Wakeup wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:02 PM:
" Re: kicked out...
Yes, the Bible does ordain situations when a person should be removed from the congregation. However, it is as a last resort, after the individual has been given the opportunity to repent or turn away from their sinful behavior, and they refuse to do so even after being patiently admonished by the leaders and members of the church. It is designed to enable all members of the church, who should all be believers, to live according to God's will, not merely for punishment for poor behavior.
In fact, congregational discipline is called for within the scriptures in multiple areas, and it is not merely the traditions of men. It is prescribed in God's word.
The topic of church discipline is difficult and can be difficult to implement. However, when a church applies it properly, it is a tool designed by the Father to bring believers back to Him and cleanse the Church of sinful behavior that can prevent the spiritual growth and blessings of the Church itself. "
Kicked out wrote on Jul 29, 2008 7:55 PM:
" How does a church kick out a member?? Is this really the behavior of a church that God intended? "
Wakeup wrote on Jul 29, 2008 5:55 PM:
" I find that Waterbrook Community Bible Church on Milwaukee street to be a wonderful church. They are truly focused on God's word, and they are a loving congregation.
They maintain the focus on God and discipleship to enable others to be more Christ-like. Furthermore, while they will adamantly defend the basic tenants of the faith, they are non-denominational, and they are intent upon teaching the commandments, reverence and grace of God, not the traditions of men! "
Re And now a few words from Martin Luther himself... wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:00 AM:
" From reading that Wikipedia entry on Martin Luther's book, "The Jews and Their Lies", it sounds like Martin Luther was the first Nazi. In fact 400 years after Luther when the Nazis did come to power, his work (according to Wiki) featured prominently in Nazi teachings. After all, Kristallnacht (the night the Nazis burned all the synagogues) was actually advocated by Martin Luther in the 1500s. So, if the Nazis needed religious "air cover" to justify their dirty deeds, just trott out Martin Luther's teachings to provide the necessary "justification". Truly sad on how religion continues to divide us to this day. "
Re MEL wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:10 PM:
" Did you go to school at St Pauls?Could you name some non bible believing churches? "
Mel Pliner wrote on Jul 28, 2008 7:26 AM:
" Mel Pliner
This article was written to welcome a pastor. That is it. Not to bash a church or personnel. But I have to clear up some misconceptions. If you are a Christian and had problems with some thing you would not talk about a person or a church in public you would go and talk to them in privet. St Pauls is a Bible believing church and based on the word of God. Its not a church made for a life stile. When you go to church you praise and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. But most important to here the word of God. I know for a fact if you didnt give any money nothing would be said. If you dont attend church its out of love that you would be contacted buy letters a phone call and a visit to encourage you to attend. My father use to tell me if you cant say anything nice then dont say anything. We as Christians will for give those statements that were wrong because we have to. May God bless all of you. "
We found a great church wrote on Jul 27, 2008 10:04 PM:
" A few years ago, almost by accident (or a Greater plan), we found a great congregation at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. After visiting one time our kids kept asking us "when are we going back?" When we finally left our other church it was like going through a divorce or something, but it really was for the best. We joined a church family that is loving, accepting and quite diverse -- we joined other Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists and Baptists who had come together to form a church family. Just like a real family, we share similarities and differences, but always love. If you find too much conflict with the church you're in, or with not being in one at all, there are choices. You need to visit other congregations until it feels right. You'll know when you've found the right fit. And, thank God there are choices! "
And now a few words from Martin Luther himself... wrote on Jul 27, 2008 7:51 PM:
" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Jews_and_Their_Lies "
A Sad Christian wrote on Jul 27, 2008 7:16 PM:
" In response to "God's word applies here too", thank you for saying what needed to be said. I was looking for another story in the Tomah Journal, when I came upon the story of the third pastor at Stl Paul and the comments. I could not believe what I was reading. As a Christian I am sad that God's word and the blood that Christ shed on the cross for our salvation is taking a back seat. To all of you at St. Matthew in Warrens, my husband and I care and pray for you and to all of you at St. Paul, we care and pray for you. "
Gods Word applies here too wrote on Jul 27, 2008 3:21 PM:
