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We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
We believe that the lost and sinful man must be saved, and that man's only hope of redemption and salvation is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
We believe in and practice the Sacrament of Baptism, which signifies the believer's death, burial, and resurrection into new life with Christ Jesus. In addition, we believe the benefits and practice of Baptism is available to all people, including infants and children.
We believe in and practice the celebration of Holy Communion as commanded by our Lord. We further believe in the real presence, meaning that when a person receives the Sacrament of Communion they receive the very body and blood of our Savior in, with and under the bread and wine.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the disciple of Jesus is encouraged and strengthened to live a Godly life.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the unsaved; those that are saved into the resurrection of life and those that are unsaved into the resurrection of damnation.
We believe that God bestows gifts to all believers in order for them to work with one another to build His kingdom and bring others to faith.
We believe that the life of discipleship is one of worship, learning, fellowship, prayer and service.
 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) accepts the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther which launched the reformation of the Christian church in the 16th century. We believe that the Lutheran Confessions are the correct interpretation and presentation of biblical doctrine. The Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther can be summed up in three phrases:
1. Grace alone. 2. Word alone. 3. Faith alone.
Overview of Ministries
Missions & Outreach A long-standing emphasis on and commitment to “go and make disciples of all nations” drives the people of the LCMS to reach out to those around them with the Truth. We focus on building mission alliances to reach the lost, plant churches, train local leaders and revitalize mission involvement. Also, we provide military, veterans affairs and prison chaplaincy programs.
Education & Pastoral Formation As a respected leader in the field of education, we place great emphasis on instruction in the Word. Our congregations administer the largest Protestant school system in the United States, which comprises some 1,300 free-standing preschools, over 1,000 elementary schools and 100 high schools. In addition, two seminaries and 10 colleges and universities operate under the auspices of the LCMS.
Helping People We recognize the importance of caring for body and soul, demonstrating the unconditional compassion and love of God in Jesus Christ through works of mercy and meeting human need. We provide domestic and international aid; disaster response and human-care services, including life and health ministries; national housing support; specialized pastoral ministry and deaconess programs.
Stewardship Christian stewardship is the free and joyous activity of the child of God, and God’s family, the church, in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes. We focus on partnering with district leaders to train and equip pastors and other church leaders to nurture congregations and individuals in stewardship principles.
Churchwide Initiatives Often, many hands make light work. That’s why we take part in a variety of initiatives aimed at accomplishing our goals through working together. LCMS churchwide initiatives include Ablaze!, Fan into Flame, Lutheran Malaria Initiative and What a Way.
An Overview of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Founded in the United States The LCMS was established in April 1847 by Saxon and other German immigrants seeking the freedom to practice their faith and follow confessional Lutheranism. Charter congregations were located in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and New York.
Emphasis for the Church “Witness, Mercy, Life Together.” Describes how the church lives and works together to proclaim the Gospel and to care for people in need in our congregations, communities and throughout the world. For more information, visit www.lcms.org/emphasis.
Members ■ 2,310,000 baptized ■ 1,783,000 confirmed ■ Second-largest Lutheran church body in North America
Congregations: 6,200 Clergy: 9,400
Educators: 16,800 Missionaries: 800
Recognized Service Organizations: 300
Auxiliaries ■ International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Lutheran Hour Ministries) ■ Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Worldwide Partners The Synod is in full doctrinal fellowship with 33 other confessional Lutheran churches worldwide.
LCMS International Center 1333 S. Kirkwood Road St. Louis, MO 63122 888-843-5267 • www.lcms.org
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What We Believe |
