Update: Internet Monk  pleads with Lutherans and other traditions to plant more churches and to reach out with the churches we already have. Check it out here.

A couple days ago our friend Michael Spencer, the Internet Monk, posted a video on his blog of Grace Lutheran Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Go over and take a look.  Be sure to read the comment thread closely.

http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/grace-lutheran-church-tulsa-ok

A good friend of mine told me awhile back that millions of people want to be Lutherans, they just don’t know it yet.

Some of these people are starting to figure it out.

As we become more vocal, as we wander farther and farther away from our own enclaves, people are taking notice.  After decades of hiding our light under a bushel basket and only talking amongst ourselves, other people are starting to recognize the treasure that we Lutherans often take for granted.

We have a very distinct, grace-tinged voice that contrasts sharply with the Reformed and the heirs of revivalism.  Many, who have been bound by the twin horizons of the Calvinist Arminian debate, are seeing a glimmer of hope that there is a biblically sound, well thought out, orthodox alternative to these two views.  Against the rising tide of Catholic apologists, many are rediscovering the answers hammered out by our Lutheran forefathers in their struggles against error in Rome.

Modern evangelicalism is in the midst of a collapse, and we have answers that can battle the plague of despair assailing refugees from these churches.

The Lutheran church is being confronted with a gigantic opportunity to step up and answer the call.  We need to take it.  Right now.

What do we need to do to capitalize on this moment?

Be who we are.  Not trying to imitate those of the revivalist tradition, not forsaking the Confessions and the catechism, holding fast to the liturgy and those forms of worship that have stood the test of time. Speaking the clear word of both law and Gospel.  Starting new congregations, sending new missionaries, making the best use of the internet and the new media.

We have a great start.  Legions of Lutheran bloggers are engaging the culture in a powerful way.  Programs like Issues Etc. and White Horse Inn are on the pointy end of the spear bringing Lutheran doctrine and spirituality to tens of thousands of people.  Pirate Christian Radio and its numerous shows and podcasts is providing solid teaching twenty four hours a day.   The LCMS  publisher Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is experiencing a renaissance under the guidance of Paul McCain and others.  In the last few years they have brought us a new hymnal (one of the best in existence), the Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord, the Treasury of Daily Prayer, and at last, a truly Lutheran study bible. We cannot overestimate the value of having a publisher in our corner that is stepping up to the plate and backing the church’s play.

The Higher Things youth organization is redefining youth ministry and is ensuring our faith is passed solidly to the next generation.

Finally, there are a number of smaller efforts like Lutheran Press, Ballast Press, New Reformation Press, and some others that are doing what we can to provide resources to those looking into the Lutheran faith.

What we really need though are faithful congregations that are unashamedly Lutheran, but willing to open up and welcome those from the outside. Congregations that aren’t afraid to get involved in the community or try some new kind of outreach that they have never done before.

It is my plea to both pastors and laity alike to consider these things and pray about them.  To those congregations flirting with the idea of becoming more generic, non-denominational, protestant, or who have already done so, please reconsider in light of our magnificent heritage.  The contemporary non-denom model has seen its best days, and people are looking for something far deeper, rooted in history, tested by time.

We have an amazing window of opportunity, and no one knows how long it will last.  I say let us seize this opportunity to bring the gospel of God’s grace in Christ to the bruised reeds and smoldering wicks with all our might and may God grant us a strong hand, a willing heart, and a wise mind.

By Pat K