I was a pastor in TALC at the time of the merger. As I recall the AALC had quite a struggle with Enthusiasm in its earliest years. I'm glad to see it resolved those struggles and came out of them a confessional synod.
I am LCMS. And I agree that a union would not necessarily a good thing, including the reasons you state. But I also like that is creates a check against the introduction of radical theological ideas. That is, since alter and pulpit fellowship exists, if one body or the other moves in the wrong direction, there is an independent body in the other to warn and threaten action if it is not corrected. This should help to maintain both in faithfulness to the Faith.
I am a Baptist that is steeped in church history (yes, a rarity!) but am learning a lot about Lutheranism these days. I really appreciate your perspective on John 17 and the reasons for not merging; for, it is helpful for all Protestants as we navigate a world that is increasingly demonizing institutions.
I was baptized in a confessional southern Baptist church, and chose to go through catechism with the lcms. Lots of thoughtful love and gosple in the Lutheran church as I've witnessed personally and of the Dr here.
Thank you Pastor! It would interest me if you did a tour of your library. We see many books on your videos and wonder what treasures are on the shelves! Thank you!
I've been part of The AALC since 1991, and I have served on various commissions and roles within The AALC since 2002 (ordained and serving as a pastor since 2008). I have often thought about whether or not The AALC should merge with the LCMS as we share a common confession. I've wondered if it is not the right thing to do or not. A month ago I was in Belgium for the World Conference of the International Lutheran Council, and Dr. Roland Zeigler made a presentation on Church Fellowship and Ecumenism. In his presentation, he said something that resonated with me. He essentially said that churches can remain separated organizationally, perhaps due to differences in polity or tradition, but should strive for fellowship/partnership in the Gospel, unity in doctrine. I'm trying to make sense of my own notes, so I don't recall exactly what he said, but it was helpful for me to think about fellowship in doctrine as the necessary thing, not oneness in an organization. Thanks be to God that the AALC and the LCMS have fellowship in doctrine. It's not necessary, at least spiritually and Biblically, for there to be one organization instead of two. It might be practical at some point in time, but it is not necessary. We can rejoice in the unity we have in doctrine and the partnership we have in the Gospel, while also continuing in our own tradition and polity
I am WELS but I love the Missouri Synod a great deal. It was the LCMS that made me a confessional Lutheran after spending the 1st 25 years of my life in the liberal Protestant Mainline. AALC is smart to go into altar and pulpit fellowship with Missouri but avoid a total union. Missouri's great weakness is the "old boy network" in St.Louis. The network values loyalty to the institution over everything else even over pure doctrine sometimes. We all have our wierd institutional problems but I wish both Missouri and AALC well.
25 years ago AALC had a terrible charismatic problem, which probably delayed the altar and pulpit fellowship with Missouri. However, God was very gracious and the AALC got its act together and returned to the right path.
That's what I remember about the AALC . I'm not fanatically anti-charismatic , but I'll admit it is a turn-off for me. I'd rather steer clear of any of that stuff. For a short time I was attending an AALC mission parish (this is about 1990) after escaping from the ELCA , but the charismatic stuff kept me from getting too involved. LCMS was where I saw a more robust theological tradition. I'm no longer Lutheran , but I retain a great deal of affection and respect for serious, confessional Book of Concord Lutherans .
What's wrong with Charismatic Lutheranism (or Presbyterianisn, or Anglicanism or Catholicism)? It was/is a Holy Spirit-led renewal, no one planned for it. The AALC's website statement about being open to the gifts of the Spirit in the 21st century is one of the appeals to me and why I'm discerning seminary with them.
@@vngelicath1580 The Charismatic Movement is dubious because of its extreme subjectivity. Believe me, I learned. I was married to a pentecostal (before she unscriptually divorced me) and while most of them were nice people, I find that people waking around saying that the Holy Ghost told them this or that is scary. I always wondered why these alleged prophecies sounded so much based on American cultural obsessions like money and success? I would sit through an occasional service, which usually consisted of getting people's emotions whipped up by repetitious mantras and folks claiming that these techniques were the direct operation of the Holy Ghost. What's next? Snakehandling?
@@vngelicath1580 Most within the conservative, bible believing churches are cessationists so would not be open to the continuation of the apostolic gifts.
I am glad the AALC now has a proactive on-line ordination track seminary program. I was a student of ALTS in the early 2000's, studying in the "distance" program under the tutelage of my local pastor, until the Rev. Franklin Hayes took over the seminary and dismantled that distance program; he instructed all of us to either move to Ft. Wayne (since ALTS was relocating there) or drop out and go away. At the time, this was a very difficult and painful decision, but ultimately I think Rev. Hayes did me a favor in that I instead ended up in the LCMS ministerium and am thankful to be there. I understand the AALC''s history and identity, but I think a merger into the LCMS would bring huge resources to the mostly smaller AALC congregations--from a circuit, district and Synodical level. For example, as a military chaplain, the LCMS's MAF programs and training s(Ministry to the Armed Forces) is powerful and has made me not only a better chaplain, but also a better parish pastor. I am thankful for the AALC/LCMS fellowship, but would also welcome the AALC joining us. Pax
My family left our church when they merged with the ELCA. I was five, so I don't know what it was before the merger. We joined an LCMS church after that. I like having multiple synods so that if one goes off the deep end, ie. the ELCA, I have a place to go to.
Out here ,pacific west..try on California..Berkeley..Fresno..Cornell a Columbia last two to far from mom .. I had to listen again 2x. In fact .since 80..before the 60's..what a state it has become. Thank you God bless you .
Dutch Reformed here. We practise the same thought in Denominational Pulpit&Pew friendships. Many of us belong to a larger umbrella called NAPARC, Continental and Island confessional reformed banding together, pulpit exchanging, general fellowship and the ability to transfer membership id needed by situation.
