Pastor Mark Ryman

NALC NewsN o r t h A m e r i c a n L u t h e r a n C h u r c h D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5

NALC calls Pastor Mark Rymanas Communications CoordinatorPastor Ryman will assist NALC and its congregations in communication

Pastor Mark Ryman ofAsheboro, N.C., has been calledas Communications Coordinatorfor the North American LutheranChurch. He will begin serving inthe position on Jan. 1.

The CommunicationsCoordinator will work with otherNALC leaders to develop andimplement communications andmarketing strategies to supportNALC goals and messages.

“We are looking forward tohaving Pastor Mark Rymanserve as CommunicationsCoordinator for the NALC. Hebrings a strong combination ofprofessional communicationsexperience and pastoralministry, which have been ablessing for his congregation,Mission District, and the North American LutheranSeminary. Now he can be a blessing for all of theNALC,” said Pastor Mark Chavez, NALC GeneralSecretary.

“Pastor Mark Ryman has already establishedhimself as a leader in the area of communication,utilizing all the available platforms for developingand sustaining relationships among those within theChurch and among those who are searching foranswers that only Jesus Christ can offer,” saidNALC Bishop John Bradosky.

“We are certain there are waysour entire staff could becommunicating moreconsistently and moreeffectively, yet the questions offormat, timing and methodsrequire the expertise that PastorRyman brings. In addition tohelping our staff become moreeffective in our communication,Pastor Ryman will also be ableto assist our congregations inutilizing every means possible tostrengthen their communicationcapacity,” Bishop Bradosky said.

“We believe his presence on ourstaff will assist us in living out allfour of our values: ChristCentered, Mission Driven,Traditionally Grounded andCongregationally Focused,” thebishop added.

Pastor Ryman serves Saint John’s Lutheran Churchin Asheboro, N.C. He began his pastorate there inMay of 2012. Previously he served the Lord at theOne Way House (now called Fellowship ChristianChurch) in Springfield, Ohio, for almost eight years,St. Paul United Methodist Church in the same cityfor three years, Christ United Methodist Church inLakeview, Ohio, for nearly six years, and GrahamFriends Church in Graham, N.C., for 12 years.

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Amy SchifrinJames NestingenDavid Yeago

2016 NALC Pastors Conference‘The Lord, His Church and Ministry’ - Feb. 2-4 in Orlando

“The Lord, His Church,and Ministry” is thetheme of the 2016NALC PastorsConference Feb. 2-4 atthe Crowne PlazaOrlando Universal inOrlando, Fla.

Featured speaker is Dr.David Yeago, Professorof Systematic Theologyand Ethics at the NorthAmerican LutheranSeminary and TrinitySchool for Ministry inAmbridge, Pa. Dr. Yeago will present two lectureson the theme.

Reflections on preaching the Lectionary Scripturereadings for Lent and Easter will be offered by theRev. Dr. Amy Schifrin, president of the NALS andAssociate Professor of Liturgy and Homiletics atTrinity School for Ministry, and the Rev. Dr. JamesNestingen, professor emeritus of church history atLuther Seminary. They will also lead preachingworkshops. Pastors are welcome to bring a sermonto preach for one of the workshops.

Workshops and individual appointments with NALCstaff will be available.

All NALC pastors are encouraged to attend theannual pastors conference.

Registration is $100 and includes breakfast anddinner on Wednesday and breakfast on Thursday.To register or for more information go to thenalc.org. A discounted hotel rate is available for reservationsmade by Jan. 1.

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Mark and his wife, Susan, were both born inSpringfield, Ohio. They have been married for 38years. Both are graduates of Ohio WesleyanUniversity with majors in English Literature. Susanretired from a 23-year career at Duke University,and is now the Business Manager for SolaPublishing Company. The Rymans have twomarried daughters, Cristin and Miriam, and twogranddaughters.

Pastor Ryman received a Master of Arts inTheology from Houston Graduate School ofTheology in 2004 and a Master of Divinity in BiblicalStudies and Theology from Carolina Graduate

School of Divinity in 2011. He is now working on aDoctor of Ministry in Stewardship of the Wordthrough Saint Paul Lutheran Seminary.

Pastor Ryman serves on the Board of Regents forthe North American Lutheran Seminary, but he willneed to resign that position upon becoming anNALC staff member.

He is also the Online Resource Editor for SolaPublishing Company.

You can read devotions and other blog postingsfrom Pastor Ryman at markryman.com and his“Daily Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions” atsolapublishing.com and on the NALCNetwork.

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The Annunciation to the Shepherds by Abraham Hondius(1631-1691), Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. (From WikimediaCommons)

Bishop’s Christmas MessageDearest followers of Jesus in the North AmericanLutheran Church:

Grace mercy and peace to you from God ourFather and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ withthe words, “Christ is born! Oh, come, let us adoreHim,” I offer you a brief reflection on a subject thathas preoccupied my thinking during the entireAdvent season.

This persistent thought began with a devotionalmeditation based on Luke 2:9: “An angel of theLord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lordshone around them and they were terrified.”Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote the following words ofreflection based on that text.

