From: "Rev. Robert L. Rahn (by way of Rev. Eric J. Stefanski, )" To: Subject: CLIMB: Doctor of Divinity Degree Conferred Date: Friday, November 02, 2001 12:54 PM 5/22/01 Here follows an article concerning a special award. There isn't any book available that I know of which treats the proper protocol with regards to the use of the designation. I know there is a difference between a Doctor of Divinity earned and one bestowed. I first wrestled with the thought of not using the title in deference to those who made the sacrifice of time and energy to obtain a degree through the regular route. In view of the fact that a faculty and a Board determines a recipient by vote; I do not intend to minimize their action. I consider it an honor. I want you to know that when I do use the title I will be using it on behalf of the many thousands who made it possible. To a large degree it comes as a result of the prestige and history established by the rapid growth of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. That growth would not be possible if it were not for my family, LHF staff, LHF translators, theological and linguistic reviewers, editors, congregations, groups, foundations, and the special donors who became partners with us. The degree, in reality, was accepted on behalf of all of you and is a tribute to you as much as it is to me. You made it possible for me to be an instrument to establish what has become an important arm of confessional Lutheranism around the world. In other words, should you see the designation connected with my signature, rest assured that it is in gratitude to you for making it possible. R.R. ++++Doctor of Divinity Degree Conferred++++ On May 18, 2001, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, conferred the Doctor of Divinity degree on the Rev. Robert L. Rahn, Sterling Heights, MI, in recognition of his extraordinary service to world Lutheranism. Rev. Rahn also served on this occasion as the graduation speaker for the seminary class of 2001. The general procedure for selecting awardees is for a faculty to vote on worthy recipients. In many cases there are multiple awards but in this instance Pastor Rahn was the only honoree. Dr. William Weinrich, Academic Dean, read a lengthy service description that led to the faculty decision. Especially cited was Pastor Rahn’s service to the LCMS in a variety of capacities, including 15 years of ministry in two Montana congregations, service on the faculty of Concordia College-River Forest, IL, service on the staff of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, and Executive Director of God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society, Cleveland, OH. Special citation was made concerning the successful launching of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation that has had a profound influence on Lutherans in many areas of the world. Dr. Rahn serves as the Founder and Executive Director of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, which translates, publishes, and distributes Lutheran confessional writings in 60 regions of the world and in 58 different languages. Over 1 million volumes representing some 125 different titles have already been published and freely distributed since the LHF was founded in 1992. Rev. Rahn addressed the graduates on the theme: THE WORD WORKS. LET IT WORK IN YOUR WORK. Various illustrations were given as to how the Word has worked in the LHF mission. The LHF influence in Sudan was cited where the organization was instrumental in establishing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan (ELCS). Formed four years ago, the ELCS now has 21 congregations and nearly 5,000 members. Dr. Rahn visited the LHF complex in Khartoum, Sudan, in February, 2001, and spoke at the dedication of Concordia Lutheran Institute for the Holy Ministry. CLI has 30 students currently training for ministry. “This award is not something I accept on my own behalf, but on behalf of my family,” Rev. Rahn stated. He further pointed out: “This family also includes the larger family of all those who made the LHF work possible and to gain recognition in centers all over the world through the work of some 250 translators.” Rev. Rahn is celebrating his 40th anniversary of ordination on June 24, 2001 with special services at St. John Lutheran Church, Fraser, MI. Dr. Wallace Schulz, Lutheran Hour Ministries, St. Louis, MO, will serve as the speaker for the services. The LHF is sponsoring a lunch in Dr. Rahn’s honor the same day at 1:00 P.M. at the Sterling Inn, 15 Mile Road and Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI. To register your attendance for the luncheon or to obtain additional information you may call 810-791-9899 or 1-800-554-0723. + + + Confessional Lutherans in Missionary Boldness + + + The CLIMB e-letter brings you unedited, uncut reports directly from the mission field, whether in South America, Africa, Europe, inner-city, rural, or collegiate America, or military installations and battle sites around the world. It is our contention that those who truly hold to the ~Book of Concord~ as the pure exposition of Holy Scripture and the true confession of the Christian faith are also the most zealous supporters of the preaching of the Gospel in every corner of the world and, as such, ought to be kept thoroughly informed of how those endeavors are faring and shown how they may be rightly carried out without the destruction of orthodox doctrine and practice that some within the pale of Lutheranism now advocate. 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