Im ELDoNA and its very disheartining that there is so much division within Confessional Lutheranism. Each day I pray that God may bring all the Churches together one day. But I'm afraid its never gonna happen. This rampant division severely damages our credibility as a unified faith
Thats why I converted to Western Rite Orthodoxy. Even if you look at it from the lense of Altar/Pulpit fellowship being the highest form of unity (The Holy Eucharist definitely is) the confessional groups can only extend that to maybe one or two smaller synods. That destroys all credibility to Catholicity.
Don’t think it will happen as long as the ELCA allows homosexuals and women to be ordained! I’m not Lutheran but I would consider ELCA as non-Lutheran. Definitely not what Martin Luther stood for.
What are the worship practices(ie: liturgical) of the AALC? Do you use the hymnal and which is the most common? Not a fan of the contemporary and "blended" worship that has infested parts of the LCMS over the years!
+Jordan Cooper -- Coincidentally enough I was thinking in the back of my mind a few weeks ago about your particular denomination and why it's not a part of the LC-MS. I had this impression that if the same doctrinal views are held to why not merge? (Speaking for myself I'm not too crazy about 1-10K+ *_"protestant"_* denominations despite knowing that cutting ties or not joining is at times absolutely necessary.) Perhaps there were one or two differences (small or large) which made all the difference in the world, or something else was amiss that boiled down to certain individuals (i.e., top brass) being way too self-absorbed. I now have a better grasp of things. Thanks!
So would I be correct to assume there are no theological differences between the AALC and LCMS? I was waiting for you to mention something about this in your video.
There is something that does not fully align. It's subtle, but subtle does not mean unimportant. I know it when I hear it, but yes, it's too bad that Dr. Cooper didn't address it.
Good explanation for those of us who didn't know alot about AALC. I I for one hope AALC continues seperately as an organzation - I see the benefits of "small". One little Catholic nuance - there isn't a unity purely as mega- organizational or institutional unity - the eastern Catholic Churches have a great deal of organizational /institutional autonomy (at least in the 20th century )- rather with them we have doctrinal and fellowship unity. Yes they accept the Pope's primacy of honor and "appellate jurisdiction" if their own primates would disagree or couldn't settle something. The Pope and the Vatican don't tend to micro manage them.
While the aalc was being founded there was an attempt to have room for the confessional lutherans the moderates and the charismatic element that was in ALC. Most of these folks had a fairly High view of scripture. It is good to have seen the charismatic element virtually eliminated in the last 30 years or so and I know that was a struggle in this body. Another difference in lcms and aalc would be aalc has a conditional communion statement whereas lcms,wels, Els all have closed communion statements. This may vary by congregation and pastor and may shed light on the doctrinal practice within the aalc, I don't know. Big props to anyone though who has left ELCA. I left in 1989 and it was very difficult to do. I found that it wasn't so much what they taught, but what they didn't teach in ELCA that bothered me. Of course these concerns are on both sbat they do and don't teach these days. After I was properly catechised as a confessional Lutheran, I understood much better what was going on in the ELCA. Such a tragedy, but what can you expect when higher criticism is used in the seminaries. All synods have their issues and it's probably best to remain unmerged. There is enough cgm in lcms and wels and a few els churches to cause great concern as well as all the liberties taken in the worship practices. My mother's congregation has kind of a evangelical vibe to it and not as Lutheran as I care to see,yet they do study the confessions. That is admirable.
❤❤ I like the online, inhouse approach but periodic seminars, retreats or learning encounters on campus can still work. I did not know there was so differences and backgrounds in Lutheranisum!!!! One point, when a missionary, at least in the past,, went into a culture, they immersed themselves in that culture. I believe we have to do the same right here in America. We have different regions of the country reflecting different cultures and yet we are all Americans. Glad to know you're group is not liberal!❤
As an OO it reminds me of how many, myself included, love our synods being autocephalous. Agreement in Doctrine and Communion is what matters not the number of voting synods.
Shlohm alekhem (peace be upon you) my brother. What are your thoughts on the Lutheran Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Orthodox Church? Do you know of any Lutheran denominations, and/or fellowships that fully accept the Apocrypha with equal canonicity as the other 66 books? Shlohm alekhem!
I don’t understand why you have completely ignored the fact that the LCMS has its heritage and basis in German Lutheran traditions, the old ALC has its background in the Norwegian and Danish Lutheran churches, and the old LCA in the Swedish Lutheran tradition. These characteristics are most important. Why didn’t you discuss this? After all, we are products of our history.
I see this most particularly in ecclesiological matters between the two churches. Even if very subtle, the predominantly Scandinavian influence on TAALC has given them a degree of catholicity (mixed with low church elements as well). E.g. they understand their hierarchs to be ministers of oversight within a church that transcends the local parish (presiding pastor) akin to Scandinavian Lutheran bishops. Whereas the majorly-German (consistory system) LCMS is much more consistently Congregationalist. E.g. Any and all Synodical officials (akin to superintendents) are understood to be elected bureaucrats in an “advisory body” that serves the real church: local congregations.
I'd love to see confessional Lutherans take one more step closer. Maybe form something similar to how the Anglican Church in North America has brought together a number of Anglican groups from different backgrounds and generations. So they have former Episcopal dioceses, both Anglo-Catholic and Evangelical, and also the Reformed Episcopal Church formed back in 1873, plus newer dioceses. Lutherans could do something like that and each synod could still maintain their own identity and theological tradition, even their own seminaries and colleges if they felt that was important.
So you guys don't share our cultural heritage (mainly German) and that's why you don't want to merge? I can understand that. I am 4th generation LCMS and it's hard to integrate into a different Lutheran denomination. I wish all services were still in German.
HI, I am from Canada; here we have the CALC (Canadian Association of Lutheran Churches). Is CALC and the AALC closely related, or are there some differences; or major differences? Thanks you
I think “joining” is a needed step, but I’d like a system that allows for segments to be co-equal. Like the way the states work with the federal government... but more democratic versus representative and under the system as a whole. Also the whole joining the LCMS, or whatever Synod, is only causing division as it causes one Synod to be superior when that’s not the case.
As a current / former non-denominational Christian, who has been searching among the denominations for more historical reverence, it is confusing and a bit of a let down to see how many inter-denomination factions there are, and why they exist, and what to do about my searching.
