Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

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

ELS Holds Annual Convention

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ELS Officers (left to right): Rev. Michael Smith, Vice President, 
Rev. Glenn Obenberger, President, and Rev. Craig Ferkenstad, Secretary.

The Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) held its annual convention from June 26-30, 2022 at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, USA. The convention essay, “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word” was delivered by Pastor S. Piet Van Kampen.
 
The new president of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Rev. Timothy Hartwig, was installed during a special Sunday service. Videos of the convention, including the installation, are available at www.vimeo.com/lutheranism.

Elections were held for the positions of President and Vice President. Rev. Glenn Obenberger was elected president after completing the term of Rev. John Moldstad, Jr., who was taken to be with his Lord in Heaven in January 2021. Rev. Michael Smith was elected as Vice President of the ELS.

The Evangelical Lutheran Synod was pleased to receive greetings from many of our friends in the CELC. The fellowship that we share as brothers and sisters in Christ is truly a treasure.

Submitted by Rev. Paul Fries, ELS Communication Director


Essayist Rev. S. Piet Van Kampen


Installation of Rev. Timothy Hartwig as President of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary
In Trinity Chapel at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota

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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