Leaving the LCMS

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workingman

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I am currently a LCMS member. I have started to have some real problems with how the LCMS is taking a turn down for the worst. I was wondering if there are any other LCMS members looking at leaving for one reason or another.

some of my reasoning is:
  • Lack of reverence for the Lord’s Supper
  • No want/use of confession
    -Ablaze movement/church growth movement
 
Hi Workingman,

Wow, what a coincidence this is. I was on my way over here to post my own thread about the LCMS when I saw your thread lol. 🙂

You say you’ve run into some dissiluionment with the your church. Well, I just read on wiki that the LCMS considers the pope to be the Antichrist as a matter of doctine. I was wondering a.) is this true, as far as you know, and b.) if it is unfortunately true, is it one of the issues you’re having with the LCMS?

Here’s the quote from Wikipedia:
Confessional Lutheran church bodies, such as the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and the Church of the Lutheran Confession teach that the Roman papacy or office of the pope is the Antichrist, including this article of faith as part of a quiarather than quatenus subscription to the Book of Concord. In 1932 the LCMS adopted A Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod.
Click to expand...
Peace be with you. 🙂
 
Well, I primarily grew up around the ELCA, and before my research of Catholicism, I examined the various Lutheran Synods. I always thought the LCMS were quite the confessional Lutherans, but I guess that is not the case. At least they haven’t drifted as far as the ELCA in terms of theology, among other things. Yet, with regard to your post, is the LCMS going to become similar to the ELCA in the near future?
 
Just curious…what exactly is the difference between the LCMS and the ELCA?
 
ac_claire said:
Just curious…what exactly is the difference between the LCMS and the ELCA?
Click to expand...
The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) is the largest of the Lutheran synods in the US. You can get more info about them at www.elca.org. IMO, the ELCA has over the years become quite liberal, one might say following, to some degree, in the footsteps of the Episcopal Church. Ordains women, open communion, etc. There is an ELCA pastor on CAF, gnuss, who could probably help you more. To their credit, they have been quite involved in dialogue with the Catholic Church.

The LCMS (Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod) www.lcms.org is a more conservative body church, more confessional. We do not ordain women, and practice close communion. My main criticism is the LCMS is a more reluctant dialogue partner, and has not signed on to the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.

That is really thumbnail, I know. :o
Jon
 
workingman said:
I am currently a LCMS member. I have started to have some real problems with how the LCMS is taking a turn down for the worst. I was wondering if there are any other LCMS members looking at leaving for one reason or another.

some of my reasoning is:
  • Lack of reverence for the Lord’s Supper
  • No want/use of confession
    -Ablaze movement/church growth movement
Click to expand...
Man, are you right on target!! The twin issues of confession and the Eucharist are at the top of my list as well. btw, our pastor, 2 years out of Concordia Seminary, is now scheduling time for private confession, and spoke about the importance of confession today.
If you want to PM, we can chat more.

Jon
 
workingman said:
I am currently a LCMS member. I have started to have some real problems with how the LCMS is taking a turn down for the worst. I was wondering if there are any other LCMS members looking at leaving for one reason or another.

some of my reasoning is:
  • Lack of reverence for the Lord’s Supper
  • No want/use of confession
    -Ablaze movement/church growth movement
Click to expand...
I am a former Lutheran who converted to Catholicism. I can asure you there is a deep and profound respect for the Eucharist and that the Sacrament of Confession has been one of the most precious gifts God has given us and is always available.

Have you been able to find a parish to attend or a priest to talk with and ask questions about the Catholic Church. My experience is that they were very approachable, friendly and knowledgeable.

My own personal journey into the Catholic Church was more from encountering the depth of the Catholic faith and teaching through reading the works of the saints like St. Ignatius both of Antioch and Loyola, St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Avila and wondering why the Lutheran Church had no writters that could speak from such intimacy and depth of relationship. Entering the Catholic Church has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. My wife and I have been overwhelmed with the endless treasure that is the Catholic faith. As you may be able to tell from know we are very happy and all the personal sacrifices we made upon announcing I intention to convert and some stresses that put on some family relationships and friends were worth it. Now alot of those strains are now easing so even that is becoming a blessing.

