District Convention - Day 4

Today we finished up all the convention business. Had some more elections, considered all the resolutions, and heard the final reports. It was a long day, but good to get everything done - that means I can leave earlier than expected tomorrow and get home sooner! :-)

Yesterday was the Synodical President's report and Q&A session. He's a good speaker. Not many questions asked him. Last night was the Memorial Service for those from the District who died this past triennium - including one of our District President Emeriti. His wife was able to come up from Florida to be with us for the service and it was good to see her again.

Lots of folks had to leave a little early yesterday and so won't be here today - that's too bad. But good reasons. So, two services today with brunch in between, then the long drive home. It'll be good to get home and get some rest!

District Convention - Days 2-3

Day two here in Cleveland was Day 1 of the Convention. The Board met in the morning and spent the afternoon connecting with people and preparing for the convention. My lay delegate had his pre-seminary interview (which he passed and was accepted later that day). But the day was spent mostly in conversation and preparation. The Opening Service was Thursday night and went well. Stayed up WAY too late talking and visiting, so was pretty tired for . . .

Day 2 of the Convention. Began by passing a revision of the District by-laws, which went much smoother and quicker than expected, honestly, probably because people hadn't read them and weren't prepared. After that, reports from the District President, Vice Presidents and Circuit Visitors were all quickly taken care of, so our Circuit Forums could meet - each circuit electing their Circuit Visitor for the next three years, and then also their delegates and alternate delegates for the Synodical Convention next year. As expected, I was re-elected as Circuit Visitor, but then (not so expected) I was also elected as the delegate to the Synodical Convention.

After lunch, we were able to begin the elections - a whole day ahead of time, according to the schedule. (Though we really aren't following the schedule at all!) But everything has been going quicker than scheduled. First, we elected a new District President. That in itself wasn't shocking, but that it was on the first ballot was quite unexpected. Yes, I was on the ballot, but did not expect to be elected - I was working hard for the man who did win, Rev. Waldemar Vinovskis. He is a good choice and will do a good job. It was a shocking moment for the Convention and it took a little bit for them to catch their breath. After that, the VP elections then went smoothly, two of the three on the first ballot.

During the elections we heard a bunch of reports and also passed the District Work Program (read: budget) for the next three years. Then came dinner (we eat WAY too much here!) and the closing service. The evening was spent in fellowship and conversation - not as late as the first night, but still wanted to get to sleep a little sooner than I did!

The service thus far have been good. The guys who have preached have done a good job. Tomorrow will be the rest of the elections, the Synodical President's report, and resolutions.

District Convention - Day 1

We're in Cleveland for the SELC District Convention. Drove here with my lay delegate yesterday. Pleasant conversation in the car, though it was rainy and drizzly for most of the drive. It's a bit colder here than in DC, so I wish I had brought along some warmer clothes!

Today is just a bunch of preliminary stuff. The District Board meets this morning, committees in the afternoon, and then the Opening Service tonight. My delegate will have his pre-Seminary interview this afternoon while the committees are meeting - the last thing he needs to get done to finish his application process. I'll use the afternoon to talk to folks, get some reading and writing done, and relax a bit.

As for the hotel, we're at the Marriott by the airport. You can tell it's an older building, but the rooms have been renovated and are pretty nice. The exercise room is big and well-equipped, and the machines actually are in good working order! (I've been to many a hotel where this is not the case.)

So not much to report yet . . .

District Convention - What Others Are Saying

Just finished several days with the LCMS's SELC District. It is a so-called Non-geographic district that has most of its congregations in the stretch form New York to Illinois, where many Slovak Lutherans settled in the previous century. Great worship, excellent preaching, good reports, great collegiality and marvelous humor. The hospitality rolled out for myself, Jon Vieker and 2nd Veep John Wohlraabe was just tremendous. Congrats to Rev. Andrew Dzurovcik, whom I had the pleasure of installing this a.m. at his congregation, Zion, Clark NJ, as the new District President. The SELC is the LCMS's smallest district. But they've got the biggest hearts! The whole convention was held at Zion. Oh, and the food was to die for!

~ Matt Harrison

District Convention - Final Day

The convention concluded Sunday as we attended the Divine Service with the congregation, which was nice. During the service our new DP and all the newly elected were installed. Then we had lunch and a brief afternoon session to finish some things up. We concluded with the traditional memorial service for all who had died since the last convention.

One item of note: our lay delegate was elected to the nominating committee for the 2016 Synodical Convention! No, I did not nominate her or vote for her (as we promised each other - she wouldn't vote for me and I wouldn't vote for her) but she got elected anyway. I actually am glad for it's an important committee and good to have her on it.

