LCMS Diversity

[LutheranHawkeye]

So I recently e-mailed the head pastor at Jefferson Hills Church asking him about elder led communion nights. He posted to me a link explaining the confessional and biblical backing for them here: http://61902.inspyred.com/images/FinalDraftCNPresentation.pdf

It begins with as presented to President Mirly of the Missouri District and a member of the CTCR. I am very distraught that this document was actually viewed by a DP and was approved. I really can't see going to an LCMS seminary knowing that there will be so much diversity, and having to deal with that diversity. Why spend an additional 4 years on top of my undergrad just to have to dodge and combat contemporary worship and its advocates. I'm in a slump...any words of encouragement/statistics about the LCMS, like nonliturgical pastors are decreasing, or that if we get a new Synodical president he'll make sure DP's will actually do their jobs? Is there a seminary that is seen as better for liturgical seminarians?

 

[DaRev]

So I recently e-mailed the head pastor at Jefferson Hills Church asking him about elder led communion nights. He posted to me a link explaining the confessional and biblical backing for them here: http://61902.inspyred.com/images/FinalDraftCNPresentation.pdf

It begins with as presented to President Mirly of the Missouri District and a member of the CTCR. I am very distraught that this document was actually viewed by a DP and was approved. I really can't see going to an LCMS seminary knowing that there will be so much diversity, and having to deal with that diversity. Why spend an additional 4 years on top of my undergrad just to have to dodge and combat contemporary worship and its advocates. I'm in a slump...any words of encouragement/statistics about the LCMS, like nonliturgical pastors are decreasing, or that if we get a new Synodical president he'll make sure DP's will actually do their jobs? Is there a seminary that is seen as better for liturgical seminarians?

I've not read the entire document. But what I have read seems to deal with the fact that the congregation there does not practice open communion. Their Sunday morning attendees seem to be made up of a number of seekers and new believers who are not yet ready to receive the Sacrament, so rather than practice open communion or not have the Lord's Supper at all, they have developed these "Communion Nights" for their regular members who wish to partake of the Sacrament more often than the "12 times per year" that they have the Sacrament on Sunday morning. The "elders" who administer the Sacrament are not elected elders as most congregations have, but are "called" and installed for life-long service. (My hom,e congregation has called life-long deacons, but they do not administer the Sacrament). They are "called" to serve this congregation only.

While I do not agree with their practice of having these lay ministers administer the Sacrament, I do have to say that I'm minimally impressed that they don't practice open communion. I don't know why the pastors don't officiate these "Communion Nights". On the surface I don't see anything that would go against a broad interpretation of the Confessions, especially "no one should preach or administer the Sacraments unless he be rightly called."

I did not see whether or not they permit women to serve as their "elders". That would be a huge no-no, and I wouldn't think that the synod or district would approve such a thing.

As for seminary, I can assure you that such things are not taught at either of them. Check out the Fort Wayne sem.

 

[Tangible]

LH, just to toss in my 2¢ ...

In Veith's Spirituality of the Cross he observes that support for contemporary worship tends to come from established pastors, while younger pastors and seminary students tend to self identify as more liturgical or ultra-liturgical (i.e. they wear their collar to go fishing ), and are interested in high-church worship styles.

I don't know what he bases this observation on or how he comes to that conclusion, but he has a web presence here and seems to be very approachable. If you do contact him, would you let me know what you find out?

 

[Studeclunker]

LH, just to toss in my 2¢ ...

In Veith's Spirituality of the Cross he observes that support for contemporary worship tends to come from established pastors, while younger pastors and seminary students tend to self identify as more liturgical or ultra-liturgical (i.e. they wear their collar to go fishing ), and are interested in high-church worship styles.

I don't know what he bases this observation on or how he comes to that conclusion, but he has a web presence here and seems to be very approachable. If you do contact him, would you let me know what you find out?

Thank you C.D. This does give some hope for the LCMS.

 

[filosofer]

LH, just to toss in my 2¢ ...

In Veith's Spirituality of the Cross he observes that support for contemporary worship tends to come from established pastors, while younger pastors and seminary students tend to self identify as more liturgical or ultra-liturgical (i.e. they wear their collar to go fishing ), and are interested in high-church worship styles.

I don't know what he bases this observation on or how he comes to that conclusion, but he has a web presence here and seems to be very approachable. If you do contact him, would you let me know what you find out?

Just so we don't consider "high-church" as more Lutheran or more faithful Lutheran. There is not a necessary correlation there.




from an old codger who likes the traditional liturgy.

 

[Tangible]

Just so we don't consider "high-church" as more Lutheran or more faithful Lutheran. There is not a necessary correlation there.

Right! We don't want to become liturgical pietists.

 

[WildStrawberry]

<snip> Why spend an additional 4 years on top of my undergrad just to have to dodge and combat contemporary worship and its advocates. <snip>

Why?? Because we NEED more Pastors that think like you do to take back our Synod and return her to her Confessional Roots.

That's why.

Darn it.


Kae

 

[DaRev]

LH, just to toss in my 2¢ ...

In Veith's Spirituality of the Cross he observes that support for contemporary worship tends to come from established pastors, while younger pastors and seminary students tend to self identify as more liturgical or ultra-liturgical (i.e. they wear their collar to go fishing ), and are interested in high-church worship styles.

I don't know what he bases this observation on or how he comes to that conclusion, but he has a web presence here and seems to be very approachable. If you do contact him, would you let me know what you find out?

Veith is spot on with that assesment. The push for more CW style comes from the baby-boomer generation, and not so much the younger crowd. Studies have shown where younger folks prefer more traditional worship styles and music. In fact, the Southern Baptist Convention had at one time considered a more liturgical worship style to keep their own young people from leaving the church. I don't know where that ever ended up. I do know that most new sem graduates are far more traditional in terms of worship than the older established pastors.