Holy Cow! Holy Word in Austin Is Spending $45,000 at Cornerstone, Another Tentacle of Church and Change, Where Patterson Is a Leader

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Our Plea for Change at Holy Word

On April 15th of this year I resigned my Elder-ship at Holy Word.  I dissented while on the board to contracting with Cornerstone Stewardship Ministries (a not-for-profit corporation); especially to the exorbitant fee they were charging and that we were willing to pay it.  It was wrong on so many levels and I cited Matthew 21:12 as part of my disagreement.  On April 10th at the quarterly voters' meeting, the congregation voted in favor of hiring Cornerstone.  I could not in good conscience give my offerings to Holy Word any longer since I would be supporting this.  In my mind this had a logical trickle down effect.  If I was no longer giving my offerings, how could I in good conscience be an Elder?  How could I be a member for that matter?  My only choices were to leave or stay and try to effect change.  I felt it was my Christian obligation with the help of God to do the latter.


On May 18th we submitted the following via email to the leadership at Holy Word Lutheran Church which precipitated what has been chronicled earlier on this blog.

"Pastor Patterson et al,

I have to disagree when you say (I believe you are saying this) that 1 Cor. 5:19 says that all men are reconciled to God; as in forgiven therefore justified and righteous before faith.  This is certainly not the case with say for instance Cain or Edom of the OT.  The two verses preceding contradict this as the context refers to those ‘in Christ’ as in ‘have faith in Christ’.  I believe the Bible does speak about believers the same way whether it is before or after Christ’s passion.  The trouble is that many in WELS are teaching that UOJ is in the wrong place.  It is displaced from Christ and on the whole unbelieving world.  Therefore in order to make the teaching work you have to change the meanings and context of words.  It is confusing.

Our focus is on Christ as it has been for all believers of all time; beginning with the promise in the Garden of Eden.  God was (and is) reconciling (ongoing) the world (since it is God’s will for all to be saved) for the sake of Christ so that by faith believers (who are sinners) would be saved.  As Job said in the OT…I know that my Redeemer liveth!  Christ possesses the forgiveness, righteousness and justification that He won (or would win) – objectively - for all and it is imputed to those who believe in Him as their Savior for all times.  By Grace through FAITH ALONE.  Christ stands in no one’s place aside from faith.  He that believes…will be saved…He who doesn’t is damned…no belief in Christ…means you remain in your sins.

It is troublesome how you handled a meeting with my wife Lisa.  You acknowledged that you did not want to hop over my headship in your email of 4-20-11 and yet you communicated with her via email on 4-18-11 unbeknownst to me.  Here is the brief email in its entirety; “I have no desire to get between you and Joe on the things that he has recently taken a stand on.  Just want you to know if you and Joe desire to talk to me or confront me together I am willing.  Otherwise, I will leave you to follow your husband and seek God's will in the Scriptures. I trust that you are thoughtful Christians.”  You did not hear from her.  I told you in my email two days later that she was right with me.  Instead of leaving her to me, on the 28^th of April, approximately 15 minutes before arriving at her place of employment to have your vehicle serviced, you texted Lisa if you could speak to her for a minute and ended up leaving almost 90 minutes later.  Needless to say it was in my opinion as well as that of Lisa and her employer (also a member of your congregation) that you took advantage of the situation.  You have said more than once that these kinds of discussions are a waste of time for you; that they entangle and keep you from doing your job.  It was disturbingly evident when you emphatically declared to Lisa more than once that “your job is to save souls”.  She called you on it and I am thankful for that.  She IS my better half.  Lisa was right by correcting you that it is the work of the Holy Ghost to save souls and that your job is to merely proclaim the Word.  When she pressed you as to why you would say such a thing, you changed the subject.

Even so it is still our hope to remain WELS and to work through the contradictions between worship and practice at Holy Word and what is presented in Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions; using them to guide us.  This was my fervent prayer as I was installed as Elder.

Areas that we hope for change and a willingness to help in this work are as follows:

• Suspending work with Cornerstone Stewardship Ministries.  Spending $45,000 to do stewardship is not stewardly.  To throw money at what we should have been doing all along is irresponsible.  For me to hear as an Elder that some members who have not been in attendance for at least two years without contact is astounding in light of the example we have in Jesus as our shepherd.  When I read Pastor Patterson’s background from the Holy Word website:” In addition to serving the congregation of Holy Word, he has also served the church at large. In 1996, he was appointed second Vice President of the South Central District of the WELS, and in 2000 he was appointed first Vice President. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors for Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Famliy(sic) Services, and he has spoken at numerous conferences, marriage retreats, and seminars. He has also written several articles for various synod publications such as Forward in Christ, Meditations, Lutheran Parenting, Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, and Lutheran Leadership.”  And when in the short time I was an Elder and saw what Pastor had on his plate…my first thought (sic) was, ‘Hey!  He works for Holy Word!  What gives?’  All of these things are honorable…but at the expense of his calling?  Shouldn’t he be spending more time at home especially now?; preaching and teaching the Word; administering the Sacraments and doing visitations?  Use the money to call a pastor who is equipped to spearhead the Hispanic ministry.  I couldn’t believe my ears in one of the Elders meetings when there was some talk of possibly selling the property to another denomination if we had to.
• Strike the official title of “Deaconess” and rename the position Coordinator of Hispanic Outreach.  To keep this title that infers authority (male version of deacon – see duties and requirements in the epistles) sets a precedent.  There are deacons who are preaching in WELS already (this is another issue).  The King James Bible does not translate to deaconness for very good reason.  There is too little info on Phoebe in the Bible to base this position and title on, nor any other female in the Bible.
• In areas of worship, there is freedom…adiophora as you like to call it.  However it ceases to be so when the reason you do it is un-biblical.  In other words…it is not that you do it; it is why you do it or why you don’t.  The Lutheran Confessions say that we do not abolish the Mass.  In Luther’s time, Mass (Holy Communion) was celebrated at least every Lord’s Day and church festivals.  So why don’t we?  You even intimated a story either in Bible class or one of your sermons about a pastor who attends HW who inquired of you from what you preached that we sin daily, hourly and even by the minute sometimes; that we are always in need of forgiveness…so why don’t you go to communion both services on communion Sunday?  You actually capitulated and said that now you do.  So I ask you; Why don’t we celebrate it every Sunday?  It is the Body and Blood of our Savior for the remission of sins…why withhold this?  Lisa asked the same question in your meeting with her.  Your answer was “that it is a matter of convenience”.  I see disconnect.  What about the order of service known as ‘Morning Praise’?  Was this designed for Sunday worship?  There is no Confession.  Why would we eliminate a confession of sins?  Confession was regarded as a Sacrament in Luther’s time.  What changed?  Music as well needs more scrutinizing.  I addressed this with Ron Stelljes last fall.  And yet there is more and more music sung at HW that comes from the heterodox.  The Bill and Gloria Gaither song that was used for worship last March was void of all substance and better left to venues like Trinity Broadcast Network, Joel Osteen, Jesse Duplantis and the rest.
• Pastor, you are a duly called and ordained servant of the Word.  To turn your call over to laymen is a travesty against the Office of the Holy Ministry.  These men are not equipped to be giving sermonettes during worship; teaching Bible class or leading the upcoming small groups.  You are.  HW south Bible class has been short changed ever since north began worship.  There is just too much conjecture taking place without the solid leadership of someone who has been to Seminary.  Why hasn’t our Vicar done more in leading Bible class at south?  This would be valuable experience.  I only recall being there once when Vicar led Bible class.
• By changing the name of the school you are showing your lack of faith in the power of the Word.  (How ironic since the name of our church is Holy Word)  It was stated that you won’t be changing our Lutheran doctrine and I believe you are telling the truth.  I believe it has already been changed beforehand.  This is branding and nothing else. (Or is it bait and switch?)  The success of a church or school is not measured in numbers but how well you teach the Word of God in truth and purity.  So many of the symbols of the Church Catholic are falling by the wayside and soon, very soon we will look and worship like everyone else around us; pandering to the felt needs of culture instead of transforming culture.  We are to be different.  It is not so far fetched to presume as Lisa opined in your meeting, ‘You might as well change the name of Holy Word Lutheran Church to Holy Word Christian Fellowship.’  Again it is not that you are changing the name it is the motivation behind it.
• Correct teaching of Objective Justification; that it is on Christ for the world and distributed through faith; that there is no forgiveness of sins apart from the Means of Grace (MoG) in Word and Sacrament.  Teaching forgiveness aside from the MoG nullifies the Sacraments.  You are confusing the Atonement with Justification. 
• Your role with Elders needs to be more passive.  It is possible that based on your personality no one wants the agenda because they are afraid of you.  Or, your recruitment system is 100% successful in garnering men who support you fully.  There should be an Elder lead that runs the meeting concerning spiritual matters only; worship and practice, discipline and concern for the pastor and his work load; setting the pastor’s work agenda; not the pastor telling the Elders what he is going to be doing.  Any other matters should be left to the respective boards, committees and councils.  The President and VP should be tending to council matters; all things Holy Word and not every Elders meeting.
• Fellowship ties should be examined with Christ the Rock.  Is there anyone paying attention to what is going on there?  If this video is any indication, one has to wonder.  This is from this past Easter.  Watch the ending!

