Bishop em. Dr Dieter Reinstorf, Pretoria
After official theological consultations in 2022, the FELSISA had voted unanimously to declare church fellowship with the CLCMS at its Synodical Convention in 2023. This declaration was to be confirmed by CLCMS, who held its 1st Synodical Convention from 1-5 August 2024 in Mzuzu, Malawi.
Former Bishop Dr Dieter Reinstorf of the FELSISA was invited as an official guest and observer. It was an honour to attend the convention of this rather young yet vibrant church. Founded in 2007 it has grown to 4000 members with congregations in all three provinces of Malawi. A lack of travelling means and bad roads made it almost impossible to meet in the past. Pastors get no salary from their congregations. They are “tent makers”, like the apostle Paul, earning an income on the sideline to care for their families. They visit their congregation members by foot or on a bicycle. Having a motorbike is an exception. Yet they are filled with the Spirit of God eager to share the Gospel of Christ with all. It is humbling to observe.
It had struck me before that in Jesus’ well-known sermon in Luke’s Gospel, he says: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (6:20). Poor? Did Luke overlook “poor in spirit” as Matthew records this beatitude of Jesus? Being poor is not a desired state in our world. We prefer warm showers and a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Being poor means “I am dependent” like a little child, prone to receive what others give. But indeed, those are the attributes of faith highlighted by Jesus, who wants the little children to come to him as the Kingdom of God belongs to them (cf. Mark 10:39). Children trust and are eager to receive what is provided to them. That is what I learn in Malawi: Young and old Christians trusting God, expressed by their multitude of prayers. No journey commences without a heartfelt prayer for God’s protection. And no journey is concluded with a word of praise for the protection received. We can learn so much from the CLCMS.
It was therefore not only a historic moment but a moment of divine grace when the Synodical Convention of the CLCMS also voted unanimously to declare church fellowship with the FELSISA. In the first place, church fellowship expresses itself in pulpit and altar fellowship, a sharing of the proclamation of God’s Word and the Lord’s Supper. But it also means that we wish to walk together, encouraging each other in spreading the Gospel of Christ and caring for one another.
For some years already the Mission of Lutheran Churches (MLC) of which the FELSISA is a member, has send teachers to Malawi to teach those who wish to become pastors. These men of all ages know that this is not an easy journey. The executive chairman, Rev Davis Wowo reminds them frequently that they are called to suffer with Christ, like the apostle Paul. It is in suffering, Paul reminds us, that God works endurance, and endurance produces character and character hope – a hope that is not disappointed (Romans 5:3-5). After completing this basic course in theology, they are installed as evangelists. Some proceed to study at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Pretoria or elsewhere, after which they are ordained as ministers.
FELSISA members are encouraged to keep their brothers and sisters in Malawi in their prayers and to look for opportunities to help this church grow. Presently the FELSISA hopes to print more hymnals for the CLCMS and has committed to guide this church in implementing its Constitution, leading to proper elections, which are to take place at the Diocesan General Assemblies in 2025, followed by the 2nd Synodical Convention in 2026.
Having learned so much on my trip to Malawi, I praise God and pray that the partnership between the CLCMS and the FELSISA will blossom leading to renewed trust in our faithful God.
