Transformation & tradition

Lutheran, The, Oct 2001 by Hill, Doug

My View

They really aren't at odds

The numbers tell a sad, serious truth. While the U.S. population continues to increase, ELCA membership decreases. All around us we hear calls for transformation, change and innovation. Haven't we been there and done that? What about tradition? What about our heritage? Is there any part of our history that U.S. Lutherans can cling to as we traverse this turbulent sea of the 21 st century? Let's hear a resounding "yes." We've done it before.

From 1820 to 1918 Lutheran synods, pastors and congregations made "home missions" their top priority. Each congregation sought to reach the struggling soul who had departed the native soil, making the trek to the New World in search of liberty and hope. Each congregation provided a snug harbor for uncertain people to see familiar faces, hear Jesus' message in their native tongue and then gather for a covered dish of their native foods, bolstering courage and strength to build a better life out of foreign soil. It worked.

This honorable, helpful heritage could still serve us today. The faces and native tongues have changed. But America overflows with struggling people still looking for liberty and hope. Today the people in the naves of our congregations still seek freedom from the stresses, fears, anxieties and abuses of this world. They yearn to be accepted as they are, to find places of respite from the demanding and judgmental U.S. culture and to be among people who genuinely offer unconditional love and support.

What if we were to be as aware of the people in our neighborhoods as the 19th century Lutherans were about theirs? What if 21 st century Lutherans concentrated on becoming living witnesses of Jesus by making our congregations safe places through ministries directed toward the specific struggles and pains of today's communities? What if we were to convince ourselves that being Lutheran is not about preserving a culture but proclaiming a living, growing faith? What if we were to care about our frightened fellow humans just as passionately as 19th century Lutherans cared about their apprehensive country people?

A return to "home missions" (laity and clergy acting as one to make reaching the struggling person their primary concern) would invigorate the church in a way not seen since the day of Pentecost. Instead of seeing transformation as a rejection of our heritage, let's view it as a return to the richest, healthiest, best parts of being Lutheran in the United States.

Material for "My View" should be no longer than 400 words. Readers may submit opinions on a current societal event or issue or on issues in the life of this church. These reader viewpoints do not necessarily reflect the views of The Lutheran or the positions of the ELCA. Send your views to "My View," The Lutheran, 8765 W Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631-4183; Fax (773) 380-2751; E-mail: lutheran@elca.org.

By: Doug Hill

Hill serves as pastor of Celebration Lutheran Church, Mount Juliet, Tenn.