After the convention I drove down to Philadelphia and saw our old house and what the new owner had done to it, visited some neighbors, and then some old friends, before driving home. I got home really late and was really tired, but fortunately the angels were with me and got me home safely - somehow. Taking a couple days off now to rest as I didn't get any time off after Easter. I need it!

District Convention - Day 2

Today was filled with elections and some resolutions. As for the elections, it was a mixed bag - not in the sense of good or bad people elected, but because a lot of former people were re-elected to positions. I have long been an advocate of getting new people into these offices and give young guys a chance, but the convention returned a bunch of the older guys who were beginning to be phased out. That's not necessarily bad, but something to watch in the next couple of years. We missed out on

some good guys because of some silly by-laws that say people in certain positions have to be elected from different circuits. In some cases I think this makes sense, but in others, no. Some of the balloting took many rounds to complete, so the elections took quite a good part of the day. The elections people did a good job, though - I give them a lot of credit.

As for overtures/resolutions, we got a bad one defeated, which I am happy about - but how it was presented was humorous. The head of the resolutions committee was given the floor 5 minutes before the lunch break. The DP thought he would bring a simple "Mom and Pop" resolution to the floor and fill that time with something easy. Instead, he whipped out the longest and most contentious resolution in the book! So, it got presented and then waited until after lunch to be considered. Everyone (myself included) spoke against it - which was a surprise. And when the DP asked: Is there anyone who will speak in favor of the resolution? no one did! Not one. After that, I didn't even think we needed to vote, but we did anyway and it was defeated with something like 90% or so nays!

So in many ways, this has been a weird and unusual convention.

The food has been outstanding. I've had lots of good conversations with folks. Sadly, the day ended badly when the DP came up to me and said "You're the new CV? We need to talk." Uh oh. So this evening, for a couple of hours, I found out all the problems in my circuit and the issues I am now going to have to deal with as Circuit Visitor. Kyrie Eleison! What a mess. I never knew it, but seems like my little congregation is one of the healthiest in the circuit and in the district. So let's just say that didn't help me sleep real good last night!

Today we join in the Divine Service with the host congregation and have a brief session after lunch to finish things up. Then I head down to Philadelphia to see some old friends and help them video chat with my father. He's really going to like that. He hasn't had a chance to chat with them since he moved in with us.

District Convention - Day 1

Today was a pretty benign day. Mostly reports, presentations, introductions, and things of that nature. Some good, some the usual. Two "devotional services" with guys in my circuit preaching - better than the usual for a district convention. The Synod President had his time today to report and answer questions. He did a good job, though I wish more people would ask questions. The nice thing is that he and his folks are here for the whole convention, so we can talk to him informally all throughout.

Yesterday is when we also had our official circuit forums. These are when each circuit meets separately and elects their "circuit visitor (formerly counselor)" and delegates to the synodical convention next year. Sadly, I was elected our circuit visitor/counselor. I really did not want to do it again and wanted to give someone else the chance, but I respect the decision of the circuit. The delegates we elected were pretty good too. And no, not me. :-)

The thing about being elected as CV is that you can only be elected to one position, which means I am not eligible to be elected as our circuit's representative to the Lutheran Haven Board of Trustees. I was elected to this last convention and have grown fond of serving on this board. The board itself may still appoint me back, but it also may not. We'll see.

Today is the day when stuff should happen - most or all of the elections, including a new district

president. I truly have no idea who will win - in my opinion, of the four running, I think three have a chance. We'll see how it goes. I'm up for a couple spots but not worried that I'll get any of them. (Above I said that you can only be elected to one position, so in the highly unlikely event that I win one of today's elections, I would have to decide which position to keep. I actually think I would let my circuit decide if they want me to be CV or take one of these other positions.)

Today we should also have some overtures to consider - including at least one that should create some debate. So today should be an interesting day, at least. And I'm still enjoying talking to guys and seeing folks in our district that I don't get to see very often. That's the good part of these conventions. (And during one long and boring report, I did get to look ahead, study, and think about my sermon for Easter 3 a bit!)

District Convention - Opening Night

Our District Convention started tonight with the opening service. President Harrison preached a good sermon and it was pretty much straight Divine Service 1, which was nice. Saw lots of folks before at dinner and got reacquainted. Tomorrow the actual meetings will begin, so I'll have more to report then. Now time to relax a little.

More On the Convention . . .

Saturday: Had to finish up elections, which took longer than usual because of run-offs. Not contentious, just had to do more ballots. I did wind up getting elected to the Board of Trustees of the Lutheran Haven, our District's Senior Community in Florida. That means I'll have to make four trips a year down there for meetings. I don't think I'll mind serving, but it's just no fun traveling anymore - the airlines have seen to that.