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjjq8h8ttBw&feature=related

What we believe about the Bible and the Confessions influences greatly what we do in preaching and teaching, worship and practice.  It is my heartfelt thought that we have strayed as a Confessional Lutheran Church.

Respectfully submitted,

Joe Krohn"

WELS Boots Are Made For WalkingAnd That's What They're Gonna Do!One of These Days These Boots of TheirsGonna Stomp All Over You!

Click here is the post.

Quotations on Prayer:Suitable for Kelming on Rogate Sunday

"Prayer is made vigorous by petitioning; urgent, by supplication; by thanksgiving, pleasing and acceptable. Strength and acceptability combine to prevail and secure the petition."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 107. Fourth Sunday in Advent, Philippians 4:4-7;

"The Lord's Prayer opens with praise and thanksgiving and the acknowledgement of God as a Father; it earnestly presses toward Him through filial love and a recognition of fatherly tenderness. For supplication, this prayer is unequaled. Hence it is the sublimest and the noblest prayer ever uttered."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 107. Fourth Sunday in Advent, Philippians 4:4-7; Matthew 6:9-13

"Take heed, then, to embrace the message of these words presenting the love and kindness of God to all men. Daily exercise your faith therein, entertaining no doubt of God's love and kindness toward you, and you shall realize His blessings. Then you may with perfect confidence ask what you will, what your heart desires, and whatever is necessary for the good of yourself and your fellow-men."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 146. Second Christmas Sermon Titus 3:4-8

"In like manner, St. Paul says that God's ability is thus proved, in that He does exceeding abundantly above and better than we ask or think. Ephesians 3:20. Therefore, we should know we are too finite to be able to name, picture or designate the time, place, way, measure and other circumstances for that which we ask of God. Let us leave that entirely to Him, and immovably and steadfastly believe that He will hear us."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 179f. Fifth Sunday after Easter Ephesians 3:20.

"O God, I am Thy creature and Thy handiwork and Thou hast from the beginning created me. I will depend entirely on You who cares more for me, how I shall be sustained, then I do myself; Thou wilt indeed nourish me, feed, clothe and help me, where and when You know best."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed. John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House 1983, IV, p. 206. Seventh Sunday after Trinity Mark 8:1-9

"Only begin this [prayer, self-examination], I say, and see how you will succeed in the task; and you will soon discover what an unbelieving knave is hidden in your bosom, and that your heart is too dull to believe it."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, II, p. 257. Easter, Third Sermon Mark 16:1-8.

"The Christian's faith trusts in the ordinary means. Prayer is not a means of grace. Means of grace are divine appointments through which God uniformly offers blessings to all who use them. Faith is the means by which the blessings are received and appropriated. God gives us bread, when we ask it, not through the channel of prayer, but through the ordinary channels of His providence. He gives us grace when we ask it, not through prayer, but through the ordinary means appointed for this end, namely the Word and Sacraments. He who despises these will as little have grace as he who refuses to accept bread produced in the ordinary way of nature. Faith asks with confidence, and trusts in the ordinary means of God's appointment for the blessings asked."
Matthias Loy, Sermons on the Gospels, Columbus: Lutheran Book Concern, 1888, p. 387.

"His good heart and faith naturally teach him how to pray. Yea, what is such faith, but pure prayer? It continually looks for divine grace, and if it looks for it, it also desires it with all the heart."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 70. Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity, Luke 17:11-19.


"Lord God, Thou hast placed me in Thy church as a bishop and pastor. Thou seest how unfit I am to administer this great and difficult office. Had I hitherto been without help from Thee, I would have ruined everything long ago. Therefore I call on Thee. I gladly offer my mouth and heart to Thy service. I would teach the people and I myself would continue to learn. To this end I shall meditate diligently on Thy Word. Use me, dear Lord, as Thy instrument. Only do not forsake me; for if I were to continue alone, I would quickly ruin everything."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 926. W 42, 513 Genesis 27:11-14

More Whopper Congregations Leaving ELCA

"At least give us credit for new mission starts, Brett."

ALPB

First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Idaho Falls, ID Status = Left ELCA Joined LCMC Baptized membership = 859
Emmaus Lutheran Community, Idaho Falls, ID Status = New ELCA

Central Lutheran Church, Elk River, MN Status = Left ELCA Joined LCMC Baptized membership = 4238
Elk River Lutheran Church, Elk River, MN Status = New ELCA

Faith Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, MN Status = Left ELCA Joined LCMC Baptized membership = 2380
Christ the King Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, MN Status = Left ELCA Joined LCMC Baptized membership = 2398
River of Hope Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, MN Status = New ELCA

Rushford Lutheran Church, Rushford, MN Status = Left ELCA Joined LCMC Baptized membership = 994
Trinity Fellowship, Rushford, MN Status = New ELCA

Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Giddings, TX Status = Left ELCA Joined LCMC Baptized membership = 742
Grace Lutheran Church, Giddings, TX Status = New ELCA

Faith Lutheran Church, Seguin, TX Status = Left ELCA Joined LCMC Baptized membership = 1668
Lutheran Mission of Seguin, Seguin, TX Status = New ELCA

When I did that exercise in reverse, and I've done it several times in this thread, I found large numbers of such pairs where a new Lutheran church of another denomination was created by the people on the losing side of a leave-the-ELCA vote. Does anyone dispute that it is positive news for the ELCA that those on the losing side of a successful leave-the-ELCA vote start a new ELCA church? Isn't this the sort of positive news that anyone would think the ELCA would be happy to report, or to have reported by others?

