We got invited to a Lutheran Church

[Trusting Jesus]

I think you should give it a try. Remember to measure it by the Bible. I have never attended a Lutheran church, but personally I don't think I ever would consider one. Ask questions -- who do they say Christ is, what do they believe about Communion, do they hold the Bible as authority? These are a few questions you might want to find out about.

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Nathele

[redwing]

a co-worker told me he joined a luthern church because"they don't believe it's a sin to drink beer." his exact words.

[O'Dannyboy]

When I was in Texas I attended a non-denominational church and I was very impressed. They had more missions going on than I've seen in any church. They didn't pass the plate around but instead had offering boxes and envelopes at the entrance to the sanctuary. I thought this was so kewl because it takes the pressure off and from what I saw the church was doing quite well and expanding. I'm not a big fan of denominations as it seems to keep everyone at arms length. I guess thats one thing I've always liked about being a Baptist is that no-man acts as though they are more important than you. We even address tha pastor as "brother" rather than calling someone Father whish seems hint at them being more important in the eyes of God. Ya Know?

[Smalcald]

Hi everyone!

My daughter's friend's mother just invited us to her church tomorrow morning. Funny how things like that come to you when you need them, isnt it? It is a Lutheran Church and I am not really familiar with it. Can anyone guide me about Lutheran Churches? What is the differences? Do they follow the teachings in the Bible?

Thank you!

Hi I am a Lutheran so can answer any questions you may have or at least give it a shot.

Just so you know Lutherans are much divided and have been for going on 100 years. I belong to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, which along with the Wisconsin synod would be considered quite conservative. We believe that the bible is both inerrant and infallible. On social issues once again we would be more literal in our scriptural understanding, against abortion obviously, traditional and biblical definition of marriage, only male pastors following along with the instructions from Paul and so forth. Grace and faith are very very important for Lutherans.

We do follow a liturgy which would probably be new to you if you are from an evangelical background. All that really means is that there is an order of service which follows Psalms a responsive prayer, a recitation of the Christian Creeds, and usually a public admission of sinfulness. One thing you may prepare for is that in the conservative congregations I am a part of communion is considered very important often celebrated every Sunday. But we believe that communion is a sign of total 100% agreement on all spiritual and doctrinal matters thus the name communion as in Commune together; what that means is that usually only members of our congregations are invited to take communion until they wish to join to that doctrine by becoming a member. Obviously no one is going to stop you from taking it, but for you own spiritual benefit I would not take communion if you are not a member, it is no big deal and gives you some time for reflection and prayer.

Now after saying all of that the Evangelical Lutheran Church America does not believe these things. It is a very sad but necessary situation; they are much much more liberal and in fact are in communion with the Episcopalism and Presbyterian USA denominations. They probably will not care one way or the other if you take communion, they do not hold the bible as totally infallible and thus you get some very unscriptural doctrine stances on social issue we face today. They ordain women, and probably will be ordaining gays soon, they are pro-choice and so forth it breaks my heart frankly. So you will have a different encounter depending on which group they belong too.

Sorry if I was too long winded. Luther was a great theologian who opened up the bible and the Gospel; he was also a very flawed human being who in his later years grew very anti-Semitic. Many people have speculated that he had some form of mental illness as in his younger years he was very pro Jewish for his time. But that is neither here nor there we don't worship Luther he is not our Pope, we are called Lutheran because we accept his basic doctrinal principles, encompassed in Grace alone, Faith alone and Scripture alone.

[Mamato3]

Interesting to read everyone's opinions and advice. I am going to go tomorrow and see how I feel about it. All I want from a church is to hear about God and the Bible and feel welcome. I felt that in the Assembly of God church I went to but I feel like I need to go to another church to see what others are like.

I was shocked to hear of the horrible things Martin Luther did - is that true??? I will have to look it up and do some reading about him!

[nebula]

I grew up in a Lutheran Church.

As for the church itself, it was a like family. There were a few Charismatics in the church (this was back in the '70's) who added flavor to the service and fellowship. We ourselves actually had a love for Israel and were introduced to the Messianic in some of our gatherings. Our service also had integrated some then contemporary songs into our worship services. There was also a lot of love in the church - I remember that.

So . . . like was mentioned above, you'll have to see what the church has to offer for yourself.

On the downside, it was extremely liturgical - as the Lutheran Church was a first branch (if you will) off of the Roman Catholic church. In theology, there was such a strong emphasis on grace that moving beyond to "meat" was rather lacking (this is what drove my dad crazy).

Anyway, let us know what you think!

[irishcowboy]

a co-worker told me he joined a luthern church because"they don't believe it's a sin to drink beer." his exact words.

it is not a sin to have a drink....

but to allow the drink to have you is a different thing.....

we are told not be be drunkards..... does that mean we can not have a glass of wine? well, if it will loosen us up so much that we do things that are against the Law, of man or God, then yes, we should stay away from it.... some people have virtually no tolerance for any, others can drink one or two and be totally fine (as long as they do not drive too soon after, for then they would be breaking the law of man, and God says to obey authority, so God is saying to obey mans laws, unless they are against that of God.....

again, as was said before, study.... and learn from the Word..... learn from man, but double check the mans work..... for he may (unintentionally) lead you astray...... it does not matter which fellowship you go to, double check their teachings.....

the more you spend in the Word, the easier it will be to know if man is right or wrong...... if something sends up a red or yellow flag, find out why.....

tomorrow, enjoy the service, seek out the teachers/leaders find out what they really believe....

we are to remain BLAMELESS, Being DUI is not blameless, even if not caught, it is still against what mans law says, and thus against God's, so is speeding, rolling stops, not signaling, having faulty equipment, driving an unsafe vehicle (hey guys, not pointing fingers, that is why my truck is parked....... i have a busted tail light, and yes i did drive it with it like that, so parked until i get it fixed..... and yes, i have, in the past done just about all there is to do, but have been convicted not to)

mike