I see that again we are looking at your attitude, and a desire to have the origin of it begin from the pulpit of the church you attended. A just as likely origin is that it was your attitude, not the preaching. I say this because your current stance isn't based on any orthodox LCMS preaching, so we should lay aside the preaching you received as a causal factor in your current situation.
Regarding 'pride' in LCMS doctrine, you write it so it sounds like it is a dirty word. It isn't a pride in our own accomplishment, it is the same pride that a workman with the finest tool has, or the 'pride' a jeweler has who possesses a truly fine gem. We didn't make it or create it, but we are priveleged to use it and share it with others.
Dan Carvey was funny in the skit, but irrelevant to this discussion.
Reading Luther don't Pastors actually have much authority in a local parish. A sort of shepherd of the folk? I bring this up because The LCMS institution is be undermining this relationship in my experience.
I can't see what you are asking. Luther describes the duties of the called servant of the Word. LCMS has always given pastors lots of 'room' to do their jobs. But the 'power' in a Lutheran congregation is in the laity who decides monetary issues, calling of a pastor, etc.
This is what I am getting at. Read Scripture, Book of Concord, Your churches constitution and get back to me if you still agree or want to adjust your statement. The Lutheran Church is not a Congregational Church. The LCMS does not follow its rules.
The LCMS pride I am talking about is the dirty kind I had. I know the truth and I am the true Israel.