Final Report
April 5, 2010
Rev. Gene Wyssmann
I wish to begin by thanking those
members of the Reconciliation Committee who have, and who continue to work
tirelessly, to bring peace and unity to Zion Lutheran
Church
THE PROCESS:
The
conversation to work toward reconciliation for Zion
In 2008
Pastors Dissen and Wollenburg met with the congregation in an effort to bring
about reconciliation.
Many
contacts and letters of concerns were sent through 2008 -2009 to the Missouri
District office.
Beginning
on May 30, 2009, President Mirly and Pr. Wyssmann met with a small group of
people to begin addressing the issues.
From that meeting the reconciliation committee was formed.
The next
meeting was held on June 30 with the reconciliation committee at which time
they prioritized the issues of concern they had identified. In order of priority:
1. Unity of
the congregation.
2. A more
loving church
3. Peace
4. Genuine
Lutheranism
5.
Aloofness of leadership
6. Church
attendance
7. Outreach
8. Inviting
to the public
Out of this meeting the reconciliation group was to engage
the members of the congregation about their feelings on these issues.
An
intervening event, in my opinion, challenged efforts toward reconciliation when
a motion was brought to the July voters’ assembly to ask the pastor to place
his name on a call list. This took place before the reconciliation committee
could effectively begin their work. I
believe that this caused a lingering sense of an unresolved issue until the
voters resolved the issue at the subsequent voters meeting three months later.
The next
meeting was held on Aug. 4, and it was an open meeting to congregational
members. An estimated 70–80 people were
in attendance, and they gave voice to the deep division within the congregation
between “those who favor” the ministry of the pastor, and “those who do not
favor” the ministry of the pastor. Each
group was passionate and vocal in their position. From that meeting, it was determined that the
reconciliation group would continue their efforts.
At the
subsequent reconciliation group meetings, efforts were focused on gathering the
congregation together in cottage meetings, to discuss issues about the priority
of the congregation. Since that time
they have been working to enhance fellowship in the congregation, begin a
choir, and work to improve the physical properties.
In the past
several months repeated requests have been made to the congregation members, to
set up one on one visits with the Pr. Reed, with Pr. Wyssmann serving as a
facilitator of the conversation. One
individual was willing to have that conversation, but no one else came forward
to take advantage of this opportunity for reconciliation. Additionally, one small group meeting with
Pr. Reed, Pr. Henrichs (circuit counselor), an elder, and five persons with
concerns about the pastor’s ministry was held. This meeting brought up no new
issues, and reaffirmed the division in the congregation.
There have
been a total of eleven visits by District staff since May 2009, with over 4000
miles traveled to and from Poplar
Bluff
ISSUES:
The primary
division in the congregation focuses on the pastoral ministry. For sake of description, the two groups are
identified as “those who favor” the pastor’s ministry, and “those who do not
favor” the pastor’s ministry. The
primary concern that was expressed by “those who do not favor” is that during
the time of Pr. Reed’s ministry, worship attendance and financial support for
the congregation has declined. “Those who do not favor” the pastor’s ministry
express that the only thing that will bring about a change in the welfare of
the congregation, in their opinion, is for the pastor to leave. This concern is based upon the pastoral style
that they perceive as being focused more on law than gospel, and they believe
that offensive statements and actions have alienated people from the
congregation.
By
contrast, “those who favor” the pastor’s ministry, have expressed no concerned
over the pastoral style, and have expressed appreciation for the pastor’s
ministry among them.
Perhaps a
point of clarification would be helpful to understand who has the authority to
issue and to rescind a divine call. That
authority rests with the congregation.
Just as the congregation issues the call for a pastor to serve them in
the Holy Ministry, so it is only the congregation that has the authority to
rescind that call. Districts serve only
in an advisory capacity. According to
the doctrine of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, there are three reasons for
which a pastor might be dismissed from service.