***

GJ - ELCA starts new congregations from the losing faction in the voting to leave ELCA drama. LCMC and NALC organize new missions from those members who quit after their congregation fails the two votes to leave. George Erdner's point, I believe, is that ELCA is hiding where their "new missions" (losing the vote and the property) are located. One began with a Gay Pride Sunday, which is like starting a WELS parish with Al Just Recognition Day.

ELCA makes the bar quite difficult to achieve, but they lose either way. The entire congregation leaves with the property, or a considerable number of members leave and start anew.

Ponder the size of these monster congregations. They will have enormous clout from day one, because they do not have to go through the struggle of finding land, borrowing money for a building, and dealing with dysfunctional mission board executives.

Meanwhile, WELS is still abusing members, as if the Internet does not exist and people cannot share documents, emails, and blog posts.

Example of Joplin, Missouri, Tornado Damage - 50 Miles From Us

This is Peace Lutheran (ELCA) in Joplin, Missouri. My wife and I have viewed tornado damage before. A tiny one landed across from our home in Sturgis, Michigan. Another one went through St. Peter, Minnesota, (near New Ulm) where Gustavus Adolphus College is located. The college shut down due to the damage on the campus.

However, we have never seen anything like the damage in Joplin, and we are only looking at photos. We would not consider driving there to look, adding to their problems of congestion and rubber-necking.

The loss of life there is still unknown, but the disaster will probably be listed at one of the worst tornadoes ever in America. The photo above is Peace Lutheran before the tornado.

Kansas Pastor Has Doubts about Lack of Faith

1) I keep seeing phrases like "logically it follows ... " in the UOJ literature that you print. Now that sounds very Calvinistic. It really sounds to me like they proponents are falling into the reasoning error - whatever God does, has to make sense to me. And I become the judge of what God can and has done.

2) It seems to me that I see the statements something like this, "our sins are forgiven and we have the status of saints in heaven because we have been justified by Christ's death ... " Now there are several things wrong with this statement but I keep coming back to Luther in the Small Catechism on the Lord's supper - "For where there is forgiveness of sins there is also life and salvation." But if I have life and salvation - what else is there? Does that not mean that logically (!) I am in heaven for how can the living be in the place of eternal death (hell)?

3) It seems to be me that you are fighting two different things.
a) the false teachings of UOJ
b) the refusal to admit that God's Word is efficacious,
reflected in Church Growth stuff, but also in Fort Wayne (some profs) statements that God's Word is only active through the Pastor (similar to the Catholic insistence on the captivity of God to the church).

***

GJ - David Scaer, who is featured in a UOJ quotation graphic, seems to fit 3b rather well. The seminary needs to explain how they manage to turn out Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox priests. Men leave Ft. Wayne shallow on Luther but hotter than Georgia asphalt for smells and bells.

Blame It on the WauwatosaThe Sect of Love

Northwest SD Lutheran has left a new comment on your post "WELS Advice - "Write a Letter" - Will Get Y'all E...":

Legalism and Bravado of Orthodoxy! I had to highlight that. This is one of the reasons why WELS should no longer say they are Lutheran. That statement alone says it right there. It seems as if Patterson and whoever the so called scholar is that wrote the paper have decided that orthodoxy is some sort of sin.To them Orthodoxy is is sin because it is making claims that are Scriptural and doctrinal and not modernistic in theological application. I left the WELS four years ago because of the non doctrinal, hyper emotional, false teaching and stench that was in a place that it should not have been my church. Of course the LCMS is still a cause of worry because nothing for sure is there as some of the rot in the LCMS is still being allowed to teach, preach etc. I have always wanted to be Lutheran and nothing else and these people keep wanting to feed me garbage in my church. To be honest, they are the ones who should be thrown out not those who hold to the Scriptures and Confessions This will be a long time coming if it ever happens and that is partially because of a Scripturally and doctrinally ignorant laity.

***

GJ - The attitude you addressed, NW, seems to come directly from Wauwatosa. I published some quotations from their material. I will have to gather some for the doctrinal (as in bad) graphics.

Kudu Don Patterson Demands Joe and Lisa Krohn Repent, Although He Insists They Were Forgiven Before Birth.Write a Letter?

Holy Word has money for multiple African safaris, but needs WELS offering money to pay for its vicar each year. The deaconess is being funded by the Antioch Foundation.

Below is Joe Krohn's account of being excommunicated by Holy Word in Austin, Texas.

Notice how similar it is to Rick Techlin being kicked out of his family's congregation, St. Peter in Freedom, Wisconsin (Pastor Tim Glende and his sidekick Ski).

Don Patterson is the VP of his WELS district. He has been called twice to teach at The Sausage Factory. Not long ago he gave a paper (as did Paul Calvin Kelm) about how to improve education at Mequon. Are they not teaching enough Enthusiasm there?

Note that Patterson is famous for gathering a bunch of WELS workers and taking them to the Exponential pan-demon conference in Orlando, Florida. One thing you will never find there - a Lutheran speaker. No, the Lutherans sit in the audience, salivating about how they can employ those same lures, sugar-coating the Gospel while beating the snot out of their flocks.

Patterson is not--and I repeat--not a Church and Change leader, unless that is another GA lie. He has spoken there and he went to the last conference in the Milwaukee area. But he denies being a Changer and I believe that he denies it.

Patterson did hire Cornerstone for fleecing the sheep. Ron Roth, paleo-Shrinker, was head of that business before they buried him. Cornerstone never divulges their conflict of interest. They have their synod rain-makers always recommending that Cornerstone be used, and it is a dual LCMS-WELS "ministry," like Mark and Avoid Jeske's.

Patterson's conference or district had an entire meeting on the joys of UOJ. The papers were sloppy, moronic, and utterly devoid of exegesis.

Remember this, when WELS leaders tell you to write a letter or sit down and speak with them, they are cobras inviting the mouse for a meeting.

Stay with Me For a Moment
I will try to explain how this works. The UOJ-Pietism faction took over slowly after the death of Gausewitz, Hoenecke, and Bading.

The Evangelicals with their mandated cell groups work the same way, very controlling and abusive, legalistic and Antimonian at the same time.

With WELS they try to pretend they are all Gospel, because everyone in the world was justified before birth (first trimester). These UOJers do not comprehend the Gospel, the Means of Grace, or the efficacy of the Word.

In the name of all-Gospel (just like ELCA), they absolve their drunken, adulterous, murderous, and false-teaching WELS fellow pastors. Their Antinomianism sounds like no-law, but they are all-law due to their complete lack of Gospel.

Luther and the Book of Concord agree in dividing the Scriptures into Law and Gospel. Since UOJers teach a gospel-without-faith, they do not trust the Gospel Promises and do not bear the fruits of the Spirit.

Because they do not trust the efficacious Word, they force cell groups on people to produce the spiritual fruits they demand.

Notice Larry Olson's early contribution to the Church Growth journal. The sub-title is "See How It Grows." Did his parish ever grow while he was there? No. Did WELS grow from the CG takeover managed by Mischke, Kelm, Valleskey, Bivens, Roth, Hartman, Hagedorn, and Kovaciny? The synod staff grew faster than kudzu vine on a hot, humid day. The synod expenses grew faster than Mark Jeske's ego. But everything else plummeted.

