Today it Happens
Apparently the Convocation in St. Louis has no spies in attendance, for there has been nary a peep about what has been happening. But today the Task Force on Structure is presenting their plan. Hopefully we will soon here what they are proposing.
I'm anticipating this greatly. Why? This is one the "legacy" items that our Synodical President wants to accomplish; so much is riding on it for him. This is a Big Deal for him and will be for us. Whatever is presented today will be presented to District Conventions next spring and then on the agenda for the National Convention in 2010. And as I said before, some suspect that this is going to be divisive for the Synod and put many pastors and congregations in a tight spot, forcing us to decide to support the Synod as it is being re-made or not.
Others, however, have imagined that after all the sound and fury only minor changes, if any, will be recommended and adopted. With this administration I can only imagine. It seems clear to me that they are seeking to radically change the Synod's public imagine and practice to a more mainstream consumerist Evangelicalism. But at the same time, congregations like are resistant to change. They may tolerate praise songs and general modern Ameri-Christian nonsense, but if forced to make a choice would choose the "old ways" of the 1950-60s.
It's like the man who oogles women at the beach: he's more than happy to watch whatever passes by, but if his wife gives him the evil eye and tells him to make the choice: chase what he sees or come home with her, he'll follow her to the car like a puppy dog.
We can only wait and see.
7 comments :
Don't discount the ability of church growthers to beat people into thinking their old way of evangelism doesn't work. Jealousy, envy, and faith in man's work are strong tools against orthodoxy. We need to be vigilant and defend against their slights at every turn.
Any news about the restructuring proposals? Where/when will they appear?
Anon--
No idea. The way the LCMS talked, this was going to be the "great unfurling." The way a few websites wrote, this was going to be followed closely. But I checked around a few minutes ago, and all I heard were crickets.
But I'm glad I'm not the only one who is waiting for this. But we may be the only two.
Dan,
No, I don't discount it at all. It's worked so far.
Thanks for reading.
Pr. Hall:
There is some news on this from the LCMS website. You can see a video from Pres. Kieschnick and members of the task force, as well as read some of the "white papers" that have been published regarding the restructuring proposals. At the LCMS Website, find Structure and Governance in the Ministry Area drop down menu, and you can get the published info and the video.
My guess is that we will hear more of this after the whole event is done, assuming that not all the proposals and discussions will be rolled out at once. And if the paperwork is anything like it was as a delegate to the 2007 Synod Convention, there will be plenty to read at this convocation and afterwards.
LTZ
Thanks for the tip, Rev. Zimmerman!
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