I will relate one of the things that kind of sealed the deal for me in my desire to convert since it relates to one of your reasons. The short version is I ran the Alpha course at our lutheran church and we were on the weekend retreat and happened to book it at a Catholic retreat house. After we had settled into our rooms me and a friend were looking around the facilities as it was very bueatiful and we wanted to see what all was there. We eventually came to these two doors and we opened them and just as soon as we had opened them we were overwhelmed by the presence of God. I mean I was going to my knees it was so overwhelming. We had no idea what we had walked into but I saw people on both knees praying before the altar very reverently so deep in prayer they didnt even turn to us as we came in. My eyes were also drawn to the altar as God seemed to be there but I didnt know how. I saw what I know now is called Monstrance but just thought it was a pretty decoration at the time. We left so as not to be rude but as we closed the door behind us I asked my friend if she felt that. She said how overwhelming it all was and we wondered what we had walked in on. It turns out it was what is known as Eucharistic adoration. That experience of God in the Eucharist never left me and I eventually found where there was an adoration chapel in my city and started praying there in our Lords presence every week a practice I maintain till this day and by Gods grace til the day I die.

I hope you will continue to look for Him in the Eucharist. He is there waiting for us.
 
Boscoe said:
I am a former Lutheran who converted to Catholicism. I can asure you there is a deep and profound respect for the Eucharist and that the Sacrament of Confession has been one of the most precious gifts God has given us and is always available.

Have you been able to find a parish to attend or a priest to talk with and ask questions about the Catholic Church. My experience is that they were very approachable, friendly and knowledgeable.

My own personal journey into the Catholic Church was more from encountering the depth of the Catholic faith and teaching through reading the works of the saints like St. Ignatius both of Antioch and Loyola, St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Avila and wondering why the Lutheran Church had no writters that could speak from such intimacy and depth of relationship. Entering the Catholic Church has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. My wife and I have been overwhelmed with the endless treasure that is the Catholic faith. As you may be able to tell from know we are very happy and all the personal sacrifices we made upon announcing I intention to convert and some stresses that put on some family relationships and friends were worth it. Now alot of those strains are now easing so even that is becoming a blessing.

I will relate one of the things that kind of sealed the deal for me in my desire to convert since it relates to one of your reasons. The short version is I ran the Alpha course at our lutheran church and we were on the weekend retreat and happened to book it at a Catholic retreat house. After we had settled into our rooms me and a friend were looking around the facilities as it was very bueatiful and we wanted to see what all was there. We eventually came to these two doors and we opened them and just as soon as we had opened them we were overwhelmed by the presence of God. I mean I was going to my knees it was so overwhelming. We had no idea what we had walked into but I saw people on both knees praying before the altar very reverently so deep in prayer they didnt even turn to us as we came in. My eyes were also drawn to the altar as God seemed to be there but I didnt know how. I saw what I know now is called Monstrance but just thought it was a pretty decoration at the time. We left so as not to be rude but as we closed the door behind us I asked my friend if she felt that. She said how overwhelming it all was and we wondered what we had walked in on. It turns out it was what is known as Eucharistic adoration. That experience of God in the Eucharist never left me and I eventually found where there was an adoration chapel in my city and started praying there in our Lords presence every week a practice I maintain till this day and by Gods grace til the day I die.

I hope you will continue to look for Him in the Eucharist. He is there waiting for us.
Click to expand...
Quite a wonderful story, thank you for sharing your journey into the Catholic Church. I certainly hope workingman finds what he is looking for.
 
Boscoe said:
I am a former Lutheran who converted to Catholicism. I can asure you there is a deep and profound respect for the Eucharist and that the Sacrament of Confession has been one of the most precious gifts God has given us and is always available.

Have you been able to find a parish to attend or a priest to talk with and ask questions about the Catholic Church. My experience is that they were very approachable, friendly and knowledgeable.

