Wyneken on how to preach in America.

Rev. Karl Boehmer just privided a translation of Friedrich Wyneken's letter to Biewend from Nov. 25, 1842. Wyeneken was back in Germany on leave from St. Paul's Ft. Wayne, drumming up support for the Lutheran Church in America, and getting a strong dose of Lutheranism from Loehe et al. Biewend wanted Wyneken's thoughts on his desire to likewise leave Germany for the live of a missionary preaching in America. Wyneken's advice on preaching is as fresh and worthy of consideration as it was almost 170 years ago! Step into the office!

Matt H.

I am afraid I do not have much to say in answer to your last three questions. You wish to obtain a more thorough insight into the conditions within the American church, and knowledge of what is needed there. I would not know what answer to give you so that you can become better acquainted with the situation over there. It is chaos, and I am afraid to say the Lutheran church also knows very little about its own calling. Meanwhile, the need there is the same as everywhere else: To preach Jesus Christ to poor sinners in season and out of season, that He has become our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. And because by God’s grace you hold the position of the church, you can easily use it to evaluate various conditions, to beware of the sectarians, to confront them and to gather the congregations; in short, it will become easier for you on the whole to make the right call. James 1:5 will be especially helpful. – It is especially important for a German preacher to know that he should leave every staged pulpit mannerism and tone, all pussyfooting, twisting and turning indulged in to get by, the fear of people or the need to please people, making allowances etc – all that he should leave here, and behave and act instead like the Lord’s messenger to His diverse sinners, like one to whom the Lord Himself has entrusted the office. May the dear, faithful Savior speedily redeem His church from fearful and considerate preachers, who see the misery of our congregations and say nothing! – Over there, you need to be brisk, free and joyful on the one hand; serious, grounded and calm on the other. Pastoral care must be exercised there in a manner suited to the circumstances, as it must be everywhere, and church discipline must be exercised. But you will learn all of that from your Master, from the Word, from life and prayer. If only your intent is to be faithful in all things, and if only you are called, the Lord will provide according to your needs.