Pondering Pastor

We are gifted to have as part of the congregation I serve, people who look at the lessons and attempt to make the flowers aid in communicating the Gospel.  Last Sunday was Pentecost.  The liturgical color of the day is red, and so one would expect red carnations as part of the floral arrangements in worship.  Our floral designers go one better.

Pondering Pastor

Mormon Article of Faith #5

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

Augsburg Confession Chief Article of Faith #5 - Concerning Ministry in the Church

So that we may obtain this faith, the ministry of teaching the gospel and administering the sacraments was instituted. For through the Word and the sacraments as though instruments the Holy Spirit is given, who effects faith where and when it pleases God in those who hear the gospel, that is to say, in those who hear that God, not on account of our own merits but on account of Christ justifies those who believe that they are received into grace on account of Christ. Galatians 3: “So that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” [The churches among us’ condemn the Anabaptists and others who think that the Holy Spirit comes to human beings without the external Word through their own preparations and works.

Augsburg Confession Chief Article of Faith #14 - Concerning Concerning Church Order

Concerning church order [the churches among us] teach that no one should teach publicly in the church or administer sacraments unless properly called.

Commentary

There is actually pretty common agreement here.  ELCA Lutherans ordain men and women.  I believe that Mormons do not allow women to “administer the ordinances”.  Nevertheless, Mormons and Lutherans agree that good church order is important.

Pondering Pastor

I’m a bit nervous.

Tonight our “Theology on Tap” men’s group meets at a local pub.  Our topic is challenging, “Creationism, Intelligent Design, & Evolution”.  But that’s not the half of it.  Two local newspapers are sending reporters.  I’ve already done one interview for the background material.  It will be interesting to see how the newspaper reports it.

Pondering Pastor