Wednesday, March 15, 2023

The Latest Numbers - Lair E. Olson - "It's All about the Numbers"



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Dead Man Talking, 
The Very First Post, 2007

I find it strange that Issues in WELS has expressed its feelings by posting an essay by a dead man, a dead pastor who wrote perceptively 15 years ago. Here is the link: http://www.issuesinwels.org/RecReading07/IIWKoeplin.doc [missing link]

Corky Koeplin, as he was known, was senior pastor of a large WELS church in Milwaukee where all the synodical staff were members. He wrote this essay, had a stroke, and then died. The synod staff said he wrote it while brain damaged from the stroke, but he published it before the stroke. Someone sent it to me anonymously, so I had Christian News print it. One of my "friends" called me up to scream at me that the essay was only to be circulated "among the brothers," that this was stated on the cover sheet. The anonymous sender omitted the cover sheet. I thought it odd that the person phoning, who decried the changes in the synod, was so distraught that the synodical crisis was laid out so clearly and so publicly. Odder still is publishing the essay now, an indictment of the whole Issues in WELS bunch. They have been silent for 15 years. 

The best essay on the website is Corky's. The rest are mushy, wimpy, and poorly written. I wrote to Marcus Manthey about their silence for the last 15 years. I was publishing quite a bit about these topics in the late 1980's and early 1990's. He did not reply! 

 To summarize the Koeplin essay, using his own categories. 

 1. A Synodical Drift. 

 2. The “Business” of the Church Supplanting the Work of the Church. 

 3. An Unhealthy Inroad of “Church Growth.” 

 4. A Top Heavy Administration. 

 5. A Denigration of the Holy Ministry. 

 6. A Dismantling of the Worker Training System. 

 Oh yes, Corky noticed they were taking apart the WELS school system 15 years ago. But wait, didn't Issues in WELS just point out the problem, as if the school crisis suddenly breached the surface, like Moby Dick? Marcus Manthey shouts from the crow's nest, "Thar she blows! We are doomed." The Silent Generation circulated the Corky essay covertly in 1992, angry that I had it published for everyone to see. They did nothing. They said nothing. Meanwhile, they let the synod leaders behave just as Pope Pius IX did about the topic of infallibility. Every Catholic prelate had to submit to Pope Pius' infallibility. If they did not, they were punished. If they were slow to repent, they were still punished. No one was spared. Many Catholic prelates were hounded and even feared for their lives. 

Fear is a wonderfully motivating emotion. Some think that the infallibility decree alone had a tremendous, negative effect on European politics, making it far more secular and anti-Christian. The infallibility of the synod has had the same effect on WELS. Looking at Corky's categories, I notice that they are more true today than in 1992. The synod, first under Naumann and then under Mischke, allowed the anti-Lutherans to take over the doctrinal leadership of the denomination. This will become clear later. Perhaps someone will write a dissertation. 

The evidence is abundant. They started with TELL magazine, which Synodical President Naumann endorsed. The first editor was Ron Roth. The second was Paul Kelm. The third was Robert Hartman. The theme of TELL was to promote the Church Growth Movement in WELS. "The publication TELL ('The Evangelism Life Line') has been inaugurated to promote the cause of church growth." Ernst H. Wendland, "Church Growth Theology," Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, April, 1981, 78, p. 105. 

"When was the last time you kissed a frog?...'Lifestyle Evangelism and Follow-up,' a Navigator video seminar for the church, makes a solid case for Christian frog kissing as a way of life." James A. Aderman, TELL, The Evangelism Life Line (WELS), Summer, 1986, p. 2. 

"TELL has served the church faithfully for 15 years. Three editors have served; Ronald Roth (1977-84), Paul Kelm (1985-88), and the undersigned since 1989...The lead article in the first issue of TELL was titled 'Church Growth - Worthwhile for WELS.'...The author of this article in April 1988 issue of TELL concludes, 'It's obvious by now that I believe we in WELS can profit greatly from the writings of the church-growth leaders.' ... 

