It seems fitting to follow the last post with something positive.
Rev. Terry Cripe, LCMS Ohio District President, has written a President’s Message on the OH District site that really hits home. The whole article is worth your time, but note especially:
Today some are no less guilty of muddying the Missio Dei. Some corrupt the mission by saying, “Our church needs new members to help pay the bills.” Not the mission of God! Others have said, “We need to reach out to minorities so we will be a more racially balanced organization.” Not the mission of God! Some think, “We need more members so we will have more political influence to promote justice in our community.” Not the mission of God. And the Mission of God is certainly not to have enough members so the church will stay open long enough for your funeral.
God sent His one and only Son into the world to establish the peace of which the angels sang over Bethlehem. Rejoice over the partnership He has established with us, His people, giving us the privilege of being light to the nations. For the Church, not the United States, is that city set on a hill. Freedom from the slavery of sin, not from foreign dominance, is what we announce. As you evaluate what your congregation does, why not ask, “Is what we are doing faithful to God’s sending, or are we trying to short-cut the Gospel and offer a byproduct instead?”
Thank you, President Cripe.
