LCMS Board and Commission Orientation -- Day 1

Mrs. Barb Below Introducing

The LCMS Board and Commission Orientation

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

Before I began working for LCMS World Relief and Human Care, I paid little attention to the various boards and commissions of the LCMS. Before becoming a pastor, I paid even less attention. This is probably true for many people people. I probably became first aware of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations in college because this commission released statements on what the Missouri Synod believed, taught, and confessed. I first became aware of Synod in Convention my last year in college when Dr. Barry was elected President of the Synod. Later on, primarily due to controversy, I became aware of the Council of Presidents and the Synod Board of Directors. Until becoming a pastor, I do not have any recollection of other boards or commissions in the Synod. Even after becoming a pastor, the workings of these various boards and commissions were somewhat of a mystery. Once again, this is probably true for many people. After starting work at LCMS World Relief and Human Care, I received an education on boards and commissions, how they operated, and met many fine people who volunteered on these boards and commissions to further the work of the church. I thought some might be interested in a peak at what transpired on Day 1 of the LCMS Board and Commission Orientation.

President Harrison Addressing the Boards and Commissions

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

In recent memory, in the September after a Synod Convention, the various boards and commissions of the LCMS would gather around the time the President of the  Synod was elected. The convention in July 2010 not only elected a new President, but also greatly reduced the number of boards and commissions of the Synod. Today, Thursday, 9 September, marked the orientation of the two newly constituted boards -- the Board for National Mission and the Board for International Mission. The Synod Board of Directors, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, and Concordia University System (hopefully in this late hour I have not forgot any other board) were also present for today's orientation.

Cantor Phil Magness

Orientation began with Vespers where Rev. Daniel Preus preached on 1 John 5:6 - 12. His theme was "witness." Witness was the first of three themes to be explored at orientation.

Orientation Theme -- "Witness, Mercy, Life Together"

President Harrison and Barb Below Examining 

Witness, Mercy, Life Together Banner before Orientation

Since the end of the Synod Convention in July 2010, President Harrison and his team have been working hard on how to categorize the work of the Synod -- Congregations, Districts, and International Center -- in light of the restructuring. Today, at the LCMS Board and Commission Orientation, "Witness, Mercy, and Life Together" was presented as a way to describe the work of the Synod using Biblical categories and themes. Witness, Mercy, and Life Together is the English phrase chosen for the Greek words Martyría, Diakonía, and Koinōnía. These activities describe the work of the church and are centered on the cross of Jesus. Martyría describes the witness, proclamation work (missions) of the church. Diakonía describes the church's work as a servant of mercy to those in need (human care). Koinōnía describes the church's life together with all its accompanying activities such as worship, schools, seminaries, church relations, et al. There are over 200 passages in the New Testament that use these words to describe the church's work, not including synonyms and other words within the same semantic domain. Just as a start you might want to look up 1 John 5:7 - 8 (Witness), Mark 10:45 (Mercy), and 1 Corinthians 1:9 (Life Together). This post isn't the best venue to go into all the details, but I wanted to provide a brief glimpse into orientation theme. In the coming weeks and months, you will hear more about Witness, Mercy, Life Together from President Harrison, his staff, and others in various publications and forums.

Mr. Kurt Senske, LCMS Synod Board of Directors' Member

Presented on "Boardsmanship"

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

1st Vice President Herb Mueller Presented on

Life Together (Koinōnía)

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

Law and Gospel

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

Through a generous subsidy from Concordia Publishing House, everyone who attended the LCMS Board and Commission Orientation received a free copy of the new edition of C.F.W. Walther's Law and Gospel. Check it out here at CPH.

Revs. Jon Vieker and Bernie Seter in conversation after

Presentation of Witness, Mercy, Life Together

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

There is more on tap for Day 2. I hope you have enjoyed this brief look at the LCMS Board and Commission Orientation.

Rastaman Visits the IC

Rev. Dr. Larry Rast from Concordia Theological Seminary visits with President Harrison.

Dr. Rast is author of Rastaman Vibrations where he "deals with stuff that interests him -- especially American Religious history, Lutheranism, the Pennsylvania Railroad, obscure music, and Africa." Other than the Pennsylvania Railroad, Dr. Rast can find all of his listed interests in President Harrison's Office.

A Little Bit of Africa

Yet visiting President Harrison wasn't Dr. Rast's primary purpose in coming to the International Center. He came to interview on video people who have been involved in Black Ministry. Dr. Rast began this project at the Synod Convention in Houston, TX.





We look forward to seeing the results of Dr. Rast's interviews on the LCMS' work in black ministry.

