> The idea that concern for pure doctrine and evangelism are in conflict with one another

This pitting of one Scripture truth against another is simply heresy.

Todd,

Thank you for taking the time to outline the points of the talk you have back in Feb. Sometimes it is important to have the points in writing along with the audio for those of us on the Internet and not having been there in the first person. The clarity helps and is appreciated here.

As a former LCMS and now WELS member, I have heard the little joke about “being alone in heaven because of being outside the denomination”. We certainly know that the invisible church, while not seen by us, is there. Confessional Lutherans should not have to apologize for the truth, while recognizing the faith of others.

Well said Perry!
No, if we speak Scripturally, as written, we should not feel the need to apologize. Scripture, as written, not implied, as written…speaks Truth. Truth, as written in Scripture, speaks for Itself. No apologies, necassary.
Well said!

Pastor Wilken:

As you know, I heard this speech at the time that it came out. Great stuff!

Keep fighting for the truth of confessional Lutheran theology!

Being misunderstood as confessional Lutherans these days seems to be our collective cross to bear. And we do not bear it alone as our Lord has promised to be with us “closer than a brother”. Pastor Wilken and hundreds (nay thousands) like him are leading the charge to follow Jesus in the Lutheran tradition and trying to point out the error of the “new way of doing church” that so many of our members are and have succumbed to without even realizing they were being manipulated. Subtle manipulation has been Satan’s best tool of late. Think Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Joyce Meyers, Bill Hybels, John Ortberg, Rob Bell and countless others that are in the forefront of supposed Christian thinking today. Sad that there are life long Lutherans who have grown cold toward the faith of their fathers, fathers like Polycarp, St. Paul, Luther etc and are clamoring for something different. I say if you want something different, move yourself a couple blocks over from your present church and you will find different, except it will be the same as all the others who are “different”.

Excellent response, Pr. Wilken. Just ran across Mueller, Jr.’s response and had the same reaction you did. He ignored much of what you said and completely misunderstood the portion of your presentation he did try to address. In fact, as I read his response, I thought to myself, “This is a good example of ‘LCMS Exceptionalism’ at work. Todd should just append his presentation with this response, point to it, and say, ‘I rest my case.’”

@Lutheran Lady #5
Being misunderstood as confessional Lutherans these days seems to be our collective cross to bear. And we do not bear it alone as our Lord has promised to be with us “closer than a brother”.

Nobody is as yet coming after us with machetes, clubs or fire.
(Not that words can’t be destructive, and loss of pulpits devastating to the man and the church….)

The only thing I wanted to respond to is on the issue of pastoral discretion. This summer I came back to Christ through the guidance of a Lutheran seminary student. I had thought that I would not be accepted back but I learned that Jesus had forgiven me. The next day I prayed and confessed all my sins to God and I knew that the next thing I needed to do was to find a church. Since it was Luther’s understanding of the Gospel that had enabled me to know I was forgiven, instead of going to a Catholic church (of which I’d been a member before wandering off) or the beautiful Anglican cathedral, I went to the local Lutheran church (LCC). I wanted very much to go to Holy Communion but I saw the note in the bulletin that communion was closed and anyone not a member should speak to the pastor. I found him and explained quickly that I had just come back to Christ and thought I should go to a Lutheran church so that I could understand better God’s grace which I had not understood from any other church. I explained that I did believe in the real presence. He used his discretion, and allowed me to partake that Sunday and said that I should talk with him later in the week. Receiving the Lord’s Supper, I knew that I was receiving Christ’s assurance of forgiveness and was reunited with Him. Because He was there to receive me that morning in that church, I knew that I was where I belonged and became a member of that congregation. How often I have been so very grateful that my pastor allowed me to come to Holy Communion that Sunday. I needed God’s grace so much and was so grateful to receive it. I agree it would be inappropriate (and cause to sin) to admit those who hold heretical views, are not in agreement with the essentials of Lutheran doctrine, do not recognize the Real Presence, are not baptized, are not repentant,etc. but there should be scope for the grace and mercy of God who has promised not to turn away one who comes to Him, drawn by the Father, in faith.

Peggy, I’m glad you found, by grace of course, a pastor and church who understand what closed communion means and how to practice it with integrity and discretion. Your experience shows how one can avoid the pitfalls of legalism and license. This is how I was taught and how I strive to serve as a steward of the mysteries.
Todd, it seems to me that institutionalism seen as the highest good and as the secret of a healthy, growing church would be the greatest threat facing us at the moemnt. Thanks for the clarifying points you made:)

This is similar to what I consistently hear when asserting the doctrinal purity of the Lutheran Confessions and thus that the Evangelical Lutheran Church is the True “Visible” Church (which is the case that Walther rightly made a century and a half ago). As soon as one makes this assertion the response seems to be, “so only Missouri Synod Lutherans are going to heaven?” Yet this is not the point that is being made (and if I may add, why do we reduce salvation to going to heaven/keeping our miserable butts out of hell). What is being stated with such a statement is that we are to look for the Church by it’s marks… not by the sign that is out in front (ie, not all buildings that have a sign that says Christian are Christian).

