Our Lutheran Foundations

As Lutherans, we share some beliefs with all Christians, some beliefs with other Lutherans, and some beliefs are specific to our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are a church that has an individual identity, is part of a regional body--the Southwestern Texas Synod, and is part of the larger denomination as well as connected throughout the world. 

Southwestern Texas Synod Lutheran World Federation
What we Believe
One of the most important aspects of our faith is that we do not have all of the answers; we are a community that questions, wonders, and explores faith together. We do agree on everything. Here are some ways we do agree:
  • God: We believe that in a Triune God, which means one God who is revealed in three persons: God the Parent, God the Son, and God the Spirit. 
  • The Word: We believe in God's Word expressed through Jesus Christ the Word made flesh to dwell among us, Scripture, our ecumenical (multi-church) creeds, and Lutheran confessions. We believe the Bible is God's inspired Word, a library of works written, transmitted, translated, and interpreted by many humans throughout history. It is not perfect because people are not perfect.
  • Sacraments: We believe that the sacraments (Baptism and Communion) are gifts from God that provide a tangible reminder of God's presence. In Baptism, we welcome people of any age into God's family--from the youngest baby to full-grown adults. In Communion, all those who which to partake in this holy meal are welcome. We believe that Christ is fully present in the bread and the wine, although we do not claim to understand this mystery of presence. 
  • Humans: We believe that humans are made in the image of God, that we are called God's beloved children. We believe that sin separates us from God and that Jesus' death and resurrection saves us from the powers of sin and its consequence, which is death. We call this exchange of sin/death for resurrection/new life "grace." It is a gift freely given by God, not something we can or do earn. 
  • Human sexuality: We believe that, as beings created in God's image, our gender and sexuality are also part of our status as beloved children. We joyfully embrace all people, and strive to be especially welcoming to those in the LGBTQIA+ community who have so often been abused by the church.