In my district, startup funds for new church plants only go to the planting of unorthodox churches that result in contemporary or, at best, "blended" services and a blending of denominational teachings. Ultimately, they are non-denominational churches funded by the LCMS. To be quite honest, I don't see how this could possibly serve to "grow" the shrinking LCMS. Non-denominational churches are a dime a dozen and can be found around every corner. There is no help or support available from the district for traditional churches, except for the type of help that would "revitalize" a traditional church and make it more "relevant." I ask you, "What could be more relevant than a church focused on God's pure unaltered Word and our confessions?"

Traditional, liturgical LCMS churches are few and far between here. Confessional Lutherans often must travel far to attend an orthodox Lutheran church. Sometimes the distance is too great. Many would rather not attend at all rather than attend a non-denominational church funded by the LCMS. After all, we are warned in Scripture to flee false teachers. How can the LCMS expect to grow if they are ashamed of their true identity?

My family used to attend the only LCMS church in my town. The pastor delivered the same 40 days of purpose sermons as the non-denominational church around the corner. The youth pastor used the same purpose driven curriculum as the non-denominational church around the corner. Needless to say, works righteousness and decision theology were creeping into the church. Purpose driven materials are Baptist after all. Few in that congregation had ever heard of the Book of Concord, and there was certainly no attempt to teach about it.

We no longer attend the local "LCMS" church but instead drive quite a distance to attend an LCMS church that uses the liturgy as laid out in the hymnal, follows the lectionary, confesses the Creeds and uses CPH materials for Sunday school. The pastor understands the importance of preaching God's unaltered Word and keeping Christ front and center. He is passionate about teaching and warning the laity of false teachings.

I hope this doesn't sound like a rant. This is a serious problem in our LCMS. Please, consider this a plea for help. I pray for our leaders daily.

Lord, have mercy.