What is a Lutheran?
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Lutherans are sinners who fall short of God’s
Expectations, and yet, are forgiven.
They believe that it is God’s love in Jesus Christ that forgives
them, not their own actions.
Lutherans call this “justification by grace through faith”. |
Lutherans are Evangelical and as forgiven people
reach out to share the message of God’s grace.
As sinners, Lutherans sometimes get caught up in themselves like other
people, but they try to look beyond themselves to bring the gospel to
people of other faiths and those who have no faith.
They welcome others to worship and work with them. |
Lutherans are worshipers that recognize worship
not as a pastor’s performance, but as a people’s service.
Lutherans sing in worship using songs and prayers from many
Christian traditions.
Lutherans place special emphasis on the Word of God. They gather to
hear the Word read and listen as the Holy Spirit enables God to speak
the divine word through humans. |
Lutherans are are sacramental.
Baptism and Holy Communion are central to worship as a means that
God’s love is made visible. |
Lutherans believe God speaks to people through
the Scriptures.
Lutherans revere personal Bible reading in addition to personal
prayer. Personal devotions are encouraged. |
Lutherans are stewards and recognize that
everything that is, was and will be is a gift on loan from God the
Creator.
In response to God gifting, Lutherans use life as an
opportunity to learn how to give return on God’s investment in them. |
Lutherans believe that they are to make faith
active in love.
Through organized groups and individual action Lutherans are part
of public life. They want to work for justice, be involved in acts of
mercy and healing, and reflect Christ’s love in caring for those in
need. |
Lutherans are ecumenical.
They want the church united as Christ prayed it would be.
Lutherans work and worship with Christians of all denominations. |
Lutherans are congregational.
However, Lutherans do not limit their activities to local or
regional arenas. Lutheran congregations are connected by regional
synods and national church bodies, like the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, which has over 5 million members. Lay and ordained
persons in the church make up what Luther called “the priesthood of
all believers”. Lay people, in teamwork with pastors, take
responsibility to see that Christ is made known among them and in
their community. |
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