Synod convention underway
Special convention coverage
The 2009 synod convention got underway Monday morning at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, under the theme "Christ's Love, Our Calling." Approximately 380 delegates, both called workers and laymen from around the country, are attending.
At opening service, Rev. Earle Treptow, pastor at Zion, Denver, Colo., encouraged the delegates to tirelessly do the work the Lord has given them. "Compelled by Christ's love for you and for all, carry out your high calling," he said. "Live for him and his glory. With the strength he provides, as he works in you what pleases him, you will be tireless."
WELS President Mark Schroeder continued that theme in his president's report. "[Christ's Love, Our Calling] is just a beautiful summary of who we are and the mission God has given us to do," he says.
He emphasized the importance of WELS maintaining its identity as a confessional Lutheran church body. "If we lose God's truth, or allow it to be set aside or watered down or taken for granted, ultimately we lose the message to share," says Schroeder. "Maintaining our commitment to doctrinal truth is the only effective way to carry out the mission God gives us to do."
He also warned against ministry that focuses on human emotion rather than God's love for us. "The theology of glory focuses on outward accomplishments on growth in numbers—external things that tend to make people proud and feel good. The theology of the cross focuses on purely what God has done for us."
This is part of the special convention coverage prepared by WELS Communication Services. News will be sent daily via Together July 27-31. For the latest convention information, visit www.wels.net/convention
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