Prior to the 2010 LCMS Convention, when Matthew Harrison was elected Synod President, his supporters published statistical membership data for the incumbent president, Dr. Gerald Kieschnick’s years in office. How do those 2000-2010 statistics for Kieschnick’s compare to the 2010-2017 statistics for Harrison’s administration?
In response to a promise to the late Herman Otten, Editor of Christian News, Pastor Tim Klinkenberg, candidate for LCMS President, wrote about his experience as a pastor and his priorities for the LCMS. Pastor Tim’s letter is reprinted with permission.
Read Pastor Timothy Klinkenberg’s letter to his congregation about the need for “Truth and Light” in our Synod. Maier and Klinkenberg’s nominations totaling 57.4% of all nominations show of support for a change in leadership far greater than Harrison’s support for re-election. Synod is saying: “It’s time for openness and truthfulness in our Synod leadership.”
Nomination results for Synod President have just been announced. Fewer than half of the nominations submitted by congregations supported Matt Harrison for re-election, despite his unconstitutional postcard advice to pastors. A strong majority of the nominations called for new leadership: either Pastor David Maier or Pastor Timothy Klinkenberg.
In a St. Louis Post-Dispatch article, the LCMS is accused of institutional mobbing against church workers who dare to speak up about problems and increasing divisions in our beloved Synod. Harrison dismissed the article, characterizing it as “sadly bizarre” and “disconcerting.” Does his response prove the point?
In an address delivered in August to LCMS national leaders, Pastor David Maier gave an inspiring speech answered with a standing ovation. It was clear to all in attendance David Maier is ready to lead our Synod.
The Constitution and By-laws of the Synod describe a very important working relationship between the Synod President and District Presidents. Sadly, during the past eight years, President Harrison broke that relationship. It’s time for a change in Synodical leadership.
In October each LCMS congregation received a nomination packet containing official ballots from Synod. What we do next is important.
Either we will nominate those who will centralize power in Synod — or new leadership will serve congregations and the mission of Christ’s Church. It’s time for a change…and nominations start our needed change.
Congregations Matter has searched Synod, seeking Godly men ready and able to lead our beloved Church. We are excited to start introducing these men to you, beginning with Pastor David Maier. A proven leader regionally and nationally, Congregations Matter believes he is one such man prepared by God to lead the LCMS as Synod President.
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.