TELL as a separate publication ends with this issue. Nevertheless, the focus of The Evangelism Life Line will continue for years to come as an integral part of the new Board for Parish Services journal - PARISH LEADERSHIP." (Robert Hartman) 

 "Our decision not to use the name Lutheran in the name of the congregation seems to have caused some concern. We point you to the Lutheran confessions which clearly state that a name is an adiaphoron. So only when not using the name is a denial of what the name stands for is there a problem. We reject the inferences that have been drawn that have been drawn [sic] that it is our intention to deny the biblical teach [sic] (ibid. conservative Lutheran teaching). Put in very practical terms our question is: Can we reach more of the unchurched if we can begin with sin and grace, guilt and forgiveness, rather than having to deal with lodge, scouts, the vagaries of ELCA, etc. at the beginning." WELS Michigan District Vice-president Paul Kuske, Letter to the Ohio Conference, Pilgrim Community Church, sponsored from Grove City by Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church Fall Conference, Gibsonia, 1989.[44] [emphasis in original] 

 "We have discovered that the Early Church was an institution that unknowingly saw its world through Church Growth eyes. We have some benefits they did not have in that we can look back today and analyze their successes and failures." Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, "Church Growth - the Acts of the Apostles," Taught at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio. Stolzenburg worked closely with Kuske in creating Pilgrim Community Church, a flop. 

 Conclusion 

In conclusion, Corky wrote an essay 15 years ago, naming Church Growth as the main culprit in the drift of the synod. The synod's own wrecking team (Roth, Kelm, Hartman) gloated in 1992 that they had been busy promoting Church Growth for 15 years. 

This is the happy 30th Anniversary of Church Growth in WELS. The results are in: 

1. The synod is completely broke, even with Marvin Schwan money, Thrivent gifts, and the loot from the Tetzels gathering Irrevocable Gift Trusts. Note well the first word in IGTs. 

2. Two preps have been closed - Mobridge and Prairie. Northwestern College has been absorbed by Dr. Martin Luther College, its unique pastoral track ended. The pre-sem students all take the same courses as the teachers at MLC. 

3. Michigan Lutheran Seminary will soon be closed by the synod, making that 3 out of 4 preps killed, but Martin Luther Prep is already losing synodical support and may close in two more years or so. 

4. Closing the last two preps will finish off Martin Luther College. 

5. Seminary enrollments seem to be down and will be heading downward fast with the loss of the preps. Church workers come mostly from the prep schools. 

6. WELS membership has been going down ever since the Church Growth Movement was started. The solution for the declining membership has always been, "We need more Church Growth methods!" 

Luther says this about false teachers: 

 False Doctrine Tolerated 

"And such false teachers have the good fortune that all their folly is tolerated, even though the people realize how these act the fool, and rather rudely at that. They have success with it all, and people bear with them. But no patience is to be exercised toward true teachers! Their words and their works are watched with the intent of entrapping them, as complained of in Psalm 17:9 and elsewhere. When only apparently a mote is found, it is exaggerated to a very great beam. No toleration is granted. There is only judgment, condemnation and scorn. Hence the office of preaching is a grievous one. He who has not for his sole motive the benefit of his neighbor and the glory of God cannot continue therein. The true teacher must labor, and permit others to have the honor and profit of his efforts, while he receives injury and derision for his reward." 

Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 110f. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. Psalm 17:9. 

God Punishes Ingratitude by Allowing False Teachers 

"In the second place such teachers are disposed to bring the people into downright bondage and to bind their conscience by forcing laws upon them and teaching works-righteousness. The effect is that fear impels them to do what has been pounded into them, as if they were bondslaves, while their teachers command fear and attention. But the true teachers, they who give us freedom of conscience and create us lords, we soon forget, even despise. The dominion of false teachers is willingly tolerated and patiently endured; indeed, it is given high repute. All those conditions are punishments sent by God upon them who do not receive the Gospel with love and gratitude." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 111. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. John 5:43. 