Location:Kirkwood,United States

A Visit From India -- Greetings from the IELC

President Harrison, President J. Samuel, Mr. Ravi, Rev. Dr. Collver, Mr. Darin Storkson

Today, Rev. Dr. J. Samuel, President of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC), and Mr. Ravi came to the International Center to bring greetings to President Harrison. President Harrison and I had the privilege of visiting President Samuel in India a little more than a year ago. President Samuel is faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and has been working hard to promote Lutheran identity in India. He brought gifts.

President Samuel presents President Harrison with a chasuble for installation

President Samuel presents an alb.

The India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) was the first mission field for the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. Last January (2010), President Samuel came to Saint Louis for an India summit held at Saint Paul, Des Peres. There he retold the story that he told President Harrison and me in India, how Pastor Naether died of the plague bringing the Gospel to the people of India. With tear in his eye, he said, "Had Pastor Naether not given his life to bring to the Gospel to my people, I would not be a Christian now." President Samuel is greatly pleased to be here in Saint Louis for the installation service on 11 September.

President Samuel with Mr. Ravi, Deaoncess Grace Rao, and Mr. Darin Storkson

--

History of the IELC From the IELC Website

Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LC MS) was supporting the Leipzig Lutheran Mission (LLM) during 19the century. K. G. T. Naether and T. F. Mohn who were working in the South East part of Tamil Nadu broke away from LLM due to doctrinal difference with the Leipzig Church in Germany. These two missionaries then applied to LC MS to support their work in India directly. LC MS agreed to their request and the two missionaries moved to Krishnagiri and Ambur of Northern Tamil Nadu to start a new Mission enterprise in 1895.  The work was carried out under the banner of Missouri Evangelical Lutheran India Mission (MELIM). This marked the beginning of establishment of a number of churches in that part of India. However, the work of Naether lasted only for about four years. He sowed the seed of the Gospel and died of Plague along with his two daughters. His wife then returned home. Mohn continued his work for a few more years. Then, several batches of LC MS Missionaries arrived one after the other phase by phase. At one stage, the Ambur – Krishnagiri area grew up with an increased number of churches, schools and a health care clinic. There was a Macedonian call from the South Trivancore of present Kanyakumari District to establish MELIM station. LC MS sent a few missionaries to work in South Trivancore area that included the present Kerala. Churches and schools and a seminary were established during the next two decades. The first general assembly called ‘Prathanithikal Sangam’ of native Pastors and Lay representatives from congregations was held in Trivandrum. The Missionaries too participated in this assembly. This was the forerunner of all the three Synod conventions and IELC Convention of today.

The congregations in and around Ambur and Krishnagiri were organized  into Ambur Synod in 1949. The Tamil congregations around Nagercoil were organized into Nagercoil Synod and Malayalam congregations in Kerala into Trivandrum Synod in 1956. All these three Synods were formed together as India Evangelical Lutheran Church during its General Assembly held on 8 and 9 of January 1958. IELC celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2008 remembering her forefathers and Missionaries with thanksgiving to God. The theme of the Golden Jubilee was, “Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s Word to you. Think about how their lives turned out, and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7).

Rev. Naether and his two children rest here, in Krishnagiri

Naether Memorial Church, Krishnagiri

Life Together -- The Church and The Psalms

This weekend, I have been reading Life Together and Prayerbook of the Bible (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Vol. 5) originally published by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in 1939 as a way to get a handle on koinōnía. The Greek word koinōnía usually is translated as "fellowship" in English or Gemeinschaft in German. Dr. Norman Nagel used to say in his lectures on church fellowship, "The Gemeinde (the congregation) got schaft-ed." The words church and fellowship can be slippery or etherial unless it is grounded in Christ ("wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church," Ignatius, Epistle to the Smyrnaeans, Chapter 8.)


Each age brings certain doctrinal issues to the forefront. One issue confronted by Bonhoeffer, Sasse, Elert, et al. was the doctrine of the church. Under Nazism, the church in Germany appeared to be on the verge of vanishing. The Prussian Union provided the seedbed for the creation of Nazi Germany. Pockets of resistance sprouted -- some more or less Lutheran. Karl Barth's dialectical theology influenced both Bonhoeffer and Sasse -- Bonhoeffer more and Sasse less. Both read Luther. For a time, Bonhoeffer and Sasse partnered (were co-authors) of the Bethel Confession. Karl Barth felt the Bethel Confession was too Lutheran and not Protestant enough. In the editing process, Bonhoeffer and Sasse parted company, with Bonhoeffer becoming closer to Karl Barth. Bonhoeffer accused Sasse of having a "confessional formalism," while Sasse accused Bonhoeffer of being a "fanatic." It is important to recognize the circumstances that prompted these writings.