To your last point, I think you are right on… Yet the question remains how? This is one thing I would say was lacking in my Seminary education (which I would say has by and large prepared me quite adequately for the Ministry)… even some professors who make it a point to exercise the rule of making exceptions to “err on the side of the Gospel.” I see the concern, but I wonder if in reacting to one thing the opposite error is being made.

Pastor Lorfeld,

To what “opposite error” are you referring?

TW

Peggy #8,

What a blessing that you came back to Christ and that it was a Lutheran church and pastor that was the means for this miracle of conversion or reaffirmation of faith.

It sounds to me like the pastoral authority to make an exception was properly applied in your case. The pastor was convinced of your sincere desire to become a Lutheran and was convinced that you had a rudimentary but accurate view of the real presence of Christ in Holy Communion.

What we are concerned about on this site is that pastors will simply welcome anybody to the Lord’s Supper even if they have not met them or talked to them.

I wish I had more time to write about this. Thanks for taking the time to comment. God bless you!

TR

To put it rather bluntly and crassly, there is a fear that pastors will exorcise our practice of closed communion as heartless jerks who feel no need to explain or consider there may be a time where there are indeed exceptions to the rule. The opposite reaction is to have a string of “case studies” with all the expected solutions being “commune the person.” Trying to put the best construction on this, these exercises are intended to illustrate that practicing closed communion evangelically is difficult. This is true… it’s not a check list approach… but the impression (intended or not) is that, as you said, the exception is the rule.

Pastor Lorfeld,

Understood.

You wrote, “…there is a fear that pastors will exorcise our practice of closed communion as heartless jerks who feel no need to explain or consider there may be a time where there are indeed exceptions to the rule.”

I know that some claim to have this concern. Still, I’ve been a pastor in the LCMS for almost 20 years, and I have yet to meet a pastor who fits this description. Yet I have met many many pastors who practice open communion, but call it closed or close.

I think it’s another straw man, employed by those who are really opposed to closed communion, but won’t admit it.

TW

@Todd Wilken #14
@Rev. Matthew Lorfeld #13

Thanks for the clarification gentlemen.

Would it not be simple to state just prior to communion, “Since those who partake of the body and blood of our Savior should be one in faith and confession, we ask that only members join us at the Lord’s table.” Elders and pastor will talk to folks visiting ahead of church who wish to commune. Seems like a reasonable mechanism for my Lutheran church.

Peggy, I don’t think I would have communed you that morning. I would probably have told you that it was important that you be more fully instructed in the faith before receiving the body and blood of the Lord at this altar, although I would have assured you of the forgiveness of your sins. However, I don’t judge your pastor’s decision and I am moved by the hunger and thirst you had for the forgiveness of sins and the joy you had at being received at the altar. Do you think you would have gone on and found another church? Because it has been my experience that many people who have to wait a while and be catechized before receiving Christ’s body and blood usually become faithful members, enjoy the catechesis, and continue to hunger for God’s Word after they are confirmed or received as members–while those who bristle at having to receive instruction either don’t stay around or don’t give much attention to catechesis after being received. I’ve also had at least one new member who was offended when not allowed to commune who later returned because she appreciated that we tried to faithfully administer the sacrament only to those who had been examined and absolved. And she brings friends and her kids’ friends to church and to catechesis.

Karl,

Well put!

TR

Perry LUnd:

Our pastors always make the announcement, that they ask that only members of our synod, or the churches that we are in fellowship with, may partake of the Lord’s Supper.

It may sound cruel, and people get upset, and some never come back again, but it still comes down to doctrine and practice. If you are loose in practice, the doctrine will soon follow.

Dear Rev. Hess:
I understand your position, because to receive Holy Communion unworthily is a very serious matter. I know, because a few years ago I had gone to a Catholic service after being away but not having repented of my involvement in non-Christian religion and took communion. The next day I became very ill with the worst flu I’ve ever had and was very sick for a month. (No, I don’t think it was from germs on the communion cup, but rather from my offense). Had Pastor at the Lutheran church refused me this summer when I asked to commune?
I don’t think I would have been offended, because at that point God had already broken my heart over my sins, and amazed me with His forgiveness.For so long I had thought that He would reject me, so contrary to thinking I had any right to His table, I was coming because I needed His grace and He said He would receive me, that His forgiveness was for me, too, His gift. I had realized that despite all the other churches I had been to none had ever helped me realize this was all by His grace, so the important thing was to find a church where I could become grounded in this understanding of grace and faith that Martin Luther had revealed and that had in an instant transformed my life. (Even more amazing was that it was through the words of a pastoral student whom I did not know in a foreign country whose native language I did not speak!). I was very happy to go to catechism classes and study the Book of Concord, which I love. But I needed that grace at that time very much because as a result of coming back to Christ it meant severing myself from my husband’s religion, former friends and what had been my life for over 25 years.
I actually think that it was God’s decision in His mercy to let me take communion that Sunday and He put it in Pastor’s heart to allow it. I wanted very much to kneel before our Lord to receive although due to an injured knee I had not been able to kneel for almost two years, yet I was able. When the words were spoken “The true body of Christ given for you”, “The true blood of Christ shed for you” I knew Jesus was there receiving me, forgiving me and in Him reconciling me with my heavenly Father. I am so fortunate that at my church Holy Communion is offered every Sunday, and private confession and absolution available on Saturday, such treasures of grace! What has He not done to show us His love?

