At the top of the synod sits one who many of us are anxious to see lead.  And while I do not mean to be a party pooper, I feel I must remind us all of something important. We rightly complained at the top down nature of our Synod for the last few years. And yet, I hear many now suggesting that today installation and it’s fruit are the answer to the problems that plague our Synod. I say it is still not top down. Or at least it should not be. If the pastors at the congregational level sit back, and wait for manna to fall from St. Louis, we are misguided indeed.
On this symbolic day, I urge my fellow pastors to take up the causes you believe in at the most local 
level. In your congregation, speak with boldness and with gentleness. Without well taught laypeople, the synod hierarchy is but a shell. And if you have left you circuit gathering due to those who gather with you, it is time to go back. It is time to get over pride and reconcile with your brothers by gathering around the word. Do not let your belief about what they will do affect what you will do. If you want unity in the synod, it will not be worked out in St. Louis, it will be worked out in all sorts of small towns and large urban centers as pastors, with humility towards each other and with boldness regarding the scriptures, talk with each other.  And if you have skills to be used at district, serve with gladness.
I will pray that Pres. Harrison will always act as as pastor and lead well. But ultimately I am convicted that real change in our synod will not be accomplished in a top down fashion.  It is up to all of the pastors and laypeople who have not been to the altar to be installed as President but who have brought to the font to be called the children of God, forgiven and filled with the Holy Spirit. It is still not top down. It is Word and Sacrament up.
