Synodical Leadership

Recently a group within the LCMS released a list of candidates it is promoting for the convention next week. It is titled “Our Future.” Below is the choice to be made as this group sees it:

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod [sic] is at a deciding moment in history. Will Synod faithfully choose leaders who are passionate about the Gospel in reaching the lost or will Synod choose leaders who are inwardly focused and who are living in the past. [sic]

Who are the leaders “who are passionate about the Gospel in reaching the lost”? And who are the leaders “who are are inwardly focused and who are living in the past”? How does one identify them? What is the criteria? Who is the judge?

Coming from a group that claims to be all about the Gospel, why this harsh judgment? What evidence can they provide that some leaders are inwardly focused? What evidence can they provide that some are living in the past (whatever that means)? What evidence can they provide that some are not passionate about the Gospel? What evidence can they provide that some do not want to reach the lost?

If the type of leadership you are looking for in the LCMS involves vague statements, a false dichotomy, and straw man accusations, then by all means follow the “Our Future” list.

I’m looking for leaders who mourn their sin and rejoice in Christ’s full and free forgiveness. Who hold up God’s holy Word and blessed Sacraments as the life of the Church. Who believe, teach, and confess the Lutheran Confessions because they are a faithful exposition of Holy Scripture. Who love the truth (doctrine) and love the sheep (evangelism and missions). I pray you are looking for the same type of leadership in the LCMS!