WE ARE...
Biblical: We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Therefore, the Bible is the only infallible rule and norm for theology. The Bible is the foundation for our preaching and teaching.
Confessional: Because the Book of Concord accurately confesses the Christian Faith, we have made these confessions our own. We subscribe to the Three Ecumenical Creeds, the Augsburg Confession, the Apology, the Smalcald Articles, the Power and Primacy of the Pope, Luther's Small and Large Catechism, and the Formula of Concord.
Evangelical: We believe that the entire Bible is about Jesus. We believe that pastors are called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all Christians should confess their faith within their various vocations.
Sacramental: The Lord works through material things to deliver spiritual blessings to us. We remember our Baptism by putting to death our flesh through daily contrition and by living a life of faith. Every week we receive the Lord's Supper in order to nourish our faith.
Liturgical: We observe the ancient and worldwide customs of the Christian Church. We use The Lutheran Service Book and The Lutheran Hymnal. We believe that worship should be reverent and orderly, and that all human traditions should communicate the Gospel.
Hospitable: We believe that hospitality is a Christian virtue. We strive to welcome all guests and to develop genuine relationships with each other through worship, meals, and the like.
CLOSED COMMUNION
We believe that the Lord's Supper is the true body and blood of Jesus Christ, hidden beneath bread and wine, and that this Sacrament delivers to us the forgiveness of sins. We do not give the Lord's Supper to everyone. We withhold Communion from people for several reasons:
Confessional: Because the Book of Concord accurately confesses the Christian Faith, we have made these confessions our own. We subscribe to the Three Ecumenical Creeds, the Augsburg Confession, the Apology, the Smalcald Articles, the Power and Primacy of the Pope, Luther's Small and Large Catechism, and the Formula of Concord.
Evangelical: We believe that the entire Bible is about Jesus. We believe that pastors are called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all Christians should confess their faith within their various vocations.
Sacramental: The Lord works through material things to deliver spiritual blessings to us. We remember our Baptism by putting to death our flesh through daily contrition and by living a life of faith. Every week we receive the Lord's Supper in order to nourish our faith.
Liturgical: We observe the ancient and worldwide customs of the Christian Church. We use The Lutheran Service Book and The Lutheran Hymnal. We believe that worship should be reverent and orderly, and that all human traditions should communicate the Gospel.
Hospitable: We believe that hospitality is a Christian virtue. We strive to welcome all guests and to develop genuine relationships with each other through worship, meals, and the like.
CLOSED COMMUNION
We believe that the Lord's Supper is the true body and blood of Jesus Christ, hidden beneath bread and wine, and that this Sacrament delivers to us the forgiveness of sins. We do not give the Lord's Supper to everyone. We withhold Communion from people for several reasons:
- The Lord's Supper is Gospel. The Lord requires his Ministers to deliver the Gospel only to the repentant. Those who do not repent of their sins need the Law. As such, pastors should only give the Lord's Supper to those who are repentant.
- If you receive the Sacrament without discerning the nature and purpose of the Sacrament, you sin against the body and the blood of Christ. According to St. Paul, you might be punished for such a sin (see 1 Corinthians 11:17-34). As such, pastors should only give the Lord's Supper to Christians who believe what our Lord says about this Sacrament.
- According to Paul, since we partake of the one bread, we are one body (1 Cor. 10:17). Also, we proclaim together the Gospel as we share Communion together (1 Cor. 11:26). As such, the Lord's Supper is a profession of our common Faith and a testimony to our unity. If Christians are not truly united, sharing the same confession, it would be improper for them to commune together.
