Standing Together

by Mathew Block

In June, Lutheran Church–Canada held its synodical convention, our first national gathering since the decision to restructure in 2017. I’ve been asked by several people how the convention went, and my repeated refrain has been: “Joyful!”

One of the blessings of our Canadian church is the collegiality which characterizes our conventions. People get along. And in a deeply divided world, that’s not always a guarantee—not even in churches. But our conventions really do feel pervaded by a sense of peace. Yes, sometimes there is disagreement about the wording of this or that resolution, but the underlying atmosphere is one of cooperation—of “walking together” (which is what the word “synod” implies in the original Greek).

But this convention was more than just peaceful. It was joyful. It was a celebration, as we came together again for the first time after too long an interruption. People were excited to see each other again—to worship together, to visit together, and to work for the good of our church body together. Yes, there was peace and there was joy, along with the rest of the fruits of the Spirit: love, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

The peace which characterizes relationships in our synod is a gift from God, and something for which we ought to give thanks daily. We enjoy deep unity together—unity in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, unity in the authority of Scripture, and unity in the Sacraments. But continued unity requires work on our part. For this reason, St. Paul urges Christians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Cover Design by Alex Steinke, Featuring Artwork by Harrison Avery Prozenko, and Photo Submissions from attendees of the 2022 LCC Synod Convention.

It is precisely this kind of intentional walking together which gives us the strength we need to stand firm in the midst of this world’s many trials. We walk together—seeking the “unity of the faith,” as St. Paul tells us—that we may thereby be anchored in Christ and not “tossed to and fro by the waves” (4:13-14). We walk together that we may stand firm together.

“Stand firm!”—this was our convention theme. It hearkens back to Martin Luther’s stance at the Diet of Worms and the famed words “Here I stand!” But the “I” in this phrase is not merely Luther’s profession; it is ours too, both as individuals and as a church family. Placing our feet firmly on the Word of God, we cry out with Luther and with all the faithful down through the centuries: “Here we stand!” Thus rooted in Christ and His Word, we are consequently enabled to step forward together in faith—to walk the Way upon which our Master calls us. We walk together that we may stand firm. And we stand firm together that we may walk.

In this issue, we consider our calling as a church to walk together and stand firm together, focusing particularly on the events of our synodical convention. Our features, adapted from sermons and presentations made during convention, unpack what it means to stand firm together. President Timothy Teuscher reflects on the example of the early Church—their devotion to the apostles’ teaching, to worship, to the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer—as a guide for what it means for Christians to stand firm in the faith. Rev. Dr. John Maxfield meanwhile explores the historical details of Luther’s appearance at Worms, teasing out lessons for us today. And Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Winger reminds us that it is only in God’s strength and wearing His armour that we find strength to stand at all.

Placing our feet firmly on the Word of God, we cry out with Luther and with all the faithful down through the centuries: “Here we stand!”

In this issue, you will also find election results, resolutions adopted, and other news items arising from our walking together as a synod. The regional pastors’ columns are likewise adapted from sermons they gave at convention. As you read the reports and devotional material gathered here, I hope it encourages you to thank God for our church body and to pray for it. Pray that we walk together in unity. Pray that we stand firm together in unity.

And let us not only pray. Let us actively pursue peace in our midst, that we may proclaim the good news of Christ with one voice. Let us stand together, with Christ and with one another, that we may walk together in the bonds of peace.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these things put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” | Colossians 3:12-15

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Mathew Block is editor of The Canadian Lutheran and the Communications Manager of the International Lutheran Council (ILC).

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