Any Lutherans on The Board?

[Pliablemoose]

Just bought a house right next to a Lutheran church (not Evangelical Lutheran), local Presbyterian church is dying, (in an old wood frame buliding, right next to a busy highway, lots of road noise makes it's way into church, and an attendance of maybe 8-10 people counting my 4).

Considering attending a service next door to check it out.

Anyone been to both churches & can tell me what differences to expect?

Yes, I'm one of those weak-minded people that goes to church, mostly for the kids.

 

[ChrichtonsGirl]

I'm Lutheran, but haven't been to a Presbyterian church so I'm not sure if I can compare.

Lutheran is somewhat like Catholic, but lately seems to range anywhere from liberal near-Baptist to conservative Catholic, depending on the local synod. My church is more towards the Catholic end - without the confession and penance, but occasionally with the fire and brimstone sermons.

I happen to prefer the conservative teachings of my church - I don't need songs from "Jacob and the Technicolor Dreamcoat" during service to keep me interested (which is what my SIL's Baptist church did when my nephew was baptized - they even had a guy dressed up like a "greaser" act out part of the song - weird). My church doesn't allow secular music during services and follows a fairly rigid service outline each week. We have a later service that a lot of the younger members like, that's a little looser and more chit-chatty, but I like the stern, formulaic stuff.

I'm sorry I can't be more help - I just don't know enough about how the Presbyterian services go to tell you how similar they are.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Thanks ChrichtonsGirl,

I tend towards the more conservative side too, went to Catholic University to finish my degree, was impressed with their dedication, but can't get into some of the rituals.

Is the Lutheran Church the 1st reformation from the Catholic Church?

 

[BDawg]

I'm ELCA Lutheran, and yes, the Lutheran church was the first that resulted from the Reformation.

The ELCA Lutherans do tend to be a little more liberal.

The Missouri Synod (sp?) Lutherans are a lot more conservative, but more like strict Baptists than Catholics.

 

[Pliablemoose]

What does ELCA stand for?

As long as my wife can wear pants, & kids can go to school dances, I don't have a problem with the rules.

 

[goshdarnindie]

I too am Lutheran, in fact, I'm a PK, but don't tell anyone!

Missourri Synod = Headquarters in St. Louis
ELCA = Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

Between Presbyterian and Lutheran, the basic premises are basically the same, unless you were PUSA, then it all depends on the pastor. But otherwise, we accept that believing in Jesus is the only way to earn salvation in Heaven, God is the Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Bible is the only Word of God, and you can pray to God directly, you do not have to confess to a priest or pray to a saint (Catholicism). To learn more, just pick up "Luther's Small Cathacism", its all of the theology in a nutshell.

From a general sense, Missourri Synod is more conservative in its worship style and doctrine. There is a confession of sins in the service, rock bands are not the norm (if ever), sometimes you'll find kneelers (yea, we're old school), and its more liturgical (i.e., pastor says something, congregation says something back based on biblical texts).

ELCA is a break-off of the Missourri Synod, but has grown to be bigger. This group is in fellowship with other protestant religions and shares pastors (big no no among Missourri because of the conflicts in theology).

Just like any other church, you have to check it out to see if your comfortable with it. Then if you are, find out the theology behind which Synod you are attending (you can always ask me, if I don't know the answer, I'll get one for you).

 

[goshdarnindie]

Oh, to answer your question. I went to dances, listened to rap music and had co-ed lock-ins, and my church is considered to be rather conservative (remember the kneelers?) among the Missourri Synod. My Mom wears pants all the time (and she's the minister's wife!)