The last thing any layman wants to do is say, "Look at how I got beat up." That goes against anyone's nature. The publication of two different excommunications tells me that the laity are fed up with the abuse, lying, and false doctrine.

WELS Advice - "Write a Letter" - Will Get Y'all Excommunicated.Kudu Don Patterson Kicks Joe and Lisa Krohn Under the Bus

WELS deaconess demonstrates Sisera counseling method for Joe Krohn.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Holy Word Lutheran Church and WELS has broken Fellowship With Us

Last fall Pastor Patterson again approached me about becoming an Elder for Holy Word. I had mixed emotions about accepting a nomination. So much study about worship and practice had been done and it became clear to me that Christ the Rock and Holy Word to a lesser extent did not have "quia" subscriptions to the Lutheran Confessions and the Book of Concord. From my perspective through these two churches, I wondered if WELS still had one.(Pastors and Teachers swear an oath to uphold them both in light of the Scriptures.) After prayerful considerations and discussions with my wife I accepted.

In mid-November I had an orientation lunch with Pastor. I remember him stressing that if I had any hidden agendas that I should reconsider my nomination. Since I thought what I would be bringing the table would be scriptural...how would one construe this as 'hidden'? I also initiated a conversation about justification and brought up Becker's paper regarding Kokomo and my desire to have a meaningful discussion about it. He stressed that he came from the Wauwatosa Theology camp and that we would reciprocate papers; me sending the Becker Paper and him sending me a recent paper by Pastor Rautenberg reviewing an essay by JP Koehler regarding legalism and bravado of orthodoxy. A discussion about justification did not take place prior to election of church officers in December; though I did send a reminder.

After I became an Elder I again tried to initiate a discussion regarding justification. I had a need to know where he stood on Objective Justification. I got my answer the last Sunday of January. You can hear it at approximately 22:22 of this sermon audio (click on the second sermon for January 30th, 2011 & play it from 21:00 - 24:00+ for context):

http://www.holyword.net/site/audiodownloads.asp?sec_id=140005270

There are many flavors of this doctrine of Objective Justification being preached. It is confusing. I took exception that Pastor Patterson was preaching that my sins were forgiven before I was born. What good was my baptism? What good are the Means of Grace? What good is the Ministry of the Keys? How does this work with Old Testament believers...where they forgiven too before they were born?

Discussions ensued until last Saturday (May 21st) when we received this email from the leadership at Holy Word:

Dear Joe and Lisa,

We received your latest email and read through all of your concerns. We honestly disagree on all of your points and conclusions. All of your concerns are about practical matters over which God's people have freedom to disagree without the charge of sin - except for one. Your unbelief in objective justification is doctrinal and is not acceptable. In short, it is the deal breaker. I have talked to you about this in person on two occasions. On one of those Pastor Gurgel and Brad Johnston were also present. Pastor Gurgel has talked to both of you in person on two different occasions and elders have engaged you in emails about the very same subject. We are all convinced that your doctrine is unscriptural or unconfessional. Therefore we cannot be in fellowship with you until you repent of this. Your fellowship at the Lord's Table is therefore suspended until you recant your teachings and your writings regarding objective justification.

In addition, your ways of attacking me and the many recent decisions of our congregation are not appropriate. So, even if you repent of your false doctrine regarding objective justification, we have so much more to talk about regarding your critical spirit.

If you wish to pursue this any further, we will meet with you both. In that meeting, we will have two elders and me present. We will not discuss objective justification as if it is a debatable doctrine. We will not entertain changing our decision regarding the use of Cornerstone, we will not change Jocelyn's title from deaconess to anything else, and we will not change our plans to help lay people teach God's Word to God's people. We are convinced that all of these things are good and right in our fellowship and since you have been heard and we have decided not to follow you - you have to accept them. In short, the debate is over. No more discussion! The mission of making disciples must go on!

Our stance is firm but so is our love for you in Christ. Our highest goal is to see you in heaven some day.

To God be the Glory,

Pastor Patterson and the Board of Elders
Holy Word Lutheran Church


We responded May 22nd:


Dear Leadership of Holy Word,

Thank you for your email.

For those who may be scratching their heads as to why we are discussing all of this, it originated from a message preached by Pastor Patterson the last Sunday in January. I have attached a clip of the comment in context. It occurs at approximately 1:14.

Firstly, you falsely accuse us of unbelief in Objective Justification. (OJ) Nowhere have we denied OJ! We have rejected how Pastor Patterson teaches it along with many in the WELS. It is wrong to preach that one's sins are forgiven before they were born. It is not true for me as a New Testament believer in Christ anymore than it was for Old Testament believers or anyone for that matter. When Pr. Patterson in his email of 4-20-2011 says, “Truly, so much that we proclaim about the work of Christ cannot be said in the exact same words about the OT saints and their faith.” He is teaching a kind of dispensationalism. We sing on Easter ‘I know that my Redeemer Lives just as Job proclaimed in Job 19:25. St. Paul goes to great lengths in the 4th chapter of Romans to show us that the NT believers are the offspring of Abraham just as the OT believers are. The end of the chapter dovetails perfectly into chapter 5 to drive the point home the sinner is justified by grace for Christ’s sake through faith.

NIV Romans 4:22 – 5:2 “22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

And this from The Apology IV, 57

“57] And throughout the prophets and the psalms this worship, this latreiva, is highly praised, although the Law does not teach the gratuitous remission of sins. But the Fathers knew the promise concerning Christ, that God for Christ's sake wished to remit sins. Therefore, since they understood that Christ would be the price for our sins, they knew that our works are not a price for so great a matter [could not pay so great a debt]. Accordingly, they received gratuitous mercy and remission of sins by faith, just as the saints in the New Testament.”

When Pr. Patterson teaches that a person’s sins were forgiven (and therefore absolved and saved as Pr. Buchholz proclaims) without faith is a type of universalism. The passages used to support these teachings are always in the context of faith. Even Pastor Gurgel in his last visit left assured that our confession was Biblical. He acknowledged the way words are used regarding OJ creates confusion; in fact he opined that 'the pendulum swung too far in the opposite direction with regard to Kokomo'. I would add too that the teaching of forgiveness is flawed in the clip as well after 1:14. As the Apology quote shows, God has it in His heart to forgive those who are truly repentant. And He gladly does forgive those in faith for the sake of Christ. But there can be no forgiveness if there is no contrition. So to teach forgiveness without repentance does the offender no good any more than teaching absolution without the Law. Ironically, you are asking me for contrition and yet Patterson preaches I am already forgiven.

Secondly, to break fellowship with us would require you to forbid us at the Lord’s Table. But you say you are suspending our participation in Communion pending a recanting of alleged false doctrine. This is a mixing of processes. Please clarify for us if you are releasing/ex-communicating us pending a repentance of sin or are you retaining our membership and suspending Communion pending contrition?

Finally, there are at least two of you that are not convinced that we are unscriptural and/or unconfessional on all counts. Pastor Gurgel visited and genuinely discussed with us regarding our confession and was assured we were not in error. Brad Johnston who admitted in our meeting that ‘it was all over his head’ regarding OJ should have been disqualified.

