Almost a year ago, I posed these questions to you: What exactly is our identity as a synod? Do we understand and appreciate that identity? Have we forgotten it? Do we even sometimes deny it? Do we allow others to define our identity, with the result that our synod is known only for the things we are “against” and not for what we are “for”? Do we become almost apologetic for belonging to a church body that others might view as “closed-minded” or “stuck in tradition” or “not adapting to the modern world”? If we are not aware of or convinced of the blessings we enjoy, will it surprise us when others are not eager to share what we have? Exactly who are we as a synod? What do we stand for? What blessings do we enjoy that we want to share with the world?

In the articles that followed, I reviewed some of the important things that characterize our synod and why we can be thankful to God for them. In addition, I wanted to identify some of the blessings God has graciously given to us.

Listing these blessings does not imply that our synod is perfect. Redeemed and restored children of God that we are, we remain imperfect sinners living in a sin-darkened world. No synod or church body will ever be perfect on this side of heaven. The effects of human sin and weakness will always be a part of God’s church on earth until the day he returns. Our words and dealings with one another will sometimes show a lack of love. Our worship will often be distracted and our prayer life irregular. The zeal for searching the Scriptures will not always burn within us. Our interests can tend to become parochial and self-centered. Subtle distortions of the truth of God’s Word will be appealing. Called workers will sin and make mistakes, and members will sometimes be quick to criticize or condemn their spiritual leaders.

So we view this thing called “the synod” for what it is: a gathering of God’s people—sinners who have been washed clean by the blood of Christ and brought into God’s family by his grace. But we also understand that this synod is a gathering of saints who are still sinners living in a sinful and imperfect world.