I am interested in learning the differences between WELS and LCMS. I have recently relocated to an area where there are congregations from both synods in town. The only Lutheran choice in the town I lived in prior was LCMS. So what would be a good source to learn the differences between them?
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Difference between LCMS & WELS
- Thread starter JohnnyBeFree
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SalusaSecundus
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WELS have a stricter view of church fellowship. We believe you must be on the same page in all areas of doctrine before being in communion. We don't allow women to vote in church councils. We have a slightly different view of pastoral ministry, we don't believe the office of pastor is a divinely inspired institution but rather a function of the "office of ministry". Other than that we are pretty much on the same page doctrinally. Of course our synod also has fallen victim in many ways to the empty headed church growth movement.
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Thank you for your reply. Please understand I am not trying to debate, only trying to understand. Exactly what does the quoted text mean? Thanks!
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SalusaSecundus
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Some churches believe that the offices of pastor are divinely instituted offices. WELS believes in one office of ministry and pastors fulfill a function of that office.
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My mind is not grasping this. I'm sorry. I understand the LCMS position. But what does that have to do with the WELS position of one office of ministry and pastors fulfilling functioning of that office?
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SalusaSecundus
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The WELS doesn't believe that the office of pastor is a God ordained office, rather an office created by the church to fulfill the functions of the ministry of the word.
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Ok, I understand now. I've never thought it, myself. I'll have to study it but I don't recall the Bible stating either way. Thank you for your explanation.
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Christian_Commenter_1234
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I'm in the LCMS and have only seriously attended four churches in my life. Two were liturgical and two were definitely impacted by the church growth movement. I have very little experience with the WELS. Do you think the movement is more influencial there as your post indicated, because just guessing I would think it would be more common in the LCMS because it isn't as conservative unfortunately?
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SalusaSecundus
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In my limited experience, WELS churches frequently tend to be more low-church than the LCMS, which tends to be more middle- to high-church. On the other hand, there is a higher percentage of LCMS churches that have gone church growth. In other words, I think it is more common to see a good, Confessional pastor in the WELS wearing a suit and tie rather than vestments in the Divine Service.
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