LCMS Praesidium Arrives at Political Solution to Justification Error
by Rev. Jack Cascione

 

Rev. Robert Nordlie was found guilty of confusing Law and Gospel, but will remain an LCMS pastor. On March 29, 1999, after more than three years of hearings and appeals in the LCMS Dispute Resolution Process, the Synod’s President and five Vice Presidents’, known as the Praesidium, ruled that the preaching of Rev. Robert Nordlie, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wayzata, Minnesota contained serious errors in the doctrine of Justification. However, the Praesidium has declined to suspend him from the ministry.

The case was filed by members of Nordlie’s congregation represented by Mr. Michael Olson. Nordlie’s book published by Concordia Publishing House (1992) titled, "The Goal of the Gospel: God’s Purpose in Saving You", was also at the heart of the controversy. There was a second author, Philip Bickel, but Olson could not charge him because Bickel is not Olson’s pastor. After more careful examination, the Synod’s Commission on Doctrinal Review revoked the doctrinal certification for Nordlie’s book. The book’s original certification shows how flawed the doctrinal review process is. In his book, Nordlie articulates the errors that appeared in his preaching, namely, that in addition to salvation the goal of the Gospel is obedience.

Throughout the book Nordlie constantly confuses Law and Gospel. The Gospel is not a new law or energizer for good works. The good works of Ephesians 2:10 are a gift of God not an initiative of the human will. The goal of the Gospel is forgiveness of sins, faith, and eternal life. Nordlie forgets to show us that all human works which are the result of our love are the fulfillment of the law, not the Gospel. On page 95 Nordlie writes "In Chapters 1 to 4 we have seen that God has saved us so that we are enabled to obey his will,...." He is wrong. The goal of the Gospel is not good works or obedience but salvation through faith in Christ.

Much of the Praesidium’s views are stated in the following paragraphs:

"4. Unfortunately, the problems in Pastor Nordlie’s preaching and teaching are not unique to Pastor Nordlie. They are apparent elsewhere in the Synod at large as a result of the inroads of a Reformed-like articulation of the relationship of Justification and the Christian life. The Praesidium urges the entire Synod to a renewed study of the proper understanding and articulation of the doctrines of Justification and Sanctification and the proper distinction between Law and Gospel."

"5. The Praesidium has determined that the greater good in this situation, for Pastor Nordlie, his congregation, and the church at large, would be better served by ongoing efforts to retrieve Pastor Nordlie from his unclear teaching, rather than suspending him from membership in the Synod. Therefore, the Praesidium declines to suspend Pastor Nordlie."

From the above we draw the following conclusion: There are so many pastors in the LCMS who are confused on the preaching of the Gospel promoted by the Church Growth Movement that the Praesidium will allow it to continue. On at least two occasions the Minnesota District President, Lane Seitz, has come to Nordlie’s defense. Districts such as Michigan, Texas, Southern, Florida-Georgia, California-Hawaii-Nevada, Pacific Southwest are so thoroughly infected with the Church Growth Movement that the Praesidium has come to the conclusion that it is now virtually impossible to maintain the correct teaching of the Gospel in the LCMS. Four hundred and sixty nine years after the Augsburg Confession they try to save face by saying we should study the issue. The majority of pastors in Minnesota give their full support to Lane Seitz and Nordlie. Olson and company thought they would catch Nordlie in his error when, to their surprise, they also caught the LCMS Praesidium.

In one decision, the Praesidium has made the doctrine of Justification one opinion among others in the LCMS. How dare the 1998 Synodical Convention lecture the ELCA about its confusion on the doctrine of Justification.

The Synod was originally formed for the purpose of lay people hearing the correct exposition of Law and Gospel. By this statement of the Praesidium, the Synod is officially heterodox. The good of the Synod is now more important than the Gospel and lay people hearing it on Sunday morning.

Nordlie’s approach is just the kind of preaching necessary for Dr. Norbert Oesch of PLI, the COP, and LCEF to staff, build, and grow lots of "Willow Creek Community Churches" in the LCMS.

It is not as if the Praesidium is made up of theologically weak men. By conservative standards, the current LCMS Praesidium is the most orthodox of any Praesidium since 1969 and, most likely, before that. It is not as if the Synodical President is "weak." The 1998 Convention gave A. L. Barry unprecedented power to directly suspend a District President with the adoption of Resolutions 7-05 and 7-06, authority Barry claimed he didn’t have. Now he has it, but for the good of the Synod doesn’t want to exercise this authority to remove Minnesota District President Lane Seitz, for not removing Nordlie.

Barry has chosen the course of peace, not to protect the Gospel but to protect the Synod from the Gospel. The Praesidium is preserving the entire Synodical structure, fund accounts, investments, real-estate, income, and membership. This is the smart move, very smart, the Sanhedrin would approve. It is expedient that the Gospel be compromised so that the LCMS not perish. In one move the Praesidium has turned the Lutheran Confessions into historic rather than current documents, and Walther’s "Law and Gospel" into a Synodical relic rather than the handbook for preaching in the LCMS.

