Delegate Newsletter -- No. 8

What is Jesus First?

By Rev. Jon Coyne

Jesus First is a diverse group of loving people, with a common goal – confessing Christ! Before the group ever had a name, the people who met to form Jesus First were focused on their common goal. The leadership of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) was becoming increasingly legalistic and no longer reflected the rich heritage of Gospel freedom in the LCMS. Being “confessional” had changed from its original meaning and now meant being rigidly bound to things that are not commanded in the Bible or in the confessions. “Walking together” (the translation of the word Synod) had changed from its original meaning to a concept of walking in lock step, with matching uniforms, and no outward signs of any difference. Something needed to change.

As the first group met, the problem was defined: If the LCMS continued to become more rigid in practice, more legalistic and authoritarian in governance, and more controlling of pastors, in two or three generations, our grandchildren would not be attending a Lutheran church that we have all worked so hard to nurture and support. The Law/Gospel tension would just be Law. Something needed to change. The question was posed: “What would you want your grandchildren to see in the LCMS congregation of the future?” The one answer that stood out as THE answer was – “I want them to see Jesus first.” The name was established. Something was changing.

Who are the leaders of Jesus First? I would like to describe them in three words/phrases: diverse, confessing Christ, and loving people.

Diverse: Jesus First leaders are a diverse group. Some are public in their support, while others are more private. We have pastors, teachers, lawyers, Doctors, retired church leaders, and many more. I am always amazed by the diverse and magnificent gifts God has given to the leaders of the LCMS. Some are gentle and patient, while others are bold and confident. Some leaders are quiet and thoughtful, while others are vocal. Some Jesus First leaders are elder leaders with years of wisdom to share, while others are young and willing to bring new ideas and enthusiasm. Yet in all of our diversity, there is but one common goal – to elect leaders in the LCMS who will make sure that we remain faithful to our heritage of putting Jesus first in our confessions, worship and fellowship.

Confessing Christ: When Pastor David Benke prayed at Yankee stadium “in the precious name of Jesus” with the full support and affirmation of President Kieschnick I gave thanks that the LCMS would boldly confess Christ in the midst of all people. The leaders of Jesus First were very supportive of Pastor Benke because of our commitment to confess Christ. Yet, the fears that created Jesus First were realized in the weeks that followed Pastor Benke’s bold proclamation of Jesus. Legalistic interpretations of our LCMS bylaws and the Bible were used to “convict” Pastor Benke of heresy before the rubble from 9/11 was even cleared. Mean-spirited accusations were prevalent. LCMS leaders who were not supported by Jesus First seemed to take delight in disparaging the leadership of President Kieschnick. The reason for Jesus First Leadership was much clearer – we needed to protect the freedom to confess Christ.

Loving people: Most people do NOT look forward to lengthy meetings. Jesus First leaders usually meet for about 16 hours in one 24-hour period. Yet, I look forward to these meetings! In our devotions, prayers, worship, and in our business, Christ is confessed and we care for one another in the spirit of love that Christ gave to us. I am built up by the diversity and power of that love – “beloved let us love one another” that John confesses in the Bible. Love leads us to “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.” We actively do this! If I never attend another Jesus First meeting, I would still have these amazing brothers and sisters in Christ across the country who share the love of Christ with me. How often in your congregation do you wonder if people really care for each other – especially after a disagreement? Jesus First leaders disagree, but we always find a solution and always love each other at the end of the disagreement.

So why would anyone NOT want to be part of Jesus First? There are two “perceived” reasons that I will answer next week.

Pastor Jon Coyne - Bethany Lutheran Church – Menlo Park, CA