We have become so accustomed to the idea ofdivine love and of God’s coming at Christmas thatwe no longer feel the shiver of fear that God’scoming should arouse in us. We are indifferent tothe message, taking only the pleasant andagreeable out of it and forgetting the seriousaspect, that the God of the world draws near to thepeople of our little earth and lays claim to us. Thecoming of God is truly not only glad tidings, but firstof all frightening news for every one who has aconscience.

His words indicted my conscience and caused meto pause and question my own spiritual life andconviction. “We are indifferent to the message…”

When I was asked to write an article about thegreatest threat to the Church today, Bonhoeffer’sthought shaped my response. The Church seemsto be under assault from within and without. Thelack of Biblical and Confessional preaching andteaching, combined with a lack of interdependentmutually-accountable relationships and institutionalpreservation, has undermined our capacity forgenuine outreach, evangelism and mission. Manywithin the community of faith are content to attendoccasionally and to give sparingly.

In addition, our world promotes relativistic truth, anddecides moral issues based on popularity andtolerance rather than Biblical mandates andtranscendent truth. Freedom of religion is beingrelegated to freedom to worship. Traditional conceptsof marriage and family are being redefined.Throughout the world Christians are beingpersecuted, displaced and murdered by the terroristacts of ISIS.

Yet not one of those factors — or all of themtogether — are a greater threat than the one thatBonhoeffer suggests. The greatest threat to theBody of Christ is our indifference — our apathy!

It is so easy to blame others and retreat in fear butour own indifference or apathy is slowly eroding,

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weakening and undermining the faith of individualbelievers, as well as the capacity of congregationsfor vibrant ministry and faithful mission.

Apathy or indifference is manifest in severalimportant ways: the loss of zeal, the loss of interestin the spiritual realm, the increasing secularizationof both the individual Christian and the localcongregation, and a hardness of heart, a statewhere our excuses replace faithful responses.

The Scripture has a harsh word about indifferenceand apathy. “So, because you are lukewarm, andneither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth”(Revelation 3:16). These words of warning are sosevere because indifference is incompatible with love!It is impossible to love the Lord with all our heart,mind, soul, and strength and remain indifferenttoward Christ. We cannot love others with the love ofChrist and remain apathetic toward them. We cannotsay we love Christ or others and remain unmovedand unchanged in our attitude and disposition.

Elie Wiesel is a Jewish Holocaust survivor and aNobel Laureate. Some years ago I heard him speakand will never forget several quotes from hismessage. He said, “The opposite of love is nothate; it’s indifference. The opposite of art is notugliness; it’s indifference. The opposite of faith isnot heresy; it’s indifference. And the opposite of lifeis not death; it’s indifference.”

When asked about whether he believed an individualcould really make any difference in the midst ofoverwhelming problems, Wiesel said, “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail toprotest. The Talmud tells us that by saving a singlehuman being, a person can save the world.”

Every act of love, every expression of encourage-ment, every word that proclaims the Gospel of JesusChrist makes a difference. Every disciple of Jesuspossesses power in and through Christ, the capacityto make such a difference. The Christian life has always been more than the struggle to survive. It isinvesting our life in Christ in the lives of others. Living and loving with the certainty that the only lifeworth living is a life of sacrifice and service for thesake of the ministry and mission of Christ.

We are not indifferent or apathetic abouteverything. We demonstrate our passion inconcerts, in theaters, in football stadiums andbasketball arenas, in celebrations with friends andco-workers. I believe the world is longing toexperience passionate Christians who demonstratea profound love for Jesus and for those to whom Hehas sent us with the Gospel. Love is alwayspassionate toward the beloved. It is this passionatelove that Christ has for us that is poured out on thecross for our redemption and salvation. Whatwondrous love is this! It is a love that compels us tolove Christ and our neighbor as our self.

This wondrous love born in a cattle stall and laid ina manger is dispelling my indifference to my ownapathy!

“What Wondrous Love is This,” while not aChristmas hymn, has brought me consolation andhope.

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord ofbliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul....

When I was sinking down ... Christ laid aside Hiscrown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, Who is the Great I Am,while millions join the theme, I will sing...

And when in death I’m free, I’ll sing His Love for Me... through all eternity...

We cannot simply strive to change our own attitudeand disposition. We cannot overcome our apathy orindifference by simply willing it. This WondrousLove — this One who gave His life for myredemption and salvation, who gives me life that iseternal — is the One who transforms myindifference to passionate love toward Him and allthose He came to save.

May the celebration of His birth, the wonder of Hislove, and the presence of Immanuel — God with us— overcome every manifestation of our indifferenceand transform it into manifestations of ourpassionate love for Christ and our neighbor. In the name of the One who comes to save us fromour sin,

Bishop John F. Bradosky

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Advent WaitingAt Peace Lutheran Church recently, Intern OrreyMcFarland shared during the children’s sermon thatAdvent means simply, “coming.” He explained thatAdvent is a season of preparing for the coming ofJesus. And that’s certainly true, as Advent helps usfocus on Jesus’ coming at Bethlehem and Hiscoming to us in the present in Word and Sacrament.

However, Advent also calls us to prepare for Jesus’coming in power and glory in the future, as we hearour Scripture readings in worship in early Advent. The fact that we are preparing for His coming at theend or culmination of earthly time means also thatwe are waiting! Maybe that’s the most difficultaspect of Advent — waiting.