Regarding your comment about my critical spirit I will take it as a compliment as Martin Luther would have. However I will let the Lord judge whether your inference of the assuredness of our salvation is a sin.

We will await your reply regarding our membership.

In His Grace and Mercy,

Joe


Holy Word replied back to us on May 26th:


Joe and Lisa,

If I understand all of your recent emails correctly, you wish to remain members of Holy Word only if you can convince us of the errors of our ways in regard to my preaching that "we were forgiven by God in Christ before we believed that we are forgiven" and the 8 practical matters you have listed.

Since we do not believe we have erred on any of these issues that you have sited, we cannot acknowledge that we are still in doctrinal agreement with you. Therefore, we should not commune together. In keeping with a consistent practice of the doctrine of fellowship you should mark and avoid us as persistent errorists and we are marking and avoiding you as persistent errorists as well. (Romans 16:17-18). This posture is never pleasant but necessary to protect God's people from divisive teachings.

Jack Parrish and Matt Wordell have agreed to join me in meeting with both of you to offer any clarifications you need regarding our doctrine of fellowship and the issue of your membership at Holy Word and the WELS. We will not meet with you to discuss objective justification or the 8 points you outlined as your plan to change the direction of Holy Word. You have been heard on those issues and we honestly disagree with you.

We are all free next Wednesday night, June 1 at 6:30PM or 7:00 PM, whichever time suits you. We would like to meet at church in the conference room. Are you willing to meet us?

In Him,

Pastor Don Patterson


We responded later in the day:


All,

Since the agenda would already be set; since there would be no discussion allowed and since we do not care to be subjected in such manner as previous meetings, we respectfully decline. There are many people who do not believe as you do about justification. There are many pastors who do not believe nor preach it as you do. Since you refuse discussion and have made your position clear to us, there is nothing more to say.

I pray that this explanation is satisfactory.

By Grace through faith in Christ,
Joe


I will be talking more about the other 7 issues in coming blogs.

Robert Preus in his book "Justification and Rome" talks about the vast arrays of variation on the doctrine of Justification among Lutherans. How have we become so disjointed on this pillar by which the Church stands or falls? The doctrine that our church fathers from the 16th century so eloquently exposed from the heretics of the day? I can only think of one passage that answers this question...Genesis 3:4-5, " 4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." - KJV

To preach a forgiveness of sins apart from faith is a type of universalism that some Reformed preachers are already preaching. WELS has been wistfully gazing towards the Reformed for some time now on 'how to do church'.

A Young Luke Skywalker Meets His Yoda.Larry Olson--"Our Staph Infection"--Meets McGavran

"Use the Force, Luke."



"Donald C. McGavran died at home in Altadena, California, on July 10, 1990. He was 92 years old. Dr. McGavran is widely recognized as the founder of the Church Growth Movement, a movement which has sought to put the social sciences at the service of theology in order to foster the growth of the church. In August of 1989 I borrowed a bicycle and pedaled several miles uphill up from Pasadena to Altadena. I found Dr. McGavran in his front yard with a hose in hand, watering flowers."
Lawrence Otto Olson, D. Min., Fuller Seminary, "See How It Grows: Perspectives on Growth and the Church," EVANGELISM, February, 1991, Professor, Martin Luther College (WELS), p. 1.

WELS Started TELL To Promote The Church Growth Movement.Continued under Perish Leadership with Radloff, David Valleskey's Classmate

"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.
Rev. Robert Hartman TELL (WELS Evangelism) Summer, 1992.

Zwingli - Rejecting Grace in the Means of Grace:Enthusiasm, Divorcing the Holy Spirit from the Word

Over 6,400 Posts Have Been Published

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***

GJ - I was going to mention this at the 6,000th post. The favorite post slot always intrigues me. I have to wonder how the squirrel versus humans post outranks so many recent ones.

People ask for more creature posts and kitteh photos.

The doctrinal graphics are showing up in other places, which is my intention. I may do some for Roman Catholic doctrine, too. Copy and use them - no credit for them is expected. My purpose is to promote sound doctrine and expose false doctrine.

Big Congregations Are Leaving ELCA

"No smirking, Brett. We are doing our best."


George Erdner, ALPB Online

I suspect there are more groups like this:


Faith Lutheran Church (Security), Colorado Springs, CO Status = Left ELCA Joined LCMC Baptized membership = 199
Bethel Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO Status = Left ELCA Joined LCMC Baptized membership = 1051
St Luke’s Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO Status = Left ELCA Joined NALC Baptized membership = 681
Black Forest Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO Status = Left ELCA Joined NALC Baptized membership = 599
Bethany Lutheran Church (Merged into Grace LC), Colorado Springs, CO Status = New ELCA Baptized membership = 233
Grace Lutheran Church (Formerly Our Savior LC), Colorado Springs, CO Status = New ELCA Baptized membership = 260


I'm not sure why the merger of Bethany and Our Savior's is counted here as among those "new" ELCA congregations which have emerged from congregations leaving, and why the new Grace Lutheran has two different numbers of baptized membership when it is now one congregation.  These were two struggling congregations which merged in order to stay afloat.  If anything it shows the decline of the ELCA in the area.

***

GJ - Congregations below 100 have a difficult time keeping their bills paid and they do not contribute much to benevolence (synod staff salaries and deluxe trips, conferences).

Almost all benevolence money comes from the whopper congregations, the ones alienated so deftly by Mark Hanson, Neo-Pietist. He has transformed ELCA.

Some whopper congregations have been divided, so they have had to downsize everything while trying to remain in ELCA.

One new ELCA mission had a Gay Pride Sunday right from the start. Like the dreadful musical "Rent," that may play well in NYC, but not in Peoria.

Anita Hill won. The same vote (ELCA, 2009) will soon be taken in the Canadian version of ELCA, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Eh?

Radicalism - Even at Augustana College

Stan Hauerwas, high church Mennonite

Hannah's Child, by Stan Hauerwas, reminded me of the strange death of Bill Sampson, who graduated from Augustana about the time we did.

I remember him somewhat. It was an era when a few students suddenly became radical and started ranting at the administration. We had our hippy guy, nicknamed J.C. for his flowing beard and Messianic attitude. Guess who came up with that moniker? Yes, I was verbally active then too. J.C. is on Facebook. He works in a government program and he claims his relationships are "complicated."

Augustana College had experimental worship services in the chapel, so I was tired of clown ministry before clowns began offering as something new in WELS. We used the auditorium. No one thought of building a cathedral so we could worship better.

Bill Sampson went to Harvard Divinity to avoid the war and later graduated from medical school. He got involved with unionizing textile workers, of all things, and died when gunfire erupted during an anti-KKK rally. The entire account is here.

That connected with an interview with LCA historian Nestingen, who said of the current Bishop of ELCA - his father was an activist too.

Pietists think they have to add something to the Gospel, to transform society. Early Pietism often involves banning alcohol and having Sunday laws. Later, when the law-salesmen get tired of Christian doctrine, they switch to a secular agenda.

The Mark Hanson agenda is moving along swiftly, to transform ELCA into a peace-and-justice organization. From his viewpoint, the Gospel demands this. Thus neo-Pietists turn Jesus into Moses, and Moses into the Savior.

