Addressing Some Misconceptions about the Wisconsin and Missouri Synod Positions on Church and Ministry

Abstract

Professor Brug takes an objective look at the approaches and caricatures of doctrine that have appeared concerning church and ministry in Lutheran synods. After defining “minister” and “ministry” from both a wide and narrow perspective he then examines the views of both synods as expressed in official church literature. He also includes a brief look at some related issues, such as the concept of the “call” and the historical background for differing doctrinal positions.