What Is Joy:Fully Lutheran?
July 20-25, 2019 the 67th Convention of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod will take place in Tampa, Florida. “Joy:fully Lutheran” is the theme for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through the next convention. This theme focuses on 1 Thess. 5:16–24 in which Paul says to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul ends the section by saying, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
As we prepare our hearts for the Synodical Convention, we take time to pause and reflect upon what it is to be joy:fully Lutheran. In this space, Northern Illinois District pastors will share what it means to them to be joy:fully Lutheran.
For more information, please visit joyfullylutheran.org.
Good Feet By Pastor Elstner Lewis
What does it mean to be “Joy:fully Lutheran”? Immediately, Isaiah 52:7 comes to mind… “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” Isaiah, writing by the Spirit, speaks of the “Good Feet” of a pastor proclaiming the good news of Jesus. In other words, to be “Joy:fully Lutheran, is to have the “Good Feet” of a Lutheran pastor.
In ministry, these “Good Feet” have taken me to churches, work places, and hospital vigils, “bringing the good news” of Jesus who suffered that we might have eternal life. I have been on television and radio, telling of the “peace of God” which is not based on our merit, but solely on God’s grace. In conferences and meetings, I have joyfully “proclaimed salvation” based upon the inerrant Word of God. I have proclaimed God’s love at the communion rail, baptismal fount, and gravesite. I have told “Zion,” ‘Your God reigns,’” proclaiming to God’s people that Jesus lives.
In addition, I have been the recipient of “Good Feet.” I recall the Lutheran teachers who taught me in elementary and high school, demonstrating the love of Christ. The “Good Feet” of seminary professors have reminded me of my baptism during difficult times. Brother pastors have ministered to me in times of crisis including my pastor who brought me through many troubles. And, faithful lay people taught me how to be a “Good Feet” pastor. In these times of “bad news,” it is good to have the inerrant Word of God, the benefits of the Sacraments and the security of justification by faith. Having “Good Feet” is what it means, to me, to be “Joy:fully Lutheran.”
Pastor Elstner Lewis has served the congregation at St. Phillip, Chicago as the pastor-sole since 1998.
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