I'm wanting to start going to a Lutheran church, but am unsure of how to do things. Advice?

I know it seems silly, but I never really went to church as a kid, but was baptized (Lutheran). Our oldest son is baptized (Lutheran), as well as my husband. We've researched, and have decided Lutheran is the church we'd like to attend. I'm unsure about the whole ';membership'; thing. Do we need to be members to have our kids attend Sunday school? Can we just attend and not be members- how does that change things? ThanksI'm wanting to start going to a Lutheran church, but am unsure of how to do things. Advice?
Membership is not required, but it does add to the sense of community. It is also needed to be able to vote on matters concerning the congregation or to sit on committees.


That said, no one expects you to become a church member the first time you show up! :) Go to the church, read the bulletin, listen to the announcements at the end of service, talk to others, etc. I bet your kids end up getting invited to the Sunday school, by either other kids or by the SS teachers. Others will be encouraging you to attend the adult bible study or to go to the hall for fellowship, coffee, and yummies.





Check it all out, get settled, and then if you do decide to become members, speak with one of the elders. One of the ushers should be able to help you find one and introduce you.





I would recommend that you speak with the usher the first time you attend, especially if you are attending a LCMS church. Let them know you are Lutheran and ask what is the procedure for communing.





Blessings as you start this new journey! I'm wanting to start going to a Lutheran church, but am unsure of how to do things. Advice?
well i'm presbyterian, but my friends are lutheran,and it seems similar


-in my church, at the beginning of the service, all 1st-time visitors are invited to stand up/introduce themselves.


-after the service, like everyone will want to meet you/introduce themselves to you/socialize, etc.


-yes, your kid would be able to go to sunday school.


-at my church, there are ';informational classes'; like every other sunday, so you can learn about the denomination and decide if you would like to become a member.


-nonmembers can attend church/bible studies/christian education as much as they want, but they are not able to vote at congregational meetings.


-oh, and also at my church, first time visitors/nonmembers are able to use the nursery/pre-k class (during the church service) for their infants/young children.
Call the church, tell them your predicament, and ask them what you need to do. They'll most likely set up an appointment for you and your husband, you'll go in and speak to a counselor or the clergy, you'll receive information and literature, and they will help you every step of the way.
Just show up. They are a very open and accepting bunch of people. They will tell you what you need to know. My brother went to an all white Lutheran Church and he was the first black they ever had come to their church. They were so nice to him and his family that he stayed there until he died. I will always give them high marks of being what they profess to be---CHRISTIANS.
The Lutheran churches I'm familiar with are not at all exclusive. You can go to services and send your kids to Sunday School without being members but at some point they'll probably encourage you to become members.





The Missouri Synod Lutheran churches probably have different rules. I came from the other synod.
Just show up at the next service and find out. It's not like they have bouncers at the doors.





And if they do, is that really a church you want to belong to?
Contact the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Mission Director:





http://archive.elca.org/outreach/new/spo鈥?/a>
Just go to the nearest Lutheran Church and find out.



Go visit the church...and meet the pastor....he will answer all those questions for you.
JUST SAY NO !