LF pastor discusses decision to leave ELCA
Religion
LITTLE FALLS - The Rev. Nate Bjorge didn't see this coming.
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He was happily leading a congregation of about 1,000 at First Lutheran Church in Little Falls with plans of staying there at least until his children, ages 12, 10 and 6, graduated from high school.
Suddenly, Bjorge's life took an unexpected turn. He resigned from a church and church family he loved and put his house up for sale, fearing the effects of a bad economy and looming unemployment.
Rev. Nate Bjorge
"A year ago I wouldn't have imagined I'd be where I am today," Bjorge said.
In August the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, of which First Lutheran belongs, decided to allow non-celibate gay clergy. In October the First Lutheran congregation voted to remain in the ELCA, as opposed to another Lutheran church body that doesn't allow it. The congregation voted overwhelmingly to remain in the ELCA and Bjorge resigned shortly thereafter.
"I would die for God's word. For me, there was no question. This issue directly violates the word of God."
Rev. Nate Bjorge, on leaving ELCA
"I personally have friends who are homosexual. Our congregation has always been welcoming to homosexuals," Bjorge said. "But I can't condone homosexual behavior. I believe the homosexual lifestyle, homosexual behavior, is destructive."
Prior to First Lutheran's vote, Bjorge held Biblically-based adult education classes where homosexuality and the ELCA's decision were discussed.
"I was shocked by the results (of the congregational vote)," he said. "I was extremely disheartened."
The Rev. Nate Bjorge led the church service Sunday at Faith Lutheran Church in Little Falls. Bjorge resigned from First Lutheran Church in Little Falls after the congregation voted to remain in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Bjorge said he took it personally.
"It called into question my effectiveness (as a pastor)," he said.
Knowing he could no longer remain an ELCA pastor because of his moral conflicts, Bjorge resigned effective Nov. 30.
"I haven't been angry by this whole process. Sad might be a better word," he said.
The church council members agreed to pay Bjorge through November, but wanted his last day to be Oct. 30. Bjorge agreed with their decision.
"It's important for them to move on and become a healthy congregation again," he said. "My presence wasn't going to help that."
Immediately after the congregational vote, but before Bjorge resigned, about 60 people left First Lutheran to start a new, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ church, now called Faith Lutheran Church.
After Bjorge's resignation, he was asked to join their church, and eventually be their pastor. Bjorge said he's always loved the people at First Lutheran and was honored when some of the former members asked if he'd serve as the pastor at Faith Lutheran.
"I was definitely open to that," he said.
Bjorge will be officially called to be Faith Lutheran's pastor on Dec. 1. Until then, he's volunteering to lead worship on Sunday mornings.
Faith Lutheran meets at 9 a.m. Sundays at St. Francis Hall in Little Falls. About 130 people attend the services.
Bjorge said Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ churches allow gay clergy as long as they are celibate. There are no bishops, unlike the ELCA, and Bjorge said congregations make their own decisions on how they practice ministry.
Bjorge, the son of a retired ELCA pastor, admits to having issues with some ELCA policies before the August vote to allow non-celibate gay clergy.
Bjorge said most area pastors have been supportive in his decision to leave the ELCA. He's not surprised, however, that more pastors didn't follow in his footsteps even though some feel strongly about the ELCA's decision.
"Most pastors are more concerned about their livelihood," Bjorge said. "I don't blame other pastors for staying put and providing for their families.
"I would die for God's word. For me, there was no question. This issue directly violates the word of God."
HEIDI LAKE may be reached at heidi.lake@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5879.