Issues In WELS - Statement of Purpose

  
 

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What is "Issues In WELS?"
As members of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, we deeply appreciate the family into which God has brought us through the Means of Grace, the Gospel in Word and Sacraments. Not only do we treasure the many spiritual blessings that are ours through God's mercy and grace in Christ, but we are also thankful for the privileges and opportunities God has given us to serve him in his Kingdom of Grace.

God has bound us together in a common faith and doctrine drawn from God's Word. We have joined together into a Synod to spread God's kingdom by training workers who can nurture those under their care, and by supporting the spread of the gospel to the people of the world. We consider this bond to be a privilege given to us by the Holy Spirit.

In our earthly families, issues can arise that call for discussion, prayerful consideration, and decision. Our earthly families want to go forward together in unity of purpose. So does our Synodical family. In our Synodical family, issues arise from time to time that call for study, discussion, prayer and decision, all based on God's Word. At this time, we think that various issues face our Synod that call for special attention and discussion.

On Saturday, February 19th, 2005, a number of Synod members gathered to see if there was interest in discussing these issues. This meeting was informal and unadvertised. The attendance at this meeting suggests that enough people are interested to warrant future meetings. The purpose of this group is to meet from time to time to discuss these issues. We wish to offer input and give support to our Synodical leadership as they strive for unity of purpose and give direction to our Synodical family. We ask the Lord to bless these meetings and use them for the good of his kingdom.

Our Purpose

In the fear of God, out of love for fellow blood-bought souls, and with reverence for the Gospel in Word and Sacraments Issues in WELS will pursue its general purpose as it seeks, within the synod:

1. To IDENTIFY issues of concern regarding Scriptural teaching and its application that merit study and discussion. (Isaiah 62:6; 2 Tm 4:1-2; 2 Tm 4:16).

2. To INFORM others in the synod of these issues, taking appropriate note of such public incidents as may illustrate the causes for concern, and offering related background information and resources. (Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Tm 5:20).

3. To INITIATE public discussion of these issues in a forum that is theological in character, and that is open to all in the synod.

4. To offer INPUT and support, in proper and timely ways, to those who, by virtue of their calls and/or offices, are entrusted with supervision of doctrine and practice in the synod. (Exodus 17:8-16)

As we proceed in these and all matters, we will be guided and governed:
(1) By the teachings of God's holy, inspired and inerrant Word.
(2) By the accepted symbols of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and other WELS doctrinal statements.
(3) By the law of Christian love that behooves us to treat every person with respect, to approach every issue with charity, and to make every effort always to speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:7ff)
(4) By the pre-eminent intent and desire to do all these things in such a way that we might "show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his wonderful light."

 

 

 
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