The article by Albert Collver III on the threefold emphasis of the church (Jan ’11) was very insightful. The imagery is rich and the rationale is solid. However, I was disappointed by the omission of another vital component of the church’s emphasis. Didache or “teaching” was not mentioned anywhere in the article.
The church’s role of preparing “disciples” through Word and Sacrament ministry as well as by “teaching them to obey everything I [Jesus] have commanded” (Matt. 28:20) is central enough to the mission and ministry of the church to warrant more intentional mention and focus. We shouldn’t underestimate how the absence of a strong emphasis on this important task will negatively impact the future of the LCMS.
Dr. Mark Blanke
Seward, Neb.
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