An Inappropriate Admonition

By The Leadership Team of Jesus First

Twelve years ago after the 1998 LCMS Convention, two groups of people met independently to discuss the direction of the Missouri Synod. In time, these two groups met again and formed Jesus First. Leaders began to write articles about the future of the LCMS, the challenges of sharing the Gospel in our changing world, and the need for church leaders who are Gospel-Centered, Mission-Driven, and Future-Oriented and Lay Folk-Trusting.

In 2001, the Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick was elected President of the LCMS. The personal attacks against the president began almost immediately. People who did not like the election results accused President Kieschnick of numerous ecclesiastical indiscretions and of masterminding a sinister plot to lead the LCMS away from her confessional standard. Accusations of syncretism and unionism were followed by accusations of creating extra votes for his re-election. This was followed by a threatened lawsuit from members of the Board of Directors costing the LCMS over $500,000. More recently, President Kieschnick was accused of ignoring pastors in the church and creating disunity.

Jesus First would like to take a moment to commend President Kieschnick for nine years of service as President of the LCMS. During those years he has faithfully led the LCMS through the social changes of 9/11, a changing national economy, and into utilizing new internet technologies for communicating to the Synod. He has been a strong and firm supporter of the Lutheran Confessions, speaking often on issues of mission, evangelism, and against the errors of other church bodies.

After each convention, in 2001, 2004, and 2007, Jesus First leaders discussed plans to disband our efforts and a timeline to do this. However, each time we found the need to defend the reputation of our brothers and sisters who were often being sullied by false allegations and hurtful statements. Sadly 2010 seems to be no different than the past.

Before the 2010 Convention was even over, a group called the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Churches (ACELC) sent a letter to all LCMS congregations concerning their belief that there are theological errors in the LCMS. Little is known about ACELC beyond what is on their public website. A small group of pastors and lay people have issued and sent an admonition to all LCMS congregations stating that there are errors that they “will not tolerate.” Some of these “errors” are decisions made at LCMS Conventions over the past years. Most of the “errors” are issues of church practice where the ACELC, in a legalistic view of faith, leaves little or no room for pastoral care, the specific needs of a congregation, or the freedom regarding worship that Luther describes in the Book of Concord.

The problems with their letter are manifold, but I will focus on two that seem most egregious:

1) We have a new President who has stated that he is committed to dialogue to resolve areas of disagreement in the LCMS. Unfortunately the ACELC statement harms his ability to move forward with leadership and vision. It is difficult to believe, but true  that the people of the ACELC were some of those who worked long and hard for President Harrison’s election. They have stated their efforts are to, “Give President Harrison the expedited ability to address the concerns that he already knows need to be addressed.” These folks assume they know the mind and will of our newly-elected President. President Harrison needs a fair chance to lead without political pundits attempting to unduly influence his administration before it ever starts.

2) The ACELC letter claims that many LCMS Convention Resolutions are in error, and that ACELC pastors and lay people “will not tolerate these errors.” There is a process for disputing the theological decisions of the LCMS, but writing letters to LCMS congregations is not the appropriate process. Nor is it appropriate to publicly list the “theological errors” of individual brothers and sisters without addressing them through the appropriate, private ecclesiastical channels we have established in the LCMS.

Jesus First,  after receiving requests for a formal response to the ACELC letter, has decided to share these two articles: What Jesus First Stands For and What Jesus First Cannot Accept. We pray that these articles will reaffirm our belief that LCMS leaders need to be Gospel-Centered, Mission-Driven, Future-Oriented and Lay Folk- Trusting. We continue to pray for President-elect Harrison, First Vice-President Elect Mueller and all elected officers, board members and servants of the LCMS. May God bless them with wisdom and faithfulness to meet the Kingdom challenges ahead.

Finally, Jesus First calls on the members of ACELC to remove their admonition of LCMS congregations and work through the official procedures we have in the LCMS. Jesus First calls on the members of the ACELC to support the duly elected officers of the LCMS, especially Rev. Matthew Harrison, without dictating what he should or should not be doing or saying. Stating what “will not be tolerated” prior to a conversation compromises President Harrison’s desire to bring unity through conversation.