Overall, Life Together and Prayerbook of the Bible (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Vol. 5) is a edifying book, but there are places where Sasse's accusation that Bonhoeffer is a "fanatic" is evidenced. Bonhoeffer writes in Life Together, "The Christ in their own hearts is weaker than the Christ in the word of other Christians. Their own hearts are uncertain; those of their bothers and sisters are sure. At the same time, this also clarifies that the goal of all Christian community is to encounter one another as bringers of the message of salvation." In this passage, Bonhoeffer mixes truth and error in a "fanatical" way (as stated by Sasse). It is true that "Christ in their own hearts is weaker" than Christ given in the Word of God. It also is true the "message of salvation" is delivered through the means of the church -- preaching, etc. Where Bonhoeffer errs is in his connection of the Gospel comes extra nos (outside of ourselves) as found in the community of believers. Once again I reminded of Dr. Norman Nagel stating, "The church is a pretty wobbly foundation on which to build salvation." Statements like this and others are what led Sasse to call Bonhoeffer a fanatic. Life Together cannot be read uncritically.


On the positive side of "community," in an age questioning the need for residential seminary education due to cost, practicality, family, etc. and the promotion of alternative routes and distance education (of which as an exception is needed so long as the exception does not become the norm), Bonhoeffer has some insight. "Before their ordination young seminarians receive the gift of a common life with their brothers for a certain length of time." Bonhoeffer gets it here. I suppose unless you have experienced a "seminary community" in study, you will not be able to value it or see it as necessary to the formation process. The community formed at a residential seminary program certainly contributes to future harmony within a church body.


Bonhoeffer also hits the mark when he says, "Christian community means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. There is no Christian community that is more than this, and none that is less than this... We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ." This is a variation on the Ignatius quotation given above, "Where Christ is, there is the church." 


Bonhoeffer goes on to speak how some who enter the Christian community have an idealistic view of how Christians live together. When evil manifests itself in the community or the rapturous dreamlike euphoria of the community comes to an end -- Bonhoeffer believes these moments are gifts of God for the community, not necessary for its existence but little gifts -- some become disillusioned with the community. He says that these "blissful experiences and exalted moods" by God's grace do not last long so we can learn genuine Christian community. Then he notes, "For God is not a God of emotionalism, but the God of truth." It seems that Bonhoeffer himself recognized some of his comments could lead to "fanaticism." 


The greatest impact this book had on me as a young seminarian was Bonhoeffer's connecting the Psalms to Jesus. He writes, "The Psalter is the prayer book of Jesus Christ in the truest sense of the word. He prayed the Psalter, and now it has become his prayer for all time." Jesus prays the Psalms. Luther had this notion but it did not come clear for me until I read Bonhoeffer in my 2nd year of seminary. Bonhoeffer actually deals with the Psalms as the prayer of Christ in more detail in The Prayerbook of the Bible (a book I never learned about at seminary).


Bonhoeffer goes on to suggest the congregation is the mouthpiece through which Jesus prays the Psalms. He writes, "Jesus Christ prays the Psalter in his congregation. His congregation prays too, and even the individual prays." The imprecatory Psalms frequently are a challenge for Christians today. How do you pray Psalm 58? "The wicked are estranged from the womb ... O God, break the teeth in their mouths... Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime ... The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, 'Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.'" 


Bonhoeffer seems to have difficulty applying this to the Nazis. But he does offer a way that these are prayed today. "This prayer belongs not to the individual member, but to the whole body of Christ. All the things of which the Psalter speaks, which individuals can never fully comprehend and call their own, live only in the whole Christ. That is why the prayer of the Psalms belongs in the community in a special way. Even if a verse or a psalm is not my own prayer, it is nevertheless the prayer of another member of the community; and it is quite certainly the prayer of the truly human Jesus Christ and his body on earth."


Bonhoeffer has a good insight in that Christ continues to pray the Psalms through his church. He sees the church, the communion of saints, praying the Psalms together. While you might not be able to pray Psalm 59 because your circumstances are not such, someone else in the body of Christ is under such circumstances. When you pray Psalm 59, you then pray it not for yourself, but Christ prays using you as his mouth piece for someone else. Bonhoeffer certainly captures a portrait great cloud of witnesses where the church on heaven and earth prays. While Bonhoeffer does not deny that a Christian can pray an imprecatory Psalm, he cautions against it as we are "sinners and associate evil thoughts with the prayer of vengeance." True enough. Part of praying boldly is to pray these Words of Christ -- this is something we do not do often enough. Overall, Bonhoeffer's insights on the Psalter being the Prayer of Christ is helpful.

This particular edition is a translation of the critical edition of Bonhoeffer's works from the German. Coming from Augsburg Fortress Publishing house, the translation is annoying for its use of the NRSV and gender neutral language -- I seriously doubt "gender neutral" considerations were on Bonhoeffer's mind in Nazi Germany.

Some thoughts on Life Together on Labor Day.