The irony is how well the Praesidium is doing its job. They did exceptional work in identifying and articulating Nordlie’s theological error. They have a clear understanding of Justification. Their assessment that Nordlie’s error is shared by many other pastors in the Synod shows their clear understanding of its impact on the Synod. They are truthful and forthright in explaining the doctrinal errors. There is no cover-up here. They exhibit a heartfelt desire to confess the truth of the Gospel and make a good public confession to Jesus Christ.

Then, beyond comprehension, with all this accumulated theological training, wisdom, experience, and discernment they publicly announce that for the good of the Synod they aren’t going to do anything about it. So the Praesidium has decided to be more forgiving than God. Thank God the infectious disease center in Atlanta has more fear of epidemics than the Praesidium has for false doctrine. Small pox is so unsightly, but dying and dead souls can look great in a full church. Paul told the congregation at Corinth (1Cor. 5) to throw out the man causing the problem or it will spread like yeast in bread.

No Synodical President in the history of the Synod would have signed such a statement. We have witnessed here a classic example of the separation of faith and practice. Time has never healed false doctrine. Men rule wherever doctrine is pushed aside. The ten tribes never improved no matter which leaders died or who took office. The Kings of Israel wrote the book on expediency until they were extinct. "Isa 7:12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord." Their examples of failure are lost on our Praesidium. Only the Babylonian captivity led Judah to repent. The Praesidium knows the difference between false and true doctrine. Luke 12:47:" And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes]. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." John 9:41 "Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth." James 4:17: "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin."

The Praesidium is obviously more afraid of Nordlie and earthly consequences than of God. They are more concerned about protecting the Synod from Herman Otten than from Nordlie and his corruption of the Gospel. Herman Otten stands in good company outside the Synod with President Robert Preus and the Gospel.

What good is winning elections and losing Justification? The so called "United List" is now a thing of the past. The "Balance" motto has been "The right man will do the right thing." Now we learn that the wrong thing is the right thing if it’s our guys doing it. "Balance" is more interested in protecting the Synod and its fund accounts from "radicals" who would destroy everything in order to keep the Gospel. It is little wonder that Tom Baker and company fought against those who wanted the name "Lutheran" on the congregations and wanted no changes in the confession of the "Creeds." Baker thinks the Apostles’ Creed contains Law when Walther used it to define the Gospel on page 19 of "Law and Gospel".

The right teaching of the Gospel has become too heavy a cross for the LCMS. Whatever it is the Praesidium thinks it will keep in this life, we are all even-up in the grave, those who think they kept something and those who didn’t care.

The goal of "Balance" has shifted from doctrinal purity to financial security and the Schwan Foundation. So, everyone gets their piece of the pie. Conservatives chase after Rev. Larry Burgdorf, the COP chases after Norbert Oesch, PLI, and LCEF mega-bucks for mega-churches, and the Hyper-Euro-Lutherans elevate themselves above their congregations with the sacrament of ordination. All we have to do is just not be too particular about the doctrine of Justification.

After Christ cast the demons out of the men into the herd of swine we read, Mat 8:34 "And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought [him] that he would depart out of their coasts." The whole city understood who Jesus was and didn’t want Him to be all that close. Gospel purity presents a similar problem for the Praesidium. Now the Praesidium has preserved peace in the Synod.


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Office of the President
The Reverend Dr. A. L. Barry
President of the Synod

March 19, 1999

To:
The Reverend Doctor Robert Nordlie
The Congregation of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wayzata, Minn.
Mr. Michael Olson, spokesman for those who filed charges
President Lane Seitz

From:
The Praesidium
The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod

Re:
The decision of the Praesidium in regard to charges against Pastor Robert Nordlie

Grace and peace to each of you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

On March 3, 1999, the Praesidium of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod met for two hours with Pastor Robert Nordlie to discuss charges against him, pursuant to Bylaw 2.27 2 b (1998 Handbook, p. 29). This was the second time that charges of false doctrine have been filed against Pastor Nordlie. An earlier set of charges was dealt with by the Praesidium in December of 1997.

Pastor Nordlie was accompanied by a member of his congregation, Dr. Timothy Behrens, who served as a silent witness for Pastor Nordlie during the meeting. During the first hour of the meeting, Pastor Nordlie shared with the Praesidium information that he felt was helpful in addressing the charges against him. During the second hour, the Praesidium discussed with Pastor Nordlie the information he had shared with the Praesidium prior to this meeting as well as during the meeting itself.

Following this meeting with Pastor Nordlie, the Praesidium discussed this entire matter at great length. The Praesidium sent a letter to Pastor Nordlie informing him that it would hold a special meeting on March 24, 1999, at which time it would be reading a final decision.