That is part of what brought me into Eastern Orthodox Christianity (as well as history and doctrine). Although it may not look like it in the West with our ethnic diocese and archdiocese, the Orthodox Church is one Church.
Why not doctrinal, fellowship, AND institutional unity? It seems to me that there can be institutional unity without the erasing of distinctives and unique histories. That’s certainly the case in marriage.
You are wrong. On January 1,1988 the ALC went out of business. It no longer exists. The AALC has nothing to do with the old ALC. let’s get history correct
What are your thoughts on this? The lcms and aalc need to just merge into one denomination. There's no reason to have two denominations that believe the same things. Jesus wanted us all to be one. John 17:21. It seems silly to me...
The Church is made of people with different political persuasions, these persuasions come from big cities and country. This is why there are so many denominations.
@@soundimpact4633You got it right. The majority of lay people labled Lutheran don’t know the differences between doctrines of their own church bodies. Study the bible and. find out what the Word of God says. Interpretation of God’s Word is the reason there are so many different protestant denominations. Let Scripture interpet scripture. I’m an Evangelical Lutheran Synod member. Our synod is located in Mankato, Mn. We are small (130 congregations) + missions in Peru, Chile, India, South Korea, Ukraine, Czech Republic & Latvia. Our seminary is on the campus of our college Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Mn. We are also in full fellowship with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We are a conservative Confessional Lutheran church body. My church back in 1937 broke away from its existing church body with the pastor Larson because many members wanted to join a larger Lutheran church body eventually becoming the ALC. They got the property and we got the pastor and church records. So we had to build a new building. A lot of volunteer hard work went into the church building. This is all history to me. I was born 16 years after the schism. It’s very important to know what God’s Word is telling us, lest we be led astray. There are many false teachers out there trying to led us down the wrong path. May the readers of. my comment be blessed by the Holy Spirit so that you may discern what the True Word of God teaches.
Pastor Cooper, generally I'm impressed by your videos, but this one really leaves me disappointed by much the AALC has had to give up its identity to placate the LCMS. The title of your video is, "What is the Difference between the AALC and the LCMS?". You did not mention any differences on the issue of divorced pastors. You did not mention any different views on ecumenicalism, and you did not mention any differences (if any) in the two synod's views on pietism/piety. This implies to me that since the two synods signed the agreement on pulpit/altar fellowship, the AALC has adapted the LCMS's views. (Surely the LCMS has not adapted any of the AALC's views, have they?)
Mike, as you likely know there is not a significant difference in those areas between the AALC and the LCMS. We have not given up anything to "placate" the LCMS. The LCMS, unlike the AFLC and some other Lutheran bodies in America, does not have a hard and fast rule on divorced pastors. All cases are considered on their individual basis, and it is a misrepresentation to say that you cannot be divorced and a pastor in the LCMS. It is also not true, and never has been true, that the AALC completely accepts divorced pastors. In fact, being divorced can preclude someone from being admitted to the roster of The AALC. Again, it is a case by case basis. Also, our documents have always said that if a pastor is divorced while serving his parish, he is to resign his call and appear before the Clergy Commission for examination and determination regarding his fitness for ministry. We haven't changed anything, and neither has Missouri. We aren't and never have been a group that just welcomes all of the divorced pastors from Missouri. I'm also not sure what you are referring to regarding our views on pietism/piety. As a guy that was a student of ALTS in Minneapolis and a student of CTSFW, the teaching was no difference. You can see Pastor Aadland's document on Piety and Pietism from our fellowship discussions. It well represents us. We certainly promote Christian piety, and we have normally rejected pietism. Again, this is what was taught to me in History and Polity by Dr. Lindberg. We haven't changed our views on anything. Perhaps in some way you have misunderstood the views of The AALC. Of course, unfortunately, doctrine and practice often vary in some of our congregations, as they do in the LCMS as well.
Interesting to hear that if there are disagreements or "disunity" as you say, it's perfectly okay to gather a group of like-minded people and start your own church and create your own rules.
Goes way back,65 -68 during the Viet Nam era shout out load..hurt over loss .lot's.but my ? Where did this nhv. Ible come from..I wrote a song on ,my garden...on a walk..
Which one of the two views same-sex marriage or homosexuality as NOT sinful or normal? (I'm conservative) Also, I'd like to be a minister, what the website for the online seminary?
@@stevebrown8368 Psalm 97:10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Need an abbreviation lookup page, loose track 🤣 6mins still don't know the difference in doctrine.... 8mins.... I think you never answered the question.
THIS IS A VERY EASY QUESTION TO ANSWER. MISSOURI SYNOD, FOLLOWS THE TRUTH AS MUCH AS THEY CAN. DO NOT GO TO ANY CHURCH THAT HAS A WOMAN PREACHER, ALLOW QUEERS TO MARRIED, OR GO AGAINST ANYTHING GOD OR WHAT JESUS WROTE IN THE 10 COMMANDMENTS, AND WHAT THE OLD AND NEW PROPHETS SAID!!!!!
@@swesleyc7 Even if homosexuality is a sin, aren't we all sinners? Why should we keep homosexuals out of the church just because they're sinners like the rest of us?
@@simgingergirl Wow. I didn't say anything about *how* ELCA, or even myself, treat homosexuality. Of course they're allowed to participate in congregation. All are welcome, but there's a difference between having open doors and affirming certain sins because it's socially/politically popular. To be more clear: some ELCA churches marry gay couples (Pastors are allowed preference). That's the issue, not homosexual's ability to come to Church.
