A summary of reasons for leaving the LCMS

This is the 13th in a series on why some LCMS pastors have converted to Eastern Orthodoxy. The series has highlighted the public testimonies of:

1. Thomas L. Palke

2. Ezekiel

3. Benjamin Harju

All three of these former LCMS pastors became convinced that the Orthodox Church is the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

The additional issues that led to conversion are summarized below:

Thomas Palke:

• The identity problem in Lutheranism.
• The church growth movement in Lutheranism.
• The lack of unity in the LCMS.
• Liturgical chaos in the LCMS.
• Crisis in the ministry of the LCMS.
• Lack of discipline in the LCMS.
• Serious problems with Lutheran doctrine of Sola Scriptura.
• The Filioque issue.
• Infant Communion.
• Biblical interpretation issues.
• Spirituality issues.
• The doctrine of Salvation.
• The Saints.
• The issue of “What is the Church and where is it located?”
  

Ezekiel:

• Lutheran Confessions given lip service.
• Confession and Absolution are not required in the LCMS.
• LCMS abandonment of the historic Liturgy.
• Lack of focus on the visible Church.
• There should not be a Lutheran Church.
• Abandonment of the historic Office of the Holy Ministry.
• LCMS Pastors simply hired and fired by a ruling congregation.
• Lack of honor given to the Theotokos in the LCMS.
• No Bishops in the LCMS..
• The LCMS is not the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church.
  

Benjamin Harju:

• The Children issue.
• Multiple “worship styles” in the LCMS.
• The LCMS is really not a “synod” (by the definition of the term).
• The state of affairs of American Lutheranism in general.