Lutherans are Christians standing in a tradition founded by Martin Luther, a German monk, in the 1500s. Luther was a major player in the Protestant Reformation, a movement which ultimately birthed churches like this one, Methodists, Baptists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and more.

Lutheran faith is rooted in God’s revelation in the Bible, interpreted through Christianity’s ancient creeds and the theological reflections found in the Book of Concord. You can read more about our faith’s roots here.

“Evangelical” comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “good news” (or “gospel”). Luther emphasized the good news of God for humanity: that God loves us despite our sin, and that salvation is a free gift from God. So, we are “Evangelical Lutherans” because we are rooted in this same good news today.

Lutherans believe that God is the Trinity: three divine persons (the Father, Son, and Spirit) united in one divine nature. Jesus Christ is the Son, who became incarnate through the virgin Mary to bring our human nature into union with God’s self.

God did this through Jesus to accomplish the work of our salvation. Through his life, ministry, death, and resurrection, Jesus freed us from the powers of sin and death. He also taught us how to live a life of friendship with God, our Creator.

For these reasons, we call Jesus both our savior and our Lord.

The Bible is our book of sacred Scriptures. The word “Bible” comes from the Greek biblía, meaning “books.” So, we call it the Bible because it contains many books. These books, written by a variety of authors in a diversity of genres over generations upon generations, contain God’s revelation to humanity.

As we read them together with the Church past and present, we learn who God is, what God’s will for our lives is, and how God has worked our salvation from the powers of sin and death. Though Scripture is ancient, it contains wisdom and guidance for us even today.

If you want to learn more about the Bible, consider joining us for Bible study.

The ELCA does not bar anyone from participation in the church (including leadership), reception of the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion, or ordination for vocational ministry on the basis of their gender or sexual orientation.

We are all agreed on is that each and every person, regardless of who they are and who they love, is made in the image of God. No matter who you are, we welcome you as a precious child of God and dear neighbor.

For more details about the national church’s position, click here.

If you have more questions about Nativity, please contact the Rev. Dr. Sean Barrett (Pastor) or Dr. Aaron Davis (Fellowship Engagement Director & Theologian-in-Residence).

We’re glad you’re thinking about important topics like these! If you have follow-up questions or are curious about something not discussed here, please reach out.

You can be in touch with the Rev. Dr. Sean Barrett (Pastor) or Dr. Aaron Davis (Fellowship Engagement Director & Theologian-in-Residence). Either would love to hear from you.