The Power of a Shared Vision

Our Lord has given us a vision to share. In the coming months as we approach the synodical convention, let’s fix our vision on the direction established by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s fine heritage:

Let us be a church that preaches and practices the freedom of the Gospel (Galatians 5:1). We renounce legalism, extreme rigidity and the-end-justifies-the-means methods and control.

Let us be a church of unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all things and with all people (Galatians 5: 13b-14). We renounce back-biting, the filing of endless charges, and doctrinal trickery.

Let us be a church built on The Lutheran Confessions that state that “To the true unity of the church, it is enough to agree concerning the doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. Nor is it necessary that human traditions, that is, rites or ceremonies, instituted by men, should be everywhere alike” (Augsburg Confession, Article VIII). We renounce legalistic uniformity as the basis for unity.

Let us be a church where the office of the public ministry and the priesthood of all believers cooperate in ministry and mission (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 4: 11-12, and I Peter 2:9). We renounce any false elevation of the pastoral office.

A profound choice stands before the LCMS at this time! What type of shared vision will we establish and follow? Let us elect leaders who will support President Kieschnick in extending the Kingdom of God.

Rev. Henry E. Baum is Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Elyria, Ohio.