Planning is well underway for the 66th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, to be held July 9-14 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.
The convention theme — “Upon This Rock: Repent, Confess, Rejoice” — is based on Matt. 16:18: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
“This rock” refers to the glorious confession of who Christ is, made by Peter on behalf of all the disciples. It includes the keys, which Jesus immediately gives to Peter on behalf of all believers (Matt. 16:13-19; 18:18; John 20:21-23; Treatise 25). In Jesus, the Bible tells believers that they have a rock-solid confession (John 14:6).
Since the New Testament has three vital and distinct uses of the word “confess,” the convention will emphasize:
- confession as repentance, and the need for our Savior in these dark times (John 1:9; Acts 19:18),
- confession as evangelical witness to the world about the truth of Jesus, for the salvation of souls (John 1:20; 9:22; Rom. 10:9f.; 1 Tim. 6:12; 1 John 2:23; 4:2) and
- confession as the joyous praise of the Lord for His glorious gifts and the salvation of many (Matt. 11:25; Rom. 15:9ff.; 1 John 1:1-4).
The LCMS convention will begin with an opening Divine Service at 7:30 p.m. July 9 (pre-service music begins at 7 p.m.). Then, business will be conducted until 6 p.m. each full day. There are 19 floor committees, and 18 of those will gather May 27-30 in St. Louis to review overtures and develop resolutions to be included in the first issue of Today’s Business, which will be available the beginning of June.
The convention will include worship opportunities and an essayist each day. On the evening of July 11, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., will host an evening event on its campus for attendees.
Beginning with the March issue, all delegates to the convention are receiving the print edition of Reporter gratis. Most of those added to the list in March are lay delegates who have not been been receiving the newspaper. The 2016 convention delegates will continue receiving Reporter through the August 2019 edition.
Visit lcms.org/convention and facebook.com/LCMSConvention to stay up-to-date on convention news.
Posted Feb. 29, 2016
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Confessional but not Missional.
The church continues to shrink.
Alan,
I love the LCMS. I love our liturgy, Creeds, and hymns of praise. But what exactly, does “Confessional” mean?
Isn’t this our “Confession of Faith”?
Grace Alone~ Faith Alone~ Scriptures Alone~
I found this quote from Martin Luther, on the internet: (is this a true quote below from Martin Luther?)
“I only ask in all kindness that the man who wishes at this time to have my books will by no means let them be a hindrance to his own study of the Scriptures, but read them as I read the orders of the pope and the books of the sophists.” ― Martin Luther, Works of Martin Luther With Introductions and Notes
“No, I’m not drunk or impulsive. I know what I am saying and understand fully what this will mean for me as I stand before the Lord Jesus Christ on the Last Day. No one should think that I am joking or rambling. I’m serious! By God’s grace, I know Satan very well. If Satan can turn God’s Word upside down and pervert the Scriptures, what will he do with my words — or the words of others?” ― Martin Luther
Dear Jesus, in Your mercy continue to gather Your Church together in Your Word alone, with tender, loving care! Amen