Castlewood

This evening I went to Castlewood State Park near my home. The air actually felt cool on the skin -- the humid heat of summer in Saint Louis seems to be passing. The bluffs over the Meramec River over some great views. Enjoy.

President's Friday Forum

Rev. Jon Vieker with President Harrison

One of the goals of President Harrison is to have regular theological forums at the International Center. You Pastors remember the feeling of leaving the seminary, enmeshed in study, and eager to get out into the "real world." Well, once you are in the "real world," it is all too easy to become so busy that even reading the Bible, let alone the Book of Concord, Walther's Law and Gospel, Luther, et al., can become quite the challenge. When you are a step further removed from preaching and administrating the Sacrament every Sunday, it can even be more challenging to take time to study. To help keep us sharp, President Harrison plans to have regular theological forums at the International Center. This afternoon was our first ad-hoc forum. In the future, we hope to be able to ask you to study and read along with us. Stay tuned.

Rev. Dr. Jim Voelz and President Harrison

When I went to graduate school Dr. Voelz was the Dean of the Graduate School. Jim had great forums where theology was discussed among the students. He came out to the International Center to provide provocative discussion today.

Rev. Robert Baker, editor at Concordia Publishing House, brought his latest project, "Marriage by God's Design," which featured President Harrison. We also had some opportunity to speak about the challenges to the Biblical (and traditional) view of marriage.

Rev. Paul McCain, Publisher of Concordia Publishing House, finds a book in President Harrison's library that he thinks CPH published in the 16th century (just kidding, Paul wishes CPH had published it).

Here Rev. Paul McCain is remembering fondly the office he occupied during President Barry's tenure.

Hope you have enjoyed the brief photo tour.

Moving In, First Day, and Commemoration of Joshua

Crucifix in President Harrison's Office at International Center

Lord Jesus, my salvation,

My light, my life divine,

My only consolation, 

O make me wholly Thine!

For Thou hast dearly bought me

With blood and bitter pain.

Let me, since Thou hast sought me,

Eternal life obtain.

-- Let Me Be Thine Forever (LSB 689:2)

Hymn appointed for Commemoration of Joshua in 

Treasury of Daily Prayer

 Today marked the Commemoration of Joshua in the Lutheran Service Book lectionary and the matriculation of President Matthew Harrison, 1st Vice President Herbert Mueller, Rev. Jon Vieker, Mrs. Barbara Below, and Rev. Dr. Albert Collver into their new offices at the International Center.  For those interested, I have provided some photos of us moving into our offices.

Chapel Schedule at the International Center

August 30 - September 3, 2010

This photo shows the chapel schedule at the International Center in Saint Louis for the week of August 30th. The sign captures a moment of transition within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Despite the sign, President Harrison did not preach on 1 September 2010. When the sign was made it wasn't realized that President Harrison and 1st Vice President Herb Mueller had a meeting with members of the Council of Presidents. As a result, I actually had the privilege and opportunity to preach in chapel for the Commemoration of Joshua and on the first day of President Harrison's term. Pastor Vieker played the organ. The order of service was Matins; the text Joshua 24:14 - 28. The hymn was LSB 689, "Let Me Be Thine Forever." The sermon focused on Ebed Yahweh, "the servant of the Lord," Jesus who came to serve us. Because He has served us through his death and resurrection, we receive his forgiving gifts which spill out onto our neighbor. Jesus is our Joshua who led us through the waters of baptism into eternal life.

President Harrison hauling books into his office in the afternoon

President Harrison with a few more books

Note all the books with covers of velum. President Harrison has quite a collection of books from the 16th and 17th century. I have three or four volumes from the 16th and 17th century -- two of them are by Philip Jakob Spener (at least they were owned by Piepkorn). A few hours later, the back wall had book shelves full of Luther's works. President Harrison is one of the few men I know who owns a Weimar Edition of Luther's Works (Weimarer Ausgabe -- WA, if not familiar read about it in Wikipedia). On the "Luther" wall, President Harrison also has the American Edition of Luther's Works published by CPH and Augsburg-Fortress, The "Saint Louis Edition" -- Walch 2, and the Walch edition. In 1st Vice President Herb Mueller's office you find the Saint Louis Edition and the American Edition of Luther's Works... (Rev. Vieker also has the same set as 1st VP Herb Mueller)... I have these at home... President Harrison reads Luther's original languages (German and Latin) the best among us. 

1st Vice President Herb Mueller

You can't see Pastor Mueller's bookcase here, but it is also full of Luther.

Mrs. Barbara Below in her office

Rev. Jon Vieker in his office

President Harrison (in the back), Mrs. Barb Below, Pastor Jon Vieker

(Note this photo taken on my iPhone -- I think it looks the best)

abc3+ at his desk

Hope you have enjoyed the tour of the offices and seeing us starting to move in.