An "Issues, Etc. Revolution"?

That's what Mollie Hemingway is calling the remarkable "changing of the guard" we're witnessing at the LCMS National Convention.  I, like so many others I know, have been blown away by what I've been watching unfold these last few days, especially in regard to the elections that have taken place - from the Praesidium down to the various boards of regents, there has been a noticeable trend to elect candidates who fall on the conservative (or "confessional") side of the spectrum.  It really has been quite shocking for those of us who have been following LCMS politics for a while. 

Anyway, whence this "Issues, Etc. Revolution," to which Mollie refers?  First of all, I really do think that the sudden cancellation of "Issues, Etc." and firings of Pr. Wilken and Jeff Schwarz during Holy Week a little over two years ago opened the eyes of a lot of people, who began to realize that they really should be paying attention to what's going on in our synod.  Secondly, the popularity of "Issues, Etc." soared when it came back on the air after a couple of months of hiatus and continues to grow to this day, and the promotion of Rev. Matthew Harrison, who has been, and hopefully will remain, a frequent guest, gave a lot of listeners out there a sneak preview of what our synod could be like under his faithful leadership.  Thirdly, the catechesis (teaching) done by Pr. Wilken and the many faithful pastors, seminary professors, etc. has had an enormous, positive impact on our synod.  Both clergy and laypeople learn much from this outstanding program and pass that learning on to others in their parishes.  Fourthly, "Issues, Etc." has been a tremendous uniting factor among the more conservative (or, "confessional") side of our synod, especially these last couple of years.  Having been closely monitoring synodical politics for over a decade, I cannot think of a time when there was anywhere near the unity among the "confessionals" we're witnessing now, and "Issues, Etc." has a lot to do with that, along with the Brothers of John the Steadfast, which came into being shortly after the cancellation of the show a couple of years ago.  So, yeah, I can see why Mollie would consider the happenings at the convention an "Issues, Etc. Revolution."

And, if there was any doubt about this, that was removed today when Jeff Schwarz, the long-time Producer of "Issues, Etc" was elected to the board of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR).  This, after Rev. Michael Kumm, who just happens to be the Senior Pastor where Pr. Todd Wilken serves, was elected yesterday to the LCMS Board of Directors.

An "Issues, Etc. Revolution"?  Yeah, I think so.  So, a hearty thanks to "Issues, Etc." for rallying us to pay a little more attention to what's happening in our synod, but especially for delivering Cross-focused, Christ-centered programming to our ears, which makes your show the absolute best in Christian radio!

    Congrats to Jeff Schwarz, newly elected to serve on the CTCR board!  

Congrats to Rev. Michael Kumm, newly elected to serve on the LCMS Board of Directors!

Why Trampolines Aren't Safe in Michigan

A friend sent me this pic via email today with the above title.  Why can't I see these guys when I'm in my tree stand during the sacred season in November? :)  Anyway, kids in Michigan, always be sure to check beneath the trampoline . . . :)

It's Okay To Be Happy!

A group of us went out to celebrate the election of Pr. Matt Harrison tonight after Evening Prayer.  We're happy about this - really, really happy!  And I don't see a thing wrong with that.  It's okay to be happy about the election of the candidate we supported.  It's okay to be happy about the fact that our new President-elect is a pastor, a theologian, and a man of mercy.  It's okay to be happy about the fact that our synod elected a man to lead us who is serious about being Lutheran in doctrine and practice.  It's okay to be happy about the fact that this man recognizes the deep division which exists in our synod and honestly wants to work toward healing that division, using the Word of God and our Lutheran Confessions to do so.  It's okay for us to be happy about that.  How could we not be happy about it?

Almost immediately after Pr. Harrison was elected, warnings began to spring up all over the blogosphere about not being too happy or celebratory about this.  I understand the sentiment.  Our synod needs to work toward unity and this is not the time to boast or gloat.  Fine.  I get that.  But, being happy and celebrating this significant and joyous event is not the same thing as boasting or gloating.  The happiness I, and many others, feel right now is not derived from some sense of misplaced pride, but from a sense of utter relief and deep gratitude.  It isn't a "we won and you lost" kind of thing, but a "what a blessing!" kind of thing.

I think it is absurd to suggest that we should not be too happy right now.  It doesn't make us insensitive jerks to express our delight over the way the elections have gone so far at the convention.  We prayed for this.  We longed for this.  We hoped for this.  And, lo and behold, it has happened.  So, we're happy.  Sue us, I guess.