My own personal journey into the Catholic Church was more from encountering the depth of the Catholic faith and teaching through reading the works of the saints like St. Ignatius both of Antioch and Loyola, St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Avila and wondering why the Lutheran Church had no writters that could speak from such intimacy and depth of relationship. Entering the Catholic Church has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. My wife and I have been overwhelmed with the endless treasure that is the Catholic faith. As you may be able to tell from know we are very happy and all the personal sacrifices we made upon announcing I intention to convert and some stresses that put on some family relationships and friends were worth it. Now alot of those strains are now easing so even that is becoming a blessing.

I will relate one of the things that kind of sealed the deal for me in my desire to convert since it relates to one of your reasons. The short version is I ran the Alpha course at our lutheran church and we were on the weekend retreat and happened to book it at a Catholic retreat house. After we had settled into our rooms me and a friend were looking around the facilities as it was very bueatiful and we wanted to see what all was there. We eventually came to these two doors and we opened them and just as soon as we had opened them we were overwhelmed by the presence of God. I mean I was going to my knees it was so overwhelming. We had no idea what we had walked into but I saw people on both knees praying before the altar very reverently so deep in prayer they didnt even turn to us as we came in. My eyes were also drawn to the altar as God seemed to be there but I didnt know how. I saw what I know now is called Monstrance but just thought it was a pretty decoration at the time. We left so as not to be rude but as we closed the door behind us I asked my friend if she felt that. She said how overwhelming it all was and we wondered what we had walked in on. It turns out it was what is known as Eucharistic adoration. That experience of God in the Eucharist never left me and I eventually found where there was an adoration chapel in my city and started praying there in our Lords presence every week a practice I maintain till this day and by Gods grace til the day I die.

I hope you will continue to look for Him in the Eucharist. He is there waiting for us.
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing this. It is quite moving.
Jon
 
Thank you all for prayers and conversion stories. JohnNC I would like a chance to dialog further.

Our pastor at our congregation will be installed this April in his ordination ceremony after graduating from Luther sem. a little while ago. Been serving as our pastor/vicor. This is our congregations first permanent pastor in a very long time. He tries to encourage confessions private becides corprate confession. Though he does not always seem available. Quite fustrating.

sorry about all sp errors.
 
Boscoe said:
I am a former Lutheran who converted to Catholicism. I can asure you there is a deep and profound respect for the Eucharist and that the Sacrament of Confession has been one of the most precious gifts God has given us and is always available.

Have you been able to find a parish to attend or a priest to talk with and ask questions about the Catholic Church. My experience is that they were very approachable, friendly and knowledgeable.

My own personal journey into the Catholic Church was more from encountering the depth of the Catholic faith and teaching through reading the works of the saints like St. Ignatius both of Antioch and Loyola, St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Avila and wondering why the Lutheran Church had no writters that could speak from such intimacy and depth of relationship. Entering the Catholic Church has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. My wife and I have been overwhelmed with the endless treasure that is the Catholic faith. As you may be able to tell from know we are very happy and all the personal sacrifices we made upon announcing I intention to convert and some stresses that put on some family relationships and friends were worth it. Now alot of those strains are now easing so even that is becoming a blessing.

I will relate one of the things that kind of sealed the deal for me in my desire to convert since it relates to one of your reasons. The short version is I ran the Alpha course at our lutheran church and we were on the weekend retreat and happened to book it at a Catholic retreat house. After we had settled into our rooms me and a friend were looking around the facilities as it was very bueatiful and we wanted to see what all was there. We eventually came to these two doors and we opened them and just as soon as we had opened them we were overwhelmed by the presence of God. I mean I was going to my knees it was so overwhelming. We had no idea what we had walked into but I saw people on both knees praying before the altar very reverently so deep in prayer they didnt even turn to us as we came in. My eyes were also drawn to the altar as God seemed to be there but I didnt know how. I saw what I know now is called Monstrance but just thought it was a pretty decoration at the time. We left so as not to be rude but as we closed the door behind us I asked my friend if she felt that. She said how overwhelming it all was and we wondered what we had walked in on. It turns out it was what is known as Eucharistic adoration. That experience of God in the Eucharist never left me and I eventually found where there was an adoration chapel in my city and started praying there in our Lords presence every week a practice I maintain till this day and by Gods grace til the day I die.

