Pastor responds to Roanoke Co. church’s decision to change national association

At St. John Lutheran Church, Pastor Mark Graham is relieved because his congregation followed him on Sunday, where 70% of members voted to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which is their current national association.

“Some of the things that the ELCA has adopted do not follow in with my beliefs regarding God and life and family,” said Judy Limroth who voted for the change.

The ELCA is the largest Lutheran association in the country.  This comes one month after the national church decided to recognize gay marriage and allow homosexuals in a relationships to become part of the clergy.

“Many expressed concern that the recommendations of the national church were contrary to the authority of scripture,” said Graham.

Graham says some of the concerns the congregation brought up on Sunday was the effect that the change would have on youth event, ministries, and missions that they’re involved with in the ELCA.

Graham says he thinks the number of people who leave will be much lower than the 30% who voted to stay but he says it will be tough.

“I think for the next six to nine months, it will be a difficult time for us here at St. John because many people that have been doing key leadership ministries in our church for many years will probably chose to leave,” said Graham.

They’ll now wait three months and have another final vote in mid-January to complete the transition.

“I believe in the long run as the congregation stays true to the word of God, that things will work out and the Lord will bring others to the congregation,” said Graham.

Graham says he believes leaving the ELCA is the right thing to do and because of that, everything else will be provided for them by God.