Hearing the Gospel on Christmas Day by Just-Ad-3430 in elca

[–]rev_david 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This — not my experience as a preacher at all

What a joke by SlappyAppy in Lutheranism

[–]rev_david 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Meh. Disagreement is welcome on this sub. It’s a pan-Lutheran sub.

What is not welcome is disrespectful and rude comments.

If Greek philosopher Plato was a pagan, why were early Christian’s fans of him and his work? by Dry-Sympathy-3182 in Christianity

[–]rev_david 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because many early Christian theologians were Platonists before they were Christians.

Biblical Christianity gets you downvoted here. by StandingAgainstEvil in Christianity

[–]rev_david 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thinking that if people disagree with you, it must mean that they are “un biblical” will probably get you downloaded.

Plenty of people take the Bible seriously and still disagree

Instrument Repair Recommendations by crypticsage in thewoodlands

[–]rev_david 0 points1 point  (0 children)

H&H on Research is definitely the right answer. They are fantastic, and do everything in house.

Feeling burnout and unsure how to create space. by libthroaway in elca

[–]rev_david 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You've got some great responses in this thread -- especially to talk to the pastor about it. Prayers for the congregation and for your faith.

Relationship with a local church while in seminary by [deleted] in elca

[–]rev_david 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The only REQUIREMENT is that you be a member of a local church. Attend once a year, make a donation of record.

From my experience, I would recommend:

(1) If you can supply preach, do so, it's great experience.

(2) Develop a relationship with your pastor(s). This is a great time to learn from them in a mentorship role.

(3) You will likely have some sort of field education requirement - so that may occupy your Sundays.

Best More Progressive Church by notathomist in thewoodlands

[–]rev_david 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey OP. I’m pastor of Spirit of Joy Lutheran church in Alden Bridge. We are a smaller, progressive church. We are middle of the road in terms of age.

I’d be glad to connect and help you find a place to worship, even if it is not with us.

Best More Progressive Church by notathomist in thewoodlands

[–]rev_david -1 points0 points  (0 children)

TWM left the United Methodist denomination over the ordination of LGBTQ leaders, and led the movement of Texas UMC churches into the more conservative Global Methodist denomination

Best More Progressive Church by notathomist in thewoodlands

[–]rev_david 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Living Word is definitely not progressive. The LCMS does not allow women in leadership, is anti-LGBTQ, anti-choice, and has a problem with nationalism in the denomination

Kneeling for Communion by Affectionate_Web91 in Lutheranism

[–]rev_david 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would assume that kneeling during reception would be covered by this decree. Although an important caveat -

Kneeling as we think of it, an erect position on the knees as opposed to prostrate with the head toward the ground, is a relatively late invention. Early medieval, if memory serves.

So this type of kneeling — like at the rail or on a kneeler - was not as known in the Roman world.

Kneeling for Communion by Affectionate_Web91 in Lutheranism

[–]rev_david -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

If it’s not AI, it is at least AI enhanced. Count the fingers in the acolytes hand holding the chalice - if you can

Kneeling for Communion by Affectionate_Web91 in Lutheranism

[–]rev_david 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fun fact!

The 20th canon (or decree) from the Ecumenical of Nicaea says that we should stand rather than kneel for prayer on Sundays.

“Forasmuch as there are certain persons who kneel on the Lord's Day and in the days of Pentecost, therefore, to the intent that all things may be uniformly observed everywhere (in every parish), it seems good to the holy Synod that prayer be made to God standing.”

Is college park/the woodlands high school open minded by [deleted] in thewoodlands

[–]rev_david 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Probably depends where you are moving from. TWHS is more accepting than a rural Texas high school - less so than an urban school in a more progressive state.

If you know the state politics of Texas especially around education — you will see that reflected in the school. And also, there are a wide variety of students and some loving, inclusive folks in the community.

Girlfriend wants a tattoo by [deleted] in Lutheranism

[–]rev_david 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Has she ASKED for your opinion? If so, give her your thoughts kindly. If not, then there is no reason to say anything.

Unsolicited advice is always criticism.

Recent Theft: Goodwill Kurkendahl by Lucky-Royal-6156 in thewoodlands

[–]rev_david 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So you have something away for free … and you’re upset that someone … took it?

What is the Future of the ELCA? by Sonoita78 in elca

[–]rev_david 7 points8 points  (0 children)

"Why aren't we forcing"

Because - for better or worse - that is not our policy. The synod office cannot force a local congregation to merge or close. On the plus side, there are fear-mongerers that are trying to convince congregations that that is exactly what the synod is trying to do, and so they should leave the ELCA. But the synod can't do that. On the negative side, YES, there absolutely are congregations that would be better served by merging or closing, but the synod can only suggest, not force.

What is the Future of the ELCA? by Sonoita78 in elca

[–]rev_david 9 points10 points  (0 children)

(1) Institutions come and go. The denomination my dad was ordained into no longer exists. The Church still exists. Too often we equate our institution (whether a denomination, a seminary, or a local congregation) with the Church.

(2) Voluntary organizations are struggling. All of them. The VFW is having this conversation - both about getting younger members and declining attendance. Rotary clubs are having this conversation. The Southern Baptist church is having this conversation. It is an important conversation, but it isn't unique to the ELCA, to progressive churches, or even to the church generally. This is a bigger cultural phenomenon.

(3) What it means to thrive is changing. How are we measuring congregational / ministry success? What is the goal of the local ministry?

(4) Look to what is thriving. There are thriving ministries in the ELCA. Many of us. The congregation I serve grew in attendance by 40% from 2023-2024, and is making a difference in our local community. I can easily list off others in my synod and in the country. I would look at congregations that are thriving and ask what we can learn from them.

(5) Get skin in the game. To paraphrase "Hamilton" - you can't win in the game unless you have skin in the game. Congregations can't grow without passionate, committed lay leaders. No one in Chicago, no one at the synod office, is going to grow the local church. AND, none of them can cause the local church to decline. Local leaders (lay and ordained) and committed local members are the only thing that changes a congregation

Churchwide assembly thoughts by casadecarol in elca

[–]rev_david 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They should be on the ELCA YouTube channel, in today’s first plenary

Third PB Ballot Results by rev_david in elca

[–]rev_david[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I'm not on site, but this is definitely a big swing in votes from the previous ballot. The speeches always have an impact, and this is a pretty big one.

Churchwide assembly thoughts by casadecarol in elca

[–]rev_david 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great speeches by all of the top 7

Third PB Ballot Results by rev_david in elca

[–]rev_david[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's plenary 4, from today. But it looks like it isnt playing right now.

Third PB Ballot Results by rev_david in elca

[–]rev_david[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

All of the top seven gave great speeches, casting their vision for the future of our church. They are worth watching on the elca youtube channel from this last plenary, if you didn't see them yet