News from the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia

In my days (Sept 17-19) spent as a non-voting delegate at the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia, the church in which I serve, I was struck by two themes - peacemaking and mission. 

Bishop Alfred Eichholz from Kyrgyzstan, representing the Union of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (i.e., the association of Lutheran church bodies in most of the states of the former Soviet Union), spoke about peacemaking during the sermon at opening worship. Bishop Eicholz chose a timely theme, since all of us continue to be greatly concerned about the situation in Ukraine. It would not have been possible, I think, to find one common position among even the small number of delegates that attend the synod assembly, but it was at very least helpful to be reminded that as those who have been reconciled with God through Christ, we are to be engaged in the ministry of reconciliation. 

This was not unrelated, of course, to the theme of mission, which we spoke about more explicitly later in the day. Particularly important in this regard was the paper presented by the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, Martin Junge. Dr. Junge gave a lecture that challenged synod delegates to think hard about the goals and limits of mission. Initial discussion seemed to indicate that there is a need to integrate at a deeper level that mission is not something we do, but that God does, not something that is one task of the church among many, but that in everything we do we would be seeking to work together with God to make God's love manifest.

A slide from Bishop Brauer's presentation on how
he imagined what our church could look like.

Such an understanding of mission, if I understand correctly, is held by Dietrich Brauer, my former student at the Novosaratovka seminary, Bishop of European Russia and recently the "Acting Archbishop" of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia. Electing Bishop Brauer as Archbishop (without the limited time frame and scope of responsibilities that the word "Acting" suggested) will help this church go forward in a way that puts the theme of mission squarely in front of the whole church.  It was after hearing his report (not so much about the work that has been done as about his proposals for a common vision of our identity and call) that I realized that our church is making slow but significant steps forward, coming into its own, even as many long-term challenges remain with us for the time being. 

My responsibility at this synod was to speak about one of the ways we are addressing the church's long-term needs - education. I presented an initial report on my experience this year as the leader of the "Equipping for Service" project, an attempt to address the need for education in the church by organizing events (retreats, seminars, etc.) throughout this vast land. I've been blessed to have the opportunity to run this program so far, and am thankful for all of those (including some that might be reading this blog) who have helped support it.

My official commissioning as head of the "Equipping...." project.

Synod delegates, staff and guests

I will conclude this post by including here the note I wrote to Bishop Brauer on the day after his election as Archbishop. More than anything else it summarizes my feelings about the General Synod and my hopes for this church's future. 

* * *
Dear Bishop Brauer,

As a rule I usually feel quite awkward about either receiving or giving congratulations in the context of ministry in the church. It doesn't fit, somehow – after all, we acknowledge that our achievements here are not our own. We believe that successful ministry happens because in God's great mercy we have been provided with what is necessary to bring about that success – the right circumstances, the appropriate gifts, the proper skills, education, and character. Whether dealing with difficult situations or finding ways to take full advantage of new opportunities, we trust that the Spirit is guiding us. In moments like this, then, when we see before us a concrete manifestation of grace, my first reaction is to be thankful.

So instead of congratulating you, dear brother Dietrich, with your election as Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia, I would like instead simply to express my feeling of deep gratitude to God for providing you and others to help lead this church as it seeks to share the gift of Christ's love for a hurting world.

My thanks also goes out to you, personally. You have been a faithful steward of gifts that you have been given, setting an example (perhaps it is even appropriate to speak of a standard) of excellence in ministry. Your compassion, commitment, energy and vision for mission have already had a significant impact on the church here, and I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to continue the journey of ministry together.

Yours in Christ,

Bradn