http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7738 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:19:05 GMT 2026-04-04T15:19:05Z http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7744 A Reaction to Pastor Philip Hirsch’s Essay “So, You’re a Pastor, a Lutheran Pastor, Serving Where the Lord of the Church Has Placed You: And I Thank God for You in My Prayers” Russow, Joel Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7744 2025-09-23T00:00:00Z http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7743 So, You’re a Pastor, a Lutheran Pastor, Serving Where the Lord of the Church Has Placed You: And I Thank God For You in My Prayers Hirsch, Phil A conversation hits the awkward zone because the listener doesn’t quite know what to do with this discovery. But this one is brave and asks, “What does that mean?” You wade in to help your neighbor think about it in a way that is faithful and useful because your Seelsorger’s heart knows this person also needs to be served by a pastor and probably doesn’t have one—at least not the kind of pastor you are. You pay attention to your conversation partner to check if interest is waning. You speak to the presenting issue (their curiosity) while attempting to guide it to the underlying issues that always drive a human; you’re a Lutheran pastor and you know the enslaved nature of every human and you also know the One who sets them free. And you speak for him. This essay will address qualifications, preparations and on-going growth for the candidate and for the pastor. It will talk about day-to-day pastoral duties, job descriptions, balancing multiple vocations, and time management. The essay will talk about how fun it is to be a pastor. And how difficult. But you will be blessed because we will consider it all in the light of the Good Shepherd whose voice we get to listen to and in whose name we get to serve as pastors. Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7743 2025-09-23T00:00:00Z http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7742 A Reaction to Prof. Thomas P. Nass’s “Christ Has Instituted the Public Ministry to Bless the Church” Cherney, Kenneth Jr Kenneth A. Cherney Jr.’s Reaction to Prof. Thomas P. Nass’s “Christ Has Instituted the Public Ministry to Bless the Church” (2025 WLS Symposium) reflects on why ongoing discussions between WELS and LCMS regarding the doctrine of the ministry matter. Cherney argues that the debate is not trivial, even if practical differences are minimal, because hermeneutics, the gospel, and ecclesial unity are at stake. He warns against reading contemporary concerns into historical theology and stresses sola Scriptura as setting the agenda rather than human constructs. The ministry exists for the sake of faith (AC V), and ministers are gifts from Christ (Eph. 4:11–13), so the doctrine should be treated in the spirit of the gospel, not as a rigid system. Cherney suggests that differing articulations of essentially the same doctrine need not divide fellowship if approached with humility and respect. He highlights Nass’s observation that denunciations of opposing views often come from one side and cautions against calcified positions. Practical reflections include the unique comprehensiveness of the parish pastorate, the implications of broadening the term “pastor,” and the meaning of a “pastoral heart” in various ministries. Cherney concludes by urging dialogue marked by charity, clarity, and shared commitment to Scripture. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT‑4). Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7742 2025-09-22T00:00:00Z http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7741 Christ Has Instituted the Public Ministry To Bless the Church Nass, Thomas Throughout history, it has been God’s will that there be a public ministry of spiritual teaching and oversight, through which God guides and blesses his people spiritually. In the NT era, we have the public ministry of the means of grace instituted by Christ, and through this ministry Christ brings marvelous blessings to his church. In the synods of the former Synodical Conference, however, there has been intense discussion about what exactly is instituted by Christ and what is free for the church to establish in regard to this public ministry. Is one specific office divinely instituted? Must some tasks be carried out by one office? Is ordination something divinely instituted? Certainly, this essay will not be the last word on any of these topics. But the essayist will share whatever light he has gained, as he has been involved in discussions on this topic for over thirty years. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7741 2025-09-22T00:00:00Z