We went over to the Lutheran Haven for lunch, and then received their reports on all their work. That was followed by the financial reports of the district, the usual lashing that we have to give more, and the proposed work program for the next triennium. Still having various mission efforts report - some good, some not so much. On Saturday evening after dinner, had a special presentation by Dr. Paul Maier on the book of Acts. He is a good and engaging speaker, but I have read his stuff and heard him before, so at the end of a long day, it was hard for me to really concentrate after a while (i.e., zzzzz).

The prayer offices have been, for the most part, well done. Nothing funny.

Sunday: The official convention service was the 11 am service. Went to Bible Study before at 9:30 - a deeper look at Jesus Stilling the Storm. Pastor Roberts did a good job. Had one more session after lunch. Finally got to present some resolutions, but not nearly as many as we had prepared. I felt bad for my committee - they took the time to work before getting to the convention, worked most of the day Thursday, and part of Friday and Friday night, and really (in the end) did much of that work for nothing. The resolutions that passed were to approve the by-law changes, support the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (and give our convention offering to this), petition the Synod to reestablish the Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support, thanks to the Executive Director of the Lutheran Haven who is stepping down at the end of the year, to encourage congregations to educate and support the SELC Foundation, and to thank our hosts. The one resolution that came to the floor but was rejected was the one I blogged about earlier - about "healthy" and "dying" congregations. The committee changed it a little, with a light hand, but the convention sent it to the Board of Directors for more study.

We never did get to see the DVD of President Harrison - that was disappointing. I'll have to see if I can get a copy somewhere or if they'll post it online. One of my fellow delegates was disappointed that President Harrison did not stop by. Why? Well, he was at the Florida-Georgia convention which was meeting at the same time as us only 15 minutes away. It would not have been difficult for him to drive over briefly and stick his head in the door. But he did not.

The convention ended around 3:30. We got to the airport around 5:00 for my 6:15 flight. Security went fast, so no problems. Got home around 9:30. All in all a rather uneventful convention. Now to get a few things done and rest a little to leave tomorrow morning for the Higher Things Gathering in North Carolina . . .

Convention Update

Well, I haven't had much chance to update on the convention, but there really hasn't been much to report yet.

Thursday was the meeting of the Resolutions Committee most of the day ('til we got brain dead looking at all this!). Thursday night was the Opening Service. It was a good service, nothing weird. The sermon was a bit disappointing. The preacher was one of the VP's of the Synod, and the sermon was very engaging, interesting, and informative, but there was no Law and Gospel - so it really was more of a lecture than a sermon. It has been good to make contact with folks again and to see old friends.

Friday morning were our Circuit Forums. I couldn't stay for the whole thing as I had to drive to the airport and pick up our lay delegate. The part I was there went . . . very . . . sloooowly . . . yawn. I did not get elected as a delegate to the national convention, so no worries about that!

After that, at 11 am, the convention officially opened. The Synodical President's report was not given as the DVD we were supposed to see either never arrived, go misplaced, or lost. We might get to see it again later. Conspiracy theorists would, of course, have a field day with this, but I don't think so. But I do hope we get to see it later. In its place, the VP representing the Synod fielded questions - that wasn't bad.

In the afternoon, we had to adopt by-law changes to bring our District by-laws into conformity with all the changes the Synod has made. And then elections. Our DP was running unopposed, and the 1st VP was re-elected, but the rest of the Board of Directors (or at least most of the rest) were replaced. This wasn't a coup - a lot of them stepped down and declined to run again. Was this at the request of the DP? Some think so. In any case, I think it's good we got some new people in - I've been advocating that for years.

We've heard most of the same old mission reports - nothing new under the sun, even though it's all supposedly new. The food has been very good, and I had the chance to sit down with a fellow pastor last night and talk for a good two hours about all kinds of things, which was very enjoyable. It'd be nice to have more opportunities like that.

I finally slept better last night. My first two nights in this hotel were bad - something about the bed and pillows. But I guess I was tired enough last night to finally zonk out. Now we'll see what today brings . . .

And so it begins . . .

Leaving today for my District Convention. Committee Meetings tomorrow, the convention opens on Friday. I'll try to post updates on what happens, but I don't expect anything earth-shattering. It will be good to sit down and talk with some guys I haven't seen in a while - that'll be the best part of the whole time.

Churches on Hospice Care?

There is an overture to my District Convention this week which starts out good but ends up badly.

