† Word alone:

In the inerrant Word, as written in Holy Scriptures and as personified in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again for our justification, we place our trust. (John 1:1-5)

† Grace alone:

We believe that we cannot do anything by ourselves to earn our place in heaven, but that God, our Father, offers the unmerited gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. (Titus 3:4-7)

† Faith alone:

We believe that we cannot achieve faith by ourselves, but that the Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel and works faith in our hearts “even as He calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.” (Luther’s Small Catechism. Explanation to the Third Article)

Christ spoke of Himself as the Good Shepherd, and commanded His disciples, “Feed My sheep.” Lutherans, therefore, refer to their called spiritual leaders as “Pastor.”

Lutherans of the Missouri Synod commonly practice “close” communion. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper or Holy Eucharist together because we are “close” in faith. That means we totally agree concerning the doctrines taught and revealed in Holy Scripture. Our communion practice stems from the firm belief that communion is the most intimate expression of doctrinal unity with those joining us at the Lord’s table. Holy Communion is a sacrament OF unity not a sacrament TOWARDS unity.† This practice of a communion of closeness in doctrine and faith is Scriptural as well as an ancient practice of Christ’s Church.† Lutherans believe in the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar. That is, we believe that Christ’s body is truly present and received in, with and under the bread, and His blood in, with and under the wine of the Holy Supper. (Matthew 26:26,28)