Would You Buy a Used Synod from This Man?

President-in-Waiting Wayne Mueller issued this formal denial in the midst of the WELS Church Growth tidal wave, which he supervised and promoted:

"There is no Church Growth Movement Program in our synod. Our church body is opposed to the false theology of the Church Growth Movement. We have no programs inside or outside the budget with that name. Nor do we have any programs with a different name which utilize Church Growth theology."
Wayne D. Mueller, Administrator for the Board of Parish Services, WELS, "A Response to 'Saving Souls vs. New Programs,'" The Northwestern Lutheran, November 1, 1991, February 1, 1992, p. 50.

In the same article, Wayne Mueller provided an escape clause for his previous official denial:

"There may be pastors or congregations which use methodology which church growth people use. This does not mean they have adopted the theology of the Church Growth Movement. Our Lutheran Confessions allow complete freedom among our churches in methodology that does not conflict with the gospel."

A few months earlier, the editor of The Northwestern Lutheran (now Forward in Contagion) solemnly declared:

"A number of experts on church growth principles added muscle to the conference. Among the experts were George Barna, George Gallup Jr., Lyle Schaller, and Tom Sine--icons in the church growth movement...Of the four church growth experts mentioned above, I have heard three of them speak at some length." [On opposing page is the letter about Church Growth which Wayne Mueller answered] James P. Schaefer, The Northwestern Lutheran, October 15, 1991, p. 63.

Just to make sure everyone knew how beloved the Church Growth Movement was and is in WELS, Jeb Schaefer, added with a twist of his meat cleaver:

"I share the judgment of Prof. David Valleskey that one 'can probably pick up a few helpful hints' from the church growth folks."

There you have it folks. The vote at the WELS convention will be for or against the Church Growth Movement.