I appreciate in particular your observation about dress and grooming. Our delegates send out an awful message to the world with that slackness of attention to standards of public self-presentation.
You've described every synodical convention I have attended. Perhaps the best description of convention behavior came from my vicarage supervisor who was a district president for twelve years. He described conventions as "a bunch of bulldogs pissing in every corner of the dog park to let everyone know that they are there."
While we're at it, let's give special mention to the obnoxious tactic of "calling the question," described by parliamentarians as the most abused and misunderstood of Roberts Rules. The proper term is to "move the previous question" and it is supposed to be used when the discussion has been exhausted, all sides have been heard, and nothing new is being offered from the floor. It is not intended as a tactic to force a premature vote or to cut off discussion.
"It is surprising that so many pastors, with so much training of the mind and in the art of public speaking, seem unable to organize their thoughts and deliver concise, impactful amendments or arguments for and in opposition."
We are sick and tired of hearing about international missions while American congregations continue to shrink and close. We are sick and tired of watching LCMS congregations aggressively striving to become non-denominational ones and to convert others to their cause. We are sick and tired of seeing all of the heated arguments in social media. We are sick and tired of watching LCMS and AALC pastors erect and knock down "Christian nationalist" strawmen. LCMS pastors want laymen "to shut up," but said pastors are doing nothing to address problems.
Is there any hope for the LCMS? Synod and district elections come and go. It does not matter who occupies the seats of power. They ignore dealing with decades-old issues. Church officials like things the way they are. Synod is advisory.
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.
The Spirit of the Age reigns supreme. At some point in the not so distant future, the young people will have to clean up this dumpster fire. Its just so tiring to watch it all burn.
We are statistically the oldest church body in the U.S. and you can't hide that from the lens.
There are many pastors wearing their clericals, many women in dresses or office attire, young men in suit coats, and older men in slacks and polos. They just aren't as noticeable as the guys in Hawaiian shirts or grunge attire.
I think it would behoove the synod to publish a dress code and to remind delegates that this is being viewed internationally.
Some things never change. May God bless the faithful remnant of this mess.
I appreciate in particular your observation about dress and grooming. Our delegates send out an awful message to the world with that slackness of attention to standards of public self-presentation.
You've described every synodical convention I have attended. Perhaps the best description of convention behavior came from my vicarage supervisor who was a district president for twelve years. He described conventions as "a bunch of bulldogs pissing in every corner of the dog park to let everyone know that they are there."
While we're at it, let's give special mention to the obnoxious tactic of "calling the question," described by parliamentarians as the most abused and misunderstood of Roberts Rules. The proper term is to "move the previous question" and it is supposed to be used when the discussion has been exhausted, all sides have been heard, and nothing new is being offered from the floor. It is not intended as a tactic to force a premature vote or to cut off discussion.
Bullseye! So glad someone uttered this truth. Thank you.
"It is surprising that so many pastors, with so much training of the mind and in the art of public speaking, seem unable to organize their thoughts and deliver concise, impactful amendments or arguments for and in opposition."
There's that Gold Standard again.
Gosh, so glad that residential Seminary education is paying off.
Seems like it is set up to just kick the can down the road on difficult decisions.
A microcosm of many parishes, sadly.
It would be a macrocosm, actually.
This is probably a super helpful article, but I read phrases like this:
"the floor somehow congealed into a North Carolina banked oval racing mentality.
Resolutions are being floored to the checkered flag without the driver even being buckled in."
and my brain literally shuts down because it seems like I'm reading AI.
Random overuse of disconnected analogies is the only mode of rhetoric AI is capable of producing.
Well, it’s not AI, and you’re welcome to run it through all the checkers.
We are sick and tired of hearing about international missions while American congregations continue to shrink and close. We are sick and tired of watching LCMS congregations aggressively striving to become non-denominational ones and to convert others to their cause. We are sick and tired of seeing all of the heated arguments in social media. We are sick and tired of watching LCMS and AALC pastors erect and knock down "Christian nationalist" strawmen. LCMS pastors want laymen "to shut up," but said pastors are doing nothing to address problems.
Is there any hope for the LCMS? Synod and district elections come and go. It does not matter who occupies the seats of power. They ignore dealing with decades-old issues. Church officials like things the way they are. Synod is advisory.
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.
--Upton Sinclair
"so many anodyne resolutions"
Characteristic of a calm convention.
The Spirit of the Age reigns supreme. At some point in the not so distant future, the young people will have to clean up this dumpster fire. Its just so tiring to watch it all burn.
Anything positive?
On camera,
- The worship services have been good. Rev. Daenzer brings an appropriate and welcome solemnity and reverence to his duties.
- Not sure how to classify it, but the Team Harrison political machine is impressive.
Off camera, the still photography is outstanding.
We are statistically the oldest church body in the U.S. and you can't hide that from the lens.
There are many pastors wearing their clericals, many women in dresses or office attire, young men in suit coats, and older men in slacks and polos. They just aren't as noticeable as the guys in Hawaiian shirts or grunge attire.
I think it would behoove the synod to publish a dress code and to remind delegates that this is being viewed internationally.
“… the many unkempt beards (which bring to mind Grizzly Adams, but without any aura)” Lol. Someone finally said it out loud. Thank you.
Thinking the same thing!
Let's not be too harsh about unkempt hair, lest we be seen as not approving the looks of one Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm W. 😅
https://share.google/4raWMWL5QfPVkdZ9X
Sure, because C. F. W. Walther's personal appearance can be fairly judged from one picture in his old age.
Can we get an analysis that relates the grooming standards of the speakers to their respective topics or persuasions?
Or was it bad across the board?
I would need to go into witness protection - this would stimulate more rage than the masculine-feminine coding of the District Convention workbooks.
When did we stop teaching boys that when you walk indoors, you take off your hat?