Pastor and fellowship principles
The pastor at our former congregation would worship 3 to 4 times a year at a large non-denominational church in the Chicago area. He would also attend seminars there regularly. Is this an accepted practice now in the WELS?
Pastors are not exempt from following biblical fellowship principles. Such principles apply to all Christians.
Not knowing what you might know, I would simply offer the reminder that there is a difference between being present at a worship service in a church outside our fellowship and participating as a worshiper. Similar conclusions could be made about attending a seminar.
As a church body, we would be unfaithful to the word of God if violations of biblical fellowship principles—or violations in other doctrinal areas—became accepted practice.