Bill Sampson did not deserve to die. The unfortunate string of events now seems inevitable. The fact remains - two trained medical doctors lost their lives in a political confrontation.

An earlier era of the Augustana (Swedish) Synod had a report from the Synod President, where he claimed, "We will fight to the death against the liquor trade."

Hoenecke had a concise description of Pietism, the best I have read - Pietism confuses sanctification with justification and makes the first a requirement of the second.

Kevin Hastings and I were discussing how concise Hoenecke was. For that reason, he is easily memorized and impossible to forget. Those who consider that sentence will soon realize that it explains Pietism and its inevitable downfall.

Demonstrating with Communists and organizing union workers is just a step away from fighting the liquor trade to the death.

Mandating cell groups and controlling them in the parish is another form of adding law to the Gospel.

When was he last plagiarized by Glende or Ski?

Hail, Hail, Febronia

One Eponymous Archon (https://me.yahoo.com/oneeponymousarchon) has left a new comment on your post "Luther Rocks Report on Another Effort Toward Women...":

Dear Dr. Jackson,

Since you have shown that the Presidents of the various Districts in the Wisconsin Synod very often act without regard to proper doctrine and practice, and that the President of the Synod is unable or unwilling to curtail them, I have a suggestion for a new and simple name for the WELS - "Febronia."

Justinius Febronia proposed in the 1760s that the various parts of the Catholic Church in Germany were not subject to the decrees of the Pope in Rome, and many Bishops accepted his ideas. This became quite a movement in the Catholic Church all over Europe.

President Schroeder seems much like Clements XIII and XIV who blustered, unsuccessfully, against these ideas. He was pretty much ignored.

The anthem for this new synodical name can be, "Hail, Hail, Febronia, church of the brave and free." (with apologies to "Duck Soup!")

I am but -

One Eponymous Archon

Even More Ancient Monuments Found

Sassy Sue can find pyramids without satellites.


bruce-church (http://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Luther's Diamond:Unbelief a Sin, The Foundational...":

More archeology to come from Egypt soon. Get a load of this:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110525/local/press-digest.367042

The Egyptian Gazette says 17 lost pyramids were among the buildings identified in a new satellite survey of Egypt. More than 1,000 tombs and 3,000 ancient settlements were also revealed by looking at infra-red images which show up underground buildings. Initial excavations have already confirmed some of the findings including of two suspected pyramid

ELCA Fades to Black in Taylor, Texas

ELCA in Taylor? Terminate with prejudice.

ALPB

All three of the ELCA churches in Taylor, Texas left the ELCA. They are Immanuel Lutheran Church, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and St Paul Lutheran Church. All three joined the LCMC. There are also some LC-MS Lutheran churches in Taylor, Texas.

Recently, the ELCA attempted to launch a new ELCA congregation. The pastor assigned showed up for their first worship service. So did two other people.

It looks like Lutherans in Taylor, Texas are content to go to either an LC-MS or LCMC church.

It's no wonder the ELCA is so secretive about their new congregation starts.

***

GJ - The missions director probably blamed the man's personality for the lack of attendance.

Luther's Diamond:Unbelief a Sin, The Foundational Sin - Not the Foundation of Universal Objective Justification - Timid Universalism

But the Holy Spirit, says Christ, “Will convict the world in respect of sin, because they believe not in Me.” Therefore it follows that unbelief is the right and true sin; other sins flow out of unbelief and are even the fruit from this root.
Luther, Sermons, 8 vol, ed. Lenker, III, p. 111. Fourth Sunday after Easter. John 16:8-10.

***

GJ - At LutherQueasy, the partisans of UOJ frequently fall into bouts of self-congratulations, but they never address Luther's doctrine or the Bible.

This quotation and the sermon with it prove that:

SP Harrison is not a Lutheran, because he does not teach this. Instead, he is a Walther disciple.

SP Mark Schroeder is not a Lutheran, because he and the Intrepids claque support UOJ, contra Luther and the Book of Concord.

Pope John the Malefactor is not a Lutheran, because he is just as bad as WELS, but also believes in His own infallibility.

Luther Rocks Report on Another Effort Toward Women's Ordination.SP Schroeder Is Greasing the Skids.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Precedents V

In May of 2009 we were out of CTR and in at Holy Word. I was in Soul Track Mind and happily distracted from all things churchy. I played trumpet in church occasionally; attended Bible class and that was it. In fall Pr. Patterson approached me on being nominated for an elder spot. I turned it down. I needed a break from church politics and was having the time of my life in the band. 2010 was another story as told previously. As I studied Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions in light of what happened at CTR, things started to come into focus.

WELS' first Deaconess (I welcome any corrections on the claim to fame infamy) was installed along side our Vicar last fall on the same Sunday and in the same service. In Bible class that day she was introduced as Holy Word's Deaconess of Hispanic Ministry. Some of her first words were and I paraphrase…'never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able have this kind of a position, especially in WELS. I wonder how long before there’s a woman pastor.' She was joking, but I couldn't believe she had the guts to say that in public. When I later had a meeting with my Elder, Ron Stelljes he told me he had the same reaction. In an email to Stelljes (prior to our meeting) stating my concerns, I wrote this:

"Twenty or thirty years ago it would have been unheard of to have the office of Deaconess at a WELS church. Since Scripture does not change or the Confessions, one has to ask; what did? Jocelyn’s comment on the day she was installed to paraphrase, ‘Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to have an opportunity like this, especially in the WELS…’ immediately caused me to ask that question.

Deaconess doesn’t appear in the KJV or the NIV; the two officially synod recognized versions of the Bible for its entire existence. The word was actually invented in the 14 or 1500’s and yet was not used in the KJV which was published after. I think there was a reason for this. Deacon (diakonos) as it appears in the Bible is always used as a masculine term. Deacon is mentioned a few times in the Bible and it seems to infer an office that was filled by a man. We see this in Acts as seven of them were chosen. We also find the expectations of a deacon in a couple of places and it always refers to men. There is a hint of a woman deacon (Phoebe) in Romans 16, and yet the church fathers used the word ‘servant’ instead. I found this source helpful in my study:

http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G1249

The root word definition of running an errand is quite striking since this is what Phoebe was doing; bringing the letter of Romans to the Christians in Rome. When you look at the other definitions and given the weak evidence to support Phoebe in an office of a deacon; when looking at context and keeping in the consistency of women’s role in the church, I can see why the choice of the word ‘servant’ was made.

I am not diminishing Jocelyn’s expertise in this area nor am I saying we shouldn’t use her gifts in this ministry, but I feel it would have been more prudent to hire her as a staff member as you would a secretary or admin. assistant. I believe we are in error installing a Deaconess in our church."

A few days later I met with Ron. We discussed this issue as well as some other things. He had spoken with Pr. Patterson regarding my concerns (and no doubt forwarded my email to Pastor). Ron said that Pastor had capitulated on them more or less except for the Deaconess. They believed they were not in disagreement with Scripture. I told Ron that I did not agree. In a follow-up email to our meeting I wrote this:

“I stand by my concern about the Office of Deaconess that we have created at Holy Word. I fear we are headed down a road that is dangerous. The KJV and NIV Bibles may not have been the ‘officially’ endorsed translations, but they are/were nevertheless used because they are solid. And deaconess does not appear in them. The fact that many translations do not use this word tells me that there was trepidation regarding its use. There is conflict/contradiction with deacon which is only spoken of in the masculine in all other places of the Bible and this leaves the door open to confusion regarding women’s role in the church. My study notes say ‘probably a deaconess’, but what kind? We are willing to hang our hats on a probably? There were things that were unheard of in other denominations twenty or thirty years ago and now they are rank with apostasy. One look at ELCA is enough to make you sick. We are headed in the same direction when you look at where we were at one time and where we are now.”

