To:                 The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
From:              Gerald B. Kieschnick, President
Subject:          Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Document
“Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies”
Date:              February 22, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Grace and peace be with you, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

It is with great disappointment and deep sadness that I share with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod these brief comments on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Task Force on Sexuality document “Gift and Trust” and the “Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies.” The “Report and Recommendations” document recommends that the ELCA undertake a process that would result in the incorporation of “structured flexibility in decision making to allow, in appropriate situations, people in publicly accountable, monogamous, lifelong, same-gendered relationships to be approved for the rosters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.” The two documents were released February 19 by an ELCA task force and are expected to be considered by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August.

If this recommendation should be adopted by the Churchwide Assembly, it would constitute a change in the ELCA’s present position, which precludes “practicing homosexuals” from being included on its rosters. More importantly, it would constitute a radical departure from the 2,000-year-long teaching of the Christian tradition that homosexual activity, whether inside or outside of a committed relationship, is contrary to Holy Scripture.

As the ELCA Task Force Report itself states, “This church [the ELCA] does not have biblical and theological consensus on this matter.” It therefore concludes that the ELCA “must seek a common way to live and serve in the midst of disagreements” such as “the understanding of the nature of sin,” “the interpretation of the Bible,” “how the Bible guides our lives,” and “the level of disagreement the ELCA can bear.”

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has repeatedly affirmed the biblical truth and historical understanding of the Christian church that the Bible condemns homosexual behavior as “intrinsically sinful” and is therefore contrary to the will of the Creator and constitutes sin against the commandments of God (Lev. 18:22, 24,20:13; 1 Cor. 6:9-20; 1 Tim 1:9-10; and Rom. 1:26, 27).

Our prayer in the LCMS is that our gracious God will penetrate the lives and hearts of the leaders and members of the ELCA in the coming months as they discuss, debate, and determine the outcome of the task force report and its recommendations.

In the meantime, it behooves us in the LCMS, in a spirit of sincere humility, love, care, and concern, to continue to endeavor faithfully to honor Resolution 3-21A of the 2001 Convention of our Synod that while “we cannot consider [the ELCA] to be an orthodox Lutheran church body . we of the LCMS recognize that many of our brothers and sisters of the ELCA remain faithful to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and we resolve to reach out to them in love and support .”

God’s grace, mercy, and peace be with us all.

Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President
The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod

“Transforming lives through Christ’s love …  in time … for eternity …” John 3:16-17

There have been some misnomers out there that describe deaconesses as “nuns” or “mini-pastors.” This blog post hopes to develop a primer discussion of what a deaconess is and what she is not, and leave you to understand the important distinctions of both. In relation to what deaconesses are alongside any other offices, this will hopefully offer development of a healthy attitude, not only about deaconesses, but the Word of God demonstrated in these instruments of Christ’s mercy.

A DEACONESS IS NOT A NUN:

• A Deaconess reaches out into the community and congregation to the lost and suffering. She has no vows or oaths that she must take, apart from being in agreement and faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions (because it agrees with Scripture).

• A Deaconess is able to be married and carry on deaconess service. Again, no vows of celibacy or monasticism are required or encouraged. Likewise, a deaconess is not required or encouraged to be married, either, if she does not desire these things; so long as she acts in accordance with Scripture in propriety and obedience to the Sixth Commandment (which goes for all people, not just deaconesses!)

• A Deaconess knows the richness of our Lutheran theology, and is able to articulate and act, in mercy, on our confession of faith with grace and wisdom for the edification of the Church, especially to the ones who she has been charged to serve.

A DEACONESS IS NOT A PASTOR:

• The deaconess is consecrated (set apart for godly service), not ordained. Her service begins at the nave and door of the Church. While she does not preach or administer the Lord’s Supper, she can certainly prepare the Altar for the Sacrament prior to the Divine Service, but does not participate in the distribution of it.

• The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod upholds and respects God’s Biblical order of Creation. Woman was created as helper of man (Gen. 2:18). Deaconesses exemplify this and other expressions of God’s Word (Eph 5:25, 1 Timothy 3:12). This is to be understood as the inerrant Word of God truly freeing both men and women to be exactly who they are, in Christ Jesus, as the ultimate focus.

• Diaconal emphasis of service is on care, teaching and reaching out to women, children, and elderly

This primer hopefully brings clarity to some otherwise confused or misleading views. The most important aspect of deaconess service is giving all glory to God, and pointing others to our Savior, Jesus Christ. A deaconess serves as a “buffer”-many times between the world and the Altar and Font, where Jesus promises to be. While all children of God are called to bear witness to the Gospel and show where God is located, a deaconess is a leader and resource to those she serves, helping and encouraging all to works of mercy and compassion. Glory be to God for sending all laborers into His Harvest!

“California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George wrote for the majority ‘In contrast to earlier times, our state now recognized that an individual’s capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation’” (Chicago Tribune, 5/16/2008 p. 19).

This is their definition of marriage: loving, long-term, and responsibility? Could not the families of the children evacuated from the polygamist compound in Texas describe their relationships as loving, long-term, and responsible? Would the relationship between father and step-daughter in Lolita be similarly described by some? What has made homosexuality a more acceptable sexual deviancy than pedophilia or polygamy?