Therefore, the Praesidium has reached the following conclusions in regard to the charges of false doctrine against Pastor Robert Nordlie:

1. It is the judgment of the Praesidium of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod that Pastor Nordlie still does not recognize the concerns that the Praesidium expressed in its letter of December 11, 1997:

"There are serious concerns with Pastor Nordlie’s teaching in regard to the distinction between Justification and Sanctification. Pastor Nordlie bears the responsibility to correct what is lacking in his teaching….He needs to make every effort to distinguish between Justification and Sanctification more clearly and accurately. He needs to place greater emphasis on the glorious good news of our salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord--our Justification."

The Praesidium would again underscore its determination that there are serious concerns with Pastor Nordlie’s teaching in regard to the distinction between Justification and Sanctification and between Law and Gospel. The Praesidium finds that Pastor Nordlie continues to be unable to discern his deficiencies in this regard.

2. The Praesidium would again concur with and underscore the decision of the Synod’s Commission on Doctrinal Review regarding the book The Goal of the Gospel and the reasons why the Commission on Doctrinal Review revoked the doctrinal certification of this book:

"[The] basic flaw is the muddling of Justification and Sanctification [and between] Law and Gospel. Obedience is spoken of in a way more at home in the Reformed tradition than the Lutheran. There are times when the actual exposition of Scripture and the Confessions (what there is of it) is not only weak but misleading."

3. The Praesidium would once again indicate that this confusion in Pastor Nordlie’s teaching is responsible for the confusion and upset in his congregation. The Praesidium notes with sadness that this situation has resulted in offense being given to many of the people of God, both within his own congregation, and even beyond the congregation.

4. Unfortunately, the problems in Pastor Nordlie’s preaching and teaching are not unique to Pastor Nordlie. They are apparent elsewhere in the Synod at large as a result of the inroads of a Reformed-like articulation of the relationship of Justification and the Christian life. The Praesidium urges the entire Synod to a renewed study of the proper understanding and articulation of the doctrines of Justification and Sanctification and the proper distinction between Law and Gospel.

5. The Praesidium has determined that the greater good in this situation, for Pastor Nordlie, his congregation, and the church at large, would be better served by ongoing efforts to retrieve Pastor Nordlie from his unclear teaching, rather than suspending him from membership in the Synod. Therefore, the Praesidium declines to suspend Pastor Nordlie.

6. The Praesidium would once again strongly urge Pastor Nordlie to pursue continued discussions of his improper distinction between Justification and Sanctification and Law and Gospel with brother pastors in the Synod who can assist him in understanding where the problems exist in his ministry. The Praesidium hopes that, through discussions with the brethren, Pastor Nordlie will be able to recognize where the concerns rest and will also be responsive to the fraternal and caring way this confusion in his ministry is being handled.

7. The Praesidium recommends that the Synodical President direct the District President of the Minnesota South District, as Pastor Nordlie’s supervisor of doctrine and practice, to establish an ongoing series of meetings in which these issues can be discussed with Pastor Nordlie. We recommend that the Synodical President direct the district president to monitor Pastor Nordlie’s preaching and teaching closely to see to it that Pastor Nordlie is in fact following through on correcting the deficiencies in his ministry and is receiving admonition to do so, and finally, that the District President provide to the Synodical president regular, detailed reports on what is being done, describing the progress that is being made. It is the Praesidium’s expectation that Pastor Nordlie will be able to recognize the very serious deficiencies in his teaching and preaching and correct them.

Finally, when the Praesidium issued its December 11, 1997, letter concerning the first set of charges against Pastor Nordlie, only certain portions of the letter were quoted by Pastor Nordlie and others. This resulted in an inaccurate picture of the Praesidium’s decision. Therefore, in order to avoid a repetition of this situation, the Praesidium insists that wherever this letter of decision is shared, or referred to, the entire text of this letter must be shared, not just selected portions from it.

The Praesidium would once again express its hope and prayer that under the blessing of God the Holy Spirit, a restoration of peace and unity in Christ can be achieved at Redeemer, Wayzata, and that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be preached and taught purely, for the sake of both the membership of Redeemer and to all those in their community and the world at large.

The Praesidium of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod
President A. L. Barry
First Vice-President Robert T. Kuhn
Second Vice-President Robert King
Third Vice-President William C. Weinrich
Fourth Vice-President Roger Pittelko
Fifth Vice-President Wallace Schulz


Rev. Jack Cascione is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS - MI) in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He has written numerous articles for Christian News and is the author of Reclaiming the Gospel in the LCMS: How to Keep Your Congregation Lutheran. He has also written a study on the Book of Revelation called In Search of the Biblical Order.
He can be reached by email at pastorcascione@juno.com.

April 21, 1999