When I was studying this issue regarding the deaconess role in church, I found the following article extremely helpful. It is logical and objective in regards to what is stated in the Bible on the subject. It even calls into question whether it is even proper to call a man into the office of a Deacon. I would encourage the reader to click on the link and read the article.

http://www.bibleresearch.org/articles/a8w8.htm

Here is the summary from the article:

"The early church had problem (sic) serving the needs of the widows in a fair and equitable manner. The apostles determined that the care of widows was not a part of their function or responsibility, but belonged to men of good character within the congregation.

The apostles instruct the elect to choose men to perform this task. Once men were chosen they were set apart for this service—they were not chosen by the apostles or the elders and ordained to an office.

These men were to administer and distribute the goods and services provided for the care of deserving widows within the congregation. But, they were not the personal servants or assistants of the ministry. And they were not the enforcers of the faith within the congregation.

The establishment of an office of authority denoted as Deacon or Deaconess within the congregations of the Sovereign Father's earthly family is contrary to the apostles instruction and intent."

These concerns presented to the leadership at Holy Word were disregarded. This issue became one point in a letter to Pastor Patterson and the Elders last week in the context of other practices that are symptomatic of WELS in general regarding Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions of which all Pastors and teachers give an oath to uphold.

***

GJ - My guess is that Kudu Don Patterson got a grant for another free staffer, in addition to his annual free vicar. How else could Holy Word afford African safaris? Someone has to sacrifice, and it might as well be the ordinary WELS members. If you read the pink bulletin insert, you will see that the Antioch Foundation gave Kudu Don a LARGE three-year grant. Doebler also got at least one grant from Antioch, $60,000 when he wanted $200,000. Dream big, as Parlow would say, begging works. Doebler got a three- year grant, $20,000 per year for each of three years. The first year's grant went to the musician from Mary Lou College who was on sabbatical. Where the other money went - I do not know - the trail grows cold. It was supposed to be designated each year.

The concept of deaconess was borrowed from Roman Catholics and Mennonites. The Lutheran deaconess movement was quite significant in the Muhlenberg tradition (which became a large part of the LCA). Those deaconesses were teachers and nurses. They often were in that service a short time, before they married - since all were single. One founder was rather frustrated with "marriage fever."

The nurses had an impact on all medical care through Florence Nightingale, who learned from their training. In the Crimean War, she battled night and day for better sanitary care for British soldiers and later for better nursing care at home.

Call me jaundiced, but this seems to be another case of WELS deviously abusing titles to advance the Church and Change agenda of the Enthusiasts.

Years ago I said WELS would have women pastors before Missouri. I was right. WELS does not bother to ordain theirs, but they have women leading in worship. The pastors will not fight it. They are all Wauwatose.*

*Wauwatose is a condition where all doctrinal discernment has beeen taken away by the myth of Wauwatosa's superior methods, which is just another version of Pietism.

Rogue Lutheran Has Two Fascinating Stories

Rogue Lutheran has two good stories, linked here.

RL even kelmed one of my doctrinal graphics. Feel free to use them all over, no credit is needed. If you are in stealth-Ichabod mode, you are permitted to say, "I dunno where it came from. My cousin in Borneo sent it to me." That will keep you safe, because most officials could not find Borneo on a map with a flag pinned to it.

Links back to Ichabod are always welcome, because new readers keep adding to the page-reads. I know the synod officials always read it.

One student told me most of the faculty at Mary Lou College is using Google to let them know when they are named.

RL wrote about Missouri stealing another parish property, plus the elderly women left with a $600,000 legal bill, after California-Hawaii failed to steal it from them. The district used offering money, but the parish did not have that kind of loot to skim.

I thought, under Harrison, the synod would voluntarily pay back the costs of a meretricious lawsuit. That big word comes from the Latin term for prostitute.

WELS Gathers Innocent Third Worlders To Partake in Enthusiasm

WELS, a putative confessional synod, hired Babtist Ed Stetzer, via Church and Change (aka Synod Staff) to teach the Word of God.
WELS lied about the invitation repeatedly.
This blog posted about it doggedly, reproducing the schedule from Stetzer, his mocking comments about Lutherans, and his Tweet.
The invitation that never was, was rescinded.


Representatives from about 30 countries will be gathering in Minnesota June 4 - 6 for the seventh triennial convention of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference - the largest number of countries ever to gather at a meeting of the fellowship.

The representatives include 80 delegates and advisors from at least 19 of the 21 member churches of the CELC as well as guests from about 12 other countries.  Among the attendees are the presidents of the two conferences of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa - Rev. Davison Mutentami from Zambia and Rev. Riphat Matope from Malawi.  Representatives of those countries were unable to attend the last CELC convention in Ukraine.

“The convention is a wonderful opportunity for us to give encouragement to one another in our Lutheran Christian faith,” says Prof. Thomas Nass, secretary of the CELC planning committee. “A conference like this is important to help keep our international fellowship united in doctrine and practice, as we study the Bible together and worship Christ together.”

Delegates will be meeting under the theme “Unity of Spirit – Bond of Peace” at Martin Luther College in New Ulm with a one-day visit to Bethany Lutheran College and Seminary in Mankato, the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.  This is the first time in the history of the CELC, founded in 1993, that a triennial convention has been held in the Midwest.    

All worship services and sessions are open to visitors. The schedule is posted on the CELC Web site.

***

GJ - The WELS definition of "confessional" consists of using the Book of Concord to fool people while aping the Enthusiasts.

Ba-zingo News Release:The Love Shack Sold.Church and Change Staff Moves to Pewaukee

The possible relocation of the synod headquarters came two steps closer to reality last week. First, a contract to sell the current administration building was finalized. The buyer is planning to raze the existing buildings and construct new facilities on the site. The sale price is $2.82 million. The transaction will not be finalized until the actual closing of the sale, which is scheduled for January 4, 2012. The closing could take place sooner if the buyer desires to begin construction prior to winter.

Second, the synod also reached agreement to purchase an existing building in the western Milwaukee suburb of Pewaukee as the new site of the synod’s administrative offices. The seller accepted an offer of $2.85 million. This transaction also does not become final until the actual closing, scheduled for July 26, 2011.

The purchase price is only $30,000 more than what will be received for the current building. While the deals are yet to be finalized, President Mark Schroeder says, “we thank God that he has blessed us with a solution that will provide the synod with a new administrative home without the use of mission dollars.” Moving costs and other building preparation will be covered with funds already on hand in the synod’s facilities fund.

The decision to relocate the synod offices was prompted by two major considerations. First, the existing administration building on Mayfair Road in Milwaukee is in need of more than $2 million in major repairs and renovation. “When a developer expressed interest in purchasing the current facility, it seemed to be a good opportunity to consider relocation,” says Schroeder.

The first relocation option considered - building on synod-owned property (such as the campus of the seminary in Mequon) – was ruled out as too costly. A committee then considered 20 existing office buildings in the Milwaukee area. The Pewaukee building stood out as ideal.

