Issues, Etc. and Something Else

As many people have heard and repeated, the very popular radio program Issues, Etc has been canceled. You can affix your name to a petition to protest this action. But before you get too carried away, there may be more to the story than theology.

Over the past few years, there have been calls from within the Synod to sell KFUO. Memorial and resolutions to that effect have been proposed during the last two synodical convention cycles. The rationale for the divesting of KFUO is that it is a drain on the synod's resources which could be more effectively used in other places "to reach the lost." However, there was one little problem with that reasoning -- a little show known as Issues, Etc. This little program has attracted a huge audience not only within the LCMS, but also trans-denominationally and world-wide. And from that audience has come huge revenues. Whoops! That means KFUO could make money and be profitable. So get rid of the money-maker and the sale can go through.

The dirty little secret is that the real value (I mean huge value) in KFUO is its license. Selling KFUO means selling its FCC license and airwave rights. A one-time selling price could generate a big whopping amount of cash for synodical bureaucrats to re-allocate funds to pet projects.

By shutting down Issues, Etc., synodical officials will be able to prove that KFUO is a money-sucking black hole. The evidence will be presented to the next convention of synod. And with great sadness, the delegates will authorize the sale of KFUO. And the synodical officials will rejoice because those same delegates will allow the synodical officials to determine the best avenue to re-allocate those funds. [People in Wisconsin can just say 'light rail' or 'deep tunnel' and realize what will happen to the money. Or Alaskans will understand the bridge to no where.]

Yes, indeed, the loss of Issues, Etc. will be great, but two resourceful men such as Pastor Wilkens and Jeff Schwartz will easily bring something better from their loss as the phoenix rises from its ashes. As we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, let us pray that He will bring forth something far greater from the mis-guided decision of synodical bureaucrats. Let the bureaucrats go ABLAZE with the KFUO sell-off, we still have the Gospel in its purity and sweetness.

Personally, I think KFUO was a mill-stone around the creative neck of Issues, Etc. And now the hundreds of congregations and thousands of people supporting Issues, Etc. can support a new project coming from these two gifted men.

Pastor Wilkens and Mr Schwartz, go for it.

Now, I'll go and sign the petition.