I don't fit in ELCa---where do I fit?

[Donsfreespirit]

Hi Jim:

Lets be clear that your not alone in your feelings, your beliefs, and concerns.

Believe me, I understand, as well as many other members within the ELCA. I'm up in the air also, confused, shock, and concerned. However, you have to remember that the revisionist, in the ELCA, have had there way since the start of the ELCA, in the 80's.

I was a member of the LC MS, and left, because of the changes they have made over the years, as well continue to do so.

One must remember that not all ELCA churches are the same. They run from conserative to Liberal. Not all accept the teachings of the ELCA HQ or the Synod. Many are very Confessional, and the pastors are also.

Our church is very Liberal/ with a mix of conservative believers. We do not follow everything the CWA passes. We were shocked by there decision also.

You do have a choice, to stay or leave. If you stay, you can do what many churches within the ELCA has already started to do. With hold funds from the synod, as well as HQ in IL. Make it know to the pastor and his staff that you do not want any of your money going to them.

Instead, have the pastor or the church council come up with an alternative to giving to help an agency in your community.

One still can be a member of the ELCA and hold true to his Lutheran Confessions.

Core has started a new church under the LCMC name. As well, you can look into LC MS, Wels, ELC, congregations. Just go to their web sites and do a congregational search for your area. Maybe your comfortable driving longer from you home, so increase your mileage search.

Whatever you decide, remember its not going to be easy, to don't rush it. Ask God for his guidance. Pray about. Keep your eyes on the Cross. Read Scripture, and pray.

In Christ,

Don

 

[Jim99]

Don,

You're the light in the dark, what a wonderful obvious answer - see if I can start a revolt rather than dropping out. Of course I'll be deeply troubled (I guess that's the polite way of expressing it) if I find that the majority are, to me, politically correct coddlers!

I see some different feelings here about treating illegals- do I suggest that those in need be ignored? No. Do I suggest that we should coddle illegals, knowing that they are a burden on our public services and by being employed, for substandard wages, are keeping lawful residents unemployed? No. Assisting illegals to live here is like ignoring the neighbor who you know steals cable service. (After all, he may be breaking the law but he hasn't hurt anyone.)
Hummm, starting a rant, I best end!

Jim

 

[DaRev]

The whole purpose of helping those in need is to eventually eliminate their need. I believe in that old saying, "Give a starving man a fish and feed him for a day. But teach a starving man to fish and feed him for a lifetime." Our help for the needy must always be directed towards helping them help themselves. It's when they don't want to help themselves that is troublesome. In the case of illegals, the short term need must be met with the long term need also being addressed, namely legal status. If that's not what they want, then they must be given a fish and a bus ticket.

 

[LutheranHawkeye]

Hi Jim:

Lets be clear that your not alone in your feelings, your beliefs, and concerns.

Believe me, I understand, as well as many other members within the ELCA. I'm up in the air also, confused, shock, and concerned. However, you have to remember that the revisionist, in the ELCA, have had there way since the start of the ELCA, in the 80's.

I was a member of the LC MS, and left, because of the changes they have made over the years, as well continue to do so.

One must remember that not all ELCA churches are the same. They run from conserative to Liberal. Not all accept the teachings of the ELCA HQ or the Synod. Many are very Confessional, and the pastors are also.

Our church is very Liberal/ with a mix of conservative believers. We do not follow everything the CWA passes. We were shocked by there decision also.

You do have a choice, to stay or leave. If you stay, you can do what many churches within the ELCA has already started to do. With hold funds from the synod, as well as HQ in IL. Make it know to the pastor and his staff that you do not want any of your money going to them.

Instead, have the pastor or the church council come up with an alternative to giving to help an agency in your community.

One still can be a member of the ELCA and hold true to his Lutheran Confessions.

Core has started a new church under the LCMC name. As well, you can look into LC MS, Wels, ELC, congregations. Just go to their web sites and do a congregational search for your area. Maybe your comfortable driving longer from you home, so increase your mileage search.

Whatever you decide, remember its not going to be easy, to don't rush it. Ask God for his guidance. Pray about. Keep your eyes on the Cross. Read Scripture, and pray.

In Christ,

Don

Hello Don! Very nice observations! I too feel the same way although I am in the LCMS. My wish for Christmas is that the ELCA would battle mainstream Protestantism within its ranks, and that the LCMS would battle Evangelical Protestantism within its ranks. Unfortunately both of our great Lutheran Churches aren't throwing in too many punches. Merry Christmas...