AM Sessions:
9:00 to 10:15 and 10:45 to 12:00 Noon
The Relationship of Autonomous Congregations within the CLB Synod (working title)
Description:
We confess, The Church of the Lutheran Brethren practices the congregational form of church government and the autonomy of the local congregation. The office of pastor and elder is to be filled by men only. The synodical administration has an advisory function as it relates to the congregation and an administrative function as it relates to the cooperative efforts of the congregations. –CLB Statement of Faith, paragraph J.
A persistent issue in our Church is how to understand and function in our synod which confesses the (visible) church is located in congregations of confessing Christian while these congregations are members of a synod. The Church of the Lutheran Brethren believes the congregations are gathered believers under Jesus Christ within the family of God (hence, the autonomy) but united by calling and promise in a synod which administers the cooperative ministries of the congregations.
The question to be addressed is, “What is the nature of this relationship and the extent of the authority given an individual congregation and given to the family of congregations, the synod?”
Asked in a different way, the question is, “Who is responsible for the mission the Lord Jesus has entrusted the to Lutheran Brethren congregations?”
Some specific questions that might be included are:
- What responsibilities does a congregation have to the family (synod) of congregations? Do these responsibilities place limits on their autonomy?
- Can CLB congregations adopt any internal structure they desire? (Note the SOF paragraph stating the autonomy of the congregation also restricts who can be a (congregational) pastor and elder.)
- Can a CLB congregation expect other CLB congregations to participate in the cooperative efforts of the congregations?
- What authority is given to congregational pastors and elders in the congregation and to what authority are pastors and elders accountable?
Presenters: Rev. GT Gunhus and Elder Ken Peeders
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