What a Difference Three Years Makes

Was it only three years ago that the LCMS synodical convention was a scene of high drama that had even laymen like me on the edge of our seats, wondering how the synod would deal with the great clash of confessionalism vs. generic American evangelicalism? Well, in religion as in politics, three years has been a long time. At least in my neck of the Lutheran woods, one would hardly know the convention even happened. If I hadn't run across this post of Dan's at Necessary Roughness I would have completely overlooked it.

And you know what? Maybe that's not a bad thing. Compared to the fireworks at the convention which resulted in a complete rout of the confessional party, Pastor Stuckwisch reports, there was no partisan struggle this time which resulted in a most beautiful disaster. Of course this could just be "piety" (scroll down to Pastor Beisel's comment)!

If you want the resulting facts, here's a few news releases (Dr. Kieschnick's reelection, approving a new chorepiscopus program, funding restored for a Hispanic ministry at St. Louis -- commentary here, closed communion endorsed -- but not required, evangelism made a top priority, not the top priority, lay deacons studied). Here and here are Pastor Weedon's comments on some of the events. Pastor Beisel's more gloomy take: here, here, and here. I'm sure there's much more out there, but it's late and I'm tired. Have a good one!