There are solid reasons why the Big Five Apostates - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) are material rather than spiritual.
The numbers ooze from their own spreadsheets.
Remember when ELCA was officially merging on January 1, 1988 with 5.2 million members? Lyle Schaller, the all-purpose synodcal expert, said, "Twenty percent of ELCA will flow into LCMS-WELS etc."
Ha! I knew from experience how snooty and self-centered Missouri and WELS leaders were, how family-tree-centered the Little Schoolhouse on the Prairie was.
Oh! how they lusted after bigger and better buildings! Third-rate insurance and mobile ice cream treats made it happen and silenced any qualms they had.
Spiritual - Not Material.
Means of Grace Rather Than Disgrace
The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation was DOA because few had any use for Luther, Biblical Teachers, Prayers, the Liturgy or Hymns.
"What to Know: 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take place July 28–August 2 in Phoenix, Arizona. This triennial gathering is the ELCA’s highest legislative body, bringing together voting members from across the country to worship, reflect theologically, and make decisions about the future of our church. Here are some key highlights for our synod to know: Leadership Transitions This year’s assembly includes the election of a new Presiding Bishop and Secretary of the ELCA. Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Secretary Deacon Sue Rothmeyer will retire at the end of their current terms."
ELCA has become the lust of the mainlines, eager to copy the Unitarians, Episcopalians, and United Church of Christ. Let's not overlook the ELCA Sparkle Creed, borrowed from a lady minister who was eased out of one denomination and accepted into another.
