WA board member reports on annual convention

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WA board member reports on annual convention

by Rodger Johnson (WordAlone board member, New Braunfels, Texas)

April 18, 2008

[Editor’s note: This article is an edited version of Rodger Johnson’s report on the WordAlone Network annual convention at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minn., April 13-14. He sent it to the pastors in his synod and his friends after returning home from the convention this week. He also sent it to the other WA board members and commented, “It is such a wonderful experience to be with the WA board and those that attend the convention. These events truly inspire me with God's presence.” More detailed reports of the convention will be included in the next issue of the Network News, which will be mailed in early May.] photo of Rodger Johnson

The convention keynote speakers made powerful presentations. Rev. James G. Kallas, Ph.D., retired college president and professor, former missionary and author spoke on “From Worms to Marburg – Our Problem Today.” Rev. Gary R. Jepsen, pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Puyallup, Wash, spoke on “Equipping the Saints for Ministry.” A detailed outline of Kallas’ paper and the text of Jepsen’s paper will soon be posted on the WA web site. CDs and DVDs of the keynote speakers will soon be available. You may download the order form at www.wordalone.org/pdf/2008-order-form.pdf

Pastor Jaynan Clark Egland, President, made her annual report in which she summarized the steady growth of the network and all of the ministries that have grown out of WA. She said that with many people being fooled by denominational leaders and popular figures like Oprah Winfrey into believing that Jesus is not the only way, truth and life, WA’s ministry is becoming all the more essential.

Sola Publishing, the new publishing venture of the WordAlone Network, unveiled its first offering of publications at the convention. Sola’s first educational materials for youth and adults are the work of Pastor Steven King, WA’s Education Director, but he plans on having additional writers produce materials for Sola Publishing. Pastor King serves at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake, Minn. and part-time for WA.

WordAlone made available its first published book, “By What Authority? – Confronting Churches Who No Longer Believe Their Own Message.” The book is a collection of twenty-six essays written by laypersons, pastors and theologians from across North America. The book can be ordered from the WA office - 888-551-7254 or wa.mnoffice@popp.net and costs $14.95 plus tax and shipping.

Dennis Bielfeldt, Ph.D, Director of The Institute of Lutheran Theology, one of the offspring of the WordAlone Network, updated the convention on accredited postgraduate courses (M.A. and S.T.M.), as well as the educational courses developed for laypersons. All courses are web based, available in archived and live versions with interaction between the presenter and other logged-on students.

Lutheran CORE and Lutheran Churches of the Common Confession (LC3) held their annual gatherings in conjunction with the WA convention. Lutheran CORE added a fifth goal to its previous four, making disciples of all nations and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. LC3 voted to move under the umbrella of Lutheran CORE and work more closely with the coalition for reform.

Three WA board members were reelected for three-year terms – Irv Aal, Surprise, Ariz., Carl Fynboe, Lakewood, Wash., and Phil Wold, Mankato, Minn. Pastor David McGettigan, Ocean City, NJ, was elected to his first term on the board. He takes the place of Pastor Paul Andell, Philadelphia, Penn., who had served two three-year terms and was not eligible to serve again.