As I mentioned in my Advent devotional booklet(available on the NALC website), part of theorientation I offer to NALC congregational callcommittees is the realization that part of calling anew pastor is “waiting for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). It is the awareness that we are not in control of theprocess, but are waiting and watching for the Lordto reveal His will, through interviews, conversations,visits, etc.

I know this is not what some of our call committeeswant to hear, as many would like to have their newpastor ready to step into the pulpit the Sunday aftertheir previous pastor has left. But it doesn’t workthat way. In fact, it is most healthy for some time topass between the former pastor and the newlycalled shepherd. Sometimes, in spite of all our workand effort, the process takes time — and more timethan we might like. So that in the meantime, whilewe are always fulfilling our responsibilities, we aretruly “waiting for the Lord.”

It has been a blessing to see how many of ourcongregations without a pastor actually embrace“waiting for the Lord” as a spiritual practice. Theyshare with me that they see waiting as a time forincreased faithfulness, discipline, prayer andpatience. Many pastors, as well, are focused onGod’s timing rather than their own — which canmean waiting.

Accepting and sometimes embracing waiting iscounter-cultural, to say the least. Everything in ourday and age is about quick response, a quick fix,instant gratification. If we send an email or post amessage today on Facebook, we expect a replyASAP. When folks don’t respond quickly, wesometimes assume something’s wrong or that we’rebeing ignored. We have conditioned ourselves notto wait, as if waiting is a waste of our time.

Waiting can be a waste of time, of course, whenwe’re speaking about human matters. No onewants to be kept waiting unduly for service in arestaurant, or a service call to our home. Butwaiting for the Lord is something different.

Waiting for the Lord provides the opportunity togrow more deeply in our trust in God and His willand activity. Waiting for the Lord allows us to focusour attention on God and His agenda, rather thanour own. Waiting for the Lord helps us to cast allour hope upon God, relying upon Him rather thanany human or worldly individual or power.

Our waiting is a time for prayer and preparation,whether we are waiting for an answer to prayer,healing, or guidance. The same is true for ourAdvent waiting.

Whether it’s Sunday or midweek worship, personalAdvent devotional time, or time around the homeAdvent wreath, we are waiting for the Lord’s coming— for all the ways He comes to us. As we wait, wegrow in patience and faith, praying, “Come, LordJesus!” May God bless our Advent season ofwatchful waiting!

Ministry Matters

Pastor David WendelAssistant to the Bishopfor Ministry and Ecumenism

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Mission Impossible - Paul and AnaniasFollowing is the second of two sermons preachedby Bishop John Bradosky at the 2015 NALCMission Festival Nov. 5-7 at Upper ArlingtonLutheran Church in Hilliard, Ohio. The sermonsare based on Acts 9:1-22 and Acts 22:6-16 — the conversion of St. Paul. The first sermon wasprinted in the November NALC News. Ananias, the Reluctant! The Scripture records theconversion of Paul three times. They are Paul’spersonal testimony regarding his experience beingconfronted and transformed by the living Lord. Thedifference is only in the details and seems to be amatter of adapting his testimony to the audience.

In the midst of a Jewish mob, Paul gave closeattention to Ananias as one who is a devout Jewwho became a follower, a disciple of Jesus.Ananias has a critical role.

Paul’s conversion story is repeated three times andserves as a reminder from Luke of how importantthis experience is to the life of the New TestamentChurch and its witness to both the Jews andGentiles regarding the power and persistence ofChrist to proclaim the Gospel to the entire world.

On the Damascus road, Paul had seen the risenJesus. Now he confessed Jesus as Lord. Paulwanted everyone to have the same experience — to see and know that Jesus is real. He is alive, andHe is Lord of all! He is the light of the world thatcauses people to truly see!

The word “reluctant” came to mind as I thoughtabout Ananias because it describes me andperhaps you as well. Many are reluctant when theyhear the word “discipleship.” If we are honest, wewill admit that it causes us some amount ofhesitation, if not dread! The very thought of sharingthe Gospel of Jesus with anyone else causes us todoubt our capacity, our ability, and our worthiness.How many have felt that way or are feeling it now?Reluctant! Some have come to this event to confirmyour aversion. Some are hoping they will finddiscipleship so difficult, so complex, something forothers but not for me, something for othercongregations but not ours.

Reluctant! I understand. I have had those feelings,and they still return from time to time.

Reluctant! You hesitate in the midst of yourunwillingness to get involved. You wish the Lordwould give someone else this responsibility oropportunity besides me!

The dictionary defines reluctant this way: “feeling orshowing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness to getinvolved; having or assuming a specified roleunwillingly.” Then one dictionary gives the followingexample: Reluctant is the feeling you have whenyou walk into the dentist’s office for yourappointment, knowing that it is the right thing to bethere even though you are still focusing on the painin your mouth that is soon to follow!

Welcome, my reluctant friends! You are in goodcompany as we consider the witness of thereluctant Ananias and his impossible mission.

What do we know about the reluctant Ananias? Hisname Ananias is the Greek form of the Hebrewname Hananiah, which means “God has dealtgraciously.”

We are told three things about him.

