From the beginning, I have been impressed with Word Alone, because it has been unafraid to stand for what has been the foundation of my Christian faith my whole life long. The people of WA have been moved by God to create an organization that is faithful to God’s Word, and watchful for decisions in the larger ELCA that could be harmful, or unfaithful, to that same Word, or the Lutheran Confessions. In a world where there are many issues to which we are called to apply gospel love and truth, WA is committed to focus, above all, on staying true to the Word, and holding to that standard while applying it to issues that arise in the life of the church. The ELCA must not drift from a faithful rendering of God’s Word, or every decision, on every issue, is in danger of being flawed in minor, or major ways.

From the list of “Ten Affirmations: What the Word Alone Network is for...”, we read that WA believes in, among other things, “advocating for reform and renewal of the church.” I believe we are all called to be advocates for reform--no matter what the organization or situation. All organizations make decisions--some more helpful, and some less helpful. The ELCA makes decisions as well--some more faithful, and others less faithful. It will always be in need of reform. We all have a calling to raise our voices as advocates for God’s church--to help make it as good as it can be. By raising our collective “reforming voices”, we are being faithful and obedient to our Lord.

I have long been impressed with WA because it truly believes, that “The Bible is the final authority over the faith and life of the Church”. The latest, most-enlightened historical-critical analysis or sociological study can never claim to be divinely inspired in the same way as the Bible, and must be given lesser authority, to be sure. God’s Word is always enough. Nothing can be called “necessary”, beyond Jesus’ suffering and death, to bring forgiveness and salvation to the life and soul of any penitent sinner.

WA believes that Christians don’t need “professional church leaders” to be the only ones deciding what is “right” on various issues, and pushing for certain decisions to be made. Being ordained as pastor or “ordained” as bishop does not confer special “power” that empowers a person to hear God’s guidance more fully, or more accurately. Just because one serves as a bishop or pastor does not mean they can hear God’s guiding any more clearly than the person who gathers the garbage from the bishop’s or pastor’s back alley. The Holy Spirit, and its guidance, is promised to all believers. All believers who are looking to God and the Spirit for guidance can make Godly decisions concerning God’s work in this church.

I thank God for Word Alone and its reforming influence in the ELCA. I also thank God for the good ministry done by the ELCA in the name of our Lord. Reform is needed, however, on the current “lightning rod” issues, as well as on others. I pray that Word Alone will continue working for reform and renewal of God’s church in life-giving ways

that will lead to more faithful, and loving, witness to a world mired in sin, and in great

need of the forgiveness, guidance and care of the Great Shepherd of the sheep.

As we approach the 2003 SW MN Synod Assembly, I call on us all to pray that God will guide delegates to vote wisely and faithfully, for the sake of the crucified and risen one, Jesus who died and rose, so that we might live forever. Peace be with you.

Mark Little is pastor of a WordAlone member church,

Zion in Buffalo Lake