" What was stated in a previous webpage discussion regarding these two churches bears repeating here: Could God's Word (Exodus 20:16) and Martin Luther's explanation from the Small Catechism be any clearer? Could anything more fitting be said regarding this discussion? "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor" (What does this mean?) "We should fear and love God that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, or give him a bad name, but defend him, speak well of him, and take his words and actions in the kindest possible way." The love we owe each of our neighbors we also owe to neighboring churches... "
Former St. Pauls Member wrote on Jul 26, 2008 12:35 PM:
" This church is doing nothing but going in the wrong direction. I was a member from the time I was baptized as a baby up until they kicked me out 2 years ago for doing no more wrong than anybody else in this world and being honest to them about it. This church is about nothing more than trying to attend more services and give more money to them than the other person. If you go to church regularaly and give them lots of money you can be a commen criminal and still be a member, but if you don't attend all that often or give them much money they kick you to the curb. I have not rejoined any church yet because I don't know if I can ever trust any of them again. I still believe in Jesus as my Savior and know that I will get to Heaven some day just as easy as anybody else. DW "
requestion wrote on Jul 25, 2008 8:50 AM:
" You might also ask people how many times St Pauls has turned their back on them in their time of need( funerals divorce etc).Its a mean little church just like Tomah is a mean little town. "
Question wrote on Jul 24, 2008 3:16 PM:
" Are there any women elders? Do women have any say in that church yet? I grew up in Tomah and attended another Luthern church. I was always confused that women did not have equal say at St. Paul's . We liked a similar church to St. Paul's in another town in Wisconsin but decided to join an ELCA church instead. Raising three daughters, I was uncomfortable with the message that women do not have equal say in the church or anywhere else for that matter. Is that still the case? "
re consider this wrote on Jul 24, 2008 10:08 AM:
" Who says it is St Paul's members who are negatively posting? I am happy that both congregations are growing - I don't always agree with the decisions that the male elders at my church make, but that is my choice and why we have the freedoms that we enjoy - the freedom of religion is a biggie, so is the freedom of speech. "
Smile wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:27 PM:
" Terri asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favorite Bible stories. She was puzzled by Kyles picture, which showed four people on an airplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent.
The Flight to Egypt, was his reply.
Pointing at each figure, Ms. Terri said, That must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But whos the fourth person?
Oh, thats Pontius - the pilot."
:-)
To my brothers and sisters at St. Matthew and St. Paul:
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 "
what a blessing wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:15 PM:
" We have so many blessings here at St Paul in Tomah, and I just wanted to express my feelings on adding a third pastor. Sometimes you need to step aside from the politics and money situtations and focus on what is important at church. St Paul is growing and the reason is the Lord is working among the members & the pastors. We support eachother, we may not always agree with one anothers actions or ideas but we are learning from eachother and keeping God's Word close and as the main focus. Pastor Brandt & his family are just a wonderful addition to the many blessings we have here at St Paul. For those of you who think adding an additional pastor was not the right thing to do..what do you think our Lord would say?
Pastor Buch, Pastor Backhaus & Pastor Brandt~we are glad your'e here & thanks for all your hard work and dedication to your family here at St Paul. "
Consider This wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:11 PM:
" I applaud Steve's loyalty to his church and pastor. Knowing the Krause family, I would expect no less. However, I can't help but think that considering the negative way members of the St. Paul congregation have responded to the growth of St. Matthews, there are some hard feelings. Perhaps it is time to start treating others as we would like to be treated. Negativity has a tendency to breed negativity. Let us rejoice that two congregations in our communtiy are flourishing! "
Steve Krause wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:36 PM:
" When writing a comment such as yours why not list your name? By the way St. Paul is hardly a shrinking congregation. In addition the pastor at St Paul's which you refer to has done alot for our family. He is a faithful servant of the Lord and the church. We stand behind him 100 percent. It's unfortunate that you feel you need to continue to talk in this manner about our church and Pastor. Please list your name in future comments. "
Wrong direction wrote on Jul 22, 2008 8:52 AM:
" As a former St. Pauls member family, who has moved our family to St. Matthews, adding a pastor to save a shrinking congregation is the wrong direction to go. Removing a pastor would have been a better choice, I won't name names but we all know who I mean.
I wish the St. Pauls family good luck and also extend an invitation to come and visit us at St. Matthews. "
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
