I get emails from the national office of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. I mostly don’t read them, but I’ve stayed on the mailing list because I like feeling connected.
Yesterday I got an email with a hilariously jargon-filled subject line. I laughed out loud, and it made my students ask what was so funny. I read the subject line to them.
“FAQ on changes to ecclesiastical supervision bylaws”
One of my students said: “I didn’t understand a word you just said.”
Ha!
I got that one, too. I agree with your student.
Yeah, but that ladyslipper sale is extended!!
What on earth could “ecclesiastical supervision” mean? Supervising pastors? Pastors who supervise?
I also know the answer the the last riddle!
Wait. “Set.”
….never mind.
I Haven’t Been On Your Blog For A Long Time…(Did You Miss Me???)…Don’t Have A Reason Why,……. Just Haven’t…..I’m going to read past posts (at least some of them) now….And maybe comment along the way??…….Blessings & <3 to You From Arlington!!!…..Aunt Bev 🙂
P.S….I Love Snickers Candy Bars, But I Don’t Think That’s What Your “Subject” Is Referring, Too!!!!
Ecclesiastical supervision means the supervision of the doctrine taught by rostered workers. Ecclesia is (Greek?) for “the assembly” or in this case “the Church”.
Who ensures pastors, teachers and other rostered workers are teaching the doctrine we’ve agreed to teach as members of the LCMS? Commissioned workers (teachers, DCEs, etc.) are supervised by the local pastor. Pastors are supervised by their respective district president.
The LCMS Constitution and Bylaws spell out that process, and what happens if/when a church worker “goes off the rails” – or is falsely charged with going off the rails – in terms of the doctrine they are teaching. There has been some confusion about that in some circles lately.
As long as a person isn’t knowingly teaching false doctrine, ecclesiastical supervision shouldn’t come into play. But there are cases when a false allegation is made. Rather than letting that be settled subjectively, there is a process spelled out designed to protect both Church and worker. If false doctrine is being taught, the process is designed to protect the Church and the reputation of other workers.
Unfortunately, I know from first-hand experience that LCMS colleges don’t really cover this stuff before certifying and placing commissioned workers. At least I never had a class that covered the basics of what it means to be on the roster of LCMS church workers. Pastors pick up on this stuff at the seminary, and from their brother pastors.
Brad, it’s so great to see you making your presence felt in Maui. What a blessing you are to your students, their families, you colleagues and the community. God continue to watch over you and guide you as you teach His love.
Now re-reading what I just wrote, it occurs to me that you know what the phrase means because you know it’s church-speak jargon.
For the casual observer (lurker – like me), I was hoping to provide an explanation. Maybe for my sister, too, who asked the question.
I’m glad you gave an explanation. Thanks for coming out of lurking to write it 🙂
Agreed! That was very helpful, Mark. It’s weird to think that pastors would teach inappropriate thungs, but I can see how it would happen in odd cases. Thank you! 🙂