Advice and help for churches looking to leave the ELCA
“Leaving the ELCA” Series
Should I leave the ELCA? This is a question that many congregations and members in North America’s largest Lutheran church body are beginning to ask. Recent changes in ministry policy that allow the ordaining of practicing homosexuals are bringing a significant challenge to the traditional understanding of the Bible and its authority for Christian life. However, this is only the most recent development in a long history of problematic decisions by the ELCA. After a decade of concerted effort WordAlone has reached the conclusion that the theological decay of the ELCA cannot be stemmed or reformed. . .
Regular and Special Congregational Meetings
For congregations that are considering votes to disaffiliate with the ELCA in connection with their upcoming annual meetings, we recommend that you check your church constitution to see if such a vote can take place at a regularly called annual meeting, or if it is required to take place at a "special congregational meeting" called for that purpose . . .
Standing Up For The Truth - Be Strong in the Lord (pdf Power Point)
What you and your ELCA congregation can do. . .
Administration of Voting at Meetings
Given that many churches are planning for important votes at upcoming congregational meetings, some have asked questions about how votes should best be conducted. Here is some advice on how your congregation can do that well:. . .
What can we do now that the ELCA has voted to allow practicing homosexuals to serve as ordained pastors?
. . .As you talk to others in your church about this crisis, gather as large a group as possible to meet with your pastor(s) to let them know that you understand how serious this issue is. If your pastor also understands, that can give him/her courage to lead. Many pastors are deeply and understandably afraid of conflict, but knowing that a significant group of church members will support him/her makes it more possible for them to lead more boldly. . .
Reasons to Leave the ELCA Tri-Fold Brochure
This brochure is designed to help inform your friends, neighbors and fellow church members as to the teachings and beliefs of the ELCA. Great for handing out to your friends, small group, at church forums, etc.
How We Left ELCA and Thrived - by Rev. Dr. Daniel G. Gilbert (pdf file)
(tells this churches' experience & has lots of helpful information)
“. . .But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory.” (2 Chronicles 20:17)
This is not “your” battle. This is the Lord’s work. If you truly believe that you are standing in the will of the Lord then there is no need for you to “fight” but simply take your “position,” “stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. . . ”
How to Write a Petition
Need a little help writing a petition? Here is a website that will guide you. It is a great resource to use as you encourage your church council to take action to leave the ELCA.
Helping Churches in Transition
(If your church has interest in becoming a member of the LCMC) . . .
There are people you can talk to for guidance and support. Below are listed some individuals who have offered their assistance. They do not officially represent our District, but they are "friends" of Augustana who are willing to help in whatever ways they can. . .
Tips on How to Find a Good Church
Are you looking for a good church that aligns with Biblical principles? Here are questions to ask the pastor when you are looking for a new church home. . .
Sample Ballots
"It was requested that I post a “sample” ballot that might be used at special congregational meetings, where policy decisions and affiliation questions are being voted on. . ."
What to Expect from the Bishops by James A. Nestingen
. . .Those who stand with the biblical word on sexual matters, who therefore stand with the largest majority of Lutherans and other Christians throughout the world, are in the ELCA a minority without standing. If like Luther, your conscience is bound by the word of God, you can’t count on either the bishop’s respect or encouragement. Rather, you have to expect that no matter what your previous relationship, the bishop regards you as a problem to be solved and will use the office accordingly.
For congregations that are considering votes to disaffiliate with the ELCA in connection with their upcoming annual meetings, we recommend that you check your church constitution to see if such a vote can take place at a regularly called annual meeting, or if it is required to take place at a "special congregational meeting" called for that purpose . . .
Standing Up For The Truth - Be Strong in the Lord (pdf Power Point)
What you and your ELCA congregation can do. . .
Administration of Voting at Meetings
Given that many churches are planning for important votes at upcoming congregational meetings, some have asked questions about how votes should best be conducted. Here is some advice on how your congregation can do that well:. . .
What can we do now that the ELCA has voted to allow practicing homosexuals to serve as ordained pastors?
. . .As you talk to others in your church about this crisis, gather as large a group as possible to meet with your pastor(s) to let them know that you understand how serious this issue is. If your pastor also understands, that can give him/her courage to lead. Many pastors are deeply and understandably afraid of conflict, but knowing that a significant group of church members will support him/her makes it more possible for them to lead more boldly. . .
Reasons to Leave the ELCA Tri-Fold Brochure
This brochure is designed to help inform your friends, neighbors and fellow church members as to the teachings and beliefs of the ELCA. Great for handing out to your friends, small group, at church forums, etc.
How We Left ELCA and Thrived - by Rev. Dr. Daniel G. Gilbert (pdf file)
(tells this churches' experience & has lots of helpful information)
“. . .But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory.” (2 Chronicles 20:17)
This is not “your” battle. This is the Lord’s work. If you truly believe that you are standing in the will of the Lord then there is no need for you to “fight” but simply take your “position,” “stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. . . ”
How to Write a Petition
Need a little help writing a petition? Here is a website that will guide you. It is a great resource to use as you encourage your church council to take action to leave the ELCA.
Helping Churches in Transition
(If your church has interest in becoming a member of the LCMC) . . .
There are people you can talk to for guidance and support. Below are listed some individuals who have offered their assistance. They do not officially represent our District, but they are "friends" of Augustana who are willing to help in whatever ways they can. . .
Tips on How to Find a Good Church
Are you looking for a good church that aligns with Biblical principles? Here are questions to ask the pastor when you are looking for a new church home. . .
Sample Ballots
"It was requested that I post a “sample” ballot that might be used at special congregational meetings, where policy decisions and affiliation questions are being voted on. . ."
What to Expect from the Bishops by James A. Nestingen
. . .Those who stand with the biblical word on sexual matters, who therefore stand with the largest majority of Lutherans and other Christians throughout the world, are in the ELCA a minority without standing. If like Luther, your conscience is bound by the word of God, you can’t count on either the bishop’s respect or encouragement. Rather, you have to expect that no matter what your previous relationship, the bishop regards you as a problem to be solved and will use the office accordingly.