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Not a fan of some of the rhetoric on Brothers of John the Steadfast. But who to elect for synod prez. next year is a no brainer in my book.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Importance of Communication
Some time ago I heard about a young pastor who was treated unfairly by certain members of his congregation. Some of the church members came together in a secret meeting (without inviting the pastor) in order to discuss the work ethic and personal character of their own pastor. The pastor never heard from these particular church members. Instead, he indirectly received from them a long list of grievances. This young pastor found the list beneficial in so far as it made him aware of areas in which he could and would improve. However, the list also maintained misinformation and lies that slandered the pastor's name. The pastor experienced much heartache over the fact that certain members of his own congregation felt compelled to work in secret rather than bring their own grievances directly to him.
I can relate to this pastor! During my final year as a pastor in Kansas, I received an anonymous letter in the mail from a church member who was experiencing some anger directed toward me. The letter had some valid points (which I intended to address). However, it hurt a great deal that this particular church member would not confront me one on one.
It is important that there be communication in every congregation, especially between the members of the congregation and the pastor himself. The lack of communication can be very destructive and harmful to souls...fostering an environment of mistrust.
As pastor of my current congregation in Indiana, I have encouraged the members from the get-go to speak with me directly if there should ever be any concerns. The devil will often tempt us to misdirect communication and gossip. Yet, as Christians, acknowledging that we are sinners forgiven/saved through the blood of Christ Jesus, we come together to encourage one another and correct one another in a manner worthy of our calling.
Some have asked me for an update regarding my health. I must say that I have been generally pain free for almost two month now...though as of Sunday I have been experiencing a moderate tinge of pain here and there. During the months from May through August I endured horrendous pain (I have written about it in previous blog posts), and my service to Good Shepherd was somewhat hindered. It was especially difficult for me to always be a social butterfly under my condition (as difficult as it may have been for some to understand). I thank the church members for their patience.
I can relate to this pastor! During my final year as a pastor in Kansas, I received an anonymous letter in the mail from a church member who was experiencing some anger directed toward me. The letter had some valid points (which I intended to address). However, it hurt a great deal that this particular church member would not confront me one on one.
It is important that there be communication in every congregation, especially between the members of the congregation and the pastor himself. The lack of communication can be very destructive and harmful to souls...fostering an environment of mistrust.
As pastor of my current congregation in Indiana, I have encouraged the members from the get-go to speak with me directly if there should ever be any concerns. The devil will often tempt us to misdirect communication and gossip. Yet, as Christians, acknowledging that we are sinners forgiven/saved through the blood of Christ Jesus, we come together to encourage one another and correct one another in a manner worthy of our calling.
Some have asked me for an update regarding my health. I must say that I have been generally pain free for almost two month now...though as of Sunday I have been experiencing a moderate tinge of pain here and there. During the months from May through August I endured horrendous pain (I have written about it in previous blog posts), and my service to Good Shepherd was somewhat hindered. It was especially difficult for me to always be a social butterfly under my condition (as difficult as it may have been for some to understand). I thank the church members for their patience.
More Photos
Grandpa and Grandma Schroeder, my siblings, my mother, and I. Yep, I was one chunky baby.
Family Photos (above and below).
Katie and me. The good days just weeks prior to Call Day 2005.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Dem Vineyard Days Part 2
1st Grade. 1985-1986.
3rd Grade. 1987-1988. I did not skip 2nd grade. I just attended 2nd grade at a different Christian Day School.
4th Grade. 1988-1989. Mr. Sanford's class. One of the greatest teachers I've ever known.
5th Grade. 1989-1990.
6th Grade. 1990-1991. The next year would be no easy journey making the transition from a small Christian Day School to the public school system.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
The Question of Suicide
The question of suicide has often led to a great deal of confusion among many people. We know that suicide is considered the murder of oneself and that God has declared murder to be a sin. However, what is the eternal destiny of a person who commits suicide? First off, it is unwise for anyone to rush into the act of making a determination regarding the eternal destination of an individual who commits suicide. We cannot read hearts and discern motives.
It is true that some people commit suicide as a result of deep regret or despair that reflects unbelief. Some have lost their trust that God can help them. A person who dies without justifying faith in Christ is eternally condemned. On the other hand, if the sin of suicide is accompanied by justifying faith in Christ Jesus, eternal condemnation does not result. Suicide may result from clinical depression (a person who is not in his or her right mind). It may also result from a rash act of selfishness and anger. But such does not necessarily presuppose a lack of justifying faith. Nevertheless, an individual who has justifying faith in Christ Jesus and who is in his or her right mind will avoid suicide, for suicide is a sin.
As a chaplain I have witnessed a number of suicide cases, as well as its detrimental influence on loved ones. It is important to attend to the family with pastoral care and caution, pointing them to God's love and mercy in Christ Jesus. For God sent His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, to the cross to pay for the sins of all people--even those who have murdered themselves.
It is true that some people commit suicide as a result of deep regret or despair that reflects unbelief. Some have lost their trust that God can help them. A person who dies without justifying faith in Christ is eternally condemned. On the other hand, if the sin of suicide is accompanied by justifying faith in Christ Jesus, eternal condemnation does not result. Suicide may result from clinical depression (a person who is not in his or her right mind). It may also result from a rash act of selfishness and anger. But such does not necessarily presuppose a lack of justifying faith. Nevertheless, an individual who has justifying faith in Christ Jesus and who is in his or her right mind will avoid suicide, for suicide is a sin.
As a chaplain I have witnessed a number of suicide cases, as well as its detrimental influence on loved ones. It is important to attend to the family with pastoral care and caution, pointing them to God's love and mercy in Christ Jesus. For God sent His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, to the cross to pay for the sins of all people--even those who have murdered themselves.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Nominate Rev. Matthew Harrison for President of the LCMS
The synod convention will be held July 2010 in Houston, Texas. Go to your congregational voters' assembly and encourage the assembly to give Rev. Harrison strong consideration as a nominee. Our church body is in dire need of a true theologian to serve as president of the synod who will at long last bring confessional clarity and genuine pastoral leadership.
Read: An important document by Rev. Matthew Harrison.
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