First, he is simply called “a certain disciple.” He wasneither an apostle nor a great preacher; nor doeshe appear to have been a leader or an official oreven an outstanding personality. We would neverhave heard anything about him had it not been forhis figuring in Saul’s conversion. Now his life has aplace in the Scriptures eternally. How heartening to

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From the Bishop

Bishop John Bradosky

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know that God knew all about him! No depth ofobscurity can hide us from His gracious gaze. “TheLord knows the ways of the righteous.” It is not thatAnanias was a shining star, but rather just anordinary, humble disciple, who evidently sought toglorify Jesus by a consecrated life amid the unexcitingusualness of a customary life in Damascus.

Second, we are told that he was “a devout manaccording to the law” (Acts 22:12). That is saying agood deal. He is a person of great integrity,principled in his beliefs, consistent in applying hisfaith to his life.

Third, Ananias had “a good report of all the Jewsthat dwelt there” (Acts 22:12). It is no small thing tohave our character praised by those who stronglydiffer from us. It seems that he was thoroughly wellknown in Damascus, perhaps a native. Those withwhom he lived, worked, and transacted businessconsistently thought well of him. His life was aproclamation of the faith. This faithful Jewish manhad become a disciple of Jesus. Some suggest thathe was an early convert to the Christian faith,perhaps at Pentecost in Jerusalem. Ananias wasstill learning and growing in his faith. These werenot easy days for Christians to live out their faith inChrist. The persecution had already started. Saulwas evidence of these difficult days.

Saul’s reputation preceded him. Ananias has heardabout him. Great things are happening in thefledgling little church in Jerusalem and thesurrounding area. Thousands are being saved, andGod is blessing them with miracles and His power.That is the bright side! On the dark side: a mannamed Saul was wreaking havoc in the church.(Acts 8:1-3). He was traveling from place to placepersecuting the early Christians. He was havingthem arrested and he even participated in theirdeaths. (Acts 7:58; 8:1). This was the subject ofmany conversations in Damascus and throughoutthe Church.

What Ananias did not know was that the risen LordJesus had already confronted Saul. He did notknow that Saul was flat on his back — knocked offhis “high horse,” so to speak. He did not know thatJesus had made him far less of a threat because hewas struck blind by the light of Christ’s presence.

Ananias did not know Jesus was speaking to Saulabout his next step. He did not know that Jesuscommanded Saul to go into the city where Hewould give him instructions about what he must do.Ananias did not know that this mighty man withpower and authority was now being led by thehands of others, completely dependent, unable toeat or drink for three days.

This is the context in which Jesus called out toAnanias in a vision. Notice, Ananias recognized thevoice of his Lord. “Yes, Lord, here I am.” Jesusimmediately gave him instructions. “Go to the houseof Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man fromTarsus named Saul, for he has been praying.” ThisLord has been listening to the prayers of Saul. Jesus has also responded to his prayers. He gaveSaul a vision even as he was giving Ananias avision. In this vision Saul has seen a man namedAnanias come and place his hands on him to healhim, to restore his sight.

Ananias’ first reaction was to resist, to be areluctant follower. I imagine he wants to make sureJesus is aware of Paul’s past. “You want me to dosomething good for a man who is harming your holypeople? You want me to lay my hands for healingon a man who wants to lay his hands on me to killme?” He has the authority from the High Priests todo so. Chrystostom writes, “Fear had already takenhold of Ananias’s soul at the mention of Paul’sname. ‘Look,’ he says, ‘to whom you are betrayingme. Indeed he came here for this very purpose, toarrest all who invoke your name. I fear he shall takeme to Jerusalem. Why do you cast me into themouth of the lion?’ He is terrified even as he speaksthese words, so that we may learn from all sides theexcellence of the man. For it is not surprising thatthese things were said by Jews, but that these menshould be so terrified shows very great proof of thepower of God. Both the fear is shown and theobedience that is greater after the fear.”

To his resistance Jesus says one word: “Go!” ThenJesus gives him his instructions. He was deliveringSaul’s commission to become a disciple who wouldbecome an apostle, one that is sent. He was to besent to the entire Gentile world to their kings and tothe dispersed people of Israel. Then Jesus sayssomething that really captured the attention of

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NALC Bishop John Bradosky preaching at the openingcelebration of the 2015 NALC Mission Festival.

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Ananias. It captured my attention as well. This onewho was causing so much suffering was about tobe shown by Jesus how much he must suffer forHis name. Ananias had to trust that Christ wasconverting Saul and protecting him! This was aboutto become the story of the sheep subduing the wolf. Obedience trumps fear!

So Ananias goes to the house. He enters it andtakes his cue from the vision Jesus shared withAnanias, the vision Jesus gave to Saul. He getsclose to him. He lays his hands on him. He callshim, “Brother Saul!” His message is “that the sameJesus who appeared on the road — that sameJesus has sent me to heal your eyes so that youmay see again. He sent me to insure that you arefilled with the Holy Spirit.” You know the story. Thehealing was immediate. Something like scales fellfrom Saul’s eyes. He was baptized into Christ. Thenhe could take food and water and he regained hisstrength.