According to the California any relationship that could be substantiated to the court as loving, long-term, and responsible should be given sanction to marry. Ironically, when divorce, abuse, and neglect are taken into account, more than fifty percent of traditional marriages wouldn’t qualify under this definition (with Hollywood couples giving us high-profile examples).

When we are confronted by the world we must not call a good thing evil and an evil thing good, but instead, call a thing what it actually is (Luther’s Heidelberg Theses, 21). We must call homosexuality what it is: sinful. Then, we can bring the gospel to our neighbors in this world as they trapped in this sin (as we ourselves are trapped in so many others). When churches and governments call an evil thing good and good things evil they have fallen out of their God-given callings and forsaken their neighbors, their brothers and sisters in Christ, and sentenced them to live continually in sin. We would no sooner allow our brothers and sisters to persist in the sins of stealing, murder, or adultery than we can sanction homosexuality.

This is to frame homosexuality together with all sins which consume this world and to place yourselves into the same boat as homosexuals and everyone who needs God’s law and gospel to set us free from sin and death. This is not a matter of elevating ourselves over our neighbor (this too would be sinful), but rather acknowledging that we, like them, need the grace of God won for us by Jesus Christ. It is also a matter of the church of God proclaiming His Word in its fullness and truth.

How then shall we live? Love your neighbor. Pray for them, share God’s Word with them, and seek to rescue them from all manner of sinfulness just as you yourself embrace and hold fast to the work of Jesus and the new life that you have in him.

On some level, you have to admit he is right. In the context of Western civilizations’ understanding of what we think we and our spouses should be doing to fulfill our notions of love, well, he’s nailed it. And to Chapman’s credit, he at least recognizes love as an action not founded on simple or waning romantic feelings. However, this can be misleading. Our overt actions are not the only glue to keeping our marriage in tact or devoid of problems. This would make us think that we are totally responsible; and whether you realize it our not, that’s a lot of pressure! An amusing case in point is Fox News’ latest headline suggesting, “Women, Want a Healthy Marriage? Marry Man Uglier Than You.” Well then, case closed-I guess that solves the divorce rate problem! If anyone concludes that taking responsibility for having a healthy marriage rests solely on choosing the less attractive spouse, they are diluting themselves. Now let’s get serious.

As Christians, we understand that God has brought husband and wife together (Mt. 19:6). The key to this understanding is God’s action. The free will between the man and woman surrounding the choice of their spouse and marriage should be, as the pastor says “not entered into inadvisably, lightly, etc. (Heb. 13:4)” because problems will come up! Do not rely solely on the betrothed, but seek others advice and wisdom of your spouses character. Also, the “one flesh” that is created by God between two people in marriage is just as He says; they become a new creation (Gen 2:24). The consummation and promise (this is not just referring to sex) of man and wife, is just like Christ’s consummation with His Church. It is, in the context of “the five love languages,” a fulfillment of all of them- but yet so much more. Where sinful man and woman lack, Christ ‘opens up his hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing (Ps 145:16).’’ This is an intimacy that transcends any notion of physical gratification. Couples who are bound to the Church by Christ, have everything that they need! Meaning, a marriage whose spouses cling to Christ and His very present and continuous action (or ‘love language’) of Word and Sacrament, is fulfilled with the promise of life, salvation and the forgiveness of sins.

Among the many problems with Chapman’s book, is that he does not spend time talking about our true Identity; and from it, how our actions flow. A marriage certainly takes work and action because it is dealing with two sinful people. Consequently, desires can run amok and become unholy like greed and lust. Let us not fool our pious selves from thinking these things do not lead to grave and sad things like divorce. But even these things are not without reconciliation. When we receive and believe who we are in Christ, our actions are motivated by the Gospel in constant confession of our Lord. Our identity in Christ does not make us Christ, but leads us back to Him in repentance and to receive His holy absolution, which is true love, in Christ, that only He can give.

Spouses who regularly confess their sins and receive Christ in Word and Sacrament together, are as a threefold cord that is not quickly broken (Ecc.4:12). Our Lord’s language is the Word as the motivator for a healthy marriage.

It was just recently that I was asked about such abuse. “What have I done to deserve this?” “Is it wrong for me to want to escape? If I stay, I can continue to be a witness to the Gospel and forgiveness. If I escape, aren’t I abandoning them to their sin?”

Are these your questions? Are these the questions of your friends or loved ones? Is someone perhaps asking these questions about your own actions?

If you are so entangled, know that our Lord Jesus has not forgotten you, he has not forsaken you, and he has not turned his back on you during these trying times. He knows what it is to feel the sting of the sin of another. He felt the sting of scourge and nails for the sins of the whole world, even these sins of abuse.

We feel the sting of such evil in our lives because we are still living here in this veil of tears. Jesus’ promises of bliss and tranquility are the promises of the new Heaven and new Earth. His assurances for this life are of trial, persecution, and suffering. We will have crosses to bear, we will have sicknesses (of body and mind), we will have tears and sadness. As these touch your life you are not loved any less by God. How could you be? You are already loved perfectly by God in Christ Jesus. You are loved fully and completely.

