Good Shepherd Church (LCMS)

So, some people have maybe seen my most recent status update on Facebook. It says "I'm WELS - I'm supposed to kill other non-WELS."

For clarity, this is not something I said. It comes from somebody in the Wisconsin Synod who does not believe this is true...but, said it as an exaggeration of what she feels the teaching on Fellowship is all about.

It just brings to mind other issues of fellowship. It's a fallacy to think that life is all about "just getting along" but it's likewise false to suggest that we must be constantly at odds and separate. I have talked with many people who grew up not being allowed to "cross the tracks" or were excluded from the family if they were dating (or heaven forbid, marrying) a girl/guy from another denomination.

In the LCMS, there are regular...persistent attempts to bring reconciliation to the pastors and people of our church body. Sometimes, I roll my eyes at how ineffective these attempts seem to be. Then, I realize that there is simple value in the attempt itself. I've realized how little I understand my own children sometimes,but they do (or will) value the fact that I try.

There must be room for these attempts - within church bodies, and amongst church denominations. I've said this other places before...but, I am willing to identify what I have in common with another...and identify what is not a point of agreement - call them what they are, struggle/wrestle with it, and call them my brothers and sisters in faith who struggle/wrestle with similar issues.

I will call wrong - wrong, evil - evil and sin - SIN! I cannot just leave it be or ignore it. But, I would also pray for all people to be reconciled to one another - and especially to God. Identifying fault. Admitting errors. Being broken in conviction. Seeking healing for that brokenness from God alone.

This is my desire for every church group...and every person within those groups...that together, make up the body of Christ.