I'm sitting on a couch in a rather warm, un-air-conditioned room at Concordia University in Irvine. I'm here with the LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) for a conference on mission. Now, for those of you unfamiliar with the alphabet soup of denominationalism, the LCMS is known widely as the conservative branch of Lutheranism in North America. They would point out that they are WAY to the left of the Wisconsin Synod. I'm just entertained by the fact their both named for other states and yet they have churches in California.
I got to go out to dinner last night with a few presenters and some mission-minded Pastors. Around the table was a guy who worked on a bunch of TV shows (including House!!!), a veteran producer, a guy who produced Snoop Dogg DVDs, and a couple of guys from the band The Daylights who just finished opening up for One Republic (...it's too late to apologize... - you know the song). All of them were Jesus' disciples, and all of them took their art and their faith seriously. It was an amazing conversation to witness and be a part of.
It used to be that these guys working in hollywood would have been villified for being part of the evil establishment of the "liberal" entertainment industry. Instead, this group of theologically conservative pastors embraced these young artists as brothers, fellow-pilgrims, and fellow apprentices - learning to follow Jesus and live as Jesus would in a place where Jesus and his followers are often mocked.
There is indeed a holy discontent alive and well in the Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod. The pastors I got to know last night are tired of fighting the old fights. They are looking for the Church to move past knee-jerk reactions and criticisms so that the Church can be known for its love, its intelligence, and its support for good art.
In the words of Bono, "God is on the move"...
A heartfelt thanks to my friends in the Missouri Synod. Keep dreaming Jesus' dreams...
God's Peace, Rich
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
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