Be Strong in the Grace: The ELS and BLTS websites are really rockin' now!

Monday, April 04, 2005

I'm probably slow with this news, but I've just discovered the recently updated and improved websites of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary and they are really looking great! Lots of resources: statements of doctrine, downloads, Lutheran Synod Quarterly archives, the ELS Handbook, the ELH Hymnal, ELH Hymnal midi files, links...there's too much to list here. You must check it out yourself!

The ELS: Tempest in a Teapot

I found our current church six years ago, after an exhausting, draining and depressing 24 year search for "the perfect church". Coming from the doctrinal sandy ground of American Evangelicalism, the Evangelical Lutheran Synod seemed at first to be paradise. In time, I discovered the how and why of the current state of Lutheranism. I also had to face the realities of synods that sometimes seem to attack one another. An ELS pastor wrote to me these words of encouragement:

"The ELS is a "little" synod, but can be a complicated place! We are basically a miniature version of what the old synodical conference was - Norwegian Synod (ELS), WELS and LCMS born and bred people all attempting to co-exist together as adults.

Basically I want to tell you to take heart. Your synod wants to be faithful to God's Word. Therefore the devil wants to rob us of our treasure and all of divisiveness is the result of his efforts. So you are in the right place. Also, you are in a faithful congregation at your church with faithful pastors. So, ignore the attacks. "

Monday, April 04, 2005

The ELS and BLTS websites are really rockin' now!

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