douglas d. fusselman || Abstract - The current practice of church discipline is clouded by a very real theological inconsistency--an inconsistency which stems in large part from a popular yet faulty understanding of the "power of jurisdiction." This essay seeks to both identify the source of this problem and then offer a workable solution by examining Dr. Luther's pertinent writings and the Lutheran Confessions.
reverend jonathan g. lange || Abstract - From homiletics classes to how-to books, there are many who advocate a style of preaching which concludes each sermon with advice for holy living. Others, reacting against this notion, treat the "Third Use" essentially as a positive description of the Christian. This paper looks at current preaching practice in light of the language and logic of Formula of Concord, Article VI to clarify the Lutheran use of the Law in preaching.
douglas d. fusselman || Abstract - In the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, hundreds of God's people receive what they believe to be the Body and Blood of Christ from the hand of a lay minister. Concern for these believers makes it imperative to determine if the efficacy of the Holy Communion is in any way dependent upon the Office of the Ministry. Can the functions of the Office be genuinely performed apart from the Office itself? Does the lay minister distribute the true Sacrament or only empty sacramental elements? Early Lutheran discussions of the Ministry yield unexpected--even disquieting--answers to these and other related questions.
douglas d. fusselman || Abstract - In spite of the longstanding assumption that a clergyman must be "the husband of one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6), there is simply no general consensus on the intended meaning of this apostolic mandate. This exegetical ambiguity is evident in the church's practice: Lutheran clergy rosters are replete with single ministers, married ministers, widowed ministers, divorced ministers, and remarried ministers (not to mention homosexual and female ministers), all professing to stand within the bounds of scriptural directives. The modern church's inconsistent application of this important ministerial requirement should be reason enough to reexamine these portions of the Pastoral Epistles.
