MLC hosts free conference

At the request of conference organizers, Martin Luther College is hosting a Free Conference November 9 and 10 in the Wittenberg Collegiate Center Auditorium. The concept of a free conference draws from a deep heritage among confessional Lutherans, and representatives from WELS leadership have been regular participants in previous free conferences. Read about the conference schedule.

Free Conferences allow representatives from various Lutheran church bodies to present essays on current topics and discuss them in a non-fellowship setting. MLC faculty, staff, students, and community members are welcome to attend. MLC President Mark Zarling commented, “It is important for our campus family to understand how we can formally engage people in doctrinal discussions without breaking fellowship. We dare not be afraid of these interactions, but learn to listen with respect and speak the truth in love.”

Lutheran Free Conference Schedule

November 9-10, 2011
Wittenberg Collegiate Center Auditorium
Moderator: Professor Daniel Balge (Dean of Preseminary Studies, Martin Luther College)

Presentation #1 (10:30am, November 9 - reactions follow)

"Is there any genuine Lutheranism left in American Lutheranism?" And "Can it be brought to bear?"

Mark Braun (Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee) will read an essay by Mark Noll originally entitled, "American Lutherans Yesterday and Today," from Lutherans Today: American Lutheran Identity in the 21st Century, Eerdmans 2003.

Reactions by John Pless (Concordia, Fr. Wayne), Gaylin Schmeling (Bethany, Mankato)

Presentation #2 (1:30pm, November 9 - reactions follow)

"Lutheranism is catholic and evangelical," by David Scaer (Concordia, Ft. Wayne)

Reactions by Mark Mattes (Grand View College, Des Moines), Mark Schroeder (WELS President)

Presentations #3 (3:30pm, November 9 - reactions follow)

"Lutheranism's Chief Article--Justification by Faith and Its Flipside--Bondage of the Will," by James Nestigen (North American Lutheran Church)

Reactions by Joel Fredrich (Martin Luther College, New Ulm), Scott Murray (LC-MS Vice President)

Gemuetlichkeit (7:00pm - 11:00pm, November 9)

Turner Hall near downtown New Ulm (free-will offering)

Presentation #4 (9:00am, November 10 - reactions follow)

"Luther's Doctrine of the Word: The Incarnate Word in the Written Word," by John Brug (Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon)

Reactions by Steven Paulson (Luther, St. Paul), Dan Metzger (Old Zion Lutheran Church, Philadelphia)