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.
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 welcome speech intended to energize his supporters and gain nominations at the Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne (CTSFW) Symposia Series, President Matthew Harrison raised the fears of his audience with the specter of Fort Wayne being “on the ropes” in the near future without him as Synod President. Really? Nothing could be further from the truth.
Many observe that the LCMS experiences polar swings in leadership each decade. We need a leader who will bring unity to our Synod by fully embracing both our confessional and our missional values.
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 in Chicago to national leaders, Pastor Timothy Klinkenberg gave a positive message for our Synod answered with a standing ovation. Tim Klinkenberg is a leader for our Synod’s future.
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.
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.
