We'll take your church and just leave you some small change."
AC V has left a new comment on your post "The Preached Word Is God's Instrument of Grace":
Your photo with caption brought to mind what John Brug said in the Spring 2011 WLQ: "Substance is more important than symbols, but the importance of symbols of preaching should not be underestimated. Well-chosen symbols reflect and build inner attitudes. If symbols like vestments and pulpits say to people that the preacher believes he is set apart from the crowd, then they are functioning as very effective symbols and conveying their intended meaning....
Symbols are intended to express and reinforce values. Though some laughed at his action as pretentious, there was a reason President-elect Obama felt a need to stand behind a podium with a seal of the Office of President-Elect. There is a reason that presidents often speak from the Oval Office. Historically, symbols have always functioned as signs of office. If a preacher is embarrassed by symbols because he is embarrassed by the concept of office, he needs to examine his understanding of his role."
WELS readers, do you see a trend among your pastors to wander from the pulpit when preaching, just like the TV preachers (or like Time of Grace Jeske)? Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
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GJ - Pentecostal churches have stages and pit bands.
Roman Catholic churches have altars and almost no pulpit.
Methodist and Presbyterian churches have large pulpits and almost no altar, perhaps a table, more like a card table.
Babtists have pulpits and an immersion tub, because immersion is required. Lenski - "The only ones immersed in the Bible were those who drowned in the Flood."
Wandering from the pulpit is a gimmick, and a dumb one at that. When Lutherans doubt the efficacy of the Word, they imitate those who mock the efficacy of the Word.
