Zion Lutheran Church
Pastor's Page
Dear Friends in Christ,
If you’ve been an active member of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) for any length of time then I’m sure you’ve run into people who decry the fact that there are denominations within the Christian Church. Sometimes that criticism comes even from within our own church body. As if there is something evil about belonging to a denomination such as ours. Most people don’t know how to respond to that. So why don’t we look at it briefly and see if the disparaging remarks and criticism are valid.
One of the arguments against belonging to a denominational church is that we are somehow controlled by the hierarchy. That may be true in certain denominations but not in the LCMS. We are autonomous, which means that each individual congregation governs itself. The churches of the LCMS voluntarily agree to walk together in union. And what unites us is our shared faith and belief. That faith is expressed in the Book of Concord which every LCMS congregation freely and voluntarily subscribes to. And contrary to what some believe, we’re not beholden to LCMS “headquarters” in St. Louis. We are not “taxed” by Synod nor do we have to send in our monthly “dues” to them… because there aren’t any! The only way the LCMS functions financially is by the generous, voluntary contributions of the members. That sounds a lot like a free and unincumbered way to function within a denomination if you ask me.
Maybe an illustration will help. There are 50 states in the union we call the USA. All 50 have their own legislatures and their own laws. We’re self-governing. And yet, we voluntarily belong to the United States of America. For the most part, the federal government doesn’t interfere on the state level. The federal government is there to provide services and security to the states. Also, we’re stronger by being united as one nation. Well, it’s no different with the LCMS. We are self-governing and the Synod is there to support and provide services to the individual churches. So, if you’re opposed to belonging to a denomination, then perhaps you’re also opposed to being a citizen of a state that’s part of the USA?
Furthermore, there are some distinct advantages to belonging to an established denomination. I can’t say this is true in every denomination but it is certainly true in the LCMS. It provides a system of accountability. If a Pastor begins preaching or teaching false doctrine or living a sinful life, his fellow Pastors have the solemn responsibility to call him to repentance and correction. If he refuses to cease and desist, Synod can be called upon to assist. While it is a congregation’s responsibility and right to officially remove a Pastor from a Divine Call when necessary, the Synod also has the agreed upon authority to remove that Pastor from the roster of Pastors in the LCMS. By doing so, the Synod is protecting other congregations from being harmed by the wayward Pastor. If, however, you’re a lone-wolf fellowship of Christians not affiliated with a denomination, then who will hold the Pastor or leadership accountable if they stray? And please don’t say the leadership of the congregation will do it because that doesn’t always happen, especially if they’re part of the problem.
One last thing. Is God opposed to denominations? I mean, aren’t they living proof of divisions in the fellowship of the Body of Christ? And Jesus prayed for His followers to be united as one, didn’t He? It’s true that Jesus wants us to be unified. But if you check into His own words as well as the letters of St. Paul, you’ll see they both recognized that the sinfulness of mankind will separate us. Sadly, it’s a necessary evil in our fallen world. Jesus said that these divisions will even happen between family members because of differing beliefs. And specifically in regard to the church, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:18–19, “For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, or there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” Keep in mind, Paul was writing this within the first 25 years after the death of Christ. You see, inevitable dividing lines between believers had arisen. You can wring your hands and complain about how terrible it is, but it will be with us until Christ Himself returns. So, it’s best that we live in reality and not as separatists. We can still love our neighbor and celebrate the things we have in common with Christians in other denominations while recognizing our differences. And we can continue to talk with each other about how to resolve those differences if possible.
There’s lots more to say about this, but this will suffice for now. Bible class will start back up on September 7th. Feel free to bring up any additional questions when we meet around God’s Word then.
In Christ,
Pastor Meyer
