In an inexplicable and unexplained move, the LCMS has canceled its daily talk radio program Issues, etc. Issues used to be broadcast on the LCMS's AM radio station 820 KFUO in St. Louis. It was a show that featured interviews/discussions about contemporary and theological issues with people both inside and outside Lutheranism. The show's host had a way of always steering the discussion to be -- as the show's slogan said -- "Christ centered and cross focused." I have shared a number of the shows with you, ranging from discussion of the theology of the end times to Islam to how to prepare for a Sunday School lesson. Even my 7-year-old enjoyed the shows.
On Tuesday the show was abruptly canceled and its host, Todd Wilken, and producer, Jeff Schwartz, "fired." The webmaster was apparently directed to remove all references to the program including the valuable archives. Later, these were restored, but the KFUO AM website is at a crawl -- no doubt with the traffic of Christians world-wide who are attempting to personally archive them before they are all gone. (The only reason that I am not doing this myself is that I am trying not to consume the bandwidth since obviously others are taking the opportunity to do it.)
The late, official statement "explained,"“For programmatic and business reasons, the decision was made this week to discontinue the “Issues, Etc.” program on KFUO-AM.We look forward to bringing you new programming in this time slot in the near future. Also, we thank “Issues” host Rev. Todd Wilken and producer Mr. Jeff Schwarz for their years of service on behalf of the station. Those interested may still download past “Issues, Program Etc.” programs from the “Issues” archive on this website. Thank you sincerely for your continued support of KFUO’s radio ministry.”
The personal toll of this action is large as well. Firstly, the firing of Jeff Schwartz comes at a devastating time as his wife, Beth (Pictured with Jeff and their children) has just been diagnosed with small fiber neuropoathy and is scheduled for an appointment to begin a treatment plan at the Mayo Clinic on March 31st. The loss of employment for Jeff will also mean the cancellation of their health insurance.
Chaz Lehmann has more details on this situation, as well as these letters which show some of the impact that Issues, etc. has had.
and this:
Mr. Strand,
I hope you do not pass over this email quickly, as I am sure you have been swamped with responses to the recent cancellation of the wonderful radio program on KFUO – Issues, Etc.
I would not be writing you this email if it were not for the existence of Issues, Etc. Do you wonder or care why? The reason is I would not only NOT be a Lutheran, I would NOT be Christian.
I am a 30 year old woman, who only in 2006 began going to a LCMS church, my first time in church for over twenty years. I understand now, after becoming a confirmed adult member of the LCMS, that “demographics” are important to the top levels of the Synod. I am a typical college and graduate school educated professional, who learned neatly from the culture to shun anything church or Christ related. These are troubled times, and Issues, Etc had an excellent and engaging way of cutting through the mire of our world, and exposing our culture for what it is, while at the same time clearly proclaiming Christ crucified, in a way I had never heard before.
I listened to the radio a lot, everything from NPR to conservative talk, even Bott Radio Network. It was on Bott Radio Network, at 10pm on one Sunday evening that I heard Issues, Etc for the first time. I stood listening with my feet glued to the floor; I had never heard anything like this. I listened for over a year, slowly the Spirit working through the proclamation of Christ for me, bringing me to a church and the gifts Christ had to give me. I cannot tell you enough how impressed I was with this program; I am a convert due entirely to Issues, Etc.
I have brought members of my family and friends to attend church with the LCMS. I have shared the Gospel with many people because of Issues, Etc, and directed them to listen online and on the radio. Issues, Etc was your best outreach and evangelism tool, and now it’s gone. Future success and growth of the LCMS will only be healthy if decisions like canceling Issues, Etc not only do not continue, but money and effort are put into more outreach like Issues, Etc.
Sincerely,
Carrie Clow
Of course, also to be mentioned are the members of our Military, including Dean, that have used Issues, etc. to feed and inform them while away from their home and church.
I am very much disappointed by the decision to end issues etc. It has been a source of knowledge, comfort, encouragement and truely an effective and comprehensible tool for reaching out to the world that did not realise the works of the slanderer against the church.
I leave in Zimbabwe, Africa, where there are no Christian (Lutheran) literature and Issues etc was my fountain from which I tapped and drank.
Peace be with you servants of Christ who are troubled on everyside by the slanderer. Don't despair. Yes it's painfull. Imagine how it feels for a new born baby to find their mother dad the next morning. With Jesus in the vessel we shall indeed smile in the storm as we are sailing home.
why was such a powerful Lutheran voice taken off air. I shall fast and pray to the Lord to help me understand, and if not his will that the program was terminated, that the programme be returned to the air.
I can't find the right diction to express my pain and loss emanating from such a decision. My heart really bleeds and I am only holding my tears from flowing but I am weeping like canned 5 year old.
Thy will be done.
In christ,
Garikai Deredza
Martin Luther Deanery Youth Representaive
Harare North Luther League Fellowship
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe
Wittenburg Trail has set up a way to make financial support contributions for the Wilken and Schwartz families.
There is also a petition that can be signed here to protest the cancellation (currently at 1426 and literally growing by the minute.)
You can also contact the Synod offices as shown in this video:
(The video was produced before the archives were restored)
(314) 822-0000
(314) 965-9000
(314) 725-0099
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