaching that will inspire and challenge you to lead in every sphere of life.

Peter Wilson

Peter is one of the Executive Team at Hillsong Church London and works directly with the Senior Pastors Gary & Cathy Clarke. Peter leads and pastors the Creative side of the Church in London. With an absolute passion for the local Church, he strives to bring others to an understanding of who they are in Christ and who we are together as His body, the Church. He firmly believes that the Church is God’s answer to a world in need, that together we are His hands and feet and that side by side we are the visible representation of Jesus to humanity.

Guest Speakers

Ed Young Jr.
Ed Young Jr. is a pastor, author and speaker with a passion for communicating God's unchanging truth through culturally compelling and creative teaching methods.

Joel and Victoria Osteen

Senior Pastors of the largest and fastest growing church in the USA in Houston, Texas with more than 40,000 attendees. They are committed to serving and helping every person achieve their full potential. Having pioneered Lakewood's television program, they now bring a positive message of hope to over 100 million households throughout the world. We are thrilled to have Joel, Victoria and the whole Lakewood team with us for Hillsong Conference Europe in 2010 as well as The Night of Hope.

---

Pastor Tim Glende a.k.a. Pastor Tim
5 ways to describe you: Blessed by God. Loves his family. Passionate about sharing Jesus in the Valley. Hard worker. Obsessive about Ohio State Football – “Go Bucks!”.

***

GJ - The best comment came from a Black comic:

"Everyone wants to walk like us, talk like us, sing like us, rap like us, talk like us. Everybody wants to be Black until the police arrive."

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Emerging Church Wedding - Why Fat White Guys Should Not Be Recorded Dancing

Friday, July 16, 2010

WELS Fox Valley Youth Ministry Revealed

Thursday, July 15, 2010

WELS Politician Did Not Pay His Fees - Synod Treasurer Not Accused This Time

Daniel Bice

Neumann camp admits 'screw-up' in fee payment slip up

Wisconsin governor candidate failed to pay more than $25,000 in real estate transfer fees

Posted: July 12, 2010 |(114) Comments

Mark Neumann vows to run state government like a business if he's elected governor.

But first the former Republican congressman must make sure he's running his businesses in line with the state.

Records show that Neumann failed to pay about $25,000 in real estate transfer fees when he moved millions of dollars' worth of properties from one corporate entity to another since May 2008.

Neumann, who personally signed and said he prepared most of the documents, claimed he was exempt from the transfer fee under state law. But his campaign acknowledged it had erred after No Quarter pointed out that his businesses didn't qualify for the exemption.