Some of them are converts (like me). Some of them have come from non-denominational churches with no connection to historic, creedal, liturgical Christianity. Somehow, they ran across a Lutheran pastor, a Lutheran podcast, a Lutheran church, or the Lutheran Confessions - and became excited about what they have learned about our confession and faith.

I wrote recently on some of the liturgical material pertaining to the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul and how it demonstrates quite a different understanding of Matthew 16 than that commonly held by those within the Roman Church. This was subsequently made all the more clear by the Epistle appointed for ferial days within the octave of the aforementioned feast, which is clearly meant to interpret the mass of the feast itself. While the Gospel for the feast included the confession of St. Peter, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," and the declaration of Our Lord: "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," the Epistle for the ferial days within the Octave is from St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians: "Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." The Epistle for the days following the feast is, unmistakably, identifying "this rock" as Christ Himself, leaving no room for the observant faithful to draw any other conclusion.

The Rev. Dr. D. Richard Stuckwisch, President of the Indiana District, has written this helpful commentary on President Harrison’s call that we should practice “Book of Concord Lutheranism.” This was recently published in his Indiana District column called Earthen Vessels. — Ed.