Also, let's just have a little honesty here.  We're also happy that Pres. Kieschnick and many on his team we're not re-elected.  That doesn't mean we're sadistic people who like to revel in the misery of others.  It just means that we disagreed with the direction they were taking our synod and are happy that they will no longer be in place to lead us further in that direction.  That's all.  We thank them for their service among us, recognizing that they served as they thought best, and we wish them well in whatever the future holds for them.  But, at the same time, we're happy.

There has also already been much speculation about what is going to happen now.  When will President Harrison take care of this or focus on that, etc.  First of all, the man isn't even installed until September.  Secondly, the work he has before him is enormous.  Not only is he inheriting a synod divided on many issues, but also a completely new structure to our synod, and it will be his responsibility to oversee the transition from the old to the new.  Thirdly, President-elect Harrison has been forthright in expressing that it will take years of hard work and honest dialogue to get us to the unity he envisions (the plan he lays forth in "It's Time" is a ten-year plan), and that the unity he envisions can only be achieved by the Word of God.

What is needed right now is patience and support.  President-elect Harrison asked us to pray for him daily.  Please do so.  He will need our prayers - and our patience, and our support. 

Also, if there are any people out there who are hoping for President-elect Harrison to begin "cleaning house" in our synod, I assure you that you are going to be disappointed.  That's not his plan, nor is that his style.  His plan is to lead not by coercion, but by the Word of God.  He's one of those long-lost believers who actually believes that the Word of God is living and active, mighty and powerful, and able to unite, even as it also divides.  Let's give him a chance.  Let's give the Word of God a chance.  Let's be patient and supportive and see what the Word can do among us.  We haven't done that for a while as a synod.  We have, for quite some time, focused on our efforts and our ideas.  Let's see what the Word can do. 

Anyway, I'm happy.  I can't help it.  I'm not sorry about it.  I'm thankful for it.

It's okay to be happy!     

Newly Elected LCMS Praesidium

(From L-R:  President Matthew Harrison; 1st Vice President Herbert Mueller, Jr.; 2nd Vice President John Wohlrabe, Jr.; 3rd Vice President Paul Maier; 4th Vice President Daniel Preus; 5th Vice President Scott Murray)

Congrats to President-elect Harrison . . .

from Father Hollywood and from Fr. Eckardt. 

There is no doubt . . .

that the mustache momentum which continued to pick up steam right up until the votes were cast had much to do with the outcome of our synod's presidential election this afternoon.  But, what I really think sealed the deal was the fact that the Blessed Reformer, Dr. Luther himself, got swept up in the momentum: 

:{)

"Grandpa" apparel now available

Pr. Jonathan Fisk, of "Worldview Everlasting" fame, just announced that new "Still Attending Grandpa's Church" shirts are now available.  Click here to check 'em out.  Half of the proceeds will go to support Rev. James May and Lutherans in Africa; the other half to support the technology and production of "Worldview Everlasting" (see Pr. Fisk's most recent offering here). 

So, go now and order a new "Grandpa" shirt and support the important mission work being done in Africa by our Lord through Pr. May, and the super-duper "new media" mission work being done by Pr. Fisk. 

All the cool kids are doing it.  You know you want to. 

Go now! :) 

President-elect Harrison's First Interview

President-elect Harrison (man, that sounds so good) was gracious enough to take a few moments to speak with Pr. Wilken on Issues, Etc. shortly after the election this afternoon.  The connection is not the greatest, but you can still hear the pastor and theologian in our newly elected president coming through loudly and clearly:

Blessed Results

SYNODICAL PRESIDENT:

Rev. Matthew Harrison

1ST VICE PRESIDENT:

 Rev. Herbert Mueller, Jr.

2ND-5TH VICE PRESIDENTS:

Rev. John Wohlrabe, Jr.

Rev. Paul L. Maier

Rev. Daniel Preus

Rev. Scott Murray

What a wonderful, faithful Praesidium to lead our synod! 

Call me a sap, if you will, but my eyes were pretty teared up with joy as I watched these results unfold.  So many of us have been praying for the day when we would be given leaders in our synod who were committed to leading and guiding our synod in a direction faithful to Holy Scripture and our Lutheran Confessions, and who would work diligently in love toward faithful resolutions regarding those issues which currently divide us.  I believe with all my heart that Pastor Harrison and the rest of the Praesidium will strive to do just that, and so I am ever so thankful that they have been elected.  Prayers ascend for this group as they make their transition into their newly elected positions in the days and months to come! 

