What is ELST?

The ELST is an attempt to connect confessional Lutherans across denominations. Regardless of where congregations and clergy stand on the pressing issues of the day, a fractured confessional Lutheran movement seems to be upon us. Should the result be even more fracturing? Or should we find ways to stay together? ELST hopes we can find ways to stay together under the large umbrella of traditional Lutheranism. ELST is a recognized society within Lutheran CORE, a national confessing community of Lutherans. The ELST is CORE in Texas.

One observation in the wake of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA is that there will likely be three camps in which some Texas Lutheran congregations may find themselves:

1. Firmly in the ELCA, but unsure how they may continue to relate to other ELCA congregations and synods.

2. Having left the ELCA for Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).

3. Preparing to leave the ELCA for a new church body in formation, provisionally named the North American Lutheran Church (NALC).

If a congregation finds itself in one of these camps, the ELST may help round out what is missing in terms of fellowship, youth activities, continuing education, joint missions and joint service. LCMC and the NALC are already finding ways of working together, and they have made it clear that in terms of local fellowship and continuing education, they will have few resources. The ELST will.

Congregations are not an end in themselves; they serve as bulwarks of the traditions, confessions and truths they have inherited. Congregations are stronger if they share a fellowship with like-minded disciples of Christ. The ELST is a way to unite around a common confession without the fear and uncertainty that can come with leaving a denomination. We do not encourage congregations to leave the ELCA or withhold benevolence; we simply offer an avenue for fellowship around a common confession.

FAQs About the ELST

Q: Is the Evangelical Lutheran Society of Texas (ELST) a new Lutheran denomination?

A: No. For now the ELST will provide a structure within which Lutheran congregations from the ELCA and any other Lutheran church body will work in unity.

Q: Will congregations have to leave the ELCA or their society to join ELST?

A: No. They may remain where they are.

Q: Is this not just another split within Lutheranism?

A: No. The split already exists in the minds and hearts of many Lutherans. The ELST is an effort to preserve unity around traditional Lutheranism.

Q: Will the ELST welcome both Lutheran pietists and those who regard themselves as Evangelical Catholics and also those in between?

A: Yes. It will be a society that is inclusive of ‘high,’ ‘middle,’ and ‘low’ churches.

Q: Is the ELST merely a reaction to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly’s adoption of the Statement on Sexuality?

A: Not at all. The adoption of the Statement on Sexuality is only a symptom of a greater crisis in Lutheranism. The vast majority of Texan and American Lutherans desire a more centrist Lutheran tradition that avoids the extremes of harsh legalism and an undisciplined drift toward a purely social Gospel.

Q: How does a congregation or individual join the ELST?

A: A congregation may become a Participating Congregation by action of its Church Council or by a vote at a congregational meeting.

Q: Will congregations and pastors in the ELST be dual-rostered?

A: No. The ELST is not a denomination, but a confessing community. There exists no roster or similar status. This is simply an additional community and fellowship for traditional Lutheran congregations.

The Value the ELST Adds to Congregations

There now exists an unfortunate reality for many Lutheran congregations in Texas, and indeed in America. While not true for all Lutheran congregations, some find that in the areas of fellowship, theology, interpretation of scripture and continuing education, they are part of a denomination in which they are no longer comfortable or that offers little with respect to these needs. The ELST exists to fill in those gaps. Where one once experienced frustration, or was not able to experience confessional fellowship, our hope is that you will be energized by such fellowship.

To that end, we will create programs and events that congregations and pastors find refreshing, educational and theologically sound. Here is a list the ways the ELST proposes to do just that.

1. Provide forums for continuing education and traditional confessional reinforcement via assemblies and other gatherings.

2. Form ELST Ministeria that may act as pastoral lectionary studies and support gatherings for traditional Lutheran clergy.

3. Gather resources to establish mission congregations.

4. Provide service programs that ELST congregations can support en masse.

5. Provide youth programs like confirmation and/or summer camps.