I’m also aware that in the early church one who had fallen away and sought to be received back into the fellowship of the church had a long process to undergo, as did new converts, for that matter. Still, when the prodigal comes home, how wonderful it is to know the Father is running to meet you (indeed bringing you back to Himself) rather than being met by a brother who doesn’t think you should be allowed back until you prove yourself. (Especially when you don’t think you are worthy to be received in the first place). I’m sorry if I have veered from the main discussion point. It’s just that I was so glad there was some discretion possible on the part of the individual pastor.

@Lloyd I. Cadle #18

Lloyd – I think an important point to make in close communion is that it is for the good of both the visitor and the congregation. There is a burden to congregational members who see visitors, who’s faith is unknown communing with them. The question in their minds is, “Is this person of the same faith I confess?” That burden of conscience should not have to be in their mind.

@Rev. Karl Hess #16

Again, well said Pastor Hess. I know our church had two ladies whom recently married to men in the church, and went through the catechism instructional materials with our pastor. This takes about 2 – 3 month. One of them was raised Lutheran and one a Roman Catholic. To the credit of God’s grace, both ladies were patient and understood the reasons for this process.

The benefit is for both of the ladies and the rest of the congregation, as each knows that they confess the save faith in their Savior Jesus Christ.

If a synod has bylaws which restrict the Lord’s Supper to only those that are members or churches that are in fellowship with the synod, why would pastors take it upon themselves to break their synod bylaws?

If a pastor feels that he can commune a non synod member, he should ask the circuit pastor, and then the circuit pastor should point the pastor to the synod bylaws on close communion.

Synod bylaws should not become broken bylaws.

Well said Pr. Hess!

Peggy,

Be sure to follow up with your pastor as you promised him you would.

Blessed Lent.
Rev. Olson

I have found it best to contact the Pastor of a congregation prior to attending. That way we both get to know each other and he also knows my theology. Now that I am no longer in Missouri Synod, I know most all the Pastors in our fellowship and most, if not all know me. I still have my Pastor contact the Pastor of the congregation, notifying him of my intention to attend his Divine Service.

Rev Olson:
Thank you. I met with him in the following week, in fact I was very eager to. I studied the catechism and we discussed my understanding of it and acceptance of its truths and I renewed my baptismal vows and joined the church. I continue with daily BoC readings, Lutheran Study Bible , and other books he recommends to me and weekly private confession/absolution (my request).In the months that have followed, I have not missed a Sunday service, all by God’s grace. I think many people have heard that salvation is by faith alone, but then they think it is something they have to engender. It was only through a Lutheran that I finally heard that it is by grace alone. Understanding the roles of Law and Gospel, I see how it was the Law that made me aware of my inability to be good and that I merited only condemnation and the Gospel that brought me to know that He was the only way of reconciliation with God and that He had already won it for me. I have read that those who come to the church having been broken by the law remain for they know how invaluable is the treasure of grace they have received, while those who come looking to add a spiritual element to their life, meet friends or be happier, etc. tend to fall away. Evangelism that is not the conveyance of pure doctrine cannot be truly fruitful. As far as the church growth movement…. Again, I came to my church despite it was an unattractive building, it had no choir, no beautiful organ, it was a small congregation mostly of elders, they had almost no advertising. I came because I was seeking a place to hear the truth and where Christ would be present in the Means of Grace. All I know is it was not hard to take a vow to remain true to death because I know that the real death would be to fall away, and that He who drew me back to Him is the One who will keep me in Him by His grace.

Peggy, as posted on another forum, the is much rejoicing in Heaven over you. I will not get into the discussion over whether you should have been Communed or not, for I am a layperson and should just keep my opinion to myself on this one. Nonetheless, welcome home! How fitting that the Lenten Season was the time for catechesis in the historical church. Since your conversion to Lutheranism is going to apparently cause problems at home, I will pray for you and for your husband.

In Christ,

Boogie (Old, Cranky Lutheran Club)

Peggy,

There truly is much rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents!
God keep you safe in your baptismal grace, unto life everlasting.

Pr. Olson

Peggy,
You are in my prayers! I send big “internet” hugs (yes, Confessionals hug) and you can insert a doxology here. Cling tightly, to what you know, learn & keep meeting with your Pastor, and again, you & your family, are in my prayers.