Our Faith Tribe: What Is The LCMS?
Like so many pioneers to America, the founders of our denomination set out from Europe (i.e. Germany) to our great land so they could worship God according to their consciences as God’s Word bound them. The great majority of these people settled in Missouri. To coordinate the efforts of their individual congregations, they formed a "synod," The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
The word "synod," rarely used today, is derived from two Greek words meaning, "going in the same way." Basically, each of the churches that began this new Synod were free to govern themselves, but they saw themselves as theologically united congregations. They shared the same teaching and mission. The LCMS remains a free association of congregations, teachers, and pastors who work together to train leaders, plant churches nationally and internationally, provide humanitarian relief, etc. Our denomination is not, therefore, an authority placed over our congregation, but is strictly advisory in nature. The only requirement for membership is unconditional acceptance of the Word of God.
All churches (e.g. Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and even non-denominational churches) have statements of faith that explain what they believe the Bible teaches on various topics.
Likewise, the LCMS has adopted historical statements of faith like the Apostle’s Creed and other documents published during the Reformation to explain our Gospel-centered beliefs. These statements of faith are referred to as the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. You have surveyed these teachings if you have read through the Book of New Beginnings.
When joining the LCMS, the original members of a congregation sign the Synod’s constitution. In signing the constitution, congregations are saying they agree with the theology and practice of the LCMS. If any congregations or pastors should ever come to disagree with the LCMS, they are free to terminate their association if they cannot in good conscience honor and uphold resolutions they believe to be contrary to the Word of God. This fact is a great example that our church and denomination are committed unconditionally to Scripture as the only standard for faith and life.
As part of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, it is our hope that NBLC will more effectively proclaim God’s Word to the world! To learn more about the Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod, visit lcms.org. You can also email faithjourney@nblc.net with any questions you may have.
Like so many pioneers to America, the founders of our denomination set out from Europe (i.e. Germany) to our great land so they could worship God according to their consciences as God’s Word bound them. The great majority of these people settled in Missouri. To coordinate the efforts of their individual congregations, they formed a "synod," The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
The word "synod," rarely used today, is derived from two Greek words meaning, "going in the same way." Basically, each of the churches that began this new Synod were free to govern themselves, but they saw themselves as theologically united congregations. They shared the same teaching and mission. The LCMS remains a free association of congregations, teachers, and pastors who work together to train leaders, plant churches nationally and internationally, provide humanitarian relief, etc. Our denomination is not, therefore, an authority placed over our congregation, but is strictly advisory in nature. The only requirement for membership is unconditional acceptance of the Word of God.
All churches (e.g. Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and even non-denominational churches) have statements of faith that explain what they believe the Bible teaches on various topics.
Likewise, the LCMS has adopted historical statements of faith like the Apostle’s Creed and other documents published during the Reformation to explain our Gospel-centered beliefs. These statements of faith are referred to as the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. You have surveyed these teachings if you have read through the Book of New Beginnings.
When joining the LCMS, the original members of a congregation sign the Synod’s constitution. In signing the constitution, congregations are saying they agree with the theology and practice of the LCMS. If any congregations or pastors should ever come to disagree with the LCMS, they are free to terminate their association if they cannot in good conscience honor and uphold resolutions they believe to be contrary to the Word of God. This fact is a great example that our church and denomination are committed unconditionally to Scripture as the only standard for faith and life.
As part of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, it is our hope that NBLC will more effectively proclaim God’s Word to the world! To learn more about the Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod, visit lcms.org. You can also email faithjourney@nblc.net with any questions you may have.