A View of Two Congregations

By Bob and Kathryn Prescott 

            In view of what has transpired in the recent past in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and more specifically at the just-completed synodical convention in St. Louis, we would like to describe our observations of two congregations.

             We have vacationed and visited in the Pagosa Springs area for many years and five years ago we purchased a home here in which to spend as much time as possible. We have been members of a traditional Missouri Synod church out of state for over 35 years, raising our children in the congregation’s school. They now have active Lutheran families of their own. Events of the past few years and now the monumental events at the synodical convention cause us to want to describe our observations for many who may not have had the opportunity to experience two congregations over a period of time. 

            A few years ago our home congregation called a new pastor without full knowledge of his plans for change from tradition. It was learned much later that he is a member of the liberal organization “Jesus First” which apparently has an agenda for significant change in the LCMS. Members of this organization, supporting the synodical president, gained almost complete control of the 2004 convention, including nominations and elections of officers, resolutions, and revisions to the bylaws. Changes we have seen gradually coming into our home congregation include measures of increased informality intended to attract attendance from many sources. These changes include emphasis on societal as opposed to traditional LCMS practice; contemporary worship with praise band music and entertainment; less emphasis on close communion; disregard for some provisions of the congregation’s constitution/bylaws; permission for non-Lutheran clergy and individuals to use the sanctuary and facilities; decreasing information for and control by the congregation. It appears that some information is intentionally withheld, indicating an effort toward a staff driven church rather than a congregation driven church.

            Six months ago, with very limited knowledge of the congregation, the pastor confirmed and accepted into membership a same sex couple, with pre-school children, who were openly representing themselves as a “family” unit. When confronted personally by us about this action, the pastor vigorously defended it. 

            We know of many members who are very troubled by this continuing trend toward liberalism but are reluctant to confront it. Others appear not to recognize the trend or do not object. By inaction the drift continues. The Board of Elders is not taking their responsibility to insure that the pastor is on the correct Biblical and synodical track and the congregation is not acting to change this. 

            By contrast, we have found our worship experience at Our Savior during many recent summers to be very refreshing. The conscious effort by the congregation and pastor to maintain the traditional and Biblical LCMS worship and practices is reassuring. As our experience shows, there is no assurance that traditional Missouri Synod worship and practice will continue without the active support of the pastor, the elders, the voters and the entire congregation. In our view, the change of leadership of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will bring some difficult times for many congregations. It is time to pay close attention to what is happening!