Thankful for My Pastor

When the whole “Transforming Congregations” process came up in my congregation, I started to get “church envy.” I saw a congregation like Lutheran Church of Our Savior that is an Issues, Etc. 300 Club member and had many of parishioners who signed the Save Issues online-petition. I thought, “I bet those guys aren’t flirting with this stuff.” And it’s actually half the distance to get there from our home. Since that time, I have had more interactions with my pastor and have come to a more profound respect and appreciation for this deeply confessional man. And I’ve had a glimpse of why God has placed my family in this congregation.

In the past couple of weeks at Bible study there has been some very serious discussion on close(d) communion. People questioning how loving it is? Are we breaking unity in the church (catholic)? What about people who have a Lutheran understanding, but belong to non-denominational churches? My pastor had all the answers that derive from scripture and the confessions. I was greatly comforted by his unwavering stance.

I’ve also recently read a paper he wrote on the LCMS practice of adult baptism after complete instruction in the catechism. He argued very well from scripture that basic instruction in the faith before baptism was the biblical norm. No mention of the Table of Duties or the Lord’s Supper as a necessity to receive baptism. He also wrote an article in the church news letter about the appropriateness of crucifixes. Really great stuff.

I have even come to understand his stance on the “contemporary service.” My insight came when we were discussing sprinkling vs. emersion in baptism. He preferred emersion and its symbolism, but has no problem with sprinkling as it deters those who would claim that emersion is the only correct form. Much as Titus wasn’t circumcised as a deterrent to those that believed you must be to be saved. I believe part of his reasoning for the “contemporary service” is as a guard against those who would say the liturgy is the only way to have a church service. I can see the point, but I still believe the liturgy is the better expression of faith and so the contemporary service remains a “last resort” option for my family.

On a somewhat depressing note, the elders unanimously agreed to continue the “Transforming Congregations” process with the understanding that the “Accountable Leadership Governance” model (pastor as CEO) was a non-starter. I guess the idea that something different must be done is just too strong.

Finally, I’m simply thankful for my pastor and the many like him who struggle against the world, attempt to teach us, the laity, what the Bible really says, preach the Word, and administer the sacraments. Thanks be to Christ.