I hope you will continue to look for Him in the Eucharist. He is there waiting for us.
Click to expand...
JL: As a convert from a non-denomination group, I can relate to how powerful and wonderful the true presents of our Lord in the Eucharist can be.👍
 
ac_claire said:
Just curious…what exactly is the difference between the LCMS and the ELCA?
Click to expand...
claire,
There is a tremendous difference . ELCA, recevies practicing homosexuals to Holy Communion. They ordain some and also ordain women.
I’m not sure of abortion, but I think they allow this also.

In a word, ‘Very Liberal’

jean8
 
PA650 said:
Well, I primarily grew up around the ELCA, and before my research of Catholicism, I examined the various Lutheran Synods. I always thought the LCMS were quite the confessional Lutherans, but I guess that is not the case. At least they haven’t drifted as far as the ELCA in terms of theology, among other things. Yet, with regard to your post, is the LCMS going to become similar to the ELCA in the near future?
Click to expand...
PA,
That is not true! where did you find this information?
LCMS doesn’t allow ELCA to commune with them. In fact LCMS practices closed Communion.
You may also go to confession any time you wish. Make an appointment with your pastor.

jean8
 
I am a cradle Catholic who drifted and returned and then really began to learn about my faith.

There is something special about one who seeks the truth and pursues it relentlessly. There is something courageous and bold. When you think how they must endure the criticism of family and friends and the separation which follows when they convert you realise how hard it must be.

I know that many must remain where they are because the pain of leaving is something they could not endure. It would mean to go out of their comfort zone. Still, the step towards embracing the Real Presence and the Church Jesus founded should not be an option.

I came to discover just how exciting and out of this world the Catholic faith is and it drives me.

I pray for the conversion of the world. Jesus said that one day there would be one flock and one shepherd.

God bless you
Cinette:)
 
jean8 said:
PA,
That is not true! where did you find this information?
LCMS doesn’t allow ELCA to commune with them. In fact LCMS practices closed Communion.
You may also go to confession any time you wish. Make an appointment with your pastor.

jean8
Click to expand...
The LCMS does not share communion with ELCA or WELS ether.
Maybe confession would be used more often if there was a set time besides having to call the pastor to set up a time for private confession.
 
jean8 said:
PA,
That is not true! where did you find this information?
LCMS doesn’t allow ELCA to commune with them. In fact LCMS practices closed Communion.
You may also go to confession any time you wish. Make an appointment with your pastor.

jean8
Click to expand...
My post was primarily in response to workingman’s original post and the changes he was seeing in the LCMS. Sadly, it’s easy to paint the activities of a particular parish as representative of an entire organization, which I did in my in post. Sorry for the confusion.
 
My older brother is leaving the LCMS for the Catholic church at the same time I am leaving the Anglican faith for the same. Oddly enough, we never spoke to each other about this and were both stunned when we realized what was happening.

Paul
 
PA650 said:
Well, I primarily grew up around the ELCA, and before my research of Catholicism, I examined the various Lutheran Synods. I always thought the LCMS were quite the confessional Lutherans, but I guess that is not the case. At least they haven’t drifted as far as the ELCA in terms of theology, among other things. Yet, with regard to your post, is the LCMS going to become similar to the ELCA in the near future?
Click to expand...
The LCMS is becoming more and more liberal every day. Some congregations are very conservative while others go to the opposite end. The problem with the LCMS is the leadership that has been elected. There are great conservative minds within it being overshadowed by the church growth movement. Has the LCMS not learned the church growth movement will destroy the synod. My own little parish does have its own issues. Though they are somewhat trivial compaired to synod problems. We are aways from becoming as bad as the ELCA though. Women ordanation and gay marriage and all.
 
T700 said:
My older brother is leaving the LCMS for the Catholic church at the same time I am leaving the Anglican faith for the same. Oddly enough, we never spoke to each other about this and were both stunned when we realized what was happening.

Paul
Click to expand...
God seems to be working in mysterious ways. Good luck and God speed in your travel:thumbsup:
 
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