The ACELC exists "to give a united voice against errors that are officially adopted in convention, tolerated, and/or promoted in the LCMS.”

Pastoral Formation - The issue may define the Synod's future

 

The way a pilot flies a plane and the way a captain sails a ship depends directly on their preparation for the task. Especially when faced with bad weather or challenging conditions, the training which the pilot or captain has received will determine if the plane or ship will reach its destination and its passengers will arrive safely.

 

The way a pastor shepherds a congregation also depends directly on his preparation for the task. Especially when facing difficult circumstances and challenging conditions, the training which the pastor has received will determine if the congregation remains faithful to God and His Word and if the members of the congregation are kept safe in their journey and reach their eternal destination.

 

Jesus gathered 12 unique men to be His Apostles. One thing bound them all together. They were Jews, living under the covenant which God had established with Abraham. Each made a sacrifice to follow Jesus who revealed Himself to them as the promised Messiah. Jesus warned them the path would be hard. It would involve persecution, jailing, and slander. Over a period of approximately 3 years Jesus carefully taught them the truth of His word and modeled for them the nature and purpose of the Ministry. The intimate relationship they had with Jesus, and with one another during the nearly 3 years they were together, molded, shaped, and prepared them for the task entrusted to them by Jesus. All except Judas, Jesus sent into the Ministry of the Word after His resurrection from the dead.

 

The time, care, and attention which Jesus placed on preparing His Apostles for the Ministry has shaped how the Church, and especially the LCMS, has historically prepared men for the serving in the Office of the Public Ministry.

 

Look around the Synod. District conventions have started to happen. Already the topic of pastoral formation is coming to the forefront. Some Districts are advocating for substantial changes in how pastors are trained, shaped, and formed. Others are emphasizing retaining our traditional system of preparation and prioritizing residential education.

 

The significance of this issue cannot be underestimated. Pastoral formation will directly determine what the congregations of the LCMS will look like in the next generation. Pastoral formation will directly determine how your congregation will be served in the future. Pastoral formation will directly affect the faithfulness of the Synod to God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions.

 

This summer, under the theme, “A Noble Task: Pastoral Formation in the LCMS” the annual conference of the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations (ACELC) will be discussing this timely topic. Pastors and laymen are encouraged and invited to participate. The conference will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, July 15-16, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Carlisle, Iowa. Carlisle is located in the middle of the state, just a short drive south of Des Moines.

 

Presenters and their topics for this year’s conference include:

 

• Pastoral Formation: Seminary Perspectives – Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss, President, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne
• History of Pastoral Formation – Rev. Willie Grills, Zion Lutheran Church, Avilla, AR
• Challenges to the Church Today – Rev. Adam Moline, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE
• Solutions for the future – Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Oakmont, PA
• Reflecting on a Career in the Pastoral Office – Rev. Rolf Preus, Banquet Speaker

Follow this link to register for the Conference. There you will find more information about the conference, hotel accommodations, and the speakers. We look forward to seeing you July 15-16 in Carlisle, Iowa.