Here's a brief update on "Issues, Etc."

1).  The on-line petition has crossed the 5,000 mark.  That's amazing!

2).  The chairman of the Board of Communications (David Strang) has finally placed an explanation on the LCMS website as to why the program was pulled--supposedly, it was losing money, lots of money.  Fair enough.  That is certainly a good reason to discontinue the broadcast.

3).  But if bureaucrats can do wonders with explanations (such as we saw with President Kieschnick), they can also do a number with numbers.  Several respondents (with knowledge of the situation, and with pointed questions about the manner in which the "loss" was calculated) have raised real doubts about the arguments presented in  the chairman's explanation.  Turns out his "answer" only raises more questions.

For the latest on the on-going saga, Click here: Bring Back Issues Etc.   Meanwhile, one of the best forums for Reformation theology/thought has been silenced.

So far, the only "official" communication from the LCMS about the cancellation of "Issues, Etc." was the rather lame statement posted on the "Issues, Etc.," website, to the effect that the program was canceled due to "business" and programmatic "reasons."

But the LCMS president, Gerald Kieschnick, has issued his own statement.  “The KFUO decision transpired with my awareness but neither by my order nor at my direction.”

This is about as bad as it gets--typical bureaucrat-speak, placing President Kieschnick on par with any politician.

But if you look this up in the "Bureaucrat to English" dictionary, the meaning is perfectly clear.  "Of course, I am behind it.  But if you think I'm gonna take the fall for this, you're crazy."

As one of my Lutheran friends pointed out, the great irony is that President Kieschnick's evasion of responsibility, actually robbed his largely German underlings of their best and most often used excuse--"I was only following orders." 

For the latest news on the situation regarding "Issues, Etc." go here:  Click here: Bring Back Issues Etc.  This blog is updated regularly, has all the latest news, links, and instructions about how to register your protest.

If you haven't, be sure to sign the on-line petition (now over 4300), and keep sending emails to the "powers that be."  If you have a moment, read through the names and comments in the on-line petition.  People from every age, station in life, ethnicity, and background, all describe how much they love hearing the gospel.  It is very encouraging. 

There are some encouraging signs that this decision may be reversed (or at least the board of communications will be forced to reconsider).  But it is vital that we keep up the pressure--especially before that meeting.   What makes the biggest impression on an LCMS bureaucrat is an email from someone who is not LCMS, but who enjoys "Issues, Etc." and who then takes the time to send an email of complaint.  Bureaucrats hate to be questioned.  So, by all means, question them!

Apparently, there is great angst in the LCMS headquarters due to the out-pouring of complaints in response to the cancellation of "Issues, Etc." 

So, please keep those emails and phone calls rolling in (see below)!  Nothing worse to a bureaucrat than an email box full of complaints--the sure sign of a PR disaster!   

There is also an on-line petition you can sign--be sure to identify your church (especially if you are not LCMS).  The goal is 5000 + names.   If you haven't signed yet, be sure to sign it soon.  I'm told this is having a real impact!

 Click here: Issues Etc. Petition

For the latest information on Rev. Wilken, Jeff Schwarz (the program's producer) and attempts to keep "Issues, Etc.," on the air,  Click here: Bring Back Issues Etc.

Several friends who know how the LCMS works,  have written me about how we can best respond to the cancellation of "Issues, Etc."  Calls and emails will have great effect.  Please take the time to do this!

First, if you have benefited from "Issues, Etc.," tell them so, and express your disappointment at their decision.

Second, if you are not LCMS, be sure to let them know that.  Emails and calls from non-LCMS folk will have the most impact.

Third, let them know your thoughts about the way this was done, and how it negatively impacts your impression of the LCMS.  Church bureaucrats are especially sensitive to criticism of their methods.

The two people who need to hear from us soon are:

LCMS President, Rev Dr Gerald Kieschnick, 314 996 1402, president@lcms.org

and,  

David Strand: (LCMS Board of Communications), David.Strand@lcms.org

Please take a minute and send them both an email!  Maybe, we can turn this around!
 

Here's the schedule for Easter week services at Christ Reformed Church.   Click here: Christ Reformed Info - The Latest News - Holy Week Schedule

If you live in So Cal, you are cordially invited to join us for Easter week services -- Maundy Thursday (7:30 PM), Good Friday (7:30 PM) and Easter (10:30 AM).  Our focus this year is on Christ's three-fold office of prophet, priest, and king.

Do you go to the Academy @ Christ Reformed in Anaheim, and listen to Dr. Riddlebarger's lecture on "The Covenantal Context" for eschatology?   Click here: Christ Reformed Info - Schedule of Academy Classes and Author's Forums - March 7 -- "Amillennialism 101 -- Covenan

Or do you go to the Oceanside URC, and watch a live taping of the White Horse Inn?  Click here: http://www.oceansideurc.org/ - Pilgrims & Parish (Danny Hyde) - - Live Taping of the White Horse Inn this Friday

Decisions, decisions . . .