tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825800.post113009983751423193..comments2007-11-29T04:42:21.630ZTapani Simojokihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13257184688024102037noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825800.post-52071799947979090352007-11-29T04:42:00.000Z2007-11-29T04:42:00.000ZJust browsing the internet. You have a very, very interesting blog. Great site.Freddie Sirmanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13201991128252786361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825800.post-1159953106834021312006-10-04T10:11:00.000+01:002006-10-04T10:11:00.000+01:00hey, I just got a <A HREF="http://beginninghouse.com" REL="nofollow">free $500.00 Gift Card</A>. you can redeem yours at Abercrombie & Fitch All you have to do to get yours is <A HREF="http://beginninghouse.com" REL="nofollow">Click Here to get a $500 free gift card for your backtoschool wardrobe</A>tandygonzo32929057http://www.blogger.com/profile/01155482790835761255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825800.post-1142680214933999742006-03-18T11:10:00.000Z2006-03-18T11:10:00.000ZI'm glad to see that these issues are being discussed, and within a small Lutheran church body like the ELCE these small discussions can end up making some significant differences.<BR/><BR/>The post by Tapani suggests that the seminary plays a critical role in the future of the church, and the previous comment would suggest that it is the lay leaders, the pastors and the seminaries all working together. How can you pick one option over the other?<BR/><BR/>Maybe a third alternative would be to suggest that a proper understanding of catechesis is crucial. Training a person for a job is one thing; teaching the faith is a totally different matter. It can't be rushed, whether in the seminaries, the congregations or in the homes. Too much is at stake. The stuff you are dealing with is too precious. The ramifications are too eternal.<BR/><BR/>The ELCE grew mainly when it was still a socially acceptable time to go to church. Many people were still looking for churches to attend. The name Lutheran was an unknown, but the social activities and the congregation's friendliness made up for that. It would not be unreasonable for people to sit through a dozen evening sessions and to sign up as a member. All this can happen without realising the major difference to the Lutheran Church--that its teachings are completely centred around the Gospel of Jesus Christ.<BR/><BR/>It takes us our whole lives to realise the ramifications of the Gospel. I think we should take it a little bit more slowly when we are relating it to other people for the very first time.Rev'd Paul Landgrafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04801864456970632413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825800.post-1139605162435707362006-02-10T20:59:00.000Z2006-02-10T20:59:00.000ZI would say the heart of the church is the lay-leaders within the congregant church membership.<BR/><BR/>The seminaries and pastors are the head and the conscience.<BR/><BR/>Problems occur when the heart stops listening to the conscience.<BR/><BR/>But does this distinction matter in the long run? When it takes all working together to remain on track?<BR/><BR/>BTW:<BR/>A very topical discussion that applies not just to you folks in England, but applies equally to us Lutherans here in the U.S.<BR/><BR/>(For reference, I am LCMS)<BR/><BR/>Some one asked me recently; "what can the church do for me?" Seemed kind of a backward question at first, untill I thought abou it.<BR/><BR/>What exactly can the church do for us?<BR/><BR/>This question... interestingly... is in line with your previous post titled "What is the ELCE for?"<BR/><BR/>Questions I need to prepare to answer when my children get old enough to start asking.Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848883955319434966noreply@blogger.com