False Teachers Flay Disciples to Bone 

"In the third place, false teachers flay their disciples to the bone, and cut them out of house and home, but even this is taken and endured. Such, I opine, has been our experience under the Papacy. But true preachers are even denied their bread. Yet this all perfectly squares with justice! For, since men fail to give unto those from whom they receive the Word of God, and permit the latter to serve them at their own expense, it is but fair they should give the more unto preachers of lies, whose instruction redounds to their injury. What is withheld from Christ must be given in tenfold proportion to the devil. They who refuse to give the servant of truth a single thread, must be oppressed by liars." 

Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 111f. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. 

Avarice in False Teachers 

 "Fourth, false apostles forcibly take more than is given them. They seize whatever and whenever they can, thus enhancing their insatiable avarice. This, too, is excused in them." 

Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 112. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. 

They Lord It Over Us 

"Fifth, these deceitful teachers, not satisfied with having acquired our property, must exalt themselves above us and lord it over us...We bow our knees before them, worship them and kiss their feet. And we suffer it all, yes, with fearful reverence regard it as just and right. And it is just and right, for why did we not honor the Gospel by accepting and preserving it?" 

Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 112. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. 

We Are Dogs and Foot-Rags 

"Sixth, our false apostles justly reward us by smiting us in the face. That is, they consider us inferior to dogs; they abuse us, and treat us as foot-rags." 

Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 112. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. 

 In Christ, Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

Mid-Week Vespers, March 15, 2023.


               Bethany Lutheran Worship 
                      7 PM Central Time

Mid-Week Lenten Vespers, 2023

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

Vimeo Link to This Vespers Service


The Hymn #523    Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me

         
The Order of Vespers                                                p. 41

The Psalmody                          Psalm 24                  p. 128
The Lections                            The Passion History

                                                 
The Sermon Hymn #345        Jesus Lover of My Soul

 

The Sermon –    The Kindness of Jesus

 
The Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer

The Collect for Grace                                            p. 45

The Hymn #554         Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadows


KJV Isaiah 53 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

It is important to remember that the Apostle Paul, many centuries later, referred to this in Romans 10:16 - "Who hath believed our report?" The report or rumor is the Gospel of Christ, which no one understood in Isaiah 53 until Jesus fulfilled that Promise. "Faith comes by hearing the Report." Many first hear the Report during their baptism. Others believe as adults. The Gospel truth first gives us faith and this faith gives us access to the grace of the Savior Jesus. This is nothing but kindness from Jesus.

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Jesus was disfigured, tortured, and placed on the cross to make His agony last even longer. Verse 2 comes out of the blue like a lightning bolt. Without sin, healing people, raising them from the dead, feeding them miraculously - yet He received no accolades only mockery at the end. In this way God shows us how the Son took on the sins of the world. This was written long before the Roman Empire was anything!

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Jesus had no one left at the cross, except the two Marys and the Apostle John. The crowds that cheered Him mocked Him instead. This is how we should look at the world - everything was against Him and everyone was powerless to stop the debacle, played out by the greatest empire of all time. But God changed everything in a moment, and all the believers went from fear and sorrow to joy and elation. When times are dark, as they are now, we only think of the darkness and wreckage. But God can turn this around in a moment, just as He does with individuals. He even offers grace and forgiveness to those who believe in His Son, recognizing their sin. No sin is too terrible for forgiveness through Christ, except unbelief - which is sin against the Holy Spirit who brings the Son of God to us.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

How can we doubt what God  will do in the future if He can describe this a thousand years in advance, and Psalm 22 as a detailed description of Holy Week? We cannot even predict the weather three days in advance. 

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

At times we doubt that this is possible, that so much grief was laid upon Him 20 centuries ago. How can that be? Smart-alecks like Braaten-Jenson (ELCA theologians) and Rudolph Bultmann (German rationalist) are admired for rejecting the Atonement. They blinded themselves with logic. "Any schoolboy knows..." (Bultmann) - that is why children have faith when scholars only have degrees.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

This would be insulting if it were not true. Sheep are greedy for food and bullies at getting the food. Never go to a children's petting zoo with food bottles for sheep. They push the lambs aside so the big fat ones can eat even more. Because of this, Jesus became the Passover Lamb. How many Passovers have Jewish people conducted, from Moses on, with memories of the Exodus? The innocent lamb sacrificed. Or read about Abraham and Isaac - the sacrifice of the beloved son symbolic in the ram (sheep) who replaced him.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

The details are astonishing, so close to the future experience of Jesus. As He often said, "The Scriptures must be fulfilled..." Why? Because that is what makes us firm in the conviction of everything being done for us - in spite of us - through the Son, obeying His Father, the story kept and spread by the Holy Spirit.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

This is additional detail about the Atonement, which the Jewish people knew from the Temple sacrifice. Soon after Easter Sunday, a small rebellion brought the Roman Empire there to destroy the Temple, which has never been rebuilt. 

