Commentaries on the Common Confession

Members of the Steering Committee for Lutheran CORE have published seven brief papers on the articles of the Common Confession. You can find them as 'pdf' files able to be downloaded from the “Common Confession” page on the LC3 website. Just go to: www.commonconfession.net/confessmainset.htm and click on “Commentary” for the particular article you want to look at.

These essays not only explain the meaning behind the articles of the Common Confession, they also help to draw connections with how our confession of faith relates to current issues in the ELCA. In addition, the seven commentaries can serve as background resources for the new bible study on the Common Confession, to be made available later this week.

A New Phase of Growth

“And day by day the Lord added to their number …” (Acts 2:47)

With the addition of Immanuel Lutheran Church, of Delhi NY, we are pleased to announce that the LC3 has reached the milestone of 50 member congregations! In addition, there are a number of churches that are currently in the process of introducing the Common Confession to their members, and expect to join soon. We continue to add new congregations, individual members, and/or email contacts every week. It is great to see how our partnership keeps growing!

With a base of active congregations, we are ready to move into the next phase of growth. A new mailing will go out next week to several hundred congregations, introducing the LC3 and inviting churches to consider joining our association. The word is spreading. If you see a neighboring church on the LC3 “Congregations” list, please give them a call. Ask about how your churches might work together, and strengthen each other in the mission of Christ.

What Do You Think?

We’ve been thinking about a retooling of the association’s logo. We all like the original LCCC logo, but have wondered if it might be better to incorporate the more common three symbol designation “L-C-3” – which has become our short-hand abbreviation for referring to the Lutheran Churches of the Common Confession. Here’s an attempt at a new logo, presented for your review. Tell us what you think; or let us know if you think the original is better. Click on comments (below) to post a response.

Convention Report 2006

Nearly 400 people gathered at Calvary Lutheran in Golden Valley, MN for the 2006 WordAlone Convention. Gathering under the theme: “Pulpits, Pews, Parents,” the Lutheran Churches of the Common Confession (LC3) was one of the highlights of the convention. Presentations by Pastors Steve King, Scott Grorud, Paull Spring and Randy Freund centered on The Common Confession and its relationship to Lutheran Core and the LC3.

Nearly 60 people attended the two workshops hosted by the LC3 Steering Committee. Questions and conversations centered on the relationship between Lutheran Core, LC3 and WordAlone, as well as the future goals and aims of LC3. The Steering Committee found the conversation helpful as we move forward. They met separately during the convention to do planning for the future. A mass mailing, a Bible study on The Common Confession, and a mission brochure/catalogue will be the first areas addressed. We also see the need for more leaders to assist the steering committee.

Since the work of LC3 is intentionally regional and local, the work of LC3 will differ from region to region. This was stressed during the plenary session for LC3 churches. A request was made for an advisory council to assist the Steering Committee. The committee itself was elected for a one year term; and will come with recommendations for bylaws and organizational structure at our next annual meeting.

Churches were invited to join the work of LC3. WordAlone churches, in particular, were encouraged to work together as a part of LC3, joining by simple church council vote. For more information, remember to go the website: http://www.commonconfession.net/ or the blog site: http://commonconfession.blogspot.com/ . Another place for conversation is the “LC3” discussion email list, for congregational representatives and pastors. The general public may also sign up for “LC3-announce” list for news and information.

Randy Fruend, LC3 Steering Committee Chair

Has Your Church Joined?

Three more congregations have adopted the Common Confession, and have become a part of the LC3. They include: American Lutheran of Long Prairie, MN; Redeemer Lutheran of Henderson, MN; and Zion's Stone Lutheran of New Ringgold, PA. There are a few more churches who will soon be bringing it to a vote.

If your church has voted to adopt the Common Confession but is not yet listed on the “Our Congregations” page, it is probably because we have not yet received an official letter indicating the congregational action. Please check to make sure a letter has been sent on the church’s letterhead, signed by the church president. If there is an omission from our list, please let us know as well. Contact us at LC3@charter.net .

East European Mission Network

One of the mission groups featured at our recent LC3 convention was the East European Missions Network (EEMN). The EEMN is an evangelical, inter-Lutheran mission organization that is called to work in what predominantly were formerly Soviet bloc countries. Incorporated in 1992, their primary focus is evangelism and discipleship, with the long term goal of renewing and restoring the Body of Christ after generations of persecution and destruction at the hands of atheistic, communist governments. Working directly through fulltime EEMN missionaries and in close partnership with indigenous leaders and ministries in these countries, they are actively training the leaders of tomorrow. In addition, through innovative outreach in Russian public schools and elsewhere, they are seeing at times entire classrooms coming to personal faith in Jesus Christ.

The LC3 recommends EEMN as a ministry that your congregation might like to sponsor. For more information, go to their website at: http://www.eemn.org/

Joining the LC3 by Council Vote

The recent convention at Calvary Lutheran in Golden Valley provided the opportunity to talk about the LC3 with people who were interested in hearing more. It was also the opportunity for the Steering Committee to listen to questions and suggestions. One item that was discussed in workshops had to do with the process required for a congregation to join the LC3.

The question came up regarding whether it was necessary for a church to hold a special congregational meeting to join the LC3, or whether a church Council vote was satisfactory. Many thought that Council action would be sufficient -- especially if the congregation had already voted to be a part of WordAlone or Lutheran CORE.

Here is Our Response: To express the desire to become a part of the LC3, we have recommended that churches vote to adopt the Common Confession at a congregational meeting – with the hope that this would help the whole congregation get on board. But all along, we have said that churches may join the LC3 by a simple Church Council vote as well. Pastors and officers need to choose which action best suits the needs and polity of their particular congregation. Either is acceptable.

Since the WordAlone Network and Lutheran CORE are partner organizations of the LC3, for the sake of expediency, it makes sense that churches who are already members of these groups might choose to simply affirm the Common Confession at a regular council meeting.

Remember, when a church adopts the Common Confession, they should notify us by sending a letter on congregational letterhead, to the LC3 Secretary at: 2299 Palmer Drive, Suite #220, New Brighton, MN 55112.