Imagine what Saul saw when his eyes wereopened. He saw the very people he came todestroy caring for him for three days. From one hereceived healing for his vision. These same peoplegave him lodging, food and drink. Through themSaul received support, comfort andencouragement. They saved his life from those whowere now trying to kill him. Then they discipled Saulfor three years. They invested in his life for thesame amount of time the first disciples were intraining with Jesus — three years!

Ananias played a critical role in the transformationof Saul’s life. Various traditions say that Ananiaslater became one of the 70 disciples of Jerusalem,a bishop of Damascus, and a martyr. What is it thatwe can learn from Ananias and apply in our ownlives following Jesus? Let me suggest sevenimportant learnings:

1. Jesus uses ordinary people. Ananias was anordinary, humble, obscure workingman who wasfaithful to Jesus. Our Lord takes great pleasure ingiving those who are “faithful over a few things,”even greater things to do.

2. Jesus uses humble people. Ananias was ahumble man who did not intrude himself into his

message. The very opposite was the case. His onlyreference to himself was the only one that wasneedful, “The Lord, even Jesus … has sent me.” Hedid not start explaining who or what he was. He wascontent to be the faithful anonymous messenger ofhis master. He became distinctly aware that themessage was not about him.

3. Jesus uses those who listen closely to His voice.Ananias recognized and listened closely to thevoice of Jesus. How often through the Holy Spirit inreading and studying the Word or in our prayer lifeor in our daily experiences have we heard the voiceof Jesus speaking and refused to respond? Ananias was a man who was listening for God’svoice to show him the steps he was to take in hislife. How difficult it is to hear Jesus’ voice when weare immersed in doing our own thing, caught up inour own agendas and priorities. Ananias causes usto ask if we have a “listening relationship” withJesus.

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Pastor Larry Lystig celebrates50th Ordination Anniversary

Pastor Larry Lystig was honored on the 50th anniversaryof his ordination by Word of God Lutheran Church inPeachtree City, Ga. He is pictured with his wife, Carolyn.

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4. Jesus is not put off by your reluctance. Saul wasthe most virulent and notorious oppressor ofChristians in all of Judea. He came to Damascusfor the same terrorist activities. Ananias wonderedhonestly, “Can a leopard change its spots?” Eventhough this was risky, Ananias did not turn awayfrom Christ’s voice. To his objections, Jesus spokeone word: “Go!”

5. Jesus expects obedience. Jesus expects hisdisciples to obediently follow Him. Ananias went. He followed Jesus’ instructions explicitly. He madehis way to Saul. He acts not on his own information,but Christ’s wisdom. God’s Word reminds us that“Obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel15:22).

6. Jesus empowers those He calls with His HolySpirit and His love. Ananias draws close, calls Saula brother, heals his eyes, and baptizes him. Inaddition to the vision Saul received, he experiencedthe love of Jesus in the lives of those around himwho guided him, stayed with him, fed him, laidhands on him to receive the Holy Spirit andnurtured him in Christian faith.

7. Jesus entrusts His mission to people like you andme. From Ananias we should learn that small actsof obedience that are premised on the Word ofGod, even when they seem contrary to reason, andeven when they seem to challenge what seems soplain, can have great significance.

Please also notice that Saul’s conversion was ateam experience. There were hosts of peopleinvolved. The Church takes on the responsibility ofreaching out to others and nurturing them in thefaith. We are never alone in Christ. We are neveralone in His mission. Our perspective is so small,so limited. God’s perspective is wide, taking in all ofhistory in a single glance. We need to rely on Him,on His Word, on His voice, trusting that He will notlead us astray and that through us He willaccomplish more that we can imagine.

Even when God’s Word does not make sense, it isstill true and can be trusted. Think for a moment ofthe countless lives influenced by Paul’s ministryover these centuries. It all began with the faithful,obedient response of a man called Ananias. If we

respond as Ananias did the mission that seemsimpossible becomes mission possible — andfulfilled!

Let me leave you with just a word from Ananias thisday. From Acts 22:16 there is an important Greekidiom that implies that it was time for Paul to act onthis commission from the Lord. The phrase istranslated this way: “What are you waiting for?” Asthe Lord told Ananias to go, so Ananias told Paul togo. So I say to you, using his words, “what are youwaiting for?”

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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Pastor Dennis DiMauro of Trinity Lutheran Church in Warrenton, Va. at thePapal Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington,D.C.

The Papal Visit to Washington, D.C.By Pastor Dennis R. Di Mauro

When you think ofWashington, D.C., you think ofpolitics. Who is in the lead forthe Republican nomination?Will Hillary be indicted forthose classified emails? CanPaul Ryan be elected speakerof the House? Will thegovernment be shut down thisyear? But what you usuallydon’t think about is religion.

Now, Washingtonians do careabout how religion might affectpolitics, but rarely religion inand of itself. But all thischanged in September of thisyear, when the nation’s capitalcame under the spell of“Francis Fever.”

As a lifelong Washingtonian,I noticed strange thingshappening in L’Enfant’s fair city. The first thing Iobserved was that the Washington Post, a paperwhich religiously avoids any substantive discussionof faith, suddenly started publishing papal articleson its front page every day. The city was shut downfor two days with the government urging federalemployees to take liberal leave or work from home.People everywhere were talking about Francis,asking me what I thought of him, and wonderinghow they might obtain a ticket to the papal mass onthe campus of Catholic University.

