Question for Shine 2026

Brothers, thank you for the work you are doing and the heart behind it. I want to ask a question for clarity and discernment.

What is driving the apparent speed and urgency to establish not only a ministry network, but also a formally recognized ecclesial church body tied to that network?

Specifically, if participation or signing on involves formal ecclesial alignment beyond simple networking, how do you address the concern that pastors or congregations currently in church bodies such as the LCMS could jeopardize their standing or membership by effectively affiliating with a separate church body?

Is the intention to create a fellowship network for collaboration and encouragement, or to constitute a new ecclesial body with its own confessional and governance commitments?

And if it is the latter, what theological and polity rationale justifies moving in that direction now, especially given the implications for dual affiliation under existing constitutions and bylaws?