Dichotomy & Balance Okay... but still. Why should we not perform a marriage just because we think homosexuality is a sin? We’re all sinners. If someone wants to have a marriage ceremony before Christ, who are we to deny them that? I highly dislike the person my cousin married but, if I were a pastor, what gives me the authority to deny him his wish to make a promise before God? Just because I dislike someone’s partner doesn’t mean I have the right to say “no, you can’t marry this person whom you love because I don’t like the shape of your LEGO.” I am a Lutheran and I have zero problem with homosexuality and their rights. We’re all human and we’re all sinners. Do murderers get married in religious ceremonies? Yes. Do liars, adulterers, addicts, single parents, fornicators, pornography producers and prostitutes get married? Yes. I’m a fornicator and I’m willing to bet you probably are too. I’d never be turned down by ANY Lutheran church just because I’ve had premarital relations. I don’t understand why homosexuals shouldn’t have the same rights I do.
Thank G-d that I am not a PROTESTANT! (All of this confusion over one's confession!) Every time Protestants disagree they split and reform new churches (confessions)!
@@simgingergirl Hi Addy, Catholic orders/societies are groups of monks, nuns and priests. Each order has a different mission (apostolate) A monk may also be a priest; but it is not required that monks become priests. There are two types of monks/nuns. The traditional ones that live lives separated from society; devoted to prayer and the tasks that they use to be self-supporting. These establishments are usually called monasteries or abbeys. There are also "Mendicant" i.e. "active" orders that live in urban areas (houses/convents) and interact with society (examples: nursing, teaching, social work) Some of the traditional orders for both men and women (who live only with their own gender) are the Augustinians, the Benedictines (includes the Trappists, the Cistercians) the Carmelites and the Carthusians Some of the Mendicant orders are the Franciscans (includes the Capuchins) the Dominicans, and the Servite order; among several other groups. The sisters, brothers and fathers (i.e. priest-monks) live only with their own gender. Mendicant monks are sometimes called Friars to distinguish them from enclosed/cloistered monks. There are also voluntary groups called "third-orders" (example Franciscans). They are lay-people (not monks, nuns or priests) who are, sort of, auxiliaries to the orders of nuns or monks. These people help to support the Mendicant orders financially, and also with their prayers. Individuals may also choose to send donations to and to pray for the work, well-being of enclosed monastics.
Here_We_Go_Again2 In Dallas, we have a very large Jesuit school and I have an old friend who is studying to be a Franciscan priest. I’ve read that Franciscans focus more on their vows of poverty and the mercy of god than Jesuits🤷♀️ It all sounds so foreign to a Protestant. All Mainline Protestant churches agree on two things: We reject papal supremacy and do not practice all of the Catholic sacraments. Baptism and the Eucharist are the two universal sacraments in Protestantism but we disagree on when/how to baptize and the literal body of Christ in communion. In the ELCA, we baptize infants and we believe the amount of water doesn’t matter. Other Protestants (those originating after the Great Awakening) practice what they call “Believers baptism” and full immersion. Basically it’s Confirmation... only they’re professing baptism instead of confirming it. My mother grew up Baptist and she says they do believe in original sin... yet they don’t baptize infants soooo 😑. A lot of Baptist beliefs don’t make sense which is my mom converted to ELCA, but I still have many family members involved in the SBC unfortunately. The ELCA is in full communion with Presbyterian Church USA, the Reformed Church in America, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Moravian Church and Episcopal Church. We receive communion every Sunday and we believe that the literal body of Christ is present. Not everyone in full communion with us believes Christ’s body is present at communion, but that is a minor difference. I have taken communion at a Presbyterian church even though they believe Christ’s body is symbolic in the Eucharist. In the ELCA, confession only consists of two parts: confession and absolution. We believe that Christ’s satisfaction with our penitence is active enough to be granted forgiveness. “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find.”
@@simgingergirl I was raised as a Protestant. I have fond memories. Franciscans tend to be very grounded in their sense of duty to their apostolate. Not that they are slouches in academia; but the emphasis is on the Corporal and Spiritual works of Mercy*** Jesuits tend to focus more on the academic; most of them are very well-read and many have multiple academic degrees. Many Jesuits work as priests but many others are in academia or at the Vatican doing research at its institutes or library. Corporal Works of Mercy 1.) Feed the hungry 2.) Give drink (water) to the thirsty 3.) Clothe the naked 4.) Shelter the homeless 5.) Comfort the imprisoned 6.) Visit the sick 7.) Bury the dead. Spiritual Works of Mercy 1.) Admonish sinners. 2.) Instruct the uninformed 3.) Counsel the doubtful 4.) Comfort the sorrowful 5.) Be patient with those in error 6.) Forgive offenses 7.) Pray for the living and the dead
Altar/Pulpit Fellowship is the highest form of unity in the church.
Thank you for the information. I’m LCMS and embarrassed at admit I never heard of the AALC. God’s blessings upon you and your congregations always. ✝️
I was a pastor in TALC at the time of the merger. As I recall the AALC had quite a struggle with Enthusiasm in its earliest years. I'm glad to see it resolved those struggles and came out of them a confessional synod.
I am LCMS. And I agree that a union would not necessarily a good thing, including the reasons you state. But I also like that is creates a check against the introduction of radical theological ideas. That is, since alter and pulpit fellowship exists, if one body or the other moves in the wrong direction, there is an independent body in the other to warn and threaten action if it is not corrected. This should help to maintain both in faithfulness to the Faith.
Good point and well said, I agree!
I am a Baptist that is steeped in church history (yes, a rarity!) but am learning a lot about Lutheranism these days. I really appreciate your perspective on John 17 and the reasons for not merging; for, it is helpful for all Protestants as we navigate a world that is increasingly demonizing institutions.
I was a Pentocostal/non-denomination Christian and also started looking more into church history and I've landed on Lutheranism.
I was baptized in a confessional southern Baptist church, and chose to go through catechism with the lcms. Lots of thoughtful love and gosple in the Lutheran church as I've witnessed personally and of the Dr here.
Thank you Pastor!
It would interest me if you did a tour of your library. We see many books on your videos and wonder what treasures are on the shelves! Thank you!
I've been part of The AALC since 1991, and I have served on various commissions and roles within The AALC since 2002 (ordained and serving as a pastor since 2008). I have often thought about whether or not The AALC should merge with the LCMS as we share a common confession. I've wondered if it is not the right thing to do or not.
A month ago I was in Belgium for the World Conference of the International Lutheran Council, and Dr. Roland Zeigler made a presentation on Church Fellowship and Ecumenism. In his presentation, he said something that resonated with me. He essentially said that churches can remain separated organizationally, perhaps due to differences in polity or tradition, but should strive for fellowship/partnership in the Gospel, unity in doctrine. I'm trying to make sense of my own notes, so I don't recall exactly what he said, but it was helpful for me to think about fellowship in doctrine as the necessary thing, not oneness in an organization. Thanks be to God that the AALC and the LCMS have fellowship in doctrine. It's not necessary, at least spiritually and Biblically, for there to be one organization instead of two. It might be practical at some point in time, but it is not necessary. We can rejoice in the unity we have in doctrine and the partnership we have in the Gospel, while also continuing in our own tradition and polity
I am WELS but I love the Missouri Synod a great deal. It was the LCMS that made me a confessional Lutheran after spending the 1st 25 years of my life in the liberal Protestant Mainline. AALC is smart to go into altar and pulpit fellowship with Missouri but avoid a total union. Missouri's great weakness is the "old boy network" in St.Louis. The network values loyalty to the institution over everything else even over pure doctrine sometimes. We all have our wierd institutional problems but I wish both Missouri and AALC well.
25 years ago AALC had a terrible charismatic problem, which probably delayed the altar and pulpit fellowship with Missouri. However, God was very gracious and the AALC got its act together and returned to the right path.
That's what I remember about the AALC . I'm not fanatically anti-charismatic , but I'll admit it is a turn-off for me. I'd rather steer clear of any of that stuff. For a short time I was attending an AALC mission parish (this is about 1990) after escaping from the ELCA , but the charismatic stuff kept me from getting too involved. LCMS was where I saw a more robust theological tradition. I'm no longer Lutheran , but I retain a great deal of affection and respect for serious, confessional Book of Concord Lutherans .
What's wrong with Charismatic Lutheranism (or Presbyterianisn, or Anglicanism or Catholicism)? It was/is a Holy Spirit-led renewal, no one planned for it.
The AALC's website statement about being open to the gifts of the Spirit in the 21st century is one of the appeals to me and why I'm discerning seminary with them.
@@vngelicath1580 The Charismatic Movement is dubious because of its extreme subjectivity. Believe me, I learned. I was married to a pentecostal (before she unscriptually divorced me) and while most of them were nice people, I find that people waking around saying that the Holy Ghost told them this or that is scary. I always wondered why these alleged prophecies sounded so much based on American cultural obsessions like money and success? I would sit through an occasional service, which usually consisted of getting people's emotions whipped up by repetitious mantras and folks claiming that these techniques were the direct operation of the Holy Ghost. What's next? Snakehandling?
@@vngelicath1580 Most within the conservative, bible believing churches are cessationists so would not be open to the continuation of the apostolic gifts.
you should do a video on the crucifix and icons within Lutheranism!
I am glad the AALC now has a proactive on-line ordination track seminary program. I was a student of ALTS in the early 2000's, studying in the "distance" program under the tutelage of my local pastor, until the Rev. Franklin Hayes took over the seminary and dismantled that distance program; he instructed all of us to either move to Ft. Wayne (since ALTS was relocating there) or drop out and go away. At the time, this was a very difficult and painful decision, but ultimately I think Rev. Hayes did me a favor in that I instead ended up in the LCMS ministerium and am thankful to be there. I understand the AALC''s history and identity, but I think a merger into the LCMS would bring huge resources to the mostly smaller AALC congregations--from a circuit, district and Synodical level. For example, as a military chaplain, the LCMS's MAF programs and training s(Ministry to the Armed Forces) is powerful and has made me not only a better chaplain, but also a better parish pastor. I am thankful for the AALC/LCMS fellowship, but would also welcome the AALC joining us. Pax
My family left our church when they merged with the ELCA. I was five, so I don't know what it was before the merger. We joined an LCMS church after that.
I like having multiple synods so that if one goes off the deep end, ie. the ELCA, I have a place to go to.
I’m Lutheran educated. Loved it! Big on Jesus! The Word!
Which of the Lutheran groups tends to be the “highest” liturgically speaking?
Out here ,pacific west..try on California..Berkeley..Fresno..Cornell a Columbia last two to far from mom .. I had to listen again 2x. In fact .since 80..before the 60's..what a state it has become. Thank you God bless you .
Dutch Reformed here. We practise the same thought in Denominational Pulpit&Pew friendships. Many of us belong to a larger umbrella called NAPARC, Continental and Island confessional reformed banding together, pulpit exchanging, general fellowship and the ability to transfer membership id needed by situation.
Im ELDoNA and its very disheartining that there is so much division within Confessional Lutheranism. Each day I pray that God may bring all the Churches together one day. But I'm afraid its never gonna happen. This rampant division severely damages our credibility as a unified faith
Thats why I converted to Western Rite Orthodoxy. Even if you look at it from the lense of Altar/Pulpit fellowship being the highest form of unity (The Holy Eucharist definitely is) the confessional groups can only extend that to maybe one or two smaller synods. That destroys all credibility to Catholicity.
Don’t think it will happen as long as the ELCA allows homosexuals and women to be ordained! I’m not Lutheran but I would consider ELCA as non-Lutheran. Definitely not what Martin Luther stood for.
Nice thumbnail, I though I was back at Ready To Harvest for a moment 😆
God's peace be with you my brother.
What are the worship practices(ie: liturgical) of the AALC?
Do you use the hymnal and which is the most common?
Not a fan of the contemporary and "blended" worship that has infested parts of the LCMS over the years!
+Jordan Cooper -- Coincidentally enough I was thinking in the back of my mind a few weeks ago about your particular denomination and why it's not a part of the LC-MS. I had this impression that if the same doctrinal views are held to why not merge? (Speaking for myself I'm not too crazy about 1-10K+ *_"protestant"_* denominations despite knowing that cutting ties or not joining is at times absolutely necessary.) Perhaps there were one or two differences (small or large) which made all the difference in the world, or something else was amiss that boiled down to certain individuals (i.e., top brass) being way too self-absorbed. I now have a better grasp of things. Thanks!
So would I be correct to assume there are no theological differences between the AALC and LCMS? I was waiting for you to mention something about this in your video.
There is something that does not fully align. It's subtle, but subtle does not mean unimportant. I know it when I hear it, but yes, it's too bad that Dr. Cooper didn't address it.
Good explanation for those of us who didn't know alot about AALC. I I for one hope AALC continues seperately as an organzation - I see the benefits of "small". One little Catholic nuance - there isn't a unity purely as mega- organizational or institutional unity - the eastern Catholic Churches have a great deal of organizational /institutional autonomy (at least in the 20th century )- rather with them we have doctrinal and fellowship unity. Yes they accept the Pope's primacy of honor and "appellate jurisdiction" if their own primates would disagree or couldn't settle something. The Pope and the Vatican don't tend to micro manage them.
While the aalc was being founded there was an attempt to have room for the confessional lutherans the moderates and the charismatic element that was in ALC. Most of these folks had a fairly High view of scripture. It is good to have seen the charismatic element virtually eliminated in the last 30 years or so and I know that was a struggle in this body. Another difference in lcms and aalc would be aalc has a conditional communion statement whereas lcms,wels, Els all have closed communion statements. This may vary by congregation and pastor and may shed light on the doctrinal practice within the aalc, I don't know. Big props to anyone though who has left ELCA. I left in 1989 and it was very difficult to do. I found that it wasn't so much what they taught, but what they didn't teach in ELCA that bothered me. Of course these concerns are on both sbat they do and don't teach these days. After I was properly catechised as a confessional Lutheran, I understood much better what was going on in the ELCA. Such a tragedy, but what can you expect when higher criticism is used in the seminaries. All synods have their issues and it's probably best to remain unmerged. There is enough cgm in lcms and wels and a few els churches to cause great concern as well as all the liberties taken in the worship practices. My mother's congregation has kind of a evangelical vibe to it and not as Lutheran as I care to see,yet they do study the confessions. That is admirable.
❤❤ I like the online, inhouse approach but periodic seminars, retreats or learning encounters on campus can still work. I did not know there was so differences and backgrounds in Lutheranisum!!!! One point, when a missionary, at least in the past,, went into a culture, they immersed themselves in that culture. I believe we have to do the same right here in America. We have different regions of the country reflecting different cultures and yet we are all Americans. Glad to know you're group is not liberal!❤
As an OO it reminds me of how many, myself included, love our synods being autocephalous. Agreement in Doctrine and Communion is what matters not the number of voting synods.
Shlohm alekhem (peace be upon you) my brother. What are your thoughts on the Lutheran Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Orthodox Church? Do you know of any Lutheran denominations, and/or fellowships that fully accept the Apocrypha with equal canonicity as the other 66 books? Shlohm alekhem!
I don’t understand why you have completely ignored the fact that the LCMS has its heritage and basis in German Lutheran traditions, the old ALC has its background in the Norwegian and Danish Lutheran churches, and the old LCA in the Swedish Lutheran tradition. These characteristics are most important. Why didn’t you discuss this? After all, we are products of our history.
I see this most particularly in ecclesiological matters between the two churches.
Even if very subtle, the predominantly Scandinavian influence on TAALC has given them a degree of catholicity (mixed with low church elements as well). E.g. they understand their hierarchs to be ministers of oversight within a church that transcends the local parish (presiding pastor) akin to Scandinavian Lutheran bishops.
Whereas the majorly-German (consistory system) LCMS is much more consistently Congregationalist. E.g. Any and all Synodical officials (akin to superintendents) are understood to be elected bureaucrats in an “advisory body” that serves the real church: local congregations.
Does the AALC have bishops ?
Should you go to an LCMS if there’s no AALC church around you ?
Yes.
I'd love to see confessional Lutherans take one more step closer. Maybe form something similar to how the Anglican Church in North America has brought together a number of Anglican groups from different backgrounds and generations. So they have former Episcopal dioceses, both Anglo-Catholic and Evangelical, and also the Reformed Episcopal Church formed back in 1873, plus newer dioceses. Lutherans could do something like that and each synod could still maintain their own identity and theological tradition, even their own seminaries and colleges if they felt that was important.
The AALC should reclaim their old name
We do not need to unite we allready are as long as you follow GOD'S word God bless from a fellow lcms member.
What about the beliefs about everything in aalc
Do you know much about the ELDONA?
I left the LCMS for the WELS around 1990, because at that time the LCMS was a house divided. What doctrinal disputes does the AALC have with the WELS?
In what ways was the LCMS divided back then?
@@colerobbins124 : As I saw it half more appropriately belonged in the ELCA, and the other half was nearly identical to the WELS.
@@craigbenz4835 Interesting. From my research, it seems like that is not really the case anymore. But I could be wrong.
@@colerobbins124 : I never looked back. "Remember Lot's wife."
The LCMS is a lost cause. It’s going Liberal. ELDONA Lutheran is the good one or CLC.
What is the difference between the ELDONA.
And the AALC?
So you guys don't share our cultural heritage (mainly German) and that's why you don't want to merge? I can understand that. I am 4th generation LCMS and it's hard to integrate into a different Lutheran denomination. I wish all services were still in German.
That would certainly exclude a lot of people.
What's the different between NALC and LCMS?
NALC allows women to be ordained pastors
HI, I am from Canada; here we have the CALC (Canadian Association of Lutheran Churches). Is CALC and the AALC closely related, or are there some differences; or major differences? Thanks you
Major differences...CALC ordains women (which highlights differences regarding Holy Scripture as well).
I'm from Canada I belong to the LCC Lutheran Church Canada
Which of the two, pastor Chris rosebough belong to?
He’s AALC.
I'm German, therefore I'm LCMS 😂
I think “joining” is a needed step, but I’d like a system that allows for segments to be co-equal. Like the way the states work with the federal government... but more democratic versus representative and under the system as a whole.
Also the whole joining the LCMS, or whatever Synod, is only causing division as it causes one Synod to be superior when that’s not the case.
LCMS decided to make short earth creation essential doctrine like some muppets that's the main one I can think of
As a current / former non-denominational Christian, who has been searching among the denominations for more historical reverence, it is confusing and a bit of a let down to see how many inter-denomination factions there are, and why they exist, and what to do about my searching.
That is part of what brought me into Eastern Orthodox Christianity (as well as history and doctrine). Although it may not look like it in the West with our ethnic diocese and archdiocese, the Orthodox Church is one Church.
I’m right there with you 😩
See the video by Rod Rosenbladt: "The Gospel for Those Broken by the Church."
There is also the ELDONA.
The AALC could join the ELDONA.
Why not doctrinal, fellowship, AND institutional unity?
It seems to me that there can be institutional unity without the erasing of distinctives and unique histories. That’s certainly the case in marriage.
You are wrong. On January 1,1988 the ALC went out of business. It no longer exists. The AALC has nothing to do with the old ALC. let’s get history correct
What are your thoughts on this? The lcms and aalc need to just merge into one denomination. There's no reason to have two denominations that believe the same things. Jesus wanted us all to be one. John 17:21. It seems silly to me...
The Church is made of people with different political persuasions, these persuasions come from big cities and country. This is why there are so many denominations.
Differences actually come from divisions regarding theology dogma and doctrine not city-state and political persuasion.....
@@soundimpact4633You got it right. The majority of lay people labled Lutheran don’t know the differences between doctrines of their own church bodies. Study the bible and. find out what the Word of God says. Interpretation of God’s Word is the reason there are so many different protestant denominations. Let Scripture interpet scripture. I’m an Evangelical Lutheran Synod member. Our synod is located in Mankato, Mn. We are small (130 congregations) + missions in Peru, Chile, India, South Korea, Ukraine, Czech Republic & Latvia. Our seminary is on the campus of our college Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Mn. We are also in full fellowship with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We are a conservative Confessional Lutheran church body. My church back in 1937 broke away from its existing church body with the pastor Larson because many members wanted to join a larger Lutheran church body eventually becoming the ALC. They got the property and we got the pastor and church records. So we had to build a new building. A lot of volunteer hard work went into the church building. This is all history to me. I was born 16 years after the schism. It’s very important to know what God’s Word is telling us, lest we be led astray. There are many false teachers out there trying to led us down the wrong path. May the readers of. my comment be blessed by the Holy Spirit so that you may discern what the True Word of God teaches.
Pastor Cooper, generally I'm impressed by your videos, but this one really leaves me disappointed by much the AALC has had to give up its identity to placate the LCMS. The title of your video is, "What is the Difference between the AALC and the LCMS?". You did not mention any differences on the issue of divorced pastors. You did not mention any different views on ecumenicalism, and you did not mention any differences (if any) in the two synod's views on pietism/piety. This implies to me that since the two synods signed the agreement on pulpit/altar fellowship, the AALC has adapted the LCMS's views. (Surely the LCMS has not adapted any of the AALC's views, have they?)
Mike, as you likely know there is not a significant difference in those areas between the AALC and the LCMS. We have not given up anything to "placate" the LCMS. The LCMS, unlike the AFLC and some other Lutheran bodies in America, does not have a hard and fast rule on divorced pastors. All cases are considered on their individual basis, and it is a misrepresentation to say that you cannot be divorced and a pastor in the LCMS. It is also not true, and never has been true, that the AALC completely accepts divorced pastors. In fact, being divorced can preclude someone from being admitted to the roster of The AALC. Again, it is a case by case basis. Also, our documents have always said that if a pastor is divorced while serving his parish, he is to resign his call and appear before the Clergy Commission for examination and determination regarding his fitness for ministry. We haven't changed anything, and neither has Missouri. We aren't and never have been a group that just welcomes all of the divorced pastors from Missouri.
I'm also not sure what you are referring to regarding our views on pietism/piety. As a guy that was a student of ALTS in Minneapolis and a student of CTSFW, the teaching was no difference. You can see Pastor Aadland's document on Piety and Pietism from our fellowship discussions. It well represents us. We certainly promote Christian piety, and we have normally rejected pietism. Again, this is what was taught to me in History and Polity by Dr. Lindberg.
We haven't changed our views on anything. Perhaps in some way you have misunderstood the views of The AALC. Of course, unfortunately, doctrine and practice often vary in some of our congregations, as they do in the LCMS as well.
I'm LCMS
Have you ever heard of rhe Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of NorthmPAmerica (the ELDONA)?
Interesting to hear that if there are disagreements or "disunity" as you say, it's perfectly okay to gather a group of like-minded people and start your own church and create your own rules.
Goes way back,65 -68 during the Viet Nam era shout out load..hurt over loss .lot's.but my ? Where did this nhv. Ible come from..I wrote a song on ,my garden...on a walk..
Which one of the two views same-sex marriage or homosexuality as NOT sinful or normal? (I'm conservative)
Also, I'd like to be a minister, what the website for the online seminary?
So there is no difference. You just want to have your own name?
Dude , slow down a bit when speaking !
Like minded doctrine vs Romans 14.
Side note, I am a confessional Lutheran in the ELCA.
And thereby, you deny your confession.
Do you understand the meaning of 'confessional Lutheran'?
ELCA are evil. Heresy
@@Cuyt24 too much hate
@@stevebrown8368 Psalm 97:10
Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Need an abbreviation lookup page, loose track 🤣 6mins still don't know the difference in doctrine.... 8mins.... I think you never answered the question.
Neither one of your denominations can claim Apostolic Succession, so.:/
THIS IS A VERY EASY QUESTION TO ANSWER. MISSOURI SYNOD, FOLLOWS THE TRUTH AS MUCH AS THEY CAN. DO NOT GO TO ANY CHURCH THAT HAS A WOMAN PREACHER, ALLOW QUEERS TO MARRIED, OR GO AGAINST ANYTHING GOD OR WHAT JESUS WROTE IN THE 10 COMMANDMENTS, AND WHAT THE OLD AND NEW PROPHETS SAID!!!!!
My old church switched from the ELCA to the AALC, so I said “God bless; I’m out!”
Addy C: So you’re liberal?
The elca really does follow what is societally popular at the time. Namely homosexuality.
@@swesleyc7 Even if homosexuality is a sin, aren't we all sinners? Why should we keep homosexuals out of the church just because they're sinners like the rest of us?
@@simgingergirl Wow. I didn't say anything about *how* ELCA, or even myself, treat homosexuality. Of course they're allowed to participate in congregation. All are welcome, but there's a difference between having open doors and affirming certain sins because it's socially/politically popular. To be more clear: some ELCA churches marry gay couples (Pastors are allowed preference). That's the issue, not homosexual's ability to come to Church.
Dichotomy & Balance Okay... but still. Why should we not perform a marriage just because we think homosexuality is a sin? We’re all sinners. If someone wants to have a marriage ceremony before Christ, who are we to deny them that? I highly dislike the person my cousin married but, if I were a pastor, what gives me the authority to deny him his wish to make a promise before God? Just because I dislike someone’s partner doesn’t mean I have the right to say “no, you can’t marry this person whom you love because I don’t like the shape of your LEGO.” I am a Lutheran and I have zero problem with homosexuality and their rights. We’re all human and we’re all sinners. Do murderers get married in religious ceremonies? Yes. Do liars, adulterers, addicts, single parents, fornicators, pornography producers and prostitutes get married? Yes. I’m a fornicator and I’m willing to bet you probably are too. I’d never be turned down by ANY Lutheran church just because I’ve had premarital relations. I don’t understand why homosexuals shouldn’t have the same rights I do.
Thank G-d that I am not a PROTESTANT!
(All of this confusion over one's confession!)
Every time Protestants disagree they split
and reform new churches (confessions)!
I’m ELCA (another body of Lutheranism), and Catholic “orders” are just as confusing to me.
The differences between different bodies is mostly cultural like views on homosexuality and female pastors.
@@simgingergirl
Hi Addy,
Catholic orders/societies are groups
of monks, nuns and priests. Each
order has a different mission
(apostolate)
A monk may also be a priest; but it
is not required that monks become
priests.
There are two types of monks/nuns.
The traditional ones that live lives
separated from society; devoted to
prayer and the tasks that they use
to be self-supporting. These
establishments are usually called
monasteries or abbeys.
There are also "Mendicant" i.e.
"active" orders that live in urban
areas (houses/convents) and
interact with society (examples:
nursing, teaching, social work)
Some of the traditional orders
for both men and women (who
live only with their own gender)
are the Augustinians, the
Benedictines (includes the
Trappists, the Cistercians)
the Carmelites and the
Carthusians
Some of the Mendicant
orders are the Franciscans
(includes the Capuchins)
the Dominicans, and the
Servite order; among
several other groups.
The sisters, brothers and
fathers (i.e. priest-monks)
live only with their own
gender. Mendicant monks
are sometimes called Friars
to distinguish them from
enclosed/cloistered monks.
There are also voluntary
groups called "third-orders"
(example Franciscans).
They are lay-people (not
monks, nuns or priests) who
are, sort of, auxiliaries to the
orders of nuns or monks.
These people help to support
the Mendicant orders
financially, and also with
their prayers.
Individuals may also choose
to send donations to and to
pray for the work, well-being
of enclosed monastics.
Here_We_Go_Again2 In Dallas, we have a very large Jesuit school and I have an old friend who is studying to be a Franciscan priest. I’ve read that Franciscans focus more on their vows of poverty and the mercy of god than Jesuits🤷♀️ It all sounds so foreign to a Protestant.
All Mainline Protestant churches agree on two things: We reject papal supremacy and do not practice all of the Catholic sacraments. Baptism and the Eucharist are the two universal sacraments in Protestantism but we disagree on when/how to baptize and the literal body of Christ in communion.
In the ELCA, we baptize infants and we believe the amount of water doesn’t matter. Other Protestants (those originating after the Great Awakening) practice what they call “Believers baptism” and full immersion. Basically it’s Confirmation... only they’re professing baptism instead of confirming it. My mother grew up Baptist and she says they do believe in original sin... yet they don’t baptize infants soooo 😑. A lot of Baptist beliefs don’t make sense which is my mom converted to ELCA, but I still have many family members involved in the SBC unfortunately.
The ELCA is in full communion with Presbyterian Church USA, the Reformed Church in America, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Moravian Church and Episcopal Church. We receive communion every Sunday and we believe that the literal body of Christ is present. Not everyone in full communion with us believes Christ’s body is present at communion, but that is a minor difference. I have taken communion at a Presbyterian church even though they believe Christ’s body is symbolic in the Eucharist.
In the ELCA, confession only consists of two parts: confession and absolution. We believe that Christ’s satisfaction with our penitence is active enough to be granted forgiveness. “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find.”
@@simgingergirl
I was raised as a Protestant. I have fond memories.
Franciscans tend to be very grounded in their sense of
duty to their apostolate. Not that they are slouches in
academia; but the emphasis is on the Corporal and
Spiritual works of Mercy***
Jesuits tend to focus more on the academic; most of them
are very well-read and many have multiple academic degrees.
Many Jesuits work as priests but many others are in academia
or at the Vatican doing research at its institutes or library.
Corporal Works of Mercy
1.) Feed the hungry
2.) Give drink (water) to the thirsty
3.) Clothe the naked
4.) Shelter the homeless
5.) Comfort the imprisoned
6.) Visit the sick
7.) Bury the dead.
Spiritual Works of Mercy
1.) Admonish sinners.
2.) Instruct the uninformed
3.) Counsel the doubtful
4.) Comfort the sorrowful
5.) Be patient with those in error
6.) Forgive offenses
7.) Pray for the living and the dead
You're not glad to have a transgendered lesbian bishop?
That's ELCA...