The overture begins by criticizing how we determine how church are deemed "successful" or not - usually it is by attendance figures, and that a lot of time and effort goes into training pastors for "success" in this way. But is that the only way to measure a church's "health?" Are there not other factors and indicators? It then resolves to ask that such criteria be identified and used and considered when looking at our churches. I think that part of the resolution is helpful.

However, it then goes on to look at the other end of the spectrum, and assert that there also needs to be criteria to identify "dying" churches and resolves that resources be developed to train pastors to serve on "hospice care" for such churches. That just as great resources have been dedicated to train pastors for "successful" churches, so resources should be dedicated to train pastors for "dying" churches.

I am quite disturbed by this. Do churches "die?" Well, they close for various reasons, sometimes merge, and sometimes move. But do they "die?" Is this the right way to look at the church of our Saviour Jesus Christ? The Gospel for this past Sunday talked about the seed that is sown and grows we know not how. God produces growth in His church through His Word and Spirit, and who is to say He cannot and will not in churches we think are or have identified as "dying" and to be put on "hospice care?" Such thinking seems to make worldly sense, but seems completely against the Word of God.

I know the pastor whose congregation submitted this overture, and I think I know why they submitted it - there are many small, rural congregations in his circuit which used to be in thriving areas, but which are now in small towns where the industry has closed and many people have moved away. What can we do for these churches? How can we help them? What do they need? I think his heart is in the right place, but I do not think putting churches on "hospice care" is the right and faithful answer. It fact, it is quite troubling to me indeed.

"This is the SELC?"

At my District Convention, there were scheduled times when we were given presentations that were titled "This is the SELC." The problem was, we were not really given a picture of the SELC - not the whole SELC anyway. We only received snippets from a few churches . . . the same churches we usually hear about. (Ecclesiastes 1:9 anyone?)

I wish we were given a more well-rounded picture of what the SELC really is. Yes, we have a few large churches, but must we always hear from them? (I know a pastor in at least one of these churches who would like a break from always talking about what they do!) Many of our District churches are gray, old ladies who have been faithful for over a century. Because they are in depressed, declining areas (where mining and factory jobs used to be), their numbers may not be up to "church growth" standards, but they are caring for their people, reaching out to their communities, and doing important and valuable work. Allowing many of them to present would have given a better picture of "This is the SELC" than we got. I wish we could recognize what they do, the many challenges they must face and overcome, and rejoice with them over even one sinner who repents. For isn't that what it's all about?

The Vocation of Delegate

One of the things that has made me sad over the last few years is the number of my brother pastors who have decided not to participate in Circuit, District, or Synod gatherings anymore. They are frustrated, saddened at theological developments, have been beat up, and see no good coming out of their participation. So they stay home. They are good, committed shepherds of their flocks that have decided to simply stay with their flocks.

However, I think part of our vocation in this church body is to serve our brother pastors with our presence. To serve as delegates, even when it may be hard. To encourage those who do participate and feel as if they are standing alone. To be a voice of truth, even if that voice is not welcome. For me, the business sessions of the convention are not where the most good happens - that comes around the lunch and dinner tables, at night over a beer, or in a hotel room, discussing issues of casuistry, theology, and pastoral care.

Last week, I sought out some trusted brother pastors for advice. I listened. We wrestled with some issues. I was also privileged to sit down and help others. I renewed friendships with others. My brothers who were not there I missed. I hope they will reconsider next time. I know it is not easy, but if you are one of those who do not participate, know this: you are gifts of God to His church. We need you.

Out With The Old, In With The . . . Old

Elections. Part of every District Convention. Many people do not want to serve and so do not run for election. I understand that. But part of what frustrates me a little is the continual re-election of the same people. I'm not against these people, per se, and while I think that continuity is needed to a degree, I also believe that we need new people to serve in positions as well. Yet unless someone chose not to run again, I cannot name a single incumbent that was not re-elected. (I chose not to run again for Circuit Counselor, given my commitment to grad school in the fall. And I think a new Circuit Counselor will serve us well.)

I don't know how to fix this, if it needs fixing at all. Perhaps the problem is mine. I understand also how it happens. When it is time for elections, people don't know everyone who is running and so vote for the names they know - which is usually the incumbents. I think also the fact that incumbents are almost always re-elected discourages some from allowing their name to stand for election. Perhaps we need some incumbents to step aside and allow some new blood to rise up. That would be good, I think, and give a rest to those who have served faithfully for a number of years. I know that I am looking forward to a break from Circuit Counselor!

Well, we'll see what the next three years will bring. I'm sure the people elected will serve faithfully. I will keep them and the District in my prayers. It is not easy to serve. I am grateful they are willing.

