What We Believe and Who We Are
Lutheran Christians
Lutherans build their lives on Jesus Christ. They believe Jesus Christ is the only, perfect, son of God. They believe that Jesus died for them and for every person in the world. And Lutherans believe that Jesus rose from the dead and lives for them -- and for all people who believe in him as their Savior
Jesus brings people close to God. Lutherans believe their lives -- today, tomorrow and in eternity -- depend on Jesus
Lutherans live with a sure hope of eternal life because of Jesus Christ. They know they're not perfect, that they stumble and fall in their daily walk with God. But they also know that their forgiveness has been won and paid for by Jesus Christ and when they repent and seek forgiveness, God will forgive them because of Jesus.
And, they want to tell others about that hope!
Lutherans often refer to three "solas" (Latin for "alone") as a summary of the faith that gives them hope:
- Grace Alone -- God loved the world, though we do not deserve His love.
He sent His Son to love the unlovely and save the ungodly. - Faith Alone -- Jesus has provided for our forgiveness and life; those who hear this promise and believe it, have what it offers. People don't "get" faith; God gives it as he gives us His promises.
- Scripture Alone -- The Bible is the only source that shows God's will and the only basis for faith.
Lutherans talk about Law and Gospel. The Bible gives the Law showing God's expectation of people and the terrible consequences for not following His commands. But the Bible also reveals the Gospel -- the "good news" of God's love and forgiveness.
Missouri Synod
As members of some 6,100 congregations, we count 2.6 million baptised members in The Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. We emphasize the local congregation. That's where people are touched one-to-one. That is where the Word is taught, where our sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper sustain our life with God.
Our Synod -- our national organization -- serves in support of and on behalf of its local member congregations. Support includes Sunday school lessons, hymn books, resources for ministry, and worship material. Local churches receive help for special areas of ministry to serve people in both the congregation and the community
As a Synod, we combine our strengths and resources to do things that individual congrecations can't do. We send missionaries to other countries and maintain colleges and seminaries, provide loan funds for building churches, and operate a health and retirement system for full-time church workers.
The word synod comes from two Greek words: syn, meaning "a meeting or assembly," and hodos, meaning a "way or journey." We describe ourselves as congregations "walking together," because our congrecations all confess and practice the same teachings of God's Word.
The Synod was formed in 1847 by 16 congregations, representing German Lutheran settlements in several U.S. locations. It was first known as the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States.
While our forefathers were German, today we count members with ancestry from every continent, including North America. Yes, the national office is in Missouri -- in Kirkwood, part of the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Together we coordinate missionaries in 43 other countries and connect with 19 partner churches worldwide.
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