<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Walter P. Snyder Last week, I began answering some questions which were intended to find out more about me and my Lutheran beliefs. I hope that as you see the heritage and beliefs which have shaped me, it will give you a better understanding of the positions I take on certain issues. Q: How do you understand the purpose of the homily or sermon within its worship? A: The sermon should point to Christ. Its purpose should ultimately be one of Gospel proclamation. However, it will normally travel first through the condemnations of the Law, to prick conscience, to accuse sinfulness, to hold up the mirror of God's holiness to people still living and participating in a sinful world. The best sermons will then address the sins which are especially focused upon in the Law proclamation with the full, free forgiveness of sins in Christ and will cease without placing another burden, such as "Now that you are forgiven, go do..." upon the hearers. Q: If your tradition celebrates the Lord's Supper, how do you understand what is happening at the Lord's Supper? How often do you celebrate it? Why? A: We believe that we receive the very body and blood of Christ even as we receive the earthly elements of bread and wine. We don't try to explain this, we only take Christ at his word when he says, "This is" in the Gospels and as his apostle Paul details the Supper in 1 Corinthians 10 and 11. Some years ago, certain understandings of Communion lessened its importance in the minds of many Lutherans and its observation decreased--sometimes to as few as four to six times each year. However, that trend has been reversed, and most of our churches now celebrate it at least twice each month. More and more, as they relearn our teachings as to the blessings and benefits of communion, our congregations are restoring the ancient pattern of communion on every Sunday and on the major feast days of the Church. Q: Does the way your tradition worships influence how members of your tradition understand themselves in relation to the church? A: I think so. Our Liturgy takes the focus away from people and directs us toward God, especially as revealed in Christ Jesus. It strips away our vanities by confronting us with our sins, yet it also heals our wounds by the restorative Gospel of forgiveness in Christ. Q: How does the worship of your tradition effect the way that its members understand the task of the Christians in the world? A: The "worship" itself doesn't do this---however, the Scriptures and their exposition in the sermon certainly direct the members toward a focus on the Bible. Lutheran Theology doesn't send the hearers out with a command, but with a promise. The Holy Spirit uses this promise of forgiveness, eternal life, and God's abiding presence to spark a response in the believers, who then live out their faith in their daily lives. Q: How are the central doctrinal beliefs of your tradition expressed in the way you worship, the worship space that you use, and the function of the minister? A: Church design and architecture focus upon the font (for the washing waters of Baptism and baptismal regeneration), the altar (for the Lord's Supper) and the pulpit (for the spoken words of the Gospel). Most Lutheran churches do not put the choir in the front, since the focus in not on them, but upon the message which their singing brings. Similarly, the pastors normally wear vestments in order to show with greater clarity that this man is set aside to speak on behalf of God and to deliver the gifts of God. The Divine Service, while involving elements of response (prayer, offering, etc.) has as its primary emphasis the forgiveness of sins and the upbuilding of the saints through Word and Sacrament. The minister is seen as God's servant, who then serves God's people in a particular place. He is not a hireling, nor does he always give the people what they want to hear. He is a caretaker of souls, called to shepherd them safely to eternal life. Thus, while counseling and the like may be a part of the pastor's tasks, his main focus is preaching and teaching that faith is kindled, sins are forgiven, and the believers are kept focused upon Christ. That's it for now. You can submit questions by mail to "Ask the Pastor," PO Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or just stop me on the street. Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches in Jasper and Woodville, Texas and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1998 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.