In each case, charges need to be officially brought forward, and
legitimate proof must be demonstrated and substantiated, before action can be
taken by a congregation to rescind a pastor’s call from office. The three reasons for dismissal are the
teaching of false doctrine, living an immoral lifestyle, and willful negligence
of duty. Although many concerns by
“those who do not favor” the pastor’s ministry have been expressed, nothing has
been clearly shown that would give cause for dismissal based on the three
reasons for dismissal previously stated.
My opinion
is that the congregation, through its established decision making gathering,
the voters’ assembly, has brought resolution to the issue as to whether or not
they desire for the pastor to continue in his ministry among them. At the Oct.
11, 2009 voters’ assembly, the congregation with nearly a 2/3 majority, voted
that the pastor not place his name on a call list. A troubling concern is that while a
definitive decision has been made with regard to the issue, reconciliation has
not been reached, reconciliation being a mutual repenting and forgiving of one
another, that brings a genuine sense of peace and unity to the
congregation. While the issue has been
resolved, the division continues.
MOVING FORWARD:
Study God’s Word together and
individually. Be faithful in worship and
Bible Study. Search the Scriptures and
discuss our Lutheran Confessions in light of God’s Word.
Communication is a major
concern. There is a sense by some that
those in leadership positions are trying to “control” the congregation. The perception seems to be that in the past,
leaders have made decisions, but those decisions have not always been clearly
communicated to the general congregation.
Particularly in situations where there is a lack of confidence and
trust, it becomes even more important that communication is clear. Clear communication at Zion
It would
also be suggested that those who are in decision making positions would be very
intentional about presenting issues and seeking input and discussion about
those issues prior to presenting them to the voters’ assembly for a
decision. There is a sense among some in
the congregation that leaders make decisions and “spring” them on the
congregation without advance notification.
For the sake of moving forward in peace and unity, it would be important
that full disclosure and discussion take place prior to decision making in
order to promote harmony.
One of the
priorities listed by the reconciliation committee was to promote genuine
Lutheranism. We need to be clear in communicating the teachings of our Lutheran
heritage, and in order that the gospel
of Jesus Christ is presented in a winsome way, it is important to be clear
about the basis of what we believe, teach, and proclaim. Some confusion has been expressed by the
members of Zion Zion
A major
concern in the past few years has been the decline in worship attendance and
financial support for the ministry. An
important part of moving forward would be to refocus efforts on reaching out to
the community with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and an intentional focus on
Christian stewardship would be most appropriate. It would be recommended that
the congregation develop an intentional plan for ministry to encompass spiritual
growth, outreach, service, and improved stewardship.
Finally, work tirelessly toward
true reconciliation. There is resolution
to the issue, but reconciliation still is needed. Divisions happen in the church. The Apostle Paul was clear about that when in
I Corinthians 1:11-13a he said “My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have
informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you
says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’;
still another, ‘I follow Christ’. Is Christ divided?”
People will always have different
opinions and different points of view, and although it is important to share
those differing ideas, often when given voice they will tend to separate and
divide. It is important to be mindful
that the one thing that brings God’s people together is the common mercy and
grace that sinful people have received through our Savior, the Lord Jesus
Christ. When people focus on each other,
it is easy to see the differences, but if we focus our attention on God’s Word
and “fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith” Heb. 12:2,
then we will see the One who has united us in His suffering, death, and
resurrection. Study the Scriptures
together. Talk with one another. Discuss the issues that cause division. Repent when you are wrong, and forgive one
another, just as for Christ’s sake, God has forgiven you.
Paul writes, “I appeal to you,
brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one
another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be
perfectly united in mind and thought.” I Cor. 1:10
Again Paul writes, “If you have any
encouragement from being united in Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any
fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy
complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and
purpose.” Phil. 2:1-2
Respectfully submitted in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Gene A. Wyssmann
Assistant to the President for Family Life & Youth, and
Congregational Health
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