tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post8125215016148397210..comments2024-03-29T04:31:15.219-05:00Comments on Pastoral Meanderings: Change or die. . . but keep doing the things you do well?Pastor Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653554256101480140noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-65758608932409221462017-05-02T13:09:20.274-05:002017-05-02T13:09:20.274-05:00Anonymous,
Have you asked that question on Stead...Anonymous, <br /><br />Have you asked that question on Steadfastlutherans or Luther Quest?<br /><br />Also, would you, as a LCMS Lutheran, clarify? First you stated that these two websites feature "<b>occasional</b> articles regarding the ongoing problems in the LCMS." Then you state that those websites (along with Christian News) are three source of "<b>constant negative</b> news." Which is it?Carl Vehsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00348831096001668813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-50162521320049924042017-04-21T16:30:18.288-05:002017-04-21T16:30:18.288-05:00It is extremely difficult to be loyal to the LCMS ...It is extremely difficult to be loyal to the LCMS when all I keep reading about is bad news. As an LCMS Lutheran, how do you distinguish loyalty to Christianity from loyalty to the (politically-charged and dysfunctional) LCMS? Such negative news about the LCMS church body is making me want to walk away from church......<br /><br />Below are two websites that features occasional articles regarding the ongoing problems in the LCMS:<br /><br />http://steadfastlutherans.org/2017/04/lcms-roped-into-deportation-evasion-scheme/<br /><br />http://www.lutherquest.org/cgi-bin/discus40/discus.cgi<br /><br />I don't subscribe to Christian News, but if I did, then there would be three sources of constant negative news.<br /><br />What will allow the LCMS to grow and thrive again?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-60714752163036466512017-04-20T12:36:17.522-05:002017-04-20T12:36:17.522-05:00All in all, change or die may not be the mantra fo...<i>All in all, change or die may not be the mantra found in traditional churches and this is not a bad thing.</i><br /><br />Too often true doctrine suffers in the 'change' churches. It is not popular to hold to the truth that has been passed down through the ages. It takes a very steadfast and faithful Pastor to not give in to change for change sake. And a congregation that is very wise in the ways of what is really important as you have illustrated here. It is better to build on rock than on sand. Jesus was not concerned at all with what His ministry 'looked like.'<br /><br /><i>"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them." Rom. 16</i><br /><br />AbbyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-51884966439657285562017-04-20T07:04:43.270-05:002017-04-20T07:04:43.270-05:00Excellent points. In my experience, I have been in...Excellent points. In my experience, I have been in both small and large congregations and found vibrant churches and very dull ones regardless of size. I think the energy and optimism of the pastor and the church leaders will make a huge difference in the participation of the congregation, because enthusiasm is contagious. Love for Christ and one another, joy in worship and dedication to missions and sharing the Gospel are truly, as the article noted, very real characteristics of a faithful church.John Joseph Flanaganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06596324816480709495noreply@blogger.com