Prayers also ascend for Pres. Kieschnick.  I disagreed vehemently with the direction he was leading our synod, but, as I've said before, he is a brother in Christ who sincerely believed in what he was doing and has a passion to share the Gospel of Christ with others that is very noticeable and admirable.  He was very gracious in defeat this afternoon and he has always done a very good job at chairing our conventions.  I don't know what the future holds for him, but I pray God's blessings upon him.  

In case you missed it, here is the acceptance speech of our newly elected synodical president, which provides a good indication for why so many of us are excited right now:

HARRISON ELECTED!

A Hymn Worth Singing Today

The following was crafted by Pr. John Frahm.  I think it's great, and I offer it here as a substitute resolution hymn to sing in place of the next jazzed-up, praise band-led, hymn to be offered at the convention:

Preserve our synod from the smoke
that blinds our eyes from Christ our hope
Grant us what we need, Lord most dear;
Deliver us from evil here.

Grant faithfulness to us today
That we confess what Thou dost say
Give repentance to our sins
O Holy Spirit enter in.

Take up your cross, O churchman now!
Confess the truth, with hand to plow!
With eyes fixed on Christ crucified
Upon God’s Word we have relied.

The gates of hell shall not prevail
Though popes and councils surely fail;
Where Word and Sacrament remain
There Christ’s clear promise still obtains

Great Video

I ran across the following on Facebook a few minutes ago.  Here's the description:

Ever wish there was a confessional Lutheran version of Veggie Tales? Now you can plop the kiddies in front of some good, sound Lutheran theology. Your favorite Beer Steins present Table Talk - based solely on God's Word and the Lutheran Confessions. Written for a talent show at the Higher Things conference in Nashville.

Unity?

The first day and a half of business at the LCMS National Convention has focused on taking action regarding several proposals brought forth by Floor Committee 8, all of which have to do with restructuring how our synod governs itself.  My good friend, Scott Diekmann, is doing a wonderful job of reporting the decisions made by the delegates regarding these proposals as they happen, and I encourage you to check his blog often (you can also check the status of all the resolutions acted upon at the LCMS website here). 

I've been watching as much of the proceedings as I can via the live stream on the LCMS website here.  What I find interesting and very ironic is the fact that this Floor Committee has continued to claim that putting their resolutions before the delegates is motivated by their desire to bring more unity to our synod.  That claim simply doesn't make much sense considering the fact that most of their resolutions (and, especially, the most controverted ones) are passing by a very slim majority (51% or 52%).  As a couple of pastoral delegates have very wisely pointed out on the floor, making changes as broad and reaching as the ones being made with these resolutions should never be done with such a small majority in favor.  As they've noted, we would never push changes like this through at the congregational level (or, at least, we never should), since it would obviously breed disunity.  It would seem, then, that if the motivation driving the Floor Committee to present these resolutions was to bring more unity to our synod, they would have recognized the disunity they were creating when they began to present these resolutions and, for the sake of fostering unity in our synod, made the decision to cease and desist from moving forward.  Yeah, that would have meant a lot of time, energy, and money going down the tubes, but what is more important - time, energy, and money or unity?

Now, some may try to argue that the Floor Committee simply couldn't have known what the will of the assembly would have been and, therefore, they can't be blamed for the disunity which their resolutions are most certainly breeding.  Not so much.  I mean, they should have been given a clue as to the obvious disunity they would be breeding by moving forward as they have from the many pre-convention overtures and memorials presented by whole districts, circuits, and congregations to either not bring forth these restructuring proposals or to put them on hold until more study and a greater consensus could be achieved.  But, nope.  They marched on and our synod will suffer more disunity because of that, which leads me to question not only what they claim to be their motivation, but also whether or not they really understand what the word "unity" means.  It kind of reminds me of this: 

Pray; Don't Say

Very wise words from Pr. Wilken here.  He is exactly right and we need to keep his reminder in mind as things play out this afternoon and the rest of the week in Houston.

Some other wise words shared by another dear brother pastor:

As important as earthly rulers are, also within the Church on earth, our hope and trust remain in Christ alone.  I am praying for a new president of the LCMS, one who will be a pastor first and foremost, rather than principally a politician.  But neither will a good president save the Lord's Church, nor will a bad president destroy the Lord's Church.  The question is, whether the Missouri Synod will remain within the Lord's Church or go the way of all flesh.  In any case, the great Good Shepherd will care for His sheep and His undershepherds.

Amen!  

Mustache Day Is Here!

HT:  Pr. Wilken's Facebook page