Differences among synods

The latest battle in the Missouri synod has people searching on the internet for alternatives. My blog's search statistics show that. It is my own opinion that most confessional Lutherans refuse to look at other synods seriously because of a long list of mis perceptions and hearsay. I know the pain of switching synods; I did so myself about five years ago. The only thing I can offer is that once you do make the switch with a whole heart, the pain goes away. The things that I thought might bother me, i.e. the role of women in ministry and close communion, were not issues for me once I was sold on the ELS' ability to preach the gospel.

I would never encourage anyone to leave their synod or church, but if you feel that it is what you are being called to do then I hope you consider the ELS. I have been (mostly) very happy there. The ELS, though not perfect, is remaining faithful. We are small, manageable and pretty transparent. If I wanted to I could make an appointment with our president and ask him any question. There is no division among pastors, beyond the usual human divisions (style, age, personality, which football team they cheer for, etc). Do your research from there. I can also tell you that the ELS is not the same as WELS, yet we are in fellowship with WELS. A WELS pastor writes:

If you find differences, then, it is more likely to be in the area of culture or ways of doing things aside from Bible doctrine and practice. Norwegian and German people (and their descendants to a degree) don't always reflect the same personality traits or enjoy the same food or entertainment. And many ELS churches use different editions of catechisms and hymnals than most WELS churches do. Welcome to America and cultural diversity. But especially give thanks that these two church bodies enjoy confessional fellowship centered in Christ and his Word.

Are you looking for another confessional Lutheran synod? Ask others. Pray. I found this opinion at WELS.net Q & A feature very interesting...

...the majority of truly conservative or orthodox pastors and congregations have already left the LCMS or have chosen to hunker down to protect their own parish as long as they can. And they will die or retire before they do much else.