9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

This is contradictory and true. Jesus died with criminals and was buried - like Lazarus - in a rich man's tomb. The Gospel of John shows that the Jewish leaders wanted to kill the risen Lazarus because he was proof of Jesus' divine power. Jesus and Lazarus came together to Jerusalem, Jesus knowing what would happen, with two powers set up against Him. Yet two top Jewish leaders believed and helped Him be buried.

10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

The last three verses are glory Halleluiahs! 






Who Killed Homer? by Victor Davis Hanson and John Heath

Victor Davis Hanson, Greek and Latin Professor
PS - If you recently wrote to me about Latin, send another note. It got lost in all the ads.

Hanson, 70 years old, published Who Killed Homer? with his colleague John Heath. I was intrigued because my father, Homer, had a classical name and a relative was named Horace. Both were born in the classical revival in America, which supposedly sponsored fraternities and sororities so they could delve into the classics and recite Latin and Greek. 

When I see an intriguing book, I usually get it at once via Amazon or Alibris. So I ordered this one, and found the book very boring. The authors dwell on their business of Latin/Greek publications, faculties, academic meetings, and lack of job opportunities. 

A revival in the classics today is as unlikely as a young couple naming their baby boy Homer or Horace. 

I could never explain to people why I enjoyed ancient history, Greek, and Latin. When they found out I was taking the classics as my college major, they talked to me about the job opportunities as if I were severely limited and unaware of the cold harsh reality outside of Moline. I was given every opportunity to read, including bedroom book shelves and a walnut bookcase full of books in the basement.

All book reading will stop in a few more years. The grandchildren of Boomers only know the smart-phone and have a personal relationship with staring at a screen. Ear buds are required to filter out the sounds of living human beings nearby, so conversation is limited to single syllable words. One Walmart young lady was pulling a cart with one hand and working her smart-phone with the other, smiling about the message. I was waiting for boom-crash-what-were-you-doing.

I have told many people, perhaps too often, that I discovered students suffered from a total loss in the joy of reading years ago. I used to buy so many great, small, inexpensive books discounted at book stores that I could bring stacks to the classroom. 

Once I had a large set of Twain that I distributed this way. "Who loves Twain?" About half of the large class put their hands up. They were the only ones allowed in the lottery, picking a number between 1 and 30. Two tied. "What color am I thinking about?" I was thinking about green, so one person got the whole set. He said, "I am so happy because I love Twain's books!" I gave away a leather bound copy of Moby Dick, and the recipient thanked me the next week - ecstatic.

I brought books all the time and they were taken with glee. Once I had an especially studious class. When the break started, all of them stayed in their seats, pulled out books, and read. Total silence, no conversation. One of those students graduated summa - top of the very large class.

One day I brought my books but the students looked at me as if I were peddling a large bag of earthworm compost. They were puzzled and uninterested in books. We had moved into the era of laptops - then smart-phones. In writing class one student was extremely offended that I corrected her essay. I was called into the boss' office once because one student earned a B rather than an undeserved A. The complaint went to the top and I found myself accused of plagiarism. I collected some wisdom from colleagues and wrote a letter proving my case, demanding a written apology to me and my wife. That soon followed.

I learned today that faculty at my former school are getting threats from people angry about their grades. 


Above - Gustav Andreen left his position at Yale University to guide a tiny college in Rock Island, Illinois. He built Augustana College into a highly rated liberal arts college. I met his daughter, who was my mother's teaching friend. She said, "Are you going to be a teacher too?" I said, "No."