The Breath of God

By Rev. Vern Gundermann

It is always risky to try to determine the Breath of God. The Spirit of God moves where He will. We only know where He has been. It appears He has been several places.

One is at the “Model Conference” that many LCMS districts have experienced and all have scheduled. The reports seem to be consistent.  Synodical pastors, at assigned tables, are relating to each other as people with great commitment to faithfulness to our Lord. Straightforward presentations from a variety of positions are being made with passion and sensitivity. Good listening is happening. Opportunities for Private Confession are not going idle. The Eucharist is being celebrated with tender openness to the Lord and to one another.

Minds may not be changed, but certainly they are being expanded.  We are getting to know each other better. We are appreciating others’ excellent theological work. We are wrestling with different facets of issues that both bind us together and separate us.

Blow, Spirit, blow.

Another area where the Spirit of God seems to be blowing, bringing resolve and direction for us, is in Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM). The CCM’s commitment to interpret Synod’s constitution and bylaws in answer to challenges raised has lifted them consistently above “party spirit.” Sometimes we have been wildly enthusiastic about their binding opinions, sometimes profoundly disappointed. 

Their recent opinion about the authority of ecclesiastical supervision has profoundly disappointed some. It has granted clarity to others. It is not a matter of who won or who lost. Those who raised the issues did so out of great concern for how we care for one another. The issues needed to be raised.

Blow, Spirit, blow.

Another area where we pray the Spirit of God will move people in good and godly ways are the District conventions. We pray that really important issues will be addressed by people who can state them clearly, that ears and hearts will be open, and that the resolves of the Districts will consistently glorify our Lord, serve His people, and honor His church.

  Blow, Spirit, blow.

Rev. Vern Gundermann is pastor of Concordia-Kirkwood in St. Louis, Missouri.