Infant baptism and elder
have recently Joined a WELS congregation after instruction by the WELS Pastor. We are eagerly meeting fellow members. Last Sunday we invited a fellow member and his wife to brunch after worship. This member is an Elder in the congregation. During brunch we were surprised to learn that this Elder in a WELS congregation does not believe in infant Baptism, and in fact holds a Baptist view of Baptism. His wife shares his views. My question is: should this man be an Elder in a WELS congregation? I don't want to start trouble in a new congregation, but I don't believe he should be serving as an Elder. Do I speak to the Pastor? Help!
Yes, your pastor needs to know about this. Individuals who join our congregations profess at their Confirmation that, with God’s help, they will continue steadfast in the Bible’s teachings. Baptism for all people, including infants, is one of those teachings. An elder—an officer of the congregation who works closest with the pastor—certainly needs to be confessing the truths of Scripture. God grant you strength and wisdom in addressing this situation, and may God bless your affiliation with WELS.