Saturday Morning at the Ohio Convention

This morning saw a "prayer breakfast" and a presentation of some sort from H B London of Focus on the Family. Why was he here? What did he say? I don't know. I slept until 8:00am, missing all that fun. I don't feel bad about that. Sorry.

I thought the Synod's president began his presentation at 10:00. I was wrong, and so I was late by a few minutes. When I walked in, I heard him exclaim "And you can quickly see the TALLY!!" He showed us a man-on-the-street video where they asked "What is the message you are hearing from the church?" One person, to show how we should not be so mean spirited, said "too much emphasis on doctrines not instituted by Jesus." Another woman said "too much politics." I am sure these comments were shown to us in order to make a not-so-subtle point. It's the same point that was made when we passed a resolution declining to correct the theology of Ablaze.

The president also said that the church has had conflict from the beginning, even to the parting of ways, citing Acts where Paul and Barnabas split up. He "hopes" we will continue to "work together" but didn't seem to worried about anyone leaving.

A little later he mentioned that we have been distracted by misrepresentation of facts. This general accusation of false witness was not supported or epounded upon, just thrown up in the air.

He cited examples of the great things we can do when we are united, and cited several examples of giving money. So we can be united in cash flow, but not doctrine or practice. (This was another failed resolution: To strive for uniformity in worship. Ministry is different, ya know.) He said the new "Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution" process has been "very, very effective" in resolving issues. I (rhetorically) wonder why?

He said he wants the people of Synod to have a buzz....or maybe that was be abuzz... Not sure, but after this convention, I may go for the former.


During Q and A time, where pre-written, pre-submitted questions, screened by district staff, were asked of him, the interim directorship of CPH was brought up. He said the ball is in the CPH BOD's court.

He was asked about rumors of a new non-geographical district claiming orthodoxy. His response was that he heard nothing, but if it did ever happen, he would still be the "ecclesiastical supervisor" of that district.


"Do you see women pastors in the future?" No...BUT...Synod is helping congregations rewrite their constitutions to allow for women to be elders, presidents, etc.

At this point he made a very clear cautionary statement: "You are NOT free to preach or teach publicly that Synod is wrong on ANY given issue." He wanted us to be sure we understand that, so he repeated it. Slowly. No one may publicly preach or teach that Synod is wrong any any issue, ever. Well....I am publicly teaching you right here and now that Synod is very wrong on that idea. :-) I'm not a member of Synod though, so...oh well. You pastors reading this may want to make a note of that comment tho.

Back to questions: What about congregations that spit out faithful pastors? He approvingly cited a congregation that "rescinded" the call to the pastor. Sometimes there just isn't a good "fit," he said. It is ultimately up to the congregation.

Will we revisit our position on the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification?
No. He explained that Rome is still wrong, and that we understand Law and Gospel, Sin and Grace, Justification and Sanctification so well, why would we ever hide it under a bushell? This just drives me nuts. Why indeed would we hide our doctine under a bushell with the Ablaze program, which is nothing but revivalist gospel reductionism.

Like Billy Graham, he gives with the right hand and takes away with the left. Hopefully he doesn't know what he is talking about, because if he does, he is willfully being deceptive. I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt.

I left immediately upon conclusion of his comments. There was a short business session after that, but I wasn't staying for that. It would be more of the same cheerleading and dog-and-pony show, where "dialogue" and debate are stiffled or squashed and important, REAL issues are swept under the rug.

A circus of fools.