Giving a LCMS church a try tomorrow

[RINO 72]

Hello friends, I just recently pulled my family out of a seeker sensitive church after serving there for a few years. We helped plant this thing and its been the only church we have ever known. For many reasons,mainly the lack of Christ centered worship, I've pulled them out of a church they loved. So you can imagine my trepidation about moving forward but feel very convicted about this as well. Ever since I read Pilgrims Progress (only two years ago), I have been edified by reformed theology. Got into Sproul,Piper, etc. Also, I have been listening to a show I'm sure many of you hear called Issues etc. and really enjoy the way the host gives a real Lutheran angle to many issues in modern evangelism.
I read in a previous post on the difference between what a Calvinist and a Lutheran believe about predestination. It seems for the most part to be the same. I'll take a much better look at that in days and weeks to come. We went to a PresbyterianPCA church last Sunday and loved it. We are going to a LCMS church tomorrow. What concerns me is that although there are many Lutheran churches around here, most are very liberal (ELCA). So my long drown out question is this, if we decide to become members of an LCMS church, how do I know this branch won't go the same way? Please forgive me for my ignorance concerning these matters. Thanks

 

[wordsoflife]

The LCMS is a more conservative branch of Lutheranism. It is very doubtful that there positions will change because they are rooted in God's Word. The Church President writes and prints pamphlets about issues such as homosexuality, abortion, and women clergy. They do take such a strong stand on those types of issues that it is unlikely that the Church will change. Here is a link to some of the Churches writings on various issues:

Various Issues: homosexuality, abortion, and women clergy.


Enjoy the LCMS Church service tomorrow!

 

[LilLamb219]

Hopefully the LCMS church you attend has a liturgical service...the majority do but I've heard of a few quirky ones here and there (mostly out west).

Let us know what you think when you get back!

Hello friends, I just recently pulled my family out of a seeker sensitive church after serving there for a few years. We helped plant this thing and its been the only church we have ever known. For many reasons,mainly the lack of Christ centered worship, I've pulled them out of a church they loved. So you can imagine my trepidation about moving forward but feel very convicted about this as well. Ever since I read Pilgrims Progress (only two years ago), I have been edified by reformed theology. Got into Sproul,Piper, etc. Also, I have been listening to a show I'm sure many of you hear called Issues etc. and really enjoy the way the host gives a real Lutheran angle to many issues in modern evangelism.
I read in a previous post on the difference between what a Calvinist and a Lutheran believe about predestination. It seems for the most part to be the same. I'll take a much better look at that in days and weeks to come. We went to a PresbyterianPCA church last Sunday and loved it. We are going to a LCMS church tomorrow. What concerns me is that although there are many Lutheran churches around here, most are very liberal (ELCA). So my long drown out question is this, if we decide to become members of an LCMS church, how do I know this branch won't go the same way? Please forgive me for my ignorance concerning these matters. Thanks

 

[Lizabth]

There's no more chance that the LCMS would go lib, than the PCA. I am a reformed sort, but the closest reformed church is quite a distance and is an 'arminian' PCA, with praise music and love of all things 'Moody'.

So, to the LCMS we went. It's the best match for us, where we are located. And we can comfortably confess the Small Catechism in our confirmation vows. That's all that is required of laymen. We'll be confirmed very shortly, and I thank God that He has led us to the LCMS, in the light of our options. I am truly grateful for a confessional, conservative church home, that holds to MOST of TULIP, in one way or t'other.

Are there theological differences? Yes, of course, but a lot of it is semantics. Seems to me the Calvinists and Lutherans talk past each other about 85% of the time! They are more similar than not. I find a great deal of ignorance IN the Lutheran church re: what reformed folk believe. It's rather sad, as they are such close cousins. I think a lot of it is a tinkling match between who are the REAL reformed, etc. Kinda silly, but that is human nature for you.

So enjoy your visit with the LCMS. But honestly, if you have a PCA church that is at all palatable nearby, you'd probably be happier there, as a reformed person.

Just my 2 cents, from someone who's walked the same road.

 

[DaRev]

And we can comfortably confess the Small Catechism in our confirmation vows. That's all that is required of laymen.

Not quite accurate. Members are expected to confess their acceptance of the canonical Scriptures as the inspired word of God, without error, and also the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as they have come to know them through the Small Catechism. For one to say "I accept only the Small Catechism" is not a proper acceptance of Lutheran belief.

I am truly grateful for a confessional, conservative church home, that holds to MOST of TULIP, in one way or t'other.

Actually, no. Total depravity as Calvin taught is the only part of TULIP that is correct. Even Unconditional election needs to be properly defined. The rest of TULIP is unbiblical and not at all held by Confessional Lutherans.

So enjoy your visit with the LCMS. But honestly, if you have a PCA church that is at all palatable nearby, you'd probably be happier there, as a reformed person.

This is the Lutheran forum. Proselytizing is not permitted. If you want to promote heterodox church bodies, please do so in their own forums.

 

[jonathan1971]

oh I hate to do this but I must warn you.....

The PCA has allowed more than one gospel to be preached in it's churches for several years now. By allowing the federal visionist to remain in it's churches those that still hold to justification by faith alone, partake of that same sin. You would do well to stay away from a PCA church. As a matter of fact you'd do well to stay away from any "conservative" Presbyterain church for they now all blaspheme the body and blood of Christ with those same heretics.