It’s Time to start asking your Districts and also the LCMS International Center why they either work with FiveTwo actively or tacitly allow them to infiltrate and leaven the entire synod.
This “Giving Tuesday” FiveTwo will be receiving matching funds from the Gates Foundation of up to $50K. The Gates Foundation has advocated heavily for abortion and population control (a recent $120 million effort for instance). Their “Family Planning” section details some of this. Let me summarize for you – FiveTwo is working with a group that spends large amounts of money to advocate the murder of babies. When Thrivent was found to be working with pro-abortion folks LCMS Lutherans erupted into action against it. Will they do so now?
Steadfast has long pointed out the many problems with FiveTwo, but the organization continues to enjoy free reign in many districts. Some districts have partnered to raise money and also adopt ministry practices FiveTwo promotes. FiveTwo has presented at District events, received promotion through District channels for their events, and even been allowed to present to a quarterly meeting of the Council of Presidents (April-May 2012). District Presidents have attended the FiveTwo conferences in great numbers. Far from being rebuked for their false doctrine and practices, they are allowed time to promote across the Synod. They clearly have no fear that “Confessional Lutherans” have had control of the Synod since 2010. Now we find them working with abortion advocates for their money.
My own congregation submitted an overture to the 2016 National Convention which called for an investigation into and a moratorium on continued cooperation with FiveTwo. The overture (4-25) was “omnibussed” to the CTCR and I received a letter saying that the CTCR will not handle it. Early on as Steadfast took up this cause I had a few personal conversations with the head of FiveTwo about this which proved fruitless. I write this to show that personal and also “official channels” have not resulted in any ecclesiastical supervision over districts or the clergy that are associated with FiveTwo. Logia has written against FiveTwo. Other blogs have also tried to raise awareness. Issues Etc. did a few segments on them as well. Maybe a popular effort to encourage our “churchmen” to act decisively may have more effect.
If nothing else, maybe you can let folks – who just don’t realize – know that FiveTwo works with abortion advocates. Isn’t there a better place to put your money (how about the offering plate at church)?
If you are wondering if your district has been working with FiveTwo you may want to inquire and warn your district leadership about them. Michigan and Florida-Georgia are two districts prominently displayed on the FiveTwo partner page. Other districts have also been involved with FiveTwo.
Texas District was home to the start of FiveTwo.
California-Nevada-Hawaii District had them speak at their district conference.
Indiana District advertised for their national conference.
New England District has promoted FiveTwo (page 87)
Southern District is listed as a sponsor for a FiveTwo conference.
Southeastern District refers folks to FiveTwo as a “resource”.
You can also see a number of districts represented here in the FiveTwo Coaches page. (Southeastern, Northern Illinois, Texas, Northwest just for a few)
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis has also had FiveTwo teach some of its classes.
Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix has also hosted FiveTwo presentations.
There are more. If you have some, post them in a comment. If I find more I will post them as an edit.
FiveTwo accepts abortion promoter money. LCMS Districts work with FiveTwo. LCMS allows this to continue. Please encourage those with authority to act to do so.