Introduction
This is the third annual Synod and Colloquium Extravaganza episode from the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America and colloquium where I go around and ask some of our pastors some questions and get their responses just to have a variety on the show and really get everybody a taste of what it’s like to be at Synod and colloquium of the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America.
What’s even cooler about this particular episode is that this was actually simultaneously Synod and Colloquium Diocesan summer camp so we had a lot of people around and also we had two former seminarians that were now completed with their studies, they had their examinations, they were given their calls and ordination all this, so it was a really busy time this year but it ended up coming out with just so much good stuff. We got to see just how the Lord is growing his church in the word and sacraments and we get to hear that from a lot of different pastors this year.
There was this kind of missions theme going on this year. It wasn’t necessarily intentional but that’s kind of the way it worked out. On this episode we’ve got:
- Pastor Martin Jackson talking about conflict within the church and how a parish works through that
- Pastor Stefanski talking about the catholicity and unity of the church in word and Sacrament
- Pastor Rutovich talking about missions in the Baltic Crusades
- Comments from the two former seminarians on how their examinations went, how they’re preparing, and what advice they would give to others wanting to pursue the ministry
- Bishop James Heiser talking about things like preaching stations, Mission congregations, and all sorts of stuff
- Pastor Ahonen talking about the Lutheran understanding of the call and what it means when we talk about the Divine call to serve God in the office of the ministry
A couple of housekeeping items before we start the interviews: I was working on a very old Zoom h4n this year and generally speaking the audio comes out really well, I was happy with it, but somehow I forgot to include the windscreen so you’re going to hear a few plosives every now and again. You’re also going to hear a little bit of background noise just because Synod, colloquium, ordination, summer camp – all of these things were going on simultaneously so the schedule was really tight. I had to fit in these interviews where I could and sometimes the atmosphere is a little bit more chaotic. Just be mindful of that. It should not be too much of a distraction but I noticed in listening back to the interviews that there are a few plosives because we didn’t have the windscreen.
Pastor Martin Jackson: Conflict in the Church
Discussion on staying faithful during church conflicts:
- Three duties during conflicts: to God, faithful members, and those in error
- Handling conflict with Christian dignity
- Role of the 8th Commandment
- Supporting those with sensitive consciences
Pastor Eric Stefanski: Catholicity and Unity in Doctrine and Practice
Explores catholicity and parish life:
- Reflections on parish life and growth
- Discussion of catholicity in Lutheran churches
- The importance of maintaining connections between smaller congregations
- Understanding church growth beyond mere numbers
Pastor Jeff Ahonen: Lutheran Doctrine of the Divine Call into Minstry
Detailed explanation of the Lutheran Divine Call:
- Definition and importance
- Biblical basis
- Process of calling pastors
- Importance of proper examination of candidates
Pastor John Rutowicz: Baltic Crusades
Discussion of the Baltic Crusades:
- Historical context
- Historical perspective on evangelism methods
- Impact on Lutheran territories
- Lessons for modern mission work
Pastor Ben Henson and Deacon Jacob Henson: Finishing Seminary and Advice
Newly ordained clergy discuss:
- Seminary experience reflections
- New parish calls
- Advice for future seminarians
- Transitioning to ministry
Bishop James Heiser: Preaching Stations, Mission Congregations
Discussion of:
- Preaching stations and mission congregations
- Future of Lutheran ministry
- Orthodox practice maintenance
- Church development vision
For more information about the topics discussed or about ELDoNA, visit eldona.org. The full Episcopal address and other presentations from this year’s Synod and Colloquium are available on the ELDoNA Facebook page and YouTube channel.