Task Force Proposal

One of the agenda items at my District Convention was the Task Force proposal for restructuring our synod. We spent some amount of time on this. I will probably blog about several items in that presentation. First, though, is the proposal to give larger congregations more voting delegates at conventions. One of the rationales for this is that since they bear a larger share of the convention costs through assessments, they deserve a greater voice.

Hmmm.

Besides the fact that this proposal violates our understanding of the church, that every congregation is not just part of the church but fully the church in that place (not because of size, but because Christ is present there with His gifts), I started wondering about this rationale . . . does size matter? And if so, which size?

I know that larger congregations bear a greater cost in paying for conventions. Assessments are usually made on the basis of communicant membership. But if we want to use “bearing the cost” as our criteria, is this the only size that matters? What about in between conventions? What about the day-to-day costs of operating the Synod? What would an analysis of that reveal?

The truth is that year after year, many larger districts give much less money to the synod than smaller districts. For example, take my own SELC District. In many categories, we are among the smallest districts in the synod. However, we are ninth in giving to the synod per communicant member. This means that year after year (not just in convention years and in assessments) the people of the SELC - on average - give more than 3/4 of the other districts.

Why not use that criteria for deciding representation? In fact, that criteria seems more biblical. When Jesus commended folks who were giving, who did He commend? The rich who contributed much out of their abundance, or the widow who contributed much less in dollars, but much more because it was all that she had? (Mark 12:41-44) You know the answer.

Now, I’m not really advocating for this, I simply want to point out that this suggestion by the Task Force regarding representation is quite an arbitrary standard which on the surface may seem fair to many, but which in the end serves very few and undermines the doctrine of the church and ultimately, the Gospel. Instead of marginalizing and silencing the many “widows” in our synod which give all they can, we should be honoring and cherishing these old faithful ladies of the church. Perhaps there is even something we could learn from them?

Private Absolution

Kudos to my District President for making Private Absolution available at the Convention before the opening Divine Service on Monday night. I took advantage of this opportunity (and really needed it!), and then was privileged to serve as a Father Confessor for my fellow pastors and laity in attendance. What a blessing this is! To hear the absolution applied to me individually. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity when they can, and if your pastor does not offer it - demand it! (Don't worry - he will be delighted at your demand.)

The only drawback at the Convention was the logistics. The chapel where we met the first day and for the opening Divine Service did not have a very good place for this. We found two rooms, but access to them was in the front of the chapel. While this didn't bother me, it may have inhibited others. In the future, I hope we will continue this practice at all District functions and I hope we will have better locations, that we may better encourage others to take advantage of this.

A Plea to Preachers

This is my plea to preachers, especially those who preach at District Conventions and other gatherings of pastors.

Plea #1: Please preach Law and Gospel.

I am sure you do this with your people at home, and so why when preaching before a gathering of pastors do you depart from this practice? We do not need more exhortation to missions (that can also be, and is, done during the convention itself). We do not need to hear about your hobby horses. You do not need to impress us. We need the Law to show us our sin, and then the sweet, sweet Gospel to comfort us. The times to meet for worship at a gathering are precious to us - please feed us with Christ, not yourself.

Plea #2: Please preach on the Word of God that was read.

Again, I am sure you do this with your people at home, and so why when preaching before a gathering of pastors do you depart from this practice? We need the Word of God opened to us and its riches drawn out and presented to us. We are not listening to be critical of you, but to be fed. Please feed us with the Word. Exegete it, apply it to us and our lives, show us Christ. If conventions are not more edifying, perhaps this is the reason why. Besides, the worship folks picked those readings for a reason - for the liturgical day or the theme of the convention. Honor them, please.

Plea #3: Please be normal.

Long sermons with lots of stories do not necessarily make for a good sermon - that can actually hinder your message. Say what the Word of God says, give us the comfort of our Saviour’s love and forgiveness, and sit down. If that takes a short time or a little bit longer time, that’s fine. But don’t feel you have to “go long” and use a lot of fillers - we know they’re fillers. Give us Christ.

With these words, please do not think all the sermons I heard at my District Convention were bad - they ran the gamut. That being said, some did fall quite short. Just please, give us Christ. Please.

Back from Convention

Yes, I am back from the District Convention. I did not post while away because time was short and internet connections not the best. I will post some reflections over the next few days.

District Convention

After church tomorrow my family and I will be leaving for our District Convention in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I should have internet access and will do some posting to keep you up to date with what is happening. Conventions are where the church does business - electing leaders, considering resolutions, those kinds of things. So they aren't the most pleasant things in the world! But it will be good to see many of my brothers and spend time with them.