Who are Lutherans?
Lutherans are “born-again Christians”. For an ELCA-RIC (Reconciling in Christ) congregation like Perry Highway Lutheran Church, being “born again” emphasizes God’s grace, the importance of community in nurturing faith, and the inclusivity of all people in God’s love, irrespective of their background or identity.
At their core, Lutherans acknowledge their imperfect nature but find solace in divine forgiveness and grace. Their faith is intertwined with evangelical principles, emphasizing the Good News of Jesus Christ, and they identify as born-again Christians with a unique understanding of rebirth through baptism. Worship is an intrinsic aspect of their identity; they cherish the sacraments, hymns, scriptures, and the power of prayer. Being stewards, Lutherans recognize the importance of giving back, echoing the belief that life’s blessings are gifts from the Creator. Intriguingly, while Lutherans identify as Protestants and are linked to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, they also uphold their catholic heritage, stressing unity with global Christendom. This balance makes them distinct. Named after Martin Luther, their identity is historically rooted in calls for church reform. However, despite the firm foundation of their beliefs and history, Lutherans see themselves as works in progress, embodying hope and the conviction that with God’s grace, endless possibilities await. Their significant presence worldwide, especially as the largest Protestant denomination, attests to their profound influence and the vast tapestry of beliefs and practices that define them.
Lutherans are Sinners
Lutherans are sinners, but we are forgiven. Lutherans may identify as students or senators, Texans or Tanzanians, children or senior citizens. But when we consider our religious beliefs, we will confess what you will soon find out: we fall short of God’s expectations. We will go on to say that this same God forgives us. We believe that it is God acting for us and in us, not our own acts that brings forgiveness. Lutherans call this “Justification by Grace through Faith.” As a result, we are new people who are not haunted by guilt or bothered by worry. We trust God, who comes to us in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Lutherans are Evangelical
Lutherans are evangelical and as forgiven, people reach out to share the message of God’s grace. Evangelical refers to the Good news, or Gospel of Jesus Christ. As sinners, Lutherans sometimes get caught up in themselves as much as everyone else does, but we try to look beyond ourselves to bring the Gospel to community life with people of other faiths and those of no faith. We heartily welcome others to worship and work with us.
Lutherans are born-again Christians
Lutherans are born-again Christians with our understanding of what it means to be “born again.” Lutherans, like other catholic Christians, baptize infants, believing that God works grace in them. In fact, we believe that every day and in every act of serious return to God we are returning to our baptism and being born again. We come forth as new people, which means that we are born again and again and again.
Lutherans are Worshippers
Lutherans think of worship not as a pastor’s performance but as the people’s service. We are sacramental. Along with Baptism, we celebrate the Eucharist every week. We believe Christ is truly present in his body and blood through this sacrament that offers us the forgiveness of our sins and nourishes our faith. Ours is a singing church. Lutherans have always contributed much to Christian music. We place a special emphasis on the Word of God. Lutheran worship stresses preaching in the form of a sermon that addresses the needs of sinners and announces the loving activity of God. We believe that God speaks to us through the scriptures and so we revere personal Bible reading and study, in addition to prayer.
Lutherans are stewards
Lutherans are stewards because we believe that all of life and health, all possessions and capabilities, are, in a sense, on loan from God our Creator. So we keep learning — never rapidly enough or profoundly — how to give the world around us gifts and assistance based on God’s investment in us.
Lutherans are protestants
Lutherans are protestants who are also catholic. As Protestants, we continue the reformation begun in the European churches in the 16th century. Being catholic, we believe that Christ’s church is universal and that we are connected with Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and other Christians who stress their ties to Christ’s church everywhere through the ages. We would not have chosen the name Lutheran; it was acquired accidentally, often from early enemies. The name refers to Martin Luther, a German monk and Old Testament professor, who fully understood how God worked through him. Luther called for church reform, which led to protests — now known as the Protestant Reformation. For example, his statement of “Justification by Grace through Faith” remains a central and distinct characteristic of Lutheran understanding today.
Lutherans are Welcoming
At Perry Highway Lutheran Church, an ELCA-RIC congregation, we deeply embody the principle of inclusivity. Our doors and hearts are open wide to everyone, irrespective of their background, identity, or walk of life. The spirit of Reconciling in Christ drives us, emphasizing that God’s love knows no bounds, and neither should our acceptance. We believe that the essence of Christ’s teachings is love, understanding, and unity. As a congregation, we’re committed to upholding these values, ensuring everyone who walks through our doors feels seen, valued, and welcomed. This commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation is not just about opening our doors but about actively embracing diversity, fostering dialogue, and celebrating the many unique ways God’s love manifests in our lives. If you seek a faith community where love, acceptance, and the teachings of Christ come together in harmony, we invite you to be part of our journey. Reach out to us, share your story, and let’s grow in faith together.
Lutherans are unfinished products
Lutherans are unfinished products, though our forgiveness is complete. Aware of human weakness, imperfection, and mixed-up priorities, Lutherans are hopeful people. We respond to God’s love by reaching out to others to tell and to demonstrate the Good News of Jesus Christ. We believe that with God, anything is possible. We invite others, who are not currently active in Christian communities, to join us in the challenges, that a trouble-filled world presents, and to rejoice with us in the promises with which a loving God greets us.
The Lutheran Church is the largest Protestant denomination worldwide. We are the third-largest Protestant denomination in the United States, having over five million members.
