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Posted At: 10:13pm by Anna Joy
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Well, finals are over and I'm officially a sophomore. After putting in 80 hours a week on my projects for a straight four weeks, I handed in all of my projects. I'm as relieved as I am sad to see the first year go by. I love Concordia and have made amazing friends. I've also learned a ton...especially about art. After 20 hours of art with 61 to go, I can safely say that if you've ever got the time and are bored, look up some art. You'll probably learn a ton.
This summer, I'm working at a day camp in New Orleans from May 24th-July 27th. July 7th, Lynea's gettin' married (finally  ), and I'm headed to Houston. After that, I'm headed to Minneapolis, then Asheville for For You!
In the meantime, my family's moving to Mankato, MN, where my dad will start his new position at Bethany Lutheran College. Big move. It's about a 26 hour drive from here to there, if not 28. Definitely a change of pace and scenery.
Because the college is ELS, my family's leaving the LCMS and becoming ELS. Dad's resigning his position and will no longer be an ordained pastor. Because of my "adult status" (whatever that means), I have a decision to make. I don't have to leave the LCMS. But I don't have to stay, either. At this point, I'm not sure that it makes sense for me to leave the LCMS since I'll still be going to CUNE.
On the one hand, I wouldn't mind leaving. On the other, I've always been LCMS and as of right now I've no good reason to leave. Does it really matter? Is it a matter of Gospel freedom? Is it a matter of Law? While trying to think through this, I can't come up with any definite idea of what I want to do. I can't be both; I have to choose between one or the other. To be ELS means no longer affiliating with the LCMS. To be LCMS, means not affiliating with my family's church.
While I consider this decision, please consider me in your prayers. And if you have any thoughts, feel free to post them. I'd appreciate anything you have to say.
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Posted On: May 10th, 2007 at 12:33pm by luvable lutheran |
perhaps the questions you should be asking are is either synod unorthodox or doing anything that is against scripture? Do you agree or disagree with the differences in doctrine proclaimed by each? Maybe that will help you decide.
I am one fo the few LCMS Lutherans in my family. One side all grew up in the LCMS--attended the parachial schools, were baptized, confirmed, and married in them. However, now quite a few of the relatives have gone to the ELCA or just don't really attend church at all. On the other side of the family, it's quite a hodge-podge with relatives attending United Methodist, Baptist, and Roman Catholic churches. Despite the differences in doctrine, the RC relative and myself are closer on the page theologically than the rest.
That said it depends on if "family relations" are important or your faith. I'd examine your faith, but it seems like would be understanding of the choices since they are making changes too.
You might want to research where congregations will be located for each synod as well, since you'll want to be nurtured with Word and Sacrament in the faith that you choose.
You mentioned choosing one faith over the other baed upon your school choice which is affiliated with one of them. This could be an important facotr if you are planning on going into a church work vocation, but is not so important if you want to teach at one of the synodical universities.
May God guide according to His Will and Way as you consider and decide in which direction your faith will proceed.
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Posted On: May 10th, 2007 at 12:54pm by Anna Joy |
I am considering those things as well, but I'm also trying to stay out of synodical politics, which, with an issue like this, is hard to do. That's why I didn't mention it. But don't worry, I am thinking about it.
The other situation is this:
At my LCMS college, I've been attending an LCMS congregation. There's an LCMS, an ELCA, a WELS, and an independent Lutheran church in Seward. If I became ELS, I'd have to go to the WELS church, and I'm not sure I want to go to a WELS church.
My BFA major has nothing to do with churchwork, so I don't have to worry about that.
The decision is more based along the lines of "How does what is important to my family affect my faith for better or ill?" Are the decisions I will be making in accordance with the 4th commandment? If not, are they in accordance with my faith?
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Posted On: May 10th, 2007 at 2:09pm by luvable lutheran |
I am considering those things as well, but I'm also trying to stay out of synodical politics, which, with an issue like this, is hard to do. That's why I didn't mention it.
Are the decisions I will be making in accordance with the 4th commandment? If not, are they in accordance with my faith?
I understand. I was trying to avoid politics as well. Each decision has it's positives and negatives as you mentioned.
It sounds like you are asking the right questions and just need the time to contemplate the choices and consequences. It is not an easy, black and white choice. Perhaps the pastors will chime in to help too?
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Posted On: May 11th, 2007 at 10:13am by Pastor David Lofthus |
Anna Joy,
While in New Orleans this summer please come by for a visit and to attend Divine Service at Faith in Harahan, 20 minutes from downtown N.O. Our services are 7:45 and 10:30. Lord's Supper at both services and each Sunday. Also, let me know if you need anything or any help when you get to New Orleans. Godspeed.
Pastor David Lofthus
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Posted On: May 11th, 2007 at 11:20am by Chief of Sinners |
I checked ut their official website and the ELS seem to be pretty doctrinally sound.
If they confess the true faith and are sound in doctrine than you are free to choose. However, if they teach false doctrines than I would say it is a matter of Law. You will want to go to which ever one is more solid in the true faith and with as little error as possible.
May God be with you as you make your desicion.
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Posted On: May 11th, 2007 at 2:41pm by Anna Joy |
Pr. Lofthus,
Thank you for the invitation! I'm not 100% sure yet that I'll be in New Orleans on the weekends (kind of an odd situation...) but if I am I'll definitely take you up on that. :)
CoS, I've looked through their doctrinal statements and the only thing I can find that I'm not 100% sure about is the ministry that teachers have to administer the Means of Grace. Although I'm not really sure how it would differ from our church... I obviously don't agree with the closed Communion stance, either.
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