The nature of evil and why pain must exist in this life must wait for another post. What shall we do then when we find ourselves trapped in the cycle of abuse, codependency, and danger? I humbly offer these suggestions, links to expert information, and my most sincere prayers for all who abuse and all whom they abuse.

1. Escape. Find a way out of the relationship. You are worth much more in God’s eyes, in the eyes of your brothers and sisters in Christ, and to someone who would truly love you as a lover ought to.
2. In your escape, seek out care for those who have suffered abuse. The damage is deeper than the bruises, cuts, and the unspeakable. There is help to heal your body, mind, and soul.
3. You are not guilty. The blood of Jesus covers all your sins, and your having been abused is not a sin of yours. All the same, the guilt which you feel is taken away in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Seek out where you may immerse yourself in the spiritual care of God’s Word and Sacraments.
4. Don’t be afraid. You grades may suffer. You may miss work. You may need to move. You may need to sever common ties between you and your abuser. Don’t be afraid. Your teachers/professors are glad that you are safe. Your pastor is thankful that you are free. Any boss should rejoice that his worker is free. Anyone worthy of being called your friend will also rejoice.
5. Your brothers and sisters in Christ are here to love you and care for you. You may need help packing, moving, driving, hiding, and surviving. The Body of Christ exists to care for the Body of Christ and to care for all people.

Finally, here are a few links that you may find helpful. Try to find a shelter in your area, friends who will help you, doctors who can care for you, and a pastor who can bring the Gospel to you. These are God’s gifts to bring you safely through.

In danger? Call 911.

Shelters in some major cities:
Austin, Texas: 512-267-SAFE (7233)
Chicago, Illinois
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Detroit, Michigan
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Houston, Texas

National Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Lord Jesus, quickly come, that the darkness of these earthly days would be replaced by the perpetual light of your grace and glory which is our inheritance by your death and resurrection. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

Here is the website that explains the various traditions and history of one, St. Valentine, and how it has carried itself over into what we experience today as cultural norms. Do I agree with what out society deems as appropriate to express love? Not entirely. Chocolates and goofy pre-written cards are for the birds. But I do think it is a man’s duty to take the lead on these sorts of things, expressing his love for his wife in a way characteristic of Christ’s love in action to His Church, sacrificial and merciful to her that indicates the authentic relationship that God has brought together. Authenticity is key, and manifests itself uniquely through the distint personalities of husband and wife. So, practically speaking, special memories, inside jokes, and personal touches are exactly what the holiday calls for, and my hope and prayer is that every husband out there takes the lead, as head of household, to act upon the very love given to him in Christ.

by Julie Stiegemeyer

“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. …So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife…” (Gen. 12:1-5).

These verses have always had special meaning for me because they were the basis of the first sermon that I heard in the seminary chapel at the opening service of my husband’s first year at the seminary. I’ve often wondered what Sarai was thinking and how she was coping with this sudden and life-changing journey. Was she crying as she left her mother? Did she see it as an adventure?

The thing I like about Sarah is how honest she was. She was far from perfect; she—along with Abraham—laughed in the face of God’s promise for a son in their old age (Gen. 17:17 and 18:12). But God, in His mercy, blessed her with His gifts, including a son they never dreamed they would have. Hebrews says: “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11). It was God who gave Sarah this faith, who helped her through all of the changes in her life. Over the years, I’ve heard and read a lot about being a pastor’s wife. The common perception is that a pastor’s wife lives in a “fishbowl”—meaning that everyone is always watching her. I’ve had strangers come up to me and feel sorry for me because my husband is a pastor. “Don’t you ever wish you were married to a plumber?” one person asked me.

However, in the first ten years of my husband’s ministry, I can honestly say that I have loved being a pastor’s wife. That doesn’t mean we don’t have problems or that we’re immune from sickness, frustration, and arguments. It simply means that I love my husband and am committed to him no matter what his vocation in life may be.

It is true that a pastor has many challenges and burdens to carry. He visits new babies in the hospital; he also visits teens who have attempted suicide. A pastor teaches the confirmands, and has to deal with their parents who almost never come to church. A pastor works for hours on a sermon, but then watches members of the congregation sleep through the message. These are burdens that your husband as a pastor will have to bear, and sometimes those burdens spill over to his personal life. But there are many more joys than frustrations. He has the joy of sincere gratitude from a member who needed to hear what he had to say. He also watches the children he baptized grow into young believers who share the love of God with their neighbors. He is honored at an anniversary lunch, showered with gifts, and bragged about by his congregation. A pastor’s duties are many and varied, and through each task, he ministers to sinners who come to hear about God’s forgiveness and love for them in Christ Jesus. And these blessings also spill over to the family.

As a pastor’s wife—just as in every other situation in life—we have a choice. We can choose to celebrate the joys in life, or we can focus only on the burdens. As a pastor’s wife I heard recently said: “Your husband is a servant of the King. What other joy in life could there be?” And then I think that Sarah—and I—have it pretty good.

Julie Stiegemeyer is the wife of Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer, the Director of Seminary Admission. They’ve been married for almost 18 years.