Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

ELFK Convention 2022 in Chemnitz

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From June 10-12, 2022, the pastors and delegates from the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church (ELFK) in Germany gathered in Trinity Church of Chemnitz for the 94th Convention. The 15 parishes were represented by two delegates each.

The doctrinal presentation dealt with “The Relevance of a Lutheran Confessional Church in a Pluralistic Environment.” ELFK’s vice president Rev. Jörg Kubitschek started in his speech with the changing conditions of the times and contrasted them with the lasting significance of biblical revelation. In the course of human history, nothing has changed about the fact that we human beings are sinners who are guilty again and again, and that God, in his grace through Christ, gives us eternal salvation. Because this message is never heard in most churches of our day, the ministry of a small confessional church like ELFK is urgently needed and in demand. How much the clear biblical Lutheran message is sought after is shown by the requests that reach our congregations again and again.

The convention heard reports on the work done in the various offices and committees since the last convention in 2021. As usual, these will be printed in the convention report booklet later. The motions addressed to the synod were adopted unanimously or by a large majority. They dealt with necessary adjustments to the salary and pension regulations and the directive on the work of the Concordia Bookstore. The convention gave its approval to the eighth part of the CELC confession “The Eternal Word” with the German title “God’s Work.”

Much time was taken up by the regular elections of the synodical council and the committee chairpersons. President Michael Herbst was confirmed in his office for a second term. In addition to Rev. J. Kubitschek, Rev. A. Drechsler, and church treasurer M. Voigt, Mr. Markus Riedel (Hartenstein) was newly elected to the synodical council. There were also new appointments for the chairmen of the Office of Church Music (Rev. A. Hoffmann), the Youth Team (Rev. M. Soucek), the Advisory Board of the Concordia Bookstore (R. Bruske), the Seminary Board of Trustees (Dr. M. Stöhr), the School Committee (Rev. M. Drechsler), and the Community Day Team (Rev. T. Hübener).

On Sunday, the convention celebrated a joyful service for the Feast of Holy Trinity in the fully occupied Trinity Church of Chemnitz. President M. Herbst preached on 2 Cor 5:18-21. In the afternoon meeting, guests from the USA (Prof. J. Danell and Prof. Souksamay Phetsanghane) and Albania (Rev. N. Bishka) were welcomed and reports were given on the mission work in the North of Germany (Rev. M. Wilde) and on the practical organization of the church fellowship with the FELS in Würzburg, which exists now for 10 years. The Chemnitz congregation was warmly thanked for their hospitality.

Submitted by ELFK President Michael Herbst


            The installation of ELFK officers in Trinity Church in Chemnitz

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies, committed to the teachings of the Lutheran Church found in the Book of Concord of 1580. Established in 1993 with thirteen churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to include thirty-four church bodies today.

Every three years, representatives from CELC churches gather for fellowship and theological study at an international convention. Regional meetings are held in alternate years. These gatherings provide spiritual encouragement for confessional Lutherans who often find themselves quite isolated. Visitors are always welcome at these gatherings

Joint work of the CELC includes the writing of The Eternal Word: A Lutheran Confession for the Twenty-First Century, which testifies to the unity of doctrine enjoyed by CELC churches. The CELC also has a commission to help coordinate and improve theological training in CELC churches.

Speaking about the heart and core of the CELC, former President Gaylin Schmeling wrote:  “The CELC stands ready to give answer to the confident hope of salvation in Christ that is within us. It is a refuge for those seeking confessional homes and a beacon shining the light of the Gospel in a sin-darkened world. Here the central truth of the Reformation, justification by faith alone, continues to be proclaimed. We are declared righteous by nothing we do or accomplish, but alone on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work which is counted as ours through faith in the Savior. He accomplished salvation for all on the cross and announced it to all by His resurrection, declaring the whole world righteous in Christ. This treasure is brought to us personally through the means of grace and is received by faith alone in the Savior which is worked through those very means of grace.”

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