Whether they gather in small, white-frame churches next to century-old cemeteries or in new soaring, glass-and-steel worship centers, the congregations of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod share a common confession centered in the Gospel – the Good News: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Congregations joined in one mission, with one message, as one people. Over 2,540,000 baptized members of 6,150 congregations supporting 2,412 schools.

Lutheran teaching can be summarized in three short phrases: Grace alone, Scripture alone, Faith alone.

• Grace Alone – God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly.
• Scripture Alone – The Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.
• Faith Alone – By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him.