The Synod’s Relationship to the Local Congregation: Discussion Guide

Description

The purpose of this discussion guide is to help professional church workers and congregational members better understand the values and intentions that shaped the LCMS in its early days. By gaining a clear grasp of our guiding principles as a denomination, we can more effectively recognize organizational drift—a common issue in all organizations—and evaluate whether that drift is justified. This document is especially helpful for understanding Walther’s perspective on the relationship between the Synod and the local congregation in all matters, particularly regarding the selection of a pastor.

Although not covered in this study, Thesis V provides a vital counterbalance to Thesis II. Thesis V highlights the importance of mutual submission within the Synod. It emphasizes the role of love in safeguarding unity. Walther recognized the potential for each convention action or mandate from Synod to strain the bonds of love. His words remind us to be patient and forbearing with one another.

Background: This study guide uses the document, The Duties of an Evangelical Lutheran Synod, available as a digital download through CPH. The document is an English translation of Walther’s essay he wrote and delivered for the first Iowa District Convention on August 20, 1879. In the essay, Walther outlined six duties of the Synod. Walther occasionally makes references to the clergy-centered ecclesiology of the Iowa Synod as a comparison and contrast to the congregation-centered ecclesiology of the LCMS.

The Duties of an Evangelical Synod document can be purchased and downloaded from CPH using this Shorter URL,