A firsthand look at entering a traditional Lutheran parish for the first time.
New to Lutheranism
Christian faith centered on Christ's promises
Lutheran teaching is not a new faith or a local preference. It is a confession of the historic Christian faith drawn from Holy Scripture and centered on Jesus Christ.
What Lutherans Believe
Lutherans confess the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We confess that all people are sinners before God, and that sinners are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, on account of Christ alone.
Jesus Christ, true God and true man, died for sinners and rose from the dead. The forgiveness He won is delivered through the means He appointed: His Word, Holy Baptism, Absolution, and the Lord's Supper.
The Lutheran Confessions, gathered in the Book of Concord, explain what Lutherans believe the Scriptures teach. For a short and practical beginning, Martin Luther's Small Catechism is the best first resource.
A First Look
Lutheran Worship and Teaching
A charitable conversation through central Lutheran distinctives: Christ's presence, Scripture, Law and Gospel, and the gifts given in the Divine Service.
A longer exploration of catholicity, continuity with the ancient Church, and why Lutheran theology is evangelical and catholic.
Sunday Worship
What to Expect in Worship
Lutheran worship is reverent because God is serving His people through His Word and gifts. A service will normally include Scripture readings, hymns, confession of sin, absolution, prayer, preaching, and the Lord's Supper when it is celebrated.
If you are visiting and have questions about communion practice, speak with the serving pastor or congregation leadership before the service. That conversation is meant to care for visitors and for the congregation's common confession.