What should I expect?

[Gnarwhal]

First off, I apologize if I've posted this before - my memory's sort of fuzzy in this respect.

I've been kind of interested in visiting the LCMS parish in town, but I'm wondering how the church will feel about my being divorced? My divorce was finalized in March, and our reasons for divorcing weren't what some churches would consider "biblical". We were both entirely faithful to each other, we divorced because we were very unhappy together and were dragging each other down.

I've essentially been ostracized by my old church, granted I hadn't gone there for a long time, but my one friend—a friend whom I'd known since childhood—told me he couldn't be around me anymore because I wasn't in church, under the authority of a pastor and because I was getting divorced. My main reason for not attending church the past eight months has been work (I work six nights a week, including Saturday nights, until 1AM so it's difficult to get up in the morning in time for church services).

However, that's all coming to an end here soon and I'll be able to return to church, something which has been on my mind constantly for months.

I'm more interested in the LCMS church here in town than the ELCA one, not because I'm particularly conservative, but locally the LCMS church seems more my style (theologically, I like tradition).

If I visited the LCMS church and enjoyed it, wanting to explore it further, would I be met with any difficulties because I'm divorced? Would the church prohibit me from remarrying? I'm only 27, I'd like to remarry if I meet the right person.

Thanks for your insight, I appreciate it!

(Again, sorry if this is a repost)

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Hi Cogent,

The simple answer to your questions would be no, your being divorced would pose no impediment to your attending a LCMS parish, nor would it prevent you from joining a LCMS parish. Divorce is viewed as a sin, but no worse than any other sin. We sin daily, and we need to repent daily. Likewise, any sin for which we refuse to repent would be a problem; but that goes without saying. Should you desire to either become, or explore becoming a member, I would suggest that you be open about everything with the Pastor, so he can provide you with guidance and support.

May God guide you in finding a Church home which reflects the unconditional love that our Lord Jesus Christ did for all of us 'poor miserable sinners'.

 

[Gnarwhal]

Hi Cogent,

The simple answer to your questions would be no, your being divorced would pose no impediment to your attending a LCMS parish, nor would it prevent you from joining a LCMS parish. Divorce is viewed as a sin, but no worse than any other sin. We sin daily, and we need to repent daily. Likewise, any sin for which we refuse to repent would be a problem; but that goes without saying. Should you desire to either become, or explore becoming a member, I would suggest that you be open about everything with the Pastor, so he can provide you with guidance and support.

May God guide you in finding a Church home which reflects the unconditional love that our Lord Jesus Christ did for all of us 'poor miserable sinners'.

Thanks for the info Mark, I really appreciate that. That's a refreshing view to hear!

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Thanks for the info Mark, I really appreciate that. That's a refreshing view to hear!

You are most welcome.

 

[Tangible]

The best advice I could give you would be to visit the church and make arrangements to meet with the pastor one on one as soon as possible. I pray that the LCMS church near you is a good, gracious and confessional congregation.