How much time, thoughts, energy, prayers have the LCA pastors poured into this debate? But what else could we have done, if the most precious gift, the new life-giving Word of God is under attack?! We have this exhortation from the Holy Spirit:
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Ti 4:1–5)
This is just one pastor’s journey through the Ordination Debate during last 7 years… And how many there are, how many!
Here it is, a collection of a few papers, letters and reflections for your convenience!
“Be strong! Stand!” (Ephesians 6:10-11)
2024-05. “WAY FORWARD: REBELLION # 6.“
This paper answers the question what the Way Forward proposal really is about. We need to know and understand it.
2024-04. “WAY FORWARD: TO WALK OR NOT TO WALK?“
This paper reflects in depth on the theological implication for any congregation, any individual or pastor in case of remaining in the LCA or leaving the LCA.
2023-10. “THE LCA: WHERE ARE WE AND WHERE ARE WE GOING?“
This paper analyses two directions where different segments of the LCA want to go; it is important to understand where we are heading and what to expect.
2023-02. “THE LCA ORDINATION DEBATE – WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT?“
This paper briefly reflects on a spiritual problem at the heart of this ongoing debate.
2023-02. “THE SYNOD OF THE “FIRSTS” [2021-2023]“
This paper briefly summarizes how radical the 2021-2023 Synod actually was.
2022-12. Open Letter to the College of Bishops of the LCA.
This open letter was sent to the COB before the General Convention in Melbourne 2023. No reply…
2021-07. “CALLED TO GIVE THEMSELVES UP FOR THE CHURCH.“
This paper answers the question why God has ordered the office of the public ministry they way He has, what are the reasons.
2020-10. Feedback regarding the GCB and CoB report. “Scenario # 4.“
This is a feedback to the publication of the 3 Scenarios for the LCA by the COB, suggesting the obvious 4th Scenario which could bring us true Christian unity in one church. No reply…
2018-10. “BURNING “THE STRAW-MAN””.
This paper describes how good and beautiful the current teaching of the LCA on the office of the public ministry is, and how those who reject it are attacking a “straw-man”, i.e., a weak and demeaning imaginary depiction of the real thing.
2018-10. The heart of our problem: distorted worldviews and the reign of feelings.
This paper briefly reflects on two core issues that we are struggling with and what make it impossible to come to true Christian unity, namely, our different worldviews and the triumph of our feelings over reason.
May these papers, letters and reflections help you to understand better what is going on in the LCA and to equip you to be strong and to stand firm for what is the most important.
Lord, have mercy on us!
Christ, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!
The Kingdom at Grace Lutheran Oshawa 