What We Believe

As a member of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), we faithfully believe, teach, and confess the prophetic and apostolic books of the Old and New Testament as well as the Book of Concord 1580 because it is a faithful interpretation of the Scriptures.

As such we believe that in the beginning, God created all things good, but through the will of man and the temptation of the devil, sin entered the world. Since the Fall we are by nature sinful and unclean, bound in sin and under the lordship of the devil.

But we also believe that God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, born of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, to bear our sin and be our savior. He lived, suffered, died, and rose again in our place to purchase and win us lost and condemned sinners so that we might live in his kingdom in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness.

And finally, we believe that this same Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to call, gather, enlighten, and sanctify the Christian Church and keep it in the forgiveness of sins. On the last day He will raise all from the dead and give eternal life to all who believe.

How we Worship

At Good Shepherd, we joyfully embrace the rich heritage of the Lutheran Church in its music, hymnody, and settings of the Divine Service. We make use of the Lutheran Service Book, especially Divine Service settings 1 and 3, and the order of Evening Prayer. Bulletins are available for each service to indicate the propers and page numbers of the service so that the people can navigate the hymnal and worship with ease. Some guests and newcomers may find the music or setting of the service challenging at first, but this is perfectly okay. Learning to worship is like learning to do a Waltz. It takes time, practice, stumbling a little, and stepping on a few toes before you’re able to do so with ease and grace. Sitting with and learning from the members of the congregation helps greatly in this regard.

For services with communion, all who are in fellowship with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod are welcome to commune with us. Those guests who are not in fellowship with the Missouri Synod or who are unfamiliar with Christianity, Lutheranism, or the nature and purpose of the Lord’s Supper are encouraged to speak with the pastor before the service.