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Currently browsing thread: What Matters: Not Structure, Doctrine Petersen Jul 13, 2010 10:14:45
What Matters: Not Structure, Doctrine
Petersen
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Jul 13, 2010 10:14:45 		From Rev. Heath Curtis:
Quote:
The Convention looks to be another trainwreck. A Harrison election this afternoon would be a real surprise after the margins for 8-08 (surely no Harrison supported voted for that after Matt came out against it in the Reporter, right?). That stinks - but maybe we'll be surprised after all. Wouldn't be the weirdest thing to come out of a convention.

But if Harrison does lose both SP and 1VP, then it will be time to leave all the arguments over structure and who runs it and get down to a solid, clear cut theological issue.

That issue has got to be AC XIV, Wichita '89, and lay ministry. We argue about worship and it goes nowhere because for most mushy-Missourians it's too vague. Structure boils down to money and the power to spend it, and people get sick of (and we just plain lost). We need to move it back to our ground: theology.

If we get our ticket in - then I am confident they will work on this theological issue from the inside. Herb Mueller has been a rock on this issue and he vouches for Matt. Good enough for me.

But if we don't get our man in a position to gently lead the Synod into faithfulness (or in a position to do so in three years), then we need to move this clear cut issue out of the shadows and into the fore. It will be time to preach, call to repentance, and put our energies into forming a coalition of pastors and congregations to officially dissent against lay ministry.

I'm heartsick that for twenty years we haven't been pushing this clear violation of the Scriptures and Confessions. I know Barry almost had it worked out, and Matt could conceivably do the same working from the inside and the top. But if he doesn't get the chance - then this is what we need to move on: a real theological, clear issue.

Lord willing, we'll know by 3:30 what direction we'll be heading. . .
He is right about this. We need to remember what is essential, what matters. The structure is adiaphora. That doesn't mean it is insignificant or anything goes, but it is not essential and we lost, get over it. Remember your first love, remember to what you've been called, remember who you are.  

Comments...

  • Jul 13, 2010 10:26:58 Re: What Matters: Not Structure, Doctrine - Stiegemeyer
    Well said, all of it. Obviously, the outcome of the election will be determined in just a few hours, so debate is academic. However, I could see some people who voted for the restructuring also voting to elect Pastor Harrison. I think a lot of the delegates probably see themselves as pragmatists. They may have favored the restructuring because they thought it would be a good way to streamline, save money and increase efficiency. But they might also feel it's due time for a change at the top. Nine years for one man is long enough.
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