Faith & Practice

Lutheran Church of The Way is a congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and so we share with her in our confession of faith and practice. This is especially expressed in our celebrations of:

  • The Lord’s Supper
  • Holy Baptism
  • Marriage

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is joyfully received in the Divine Service on Sundays, and other Feasts. At the altar, our Lord Jesus Christ delivers His true Body and Blood into our mouths. His gift of Body and Blood, given in, with, and under the bread and wine, bestows tremendous benefits. His Body and Blood forgives our sins, strengthens our faith, binds us to the Lord, and unites us with each other. In this is life and salvation.

All members of the Lutheran Church– Missouri Synod have publicly confessed this sacred Gift and its blessings, and are encouraged to commune. Other guests wishing to join our confession and receive this Holy Sacrament are asked to meet with the pastor in the weeks before communing for the first time.

When you have examined yourself according to Christ’s bidding (1 Corinthians 11:28), come to His Supper rejoicing, just as Jesus asks, knowing that our Lord meets you at His altar with joy.

Those coming to the altar for a blessing rather than the Holy Supper are asked to cross their arms over their chest.

To read more on The Lord’s Supper, please visit the LCMS website.

Holy Baptism

Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s Word. Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 28:19)

It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mk. 16:16)

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Rom. 6:4)

To read more on baptism, please visit the LCMS website.

Marriage

The marriage policy of Lutheran Church of The Way, a member congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is and always has been consistent with Scripture’s teaching on, and the Synod’s stance concerning marriage. We believe, teach, and confess that marriage is a sacred union of one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24-25), and that God gave marriage as a picture of the relationship between Christ and His bride the Church (Eph. 5:32). These positions and beliefs can be found on the LCMS website, along with other statements, papers and reports on the subject of human sexuality, civil unions and “marriage.” Our pastors will not officiate over any marriages inconsistent with these beliefs, and our church property may not be used for any marriage ceremony, reception, or other activity that would be inconsistent with our beliefs and this policy.