Consequences of the CCM's 'Consequences'

By Karl Wyneken

In one simple, sensible stroke the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) has issued an opinion that offers hope for ending eighteen months of bitter strife within the Synod. Entitled “Conse-quences of Action Taken Upon Approval of Ecclesiastical Supervisor” (see the CCM’s page on the synodical web site: http://222.lcms.org/ccm/min0012003.pdf), the CCM’s opinion in essence says there was never a case against Dr. David Benke for participating in the Yankee Stadium “Prayer for America” event following the 9/11 tragedy in 2001. Once President Gerald Kieschnick had determined that Benke’s actions were not out of keeping with synodical policy (in particular 2001 convention resolution 3-07A), that should have ended the matter. There was no reason for recusing President Kieschnick for purported bias because Benke had received advice from him before the event.

What are the consequences of the CCM’s opinion likely to be? Several come to mind.

Election Battles Heating Up

That those who wanted Benke removed will do everything possible to reverse this outcome is to belabor the obvious. Jerry Kieschnick’s presidency will certainly be on the line at the July 2004 synodical convention. Intense efforts in September 2003 to elect delegates to the synodical convention who will dump Kieschnick and pass resolutions preserving a legalistic, isolationistic and sectarian direction are under way.

Will they prevail? We think not. The assault on Benke and Kieschnick has done much to expose and discredit the fanaticism of this mind-set.

Renewed Empowerment for Mission and A Call to Invest Time, Effort and Resources

The CCM’s opinion can be the turning point that opens the LCMS once again to a future of renewed vision, passion and empowerment for the mission we have as God’s people. We, the Lord’s servant people, can take up anew the Lord’s commission to be reconciled reconcilers in our broken world.

To bring a positive outcome out of this episode in LCMS history will require a substantial investment of time and effort and resources.  Consider the following:

1.         At the top of the list, the re-election of President Kieschnick, a gifted and proven leader whose focus is on reaching the lost.

2.         A careful and discriminating replacement of those synodical vice-presidents and members of Synod’s Board of Directors who do not support the President’s Gospel-centered vision and mission goals.

3.         Improvements in synodical Bylaws and structure ensuring a more evangelical direction.

4.         Serious consideration of a Synod-wide thankoffering to turn around the Synod’s current fiscal shortfall.

Rev. Karl Wyneken is a retired LCMS pastor living in Fresno, CA