Wilhelm Loehe

Loehe was a Lutheran pastor in Bavaria, Germany. He was trained by confessional theologians and was opposed to the pietism of his day.

He is noteworthy for the LCMS because even though he never left Germany, he raised funds to send missionaries (ordained pastors) to the United States. These pastors formed congregations and synods that would eventually join with the Missouri synod to form the LCMS. This mission work in America led to the founding of Concordia Theologiical Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana and the churches in and around Frankenmuth, Michigan. He also was key in getting the deaconess program started in the Lutheran church.

Loehe is often characterized as having a stronger view of the office of the ministry than Walther, even too strong, i.e. granting too much authority to pastors. A careful reading of Walther's views on this matter show that they are closer in teaching than the charicatures show, Walther granting more authority to the office of the ministry than often thought and Loehe understanding that the final authority in the church is the Word of God. For instance, Walther taught that the pastor must be obeyed if he is teaching the pure word of God.

In the end we must remember that there is no authority in the church except the Word of God. We can argue over who has temporal authority in the congregation (voters assembly or pastor) but in the end it is a moot point. The Bible is silent on temporal authority in the church. It does not endorse any one form of church polity but it is quite clear that nothing shall be done in the church that is contrary to the Word of God. A young child, armed with Scripture can rebuke a pastor and/or a voters assembly. Temporal authority can be granted to any individual or entity in the congregation but spiritual authority comes only from the Word of God.

More on this subject is available here.

Thanks to Pastor Tim Rossow for this definition.