What is essential for worship in a Lutheran congregation?

Question

We are looking to see what Lutheran's believe are essential for worship in a Lutheran congregation. It would also be helpful if people could support their responses with biblical quotes and other references..

Answer 1

The center of Lutheran worship is the Divine Service (which Catholics call the Mass), in which we receive the body and blood of Christ. This is *the* essential element of our worship, which Christ instituted at the Last Supper, and which the Church has handed down through the generations.

Traditionally, the Lutheran service is liturgical, and our liturgy emphasizes our distinctive doctrinal principles, especially of Law and Gospel. Key elements of particular importance are the general confession and absolution, and the confession of faith by the reading of one of the ecumenical creeds. Lutherans also have a rich and distinct hymnody.

The Augsburg Confession, which could be described as our founding document, declares that the specific format of our worship is subject to cultural and traditional considerations; but it points out the benefits of an orderly, uniform manner of worship, and encourages such.

Answer 2

James O is correct, however rather than say "an approved Lutheran prayerbook and hymnal" it would be more appropriate to say using nothing that is contrary to scripture.

Our doctrine is contained firstly in the Bible, and also the "Book of Concord" which is an exposition of our doctrine in the light of scripture.

Doctrine and practice are too large a topic to discuss here, so I have included in sources an on-line version of the Book of Concord. Start with the Small Catechism. The Augsburg Confession, Apology (explanation) of the Augsburg Confession contain many Quotes from Scripture. I would recommend that you get a hold of the most recent printing of the Book of Concord "Concordia" a readers edition of the Book of Concord, Published by Concordia Press in St. Louis.

As far as worship itself goes, many Congregations us the historic liturgies of the Church. Although we prefer Liturgical worship, less formal services that do not contradict Scripture are used by some Congregations occasionally, and others more frequently.

Our liturgies also can vary in practice. Outwardly Lutheran Practice can appear similar to Low Church Anglican, to a fully sung "High Mass" more elaborate than we see in the Roman Catholic Church. The difference again is that you will find nothing that conflicts with Scripture.

Go to one of our Churches meet the Pastor, and set up an appointment to talk to him, ask whatever you like. You will get straight forward no B. S. answers.

I Would suggest Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in the U.S. or Lutheran Church Canada.

Mark

Answer 3

The Bible,godly,evangelical and orthodox preaching and exposion of Law and Gospel and prayers from an approved Lutheran Prayerbook and Hymnal
Lk22;19