The two-story 33,000 square foot building (pictured) is only nine years old and will require only minimal changes. It also has a full basement that will provide storage space and potential space to house the synod archives. It is located adjacent to I-94 and is easily accessible.

***

GJ - Advantages to the Church and Change administration -

Rich Krause, with his fake CG "doctorate" will be next door, to keep World Missions following its disastrous Church Shrinkage agenda. Curt Peterson, atheist and CG fanatic, used to be on that board with Valleskey.

I will have to spend time reworking my Love Shack graphics.

WELS will forget what a dumb idea 2929 was in the first place.

The divider that Ron Roth (RIP) hid behind will be left and forgotten.

Wormhaven Gardening Book Rejoinder

bored has left a new comment on your post "Mark Braun WELS, WLC - Soil Testing To Make Fuller...":

Modern science believes that soil is merely an inert medium with minerals in it, so when modern practitioners test soil they only measure minerals. Testing the soil in a garden will mostly deal with N P K, three very important nutrients. The more expensive tests will give a detailed report of present micro-nutrients, magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium, etc.

What these tests can't measure is the very thing that makes soil special--countless species of microscopic critters eating and excreting, responsible for millions of chemical reactions responsible for everything from low-light photo synthesis to natural plant-created pest protection. Science refuses to believe that the biome known as "soil" is God's way of feeding and regenerating the earth. They refuse to measure the thing that makes the constituent parts work. The ignore the fact that there is more life, pound for pound, under the soil's crust than above it.

So, with the confidence that accompanies all post-modern reductionism, Scientists do their soil tests, looking only at one millionth of the equation and scornfully deeming the rest to be unimportant. They apply their synthetic fertilizers, chemically burning to death all the invertebrates, and causing plants to grow "fat", retaining free-nitrogen. Free nitrogen is candy to pests, insects and fungi.

This is metaphoric of "soil testing" for churches. Mark Braun, Paul Kelm, Mark Jeske ad nauseam, are the Church's equivalent of modern science. They "test" for the elements they think are the important ones--and this edges out the Holy Spirit and the Word. They define what growth is, and then apply any and all means that cause their definition of growth to occur. Rock music and Cell groups just happens to be the synthetic nitrogen of the day. All the problems come from it: False Justification, anti-nomianism, legalism, junking of the Sacraments, Missionary Mimes and the whole bit.

The solution is simple in gardening and evangelism: Compost is to the garden as the Word is to the lost. Both are God's ordained way of feeding. Both are simultaneously complex and simple. Someone could write a whole book on this comparison.

WELS disciplined Rev. Jeff Gunn, Church and Change hero, by electing him to the board of Willowcreek's Liberal College, Milwaukee.

Spike Jones Editing of Hymns

AC V has left a new comment on your post "Wauwatosa versus the Book of Concord":

"Few hymns left unbutchered by Spike Jones editing."

That was a LOL!

I believe this is apropos to our discussion, honey child, honey lamb:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRqWWRCT5Cs

---
YouTube comment:

Wow - Spike Jones could do more damage to a song than anyone else - and I love it. This terrific musician has done so much to boost up the morale, when it needs it, by listening to his versions of famous songs - especially the love songs. They make you laugh whether you want to or not. The influence of the fabulously talented Ink Spots is really heard here at the beginning and makes this spoof of this song pure gold. It brightens my day. Thank you for posting. - Paula

Church Growth Came In - Not On Little Cat's Feet - But As a Tornado To Wreck the Synods.Leaders Lied While Doctrine Died.

AC V has left a new comment on your post "Fools For Christ? - AC V Asks":

This needs to be repeated here for Mueller's sake:

"Only those things have been recounted whereof we thought that it was necessary to speak, in order that it might be understood that in doctrine and ceremonies nothing has been received on our part against Scripture or the Church Catholic. For it is manifest that we have taken most diligent care that no new and ungodly doctrine should creep into our churches." - Augsburg Confession, Conclusion

Hardly "complete freedom."

Wauwatosa versus the Book of Concord

Here is a good link to Wauwatosa hagiography.



AC V has left a new comment on your post "Deutschlander - UOJ Is Missing from the Book of Co...":

LPC,

I appreciate your point. I wonder, however, how seriously the Wauwatosa Theologians appreciated this phrase (in bold) from the conclusion of the Augsburg Confession:

"Only those things have been recounted whereof we thought that it was necessary to speak, in order that it might be understood that in doctrine and ceremonies nothing has been received on our part against Scripture or the Church Catholic. For it is manifest that we have taken most diligent care that no new and ungodly doctrine should creep into our churches."

While being careful not to give them the same authority as Scripture, it seems to me the Fathers considered the beneficial traditions of the "Church Catholic" to be very important in maintaining the true faith.

There is a way of worship and ecclesiology that by long use has proved most beneficial in proclaiming and maintaining pure doctrine.

New ways of worship and ecclesiology that are far different from those of the "Church Catholic" usually are a reflection of "ungodly doctrine creeping into our churches."

The "ad fontes" of the Wauwatosa theologians ought to have included the "ceremonies" and "Church Catholic" of the AC Conclusion, not above or equal to the Scriptures, but as a testimony of the Spirit's working in the Church.

These two passages come to mind from St. Paul:

"All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up" (I Cor. 10:23).

And:

"For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized" (I Cor. 11:19).

***

GJ - I believe Dr. Cruz was addressing the entertainment aspects of Roman Catholic ceremonies. What gives sacrament-starved Protestants a buzz is often mocked among life-long Catholics. One priest shook my hand and asked, "Do you feel the thrill? I offered Mass this morning." Priests and laity are supposed to go around in a reverie after the Mass.

I see Lutheran clergy, sinuflecting toward Rome or Constantinople, aping high church without realizing they are part of the circus.

I say that with full appreciation for the traditional liturgy. I am even thinking of chanting the announcements.

The emphasis must be on the efficacy of the Word. Our worship does not have to be exactly the same, but all the synods were closer together in liturgical worship 50 years ago than they are today.

The common thread in ELCA, WELS, Missouri and the Little Sect is aping the Maggot (Emergent) Church Movement:

1. Movie screens instead of hymnals.
   
2. Hidden sacraments.
   
3. Fat bellies hanging over faded bluejeans.
   
4. Shirts best left for emergency spills and changing the oil.
   
5. Wretched music.
   
6. Few hymns left unbutchered by Spike Jones editing.
   
7. No sermons.
   
8. Messages plagiarized from Groeschel and other law salesmen.
   
9. Forcing Pietistic cell groups on the innocent.
   
10. Lawsuits and prison sentences, accompanied by synodical cover-ups.
    

Fools For Christ? - AC V Asks

AC V has left a new comment on your post "Wayne Mueller - No Church Growth Programs in WELS,...":

Mueller said, "Our Lutheran Confessions allow complete freedom among our churches in methodology that does not conflict with the gospel." Here's a simple example of how wrong Mueller is:

Because Scripture says: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men,..." (1 Cor. 1:25)

Therefore: Clown service!

Tada! "Complete freedom" "No conflict with the gospel (because it's from the Bible)!" An "ad fontes" application of Scripture to practice.

Do you really think the Lutheran Confessions had that in mind?