Now in order to obtain a ticket in D.C., whether toattend a presidential inauguration or one of itsformal balls or even to gain entrance to a papalmass, one has to “have access” or “knowsomebody.” On Sept 23, a lack of neededconnections left most of Francis’ admirers standingon the street near the ellipse hoping to catch aglimpse of the “pope mobile.”

But as a native, I knew not one, but in fact twopeople, who could procure me the coveted ticket.

The first was myself. As an alumnus of CatholicUniversity (Ph.D., Church History, 2012), I couldenter a raffle for one of 500 tickets given tograduates. Obtaining only “waiting list” status afterthe initial drawing, my hopes faded, but a week laterI received the confirmation email that I had indeedbeen awarded one standing room ticket.

The second ticket connection was my daughter,Zoey, who works as a reporter for the Archdioceseof Washington. Just a week before the mass, sheprocured three seated tickets, not far from the altarbeside the National Basilica of the ImmaculateConception.

Dispatching the other tickets to two Franciscophilefriends of ours, my wife, Coco, and I drove down tothe campus and stood in an endless security linefor over two and a half hours. Dressed in aneckband (rather than Roman) collar in hopes ofnot being identified as a Catholic priest, I was

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Mission ConnectThe North American Lutheran Church is MissionDriven. The challenge that we face in this digitalage is trying to communicate in "real" time.

Finding our footing in Psalm 107:2 — “Let theredeemed of the Lord tell their story” — MissionConnect was created as a tool that will helpconnect us as we are “Living on Mission, Tellingour Stories.”

To receive a weekly text message update, textthe word "mission" to 619-356-2910. If you preferto receive the weekly update by email, pleasevisit: http://2hoots.com/users/login/60.

Each week you can expect to receive a newstory, prayer request, opportunity, or update fromthe NALC Mission Office. You may also text aprayer request to the same number listed aboveto be lifted up by the NALC Prayer Network. Joinus as we journey together down this road ofdiscipleship and mission!

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nonetheless asked by dozens of people to join the concelebrant section with the other priests, eachtime politely declining. Why hadn’t I dressed in acoat and tie like Rick Warren?

But what came next was well worth the wait.Indeed, it is hard to describe the spectacle ofviewing a sea of bishops processing up to the altarand seeing hundreds of priests taking their seats tocelebrate mass along with the pope.

Then the pope mobile arrived, and an energeticFrancis blessed the 25,000 cheering attendees ashis transparent golf cart sped through the campus.

After a seemingly exhausted pope was shuffledfrom station to station through the basilica, themass began with the canonization of JuniperoSerra, the 18th-century Franciscan priest whofounded the famous missions in California. Theservice was conducted in Spanish, with prayers in10 other languages. I was grateful for my programand the English subtitles on a nearby Jumbotron.

The music was soaring, with five different choirs —including a specially-formed Archdiocesan PapalMass Choir — performing such well-known hymnsas “All Creatures of Our God and King” and “HolyGod, We Praise Thy Name.”

The pope’s sermon was simple and heartfelt, andhe urged his fellow Christians to emulate theevangelism of Father Serra and live according tohis motto, “siempre adelante” (always forward).

The experience was a thrilling example of faithfulChristian worship that stressed the unity ofbelievers all around the globe.

But as I left the mass I thought of the incredibleallure that Francis has with so many people. Duringmonths of August and September, many of thosepeople told me that they “love my pope.” Having toexplain to them that I was a Lutheran pastor, Inevertheless asked them why they “loved thepope.” Half of them explained that they admiredFrancis’s humility: his Fiat transportation, hishumble apartment at the Vatican, and hisjettisoning of those dreadful red papal shoes. Theother half hoped for changes in the moral positions

of the Catholic Church on clerical celibacy,women’s ordination, contraception, or gay marriage.The majority of those who “loved the pope” saidthat they were “not especially religious.”

With these reactions, it’s hard to decide what tomake of this new and beloved pope. Are hissoundbites just for show? Is this merely a publicrelations campaign that is intended to reach people,while surreptitiously holding tightly to ancientChurch doctrine? Or does he really intend to makesubstantive changes to the moral teaching of theCatholic Church and the curia in Rome? Only timewill tell. But one thing is for certain, the “notespecially religious” crowd is watching, and liking,what they see. Perhaps Francis, unlike the popeswho preceded him, will give them a reason toexplore their faith again and take a serious look atJesus as Savior once more.

The Rev. Dr Dennis R. Di Mauro is the pastor ofTrinity Lutheran Church (NALC) in Warrenton,Va. He also teaches for St. Paul LutheranSeminary.

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Advent devotions by Pastor WendelAmen. Come, Lord Jesus, an Advent devotionalbooklet for 2015, is now available on the NALCwebsite.

The devotions, prepared by Pastor David Wendel,Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry andEcumenism, are new this Advent. They are basedon Year 2 of the Lutheran Book of Worship dailylectionary.

The devotional booklet is free and may be copiedfor use in the home, by families, in congregations,Bible study groups, etc.

You may also sign up to receive the Adventdevotional material as a daily text/email message.This option is available by texting Advent to614-333-0334.

