Some Reflections on Issues, Etc.

Warning: This is a very "in-house" LC-MS post. If you are aware of what's been going on lately with regards to the LC-MS radio ministry, or you want to know, read on and make sure to click on the links provided below for some background.

I'm very glad that "Issues, Etc." is back on the radio. I haven't always agreed with Todd Wilken, the show's host, on everything, but I find the show stimulating and to be very much what the church needs in this day and age.

I don't know who to believe as to why the show was cancelled (to get some idea of what happened see here from a position critical of the Missouri-Synod and here from the Synodical perspective, I don't want to take the time going into all of it myself). I have supported some of the aims and the goals of the current synodical leadership on many things, and I have defended them from criticism when talking to others. I definitely consider myself to be on the moderate side of some issues, e. g. worship styles, communion fellowship, etc.. However, this does not make me a fan of "church growth" and "purpose-driven" approaches to ministry (some of you might be dumbfounded at this point because you may feel that there's a one-to-one correspondence, but there isn't, and that's another discussion for another day). As "Issues, Etc." criticized these things as being contrary to the message of the Gospel and to Lutheran theology, I have agreed.

If the synodical leadership felt as if they were being challenged and threatened by this radio program, and this was the reason that they cancelled it, and the statements being put out are really just evasions as some fear, then this is truly disappointing. Exercising your power as a bully is not the way to handle things and get your point across. It also reinforces the argument of those that oppose the things that you are doing that you argue from a position of theological weakness.

So, may God bless Pastor Wilken and the producer Jeff Schwarz. May he use them to continue to encourage us to think clearly about how the gospel affects all of life, and most importantly us. And may the LC-MS stay on course in its mission to proclaim Christ and him crucified to the world.