After consulting with hundreds of lay and clergy leaders across the LCMS, Congregations Matter proposes candidates for First Vice President and Regional Vice Presidents. They are proven leaders with experience — servants determined to lead us forward again into a congregation-serving, Gospel- and mission-focused Synod.
Congregations Matter has searched Synod, seeking Godly men ready and able to lead our beloved Church. This week we add Pastor Tim Klinkenberg for your consideration. A proven leader regionally and nationally, Congregations Matter believes he is one such man prepared by God to lead the LCMS as Synod President.
During the Florida-Georgia District Convention, the 160+ voting delegates delivered clear and direct messages to third-term LCMS President Harrison. Disappointed by Harrison’s scripted remarks and unpersuaded by deflective non-answers to specific questions, they overwhelmingly rejected his Presidential actions in vote after vote.
In Part One of the Congregations Matter article about United Listers, concerned LCMS members learned two things. First, the groups that form The United List are well-funded with hundreds of thousands of dollars in their war chests for political purposes. Second, United Listers control Synod. Laypeople and pastors alike can hardly believe this happens in the LCMS.
If you like the way our Synod is going, thank the United List. United List Candidates are in control. Now in 84% of LCMS elected positions, United List candidates almost totally control the presidium, boards and regents of our Synod. Who creates “The United List”? Just read list of constituent groups. Think about how Synod is going. Ask yourself, “Is their influence good for my congregation?”
On June 15, Synod President Matt Harrison was called to task by a staggering 79% margin of delegates at the Texas District Convention. Delegates adopted a resolution criticizing Harrison for ignoring a resolution brought to the 2016 Milwaukee Convention to overrule a CCM opinion restricting congregations in foreign mission work. But Texas wasn’t done.
There is deep disappointment throughout our Synod at the closure of our only historically black college, Concordia College, Selma, AL. It is especially sad recalling that recently-elected COP Chairman, David Maier, led a team preventing the closure of Ann Arbor just nine years ago. The difference? Leadership.
Many LCMS people have heard President Harrison’s version of the closure of Selma: he’s sorry, but it’s everyone else’s fault. A few facts line up with his story. But what is the fully true story of Selma’s closure? Those who know are starting to speak up.
On May 4, 2018, the Board of Regents of CU Irvine announced their unanimous vote to continue the search process and select an interim president. Congregations Matter applauds the responsible group of leaders who faithfully serve on the Board of Regents at CU Irvine. Congregations — and the selection of our University and Seminary Presidents — matter.
In 2010, the LCMS adopted sweeping changes to the Handbook of the Synod. Here’s the strange twist: while the convention adopted the “Blue Ribbon Taskforce” changes, delegates also strangely (and certainly ironically) then elected as President a man who opposed the changes, Matthew Harrison. Delegates wanted Synod’s work to be more responsive to the congregations of the Synod. What have we gotten instead?
