Walther, 1906. Chapter 50, “The Decision About a Call”

Chapter 50, “The Decision About a Call” (pp. 274-280)

Should a pastor be willing to leave a congregation for another call? Walther advises against a pastor seeking another call for a higher salary or because of conflict in the current situation. Good reasons include seeing a benefit to the whole church through the pastor’s ability to use his gifts.

The pastor is not bound forever to his first call but should also not be in a hurry to leave. Walther cites Luther in encouraging pastors to stay in calls where there is opposition until they overcome the opposition or are forced out. In cases of particular persecution the pastor should stay but if there is a general persecution the whole church may flee (p. 276). A pastor should never accept a call to a congregation where the former pastor was unjustly forced out (p. 277).

The pastor, as servant of the church, treats the services of the church as first priority, filling his own pulpit regularly. It is hard work, but the pastor perseveres (p. 279). Walther does not consider that a pastor will simply retire, but may step aside when health no longer permits the rigor of the office.

Walther, 1906. Chapter 49, “The Pastor’s Synodical Membership”

Chapter 49, “The Pastor’s Synodical Membership” (pp. 270-273)

A minister should be in fellowship with other pastors and should gather with them frequently. This is for the good of the church and the spread of the gospel. Walther sees this cooperation among pastors and churches, as well as pastors and their school teachers, as very important in building unity of the faith. Though the local church is sovereign the association of churches is very important for fellowship, encouragement, and faith.

Walther, 1906. Chapter 48, “The Personal Life of the Pastor”

Chapter 48, “The Personal Life of the Pastor” (pp. 266-269)

It is important that the pastor care for his personal life as an example to others. This does not mean the pastor lives a perfect life. It does mean that he lives in an upright way, though a sinner. Walther draws quotes from Luther and Gerhard about caring for doctrine and life.

Walther, 1906. Chapter 47, “The Constitution of the Congregation”

Chapter 47, “The Constitution of the Congregation” (pp. 264-265)

Walther advises simplicity, with a governing document which can be altered as time goes on. He considers it positive to state that in case of division the congregation is the highest authority and that property would be retained in case of division by the group which retains Lutheran practice.

Walther, 1906. Chapter 46, “The Admission of New Members”

Chapter 46, “The Admission of New Members” (pp. 261-263)

Admission of members to the congregation is important, just as exclusion is. It belongs to the pastor and the congregation together. Walther requires the following.

1 - The person has been baptized.

2 - If an adult, he must confess the Scripture as well as the Small Catechism and Augsburg Confession.

3 - Desire to join the church

4 - A Christian life without offense

5 - Not under excommunication

It is best to receive the new member with the pastor and an elder who will investigate the candidate. The new member will sign his name on the church constitution.

When the person is coming from a different faith tradition examination and instruction are very important.

Walther, 1906. Chapter 45, “The Congregational Meetings”

Chapter 45, “The Congregational Meetings” (pp. 256-260)

The pastor has a responsibility to help the congregation conduct meetings rightly, remembering “the congregation is the highest court within its circle” (p. 256). Walther holds that “all adult, male members of the congregation have the right to participate actively” (p. 256). Youth and women are excluded based on 1 Peter 5:5 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. He advocates clear and respectful proceedings, including orderly speech, treating others with honor, and when a vote is necessary determining the outcome clearly. Matters of doctrine (p. 259) should be unanimous and are only voted on to be sure “everyone has recognized what is right” (p. 259). The person who disagrees with established doctrine is subject to church discipline. Adiaphora are decided by a majority, but the pastor should remember that adiaphora by nature may have differences in practice. Meetings should be announced in advance and have a specified number to be a quorum. The meeting should be opened and closed in prayer and should seek unity in love and peace.

Walther, 1906. Chapter 44, “The Congregation’s Officers”

Chapter 44, “The Congregation’s Officers” (pp. 254-256)

Walther holds that the pastor should seek help from officers of the church, who should be developed and nurtured by the pastor. He holds to the bishops/pastors/elders who have a teaching office (p. 255) as well as a non-teaching office, the deacon. The deacons are not ordained for special “career” ministry while the elders generally are. All should meet frequently, preferably with the pastor presiding, since the pastor’s responsibility includes training and guiding these others in dealing with church matters.