Our Church Body

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The LCMS was established in 1847 by Saxon and other German immigrants seeking the freedom to practice and follow confessional Lutheranism. Initial members included 12 pastors representing 14 congregations from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Originally named The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States, the name was shortened to The Lutheran Church 

Resolution 4-03A of the 2019 LCMS convention reaffirmed the seven mission priorities of the LCMS, stating that their "commitment as LCMS congregations and workers is to walk together with the Word of God as our only guide for doctrine and practice." 

1. Plant, sustain, and revitalize Lutheran churches.
2. Support and expand theological education. 
3. Perform human care in close proximity to the Word and Sacrament of ministries. 
4. Collaborate with the Synod's members and partners to enhance mission effectiveness.
5. Promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical well-being of pastors and professional church workers. 
6. Enhance early childhood education, elementary and secondary education, and youth ministry. 
7. Strengthen and support the Lutheran Family in living out God's Design.

With the universal Christian Church, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God:

the Father, creator of all that exists;

Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and

the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God’s Word and Sacraments.

The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God.

Our congregations accept and preach the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. The teaching of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three phrases: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone.