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A Brief History Of The Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Part 2

© John L. Hoh, Jr.

REBUILDING THE SYNOD

It was indeed the purchase of Bethany College that greatly aided in the rebuilding of the Synod. With its own institution of higher education, the new Norwegian Synod could carve its identity. It would also attract many from the Synodical Conference as the only liberal arts institution in that coöp. In addition to training our young people to do God's will, it has served to spawn Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary (after a change in Selective Service policy23) and has served as the site of the yearly synodical conventions.24 The purchase of the college itself went much smoother than anticipated: a liberal offer was accepted and goals for an association were met twice over. Surely God was directing his people.25

Another important matter not to be overlooked is the fact that a periodical has been continually published by the synod. Originally known as Luthersk Tidende (Lutheran Times), it became simply Lutheran Sentinal as a testimony both to the Americanization of the Norwegians and the commitment of the synod to missions. Its origins pre-date the synod itself, as it commenced as the organ of the minority against the merger.26 Today it can be read in the homes for the edification of members of the synod, as instruction for and witness to those outside our fellowship and as a forum where pastors, laity and, yes, even seminarians can hone their writing skills and share their faith with fellow believers. Truly God has blessed us with the talent and means to support this worthy venture.

Any rebuilding venture is not possible without the help, blessing and will of our heavenly Father. It is easy when studying synod history or celebrating synod anniversaries to look at the accomplishments of our forefathers. We always need to remember that it is God who raises up men among us to show us his truth. To him be the glory.

The final ingredient in the rebuilding of the Norwegian Synod is its relationship with the Synodical Conference. Throughout the history of the old synod a close relationship was maintained with the Missouri Synod. When Dr. Walther formed the Synodical Conference, the Norwegian Synod joined. The old synod discontinued its relationship with the Synodical Conference in the 1880s, not over doctrinal disagreements but in order to settle the Election Controversy in-house. The relationship of the reorganized synod with the Synodical Conference would aid greatly in the rebuilding of the Synod. By the grace of God it has been able to recognize error and extricate itself from it in time when part of the Conference succumbed to false teaching.