Pieper to Sieker 2: "annoying lack of money!"

      This concludes from Part 1, presenting a short letter from Franz Pieper to Pastor J. H. Sieker in New York City.  In the latter part of the letter, the matter of an "annoying lack of money" is addressed. It was a subject that he had addressed before regarding the "Negro Mission", and it shows that he was not without frustration in his efforts. — The matter of monetary giving will also pertain to the newly planned Luther Classical College, as they seek funding for their enterprise. The method that Pieper advocates below should be helpful for their efforts, chiefly for Samuel Preus, their Director of Development.  — From Der Lutheraner, vol. 87 (Oct. 20, 1931), p. 347 [EN]:

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A letter from Dr. Pieper to Pastor J. H. Sieker in New York.

[Part 2]

The annoying lack of money! But we Missourian Lutherans are foolish people. Why don't we put an end to the lack of money? We are a great body by God's grace. If we encouraged each other to give regularly, there would soon be an abundance of money. I strongly emphasize regular, consistent giving. This is nothing legalistic [Gesetzliches]. One thing remains certain: everyone, according to what he has and is willing through God's grace. But such free, regular giving has the apostolic example in its favor. 1 Cor. 16:2: "On every Sabbath day every one of you lays aside for himself and gather together what seemeth him good." It is strange that the Holy Spirit allowed this to come into the Holy Scriptures. He knew well that the gifts get stuck in very many cases when large gifts are only to be given every now and then, perhaps only once or twice a year. Therefore he admonishes: "On every Sabbath... what seemeth him good." This regular giving is also much more appropriate to the spiritual life. We regularly receive grace upon grace from Christ, not just once or twice a year. What is more natural than that we also give and share regularly. 

How little is given generally and regularly in our synod is evident from the fact that, if all contributions for extra-parish purposes are added up and divided among the number of those entitled to communion, each member accounts for about 60 to 70 cents a year, and this is a continual hustle! If we generally became accustomed to regular giving according to the apostolic model, not only would we collect much more for all purposes in the Kingdom of God, but we would also not be under the impression that we had exerted ourselves to the utmost. How easy it should be, for example, to raise about $40,000 for the immigrant house! One Sunday collection by the entire synod would produce the necessary sum.

But excuse me; against my will, I hastily went into more detail. But the matter has been close to my heart for years. I am so very sorry that due to lack of resources we have to refrain from doing so much that obviously should be done. And yet we have the abundant and superabundant means. If only we acted according to 1 Corinthians 16!

With kind regards,

Yours united in Christ

F. Pieper.

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      My father, a farmer, gave every Sunday, putting an envelope in the offertory plate as it was passed along in the pews. I do not know how much he gave, but I always figured that it was not a stingy amount.

      Concordia-Bronxville recently joined the list of Concordia school closures in 2021. It is so sad for me to see how far the LCMS has gone down in their educational institutions, not just because of their closures, but chiefly because of the demise of the religious instruction within these schools. The effect of the "Walkout" crowd was, and is, devasting. All the current sorrow and wrangling over Concordia University-Texas does not address the issue of the destructive teaching that goes on there. Previous blog posts have pointed this out.  How can God bless institutions and church bodies who become lukewarm over His Word? Rev. 3:16.