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. . .
Questions For ELCA Leadership
Exposing the ELCA has put together a list of over 30 questions to be used when asking bishops or pastors about the ELCA. They are questions which tackle many issues, and they will help to clarify the ELCA’s positions. For a gift of $100 or more to the work of Exposing the ELCA, we will send you this helpful resource.
Standing Up For The Truth - Be Strong in the Lord (pdf Power Point)
What you and your ELCA congregation can do. . .
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 - 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. . .
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.
ELCA Versus LCMC: Myths and Facts - From Bethel Luth. in CO (pdf file)
Myth:
A pastor who leaves the ELCA will loose their retirement benefits.
Fact:
A pastor who leaves the ELCA may retain all their retirement accounts with the ELCA Board of Pensions (BOP), transfer them to
the LCMC-provided investment opportunities, or transfer them to any private retirement programs of their choice. Likewise, the
served congregation can continue to contribute to the pastor’s retirement plan regardless of where that plan is held. . .
Answers About Pensions and Health Care Issues for Pastors Who Leave ELCA
. . .Pastors who have not yet retired can continue to receive ELCA health, retirement, disability and survivor benefits as long as an eligible employer sponsors them in the ELCA Pension and Other Benefits Program. . .
News on ELCA BOP/"Portico" and NALC Pastors and Congregations
. . .Within the past week we were contacted by the new President and CEO of the BOP, Rev. Jeff Thiemann, who informed us that the BOP board of directors has decided to impose consequences far beyond the original intent of our agreement with the BOP. . . the BOP will no longer permit any of our congregations to participate in the healthcare or pension program effective January 1, 2012. . .
LCMC’s Status as a "Lutheran Church Body"
. . .Apparently, the ELCA may take the position that LCMC is not a Lutheran church body. Assuming this is, in fact, the position held by the ELCA, then the ELCA is incorrect. . .
Augustana District "Church Talk"
. . . a service to provide conversation and support for people finding themselves in various situations. . .- pastors who have led, or who are leading, their churches out of the ELCA. - Surviving the bruises and personal hurts experienced. . .
