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You are here: Experts > Religion/Spirituality > Christianity - Protestantism > Lutherans > LCMS pastor
Expert: Jason Harris - 11/5/2009
Question
My parents are very devout LCMS. Their church is has a older aged congregation and they really like it. They called a pastor about 5 years ago, and ever since he has been there the congregation has slowly been leaving. There are a lot of issues that the congregation has with him and the majority would like to not have him there anymore. When talking about this with them, they told me it was not possible to fire him or anything like that. He has to be called by God to go somewhere else. Is this true, or is there a way that the congregation can appeal to have him leave?
Answer
Hello Jon,
This is a very sensitive issue but also a quite common struggle within congregations of every stripe. I would, first of all, urge all people involved to avoid any kind of party spirit but to strive humbly serve and lookout for both the spiritual welfare of each other and of the pastor and his family. The reality is that all human organizations, including churches, are composed entirely of sinners. This means each individual can look into his or her own heart and find something which they have done wrong. They can then approach others with a humble attitude seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
The Lutheran teaching about the Divine Call does indeed offer some protection to the those in the Office of the Holy Ministry. We understand that pastors are placed into their office by God working through the church. They are, thus, not "employees" and can not be hired or fired. In most situations like this the pastor is a well-intentioned man teaching basically correct doctrine but may have a personality clash, odd personal mannerisms, or other common human annoyances that can be blown way out of proportion. He can not ethically be removed from office for these types of things.
Also I notice that in many declining churches, people tend to blame the pastor for lack of numbers (like not reaching a factory production quota). It is worth reminding the congregation that the pastor is there primarily to preach and teach. Each individual member brings this Word into the world as they serve other in love in their daily vocation. The folks in the pew bring in new members, not the pastor. Often if a church is declining it would be wise for each congregant to look into a mirror before pointing a finger at the pastor.
There are, however, times when a pastor is doing something blatantly sinful and offensive in daily life or in false-teaching. If this is the case, the congregation is not just "stuck" with the guy. The procedure in the LCMS is generally to speak with the "Circuit Visitor" about problems in the church who can then in turn involve the "District President" if needed. These men are not "bosses", as the LCMS has a non-hierarchical structure, and can not "hire and fire" either but advise. Nonetheless, your CV and DP can be very useful aids to your parents and to the congregation, whether or not the pastor has committed a grave moral offense. Requesting a visit and meeting from one of these men is a very good first step for a troubled congregational family to begin to mend their fences.
If you go to the LCMS website you can search for the church. It will tell you what "circuit" and "district" the church is in. You can then click on the circuit and it will tell you who the Circuit Visitor is and provide contact information. Your parents can do this individually or urge the church leaders to do so on their behalf. My prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Harris
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