A Daily Intentional Response and Action Step addsan additional dimension to the devotions.

As we journey through Advent together, it can bechallenging to integrate our daily devotions witheveryday life. For those receiving the dailytext/email messages, there is an option at theconclusion of each Advent reflection to help live intothis time of Advent preparation. This tangible, smallstep is offered up only as a suggestion to assist inliving into that particular day's meditation. Togetherwith your meditation on the daily devotional text,pray for the person listed each day, and thenintentionally take the time to write a note, send atext message or email, or post a message onInstagram or Facebook for that person.

If you choose to use social media, please use thehashtag #ComeLordJesus to help us track thisinitiative. Blessings on your Advent journey!

Those not participating in the daily text/emailprogram may download and follow along with theIntentional Response and Action Step Guideavailable at thenalc.org.

Congregations consider ratificationof amendments regarding change inNALC - Lutheran CORE relationshipNALC congregations are considering severalamendments to the NALC constitution that wereapproved by the 2015 NALC Convocation. Theproposed constitutional amendments are all relatedto a change in relationship between LutheranCORE and the NALC.

The amendments will go into effect if a two-thirdsmajority of the NALC congregations voting by theFeb. 14 deadline approve the amendments.

The amendments remove references to LutheranCORE in constitutional language about theCommission on Theology and Doctrine. Thecommission had been a joint commission for theNALC and Lutheran CORE.

The “Vision and Plan” for Lutheran CORE and theNALC, as announced in 2010, was for LutheranCORE to continue as “an association of confessingLutherans spanning denominational bodies” and fora close ongoing relationship between LutheranCORE and the NALC.

Lutheran CORE leaders have decided it is nownecessary for them to focus on providing “shelter”and “voice” for confessing Lutherans remaining inthe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Thatfocus requires an end to the formal relationshipbetween Lutheran CORE and the NALC.

The details of the proposed amendments areavailable online at thenalc.org/2015-convocation.

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Lutheran World Relief releases2016 Early Warning Forecast

Lutheran World Relief, an international NGO workingin 35 countries to develop sustainable solutions topoverty and food insecurity, released its 2016 EarlyWarning Forecast of regions it is monitoring forpotential humanitarian crises over the coming year. The regions highlighted in the report are those thatLWR is actively monitoring and, in many cases, isalready in-country working to help mitigate the worsteffects of a potential crisis, develop disaster responseplans and strengthen community resilience, especiallyin the most vulnerable rural areas. LWR President & CEO Daniel V. Speckhard notedthat the interconnected nature of today’s globalizedworld means that humanitarian crises overseas willinevitably affect people in North America.

“Given these linkages and the rising vulnerability ofglobal populations to both conflict and disaster, there is a vital need for an evolution in the way theinternational community thinks about humanitarianresponse that will have a lasting impact,” he said.“We need to move beyond short-term mobilization forthe latest disaster or applying the Band-Aid approachto an emergency in an isolated ‘fragile’ state.”

“Instead, we need to approach recovery andresilience with a long-term time frame in mind, as well as a more holistic understanding of theimportance of sustainable development. Breakingpeople out of the cycle of poverty will make themmore resilient in the face of future disasters,” he said.

The countries and regions on the 2016 Watch Listinclude:

+ Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia.

+ Nepal.

+ Iraq.

+ Central America and the Caribbean.

+ Sahel Region of West Africa.

+ South Sudan.

In addition, there are several countries and regionswhere LWR sees signs of hope:

+ Colombia.

+ The Philippines.

+ Coffee and cocoa production in Haiti, EastAfrica, Central America and Indonesia.

Among the immediate challenges facing humanitariancommunity that are highlighted in the 2016 EarlyWarning Forecast:

+ The continuing refugee crisis, as the unprecedentedmigration we’re seeing shows no sign of abating. The Syrian civil war and terrorism wrought by ISIS is not only pushing out millions of refugees, but isdestabilizing northern Iraq. Refugee resettlement,complicated by security fears expressed by somecommunities and political figures, will be difficult.

+ What some are calling a “gorilla” El Niño iscausing drought conditions in some places and willbring damaging rain and flooding in others. Wemust be prepared for disaster response. Foodcrises in Central America could spur migration.

+ The fuel blockade in Nepal has brought thepost-earthquake rebuilding to a virtual halt. Aswinter approaches, isolated mountain communitieswill be cut off from supply deliveries, possiblyauguring a second national crisis.

+ Drought and conflict have displaced more than3.5 million people in the Sahel region of WestAfrica. Instability caused by the recent coup attemptin Burkina Faso, as well as terrorism-relatedincidents and threats in Mali and southeasternNiger will continue to be push factors for migrationand make the lives of already impoverished peopleeven more miserable.

LWR’s 2016 Early Warning Forecast and moreinformation about the work of LWR are availableonline at lwr.org.

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Changing Our Congregational CultureI came across a fascinating opinion column, in arecent issue of the New York Times, entitled“Academia’s Rejection of Diversity.” The article,written by Arthur C. Brooks, president of theAmerican Enterprise Institute, reported on recentresearch about the level of ideological bias inacademia.

