The Congregation in Its Relationship to the Synod

Abstract

In The Congregation in Its Relationship to the Synod, Prof. John M. Brenner explores the biblical doctrines of Church and ministry, emphasizing the invisible nature of the Church as the communion of saints and the universal priesthood of believers. He critiques historical misunderstandings, including Roman Catholic hierarchy and certain post-Reformation errors, and affirms that all gatherings around the means of grace—whether congregations or synods—are truly Church. Brenner outlines the divine institution of the public ministry, noting that while Christ established the office, He did not prescribe specific forms. He stresses that synods are not merely human arrangements but serve as cooperative expressions of the Church’s mission. The essay calls for mutual respect, doctrinal fidelity, and loving cooperation between congregations and synodical structures. Brenner’s work offers a clear, confessional Lutheran perspective on ecclesiology and the practical relationship between local churches and broader church bodies. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)