Churches in Transition
The recent actions of the ELCA have thrust multitudes of congregations into turmoil. Many are united and ready to leave. Other congregations are split into three groups (those who want to leave, those who want to stay, and those who simply don’t know) – and the size and strength of those groups vary from church to church. Some faithful pastors want to help lead their congregations out of the ELCA with active leadership; other faithful pastors want the congregation to decide its future without either their assistance or influence; and still other pastors are staunchly defending the ELCA and have become road blocks to congregational process. The post-Minneapolis ELCA’s response is largely reduced to damage control, pleas for unity, and, in some cases, outright hostility toward anyone or any group’s objections. In many cases and places, faithful Christians are searching for outside help and support.
The Augustana District, still in its formation stage, does not have the ability or authority to directly assist people and congregations. Even so, we believe it extremely important that congregations utilize people and resources to help them through the turmoil. At the outset, we strongly recommend:
1. Follow your congregation’s constitution, and move forward in a steady and orderly fashion.
2. Do not surrender or resign from positions of leadership in your congregation, including Church Council, committees, and teaching positions.
3. Do not resign your membership.
4. Develop a process of discernment that involves your whole congregation. Seek input and resources from outside your synod office. The question before you, and before your congregation, must always be: As the people of God at “this” Lutheran Church, where is God leading us?
There are people you can talk to for guidance and support. Below are listed some individuals who have offered their assistance. They do not officially represent our District, but they are “friends” of Augustana who are willing to help in whatever ways they can.
Pastor Tony Stoutenburg
Grace Lutheran Church
Hayward, Wisconsin
Email Pastor Tony Stoutenburg
Pastor Mark Richardson
Bethesda Lutheran Church
Dresser, Wisconsin
Email Pastor Mark Richardson
Pastor Randy Freund
Faith Lutheran Church
Hutchinson, Minnesota
Email Pastor Randy Freund
Pastor Craig Werling and Pastor Janine Rew-Werling
American Evangelical Lutheran Church
Milbank, South Dakota
Email Pastor Craig Werling and Pastor Janine Rew-Werling
Dave Hill, President
Bethesda Lutheran Church
Dresser, Wisconsin
Email Dave Hill
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