He wrote, “New research shows that academia hasstopped short in both the understanding andpractice of true diversity — the diversity of ideas. …This year, a team of scholars from six universitiesstudying ideological diversity in the behavioralsciences published a paper … that details ashocking level of political groupthink in academia. The authors show that for every politicallyconservative social psychologist in academia thereare about 14 liberal social psychologists.”

Mr. Brooks continues, “In one survey cited, 82percent of social psychologists admitted they wouldbe less likely to support hiring a conservativecolleague than a liberal scholar with equivalentqualifications.”

One more quote: “One of the study’s authors, PhilipE. Tetlock of the University of Pennsylvania, put itbluntly. Expecting trustworthy results on politicallycharged topics from an ‘ideologically incestuouscommunity,’ he explained, is ‘downright delusional.’”

While Arthur Brooks’ column focused on politicalbias in academia, I believe that many mainlineProtestant seminaries have, for decades, exhibiteda similar type of theological bias. The “liberal”ideological bias in some of these seminaries hasmanifested itself in a kind of “higher biblicalcriticism” that, in effect, undermines the centrality ofGod’s Word for our life and faith as Christians. Andthat devaluation of Scripture, not surprisingly, hasresulted in a theological worldview that questionsthe validity of personal and congregationalevangelism.

Think about it: This has been a theological biaswhich has impacted thousands of seminarygraduates over the last 40 years. And, in myopinion, this has been one of the greatest factors in

undermining the mainline church’s commitment tothe Great Commission.

You could argue that a “Lutheran evangelist” is anoxymoron — a contradiction in terms. That’s anexaggeration, of course. However, the evangelistictask can seem pretty intimidating for those of uswho grew up Lutheran whether we are pastors orlaity.

So, if you struggle with this, and you wouldwelcome some guidance and support in theevangelistic task, I recommend a parachurchministry currently being utilized by 30 NALCcongregations across the country. I am referring toNavigator Church Ministries, a ministry whichassists pastors and lay leaders in changingcongregational culture through an emphasis ondisciple-making. You have perhaps heard BishopJohn Bradosky advocate for this ministry.

My own congregation has now “signed on” withNCM, and I highly recommend that you check it out. I can’t adequately describe this disciple-makingministry within the limits of this column. However,the NCM model is about congregationaltransformation from the inside out. It begins with acoaching relationship with the pastor, and thencontinues with an initial Leadership and LearningTeam (LLT) that meets for about three months. Then the individual team members are eachencouraged to meet with two or three additionalpeople to share what was learned in the LLT group.

By the way, one very important and foundationalpart of this NCM process is to help all participants

Continued on Page 15

In Pursuit of theGreat Commission

Pastor Don Brandt

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Letter of Counsel on Marriageand Religious Freedom

The NALC’s Commission on Theology and Doctrinehas approved a Letter of Counsel, written by Dr.Robert Benne, relating to marriage and religiousfreedom in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015decision regarding marriage between two people ofthe same sex. The text of this Letter of Counselmay be found on the NALC website under theResources/Educational Resources/NALCStatements and Letters tab.

Online directory of pastors

An online directory of NALC pastors is beingprepared. In preparation for this directory, pastorswere sent a letter detailing their contact informationas it will be listed.

Pastors are asked to return the letter indicating anyinformation they would not like included in theonline directory or any corrections to theirinformation. The letter should be returned even ifthe information is correct, so that we know it wasreceived and reviewed.

NALC pastor wanted to preach in WittenbergThe chance of a lifetime for preachers — to preachin the churches where Martin Luther preached.

Wittenberg English Ministry is looking for an NALCpastor who would be willing to serve as theEnglish-speaking minister in Wittenberg Sept. 6-20, 2016. Interested pastors are encouraged tocontact Pastor Robert Flohrs at 540-656-7517 orrobert.flohrs@gmail.com.

NALC clergy cards coming soon

NALC clergy identification cards for 2016-2017 willbe mailed before Christmas. If you do not receiveyour card by January, please contact the NALC

Administrative Office at nalc.mnoffice@thenalc.orgor 888-551-7254.

Continued from Page 14

establish a daily devotional discipline. The ultimategoal, however, is to bring about a transformation ofyour congregational culture so that, throughdisciple-making, your members become moreintentional about evangelistic outreach.

If you want more information you may go to theNavigator Church Ministries website — navigatorchurchministries.org. Or, if you would liketo contact directly the NCM point person who hasbeen working with the NALC, email Dennis Blevinsat dennis4pdx@comast.net.

Pastor Don Brandt serves Our Savior’s LutheranChurch in Salem, Ore. You may contact him atdonb@oursaviorssalem.org.

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NALC Contact InformationNALC Ministry Office Bishop 3500 Mill Run Drive Bishop John BradoskyHilliard, OH 43026-7770 jbradosky@thenalc.org614-777-5709 bseifert@thenalc.org General Secretary

Pastor Mark ChavezNALC Administrative Office mchavez@thenalc.org2299 Palmer Drive, Suite 220 New Brighton, MN 55112-2202 Missions888-551-7254 or 651-633-6004 Pastor Gemechis Bubanalc.mnoffice@thenalc.org gbuba@thenalc.org

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NALC NewsPublished monthly by

North AmericanLutheran Church

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Phone: 614-777-5709

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Pastor David J. Baer, editornews@thenalc.org

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