Katie’s Beer

Who says Lutherans don’t have a sense of humor? I’ve just seen my very first Lutheran political cartoon. View it here. Kelly uses her gift of drawing ability to illustrate what many are talking about - the spinning of the reasons behind the cancellation of the popular Lutheran radio show, Issues, Etc.
And who says Lutherans don’t get worked up about anything (well, that’s said about the Norwegians). Andrew Sacramone, of First Things, observes:

It takes a lot to get Lutherans to shift into activist mode. We pretty much believe if you’re agitated about something, you’re probably a Baptist. And any kind of ventilation (like breathing) is frowned upon for fear of a charismatic renewal. So believe me, Issues, Etc. is going to come back in some form, somewhere. It’s just not a good idea to get Lutherans angry. Last time this happened, historians ended up calling it the Thirty Years War. (read on…)

Dr. Gene E. Veith provides a short and thorough update on the situation this morning.

Tags: Lutheran, Issues by TK
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Anthony Sacramone asks, In The LCMS Mess: Part Deux:

“Why must confessional Lutherans, who number in the millions and cross LCMS, ELCA, WELS, and ELC (TK hopes he meant the ELS) denominational borders, rely on corporate headquarters for their media—namely programs such as Issues, Etc. and magazines like The Lutheran Witness? Are there no other resources, no other media mavens, who would be inclined to fund radio broad- or podcasts and an independent magazine?”

My answer: We don’t rely on corporate headquarters for media. I think the existence of the confessional Lutheran blogosphere proves that they don’t rely on outside resources. Sometimes wistfully referred to as the Synodical Conference of Confessional Lutheran Bloggers dating back earlier than my start in 2004, this network of blogs (see here also), friends-by-email and now The Wittenberg Trail, is responsible for the wide-spread reaction to the cancellation of Issues, Etc. Within hours we had quickly emailed each other and posted on the matter. Issues, Etc. was one great tool of ours, but it was one of many. Sure we’re MAD about how a great resource was mismanaged by a synod and canceled. We each have our own favorite resources, primarily a great pastor (and sometimes lack of one), and we posted and encouraged each other. Issues, Etc. was a great way for us to pull together. For a time, a few of us gathered a couple of times weekly in an internet chat room and discussed the show together. We will go on, but I wonder what will grow to replace Issues, Etc?

Note to self: Join First Things immediately (or on next payday)!

Tags: Lutheran, Issues by TK
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From Esgetology, Christopher Esget writes this sadly funny satirical commentary on the cancellation of the popular Lutheran radio show, Issues, Etc.:

Today is March 19th, and right on time the March issue of the LCMS Reporter landed in my mailbox. As I read through the “President’s Leadership News” contained therein, I found myself glad that he raised this question: “How do we share the Gospel with youngsters who are plugged into their iPods most of their waking hours?”

It’s a question I think about from time to time. If I ever get some serious time back in my schedule, I want to look into podcasting our sermons, building a daily office podcast, and other such things that I think my parishioners could use, and could be useful for spreading the gospel. I saw that Pastor Weedon’s church was putting on DVD catechism services for those who had to miss. That’s a responsible use of new technology.

So, getting back to our President’s question, How do we share the Gospel with youngsters [and not-so-youngsters] who are plugged into their iPods? And that’s when it hit me. The kind of brilliant idea that flashes forth, but is often not capitalized upon for lack of means, opportunity, etc. Here’s my brilliant idea:

• The Synod owns a radio station. We could use their studio to start a radio program.
• You’d want to make it on the bleeding edge of what’s happening in culture, politics, and broader church life.
• This program could interview all kinds of people - writers, musicians, pastors, deaconnesses, missionaries, youth workers. Make sure to mix it up.
• On this program, you could also dialogue with people outside our tradition - both Christians and non-Christians alike.
• This program would provide lots of discernment for seekers, but also offer up some meat for those hungry to grow in the faith.
• The program would be solidly Lutheran, but appeal to non-Lutherans as well. The producer might throw in an eclectic mix of music for bumpers.
• You’d need a host who is intelligent and articulate.
• He should be orthodox, but not stuffy.
• He should be thoroughly grounded in the Word, but totally plugged in to the culture.
• He should be funny, but not silly.
• Perhaps we could use some of our Synod’s web presence as well. Promote it all over the place.
• Then, here’s the big payoff: You could take that radio show and podcast it. Even hook it up to iTunes. That way, anybody in the world could listen to it, anytime.
• Heck, if the people were really hard-working, you could probably get 2-3 hours a day of material, 6 days a week. Now that would be a serious presence that could lead to serious results.

We could call it, “Issues, Etc.” Maybe you could come up with a better name, but that would do for now.

Wouldn’t it be cool if our Synod had the foresight to get something like that going? You know, tap in to the whole “new media” thing and get the Gospel out to places and people our members can’t reach? Right now, we’re sort of stuck in the Eighties, singing praise choruses and starting up cell groups.

I think our president is onto something here; it would be great if we could make this happen. I can’t believe that I’m the first person to think of this.

Oh, I almost forgot. I know of this guy who’d be perfect for the job. Through a bizarre set of circumstances, he just happens to be available.

Tags: Lutheran, Issues by TK
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Issues, Etc., the popular and nationally broadcast was suddenly and without any warning removed from the air and its hosts were fired. The official statement by the LCMS-owned radio station, KFUO, explains virtually nothing:

For programmatic and business reasons, the decision was made this week to discontinue the “Issues, Etc.” program on KFUO-AM. We look forward to bringing you new programming in this time slot in the near future. Also, we thank “Issues” host Rev. Todd Wilken and producer Mr. Jeff Schwarz for their years of service on behalf of the station.

Lutherans everywhere are saddened at the loss of a venue which could bring people of faith together across the country for an hour or two. They are also amazed at the cold, callous and non-sensical nature of the cancellation. In the radio world, sudden cancellations are hardly unusual, but in the Lutheran world I guess we expected a bit more from the powers that be. The show was their MOST LISTENED TO PROGRAM, with plenty of sponsors.
The show archives are back up and will be available for who knows how long. Pastor Todd Wilken has sent show listeners a message of thanks for the prayers and gifts of cash to him and his producer, who are suddenly out of work:

If you would like to sign a petition, go here.  If you would like to offer financial assistance to Pastor Wilken and Mr. Schwarz as they make this difficult and sudden transistion, The Wittenberg Trail is organizing a drive to offer financial support. They have set up a secure PayPal account.  Follow the directions at the Wittenberg Trail website(free membership may be required) and click on the “Donate” button on the right side of the screen. Visit The Wittenberg Trail at: http://wittenbergtrail.ning.com.

Tags: Lutheran, Issues by TK
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