Doctrine

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

The Old Missouri Synod
(up to about 1932)

Cristo Nuestra Justicia

The Bible

ELCA: Most teach it is full of myths and errors. Written by mere men, God's Word may be contained in it, but it is not authoritative for faith and life. Many books not written by the stated author; no miracles actually happened as the text states.

WELS: Most teach that it is the inerrant Word of God.

LC-MS: Varies. Some teach that it is inerrant, or at least "infallible", but many -- even in the synod's colleges -- teach that it contains non-historical myths and fabrications, that many books were not written by the stated authors, etc.

Old Mo.: The Bible, or Holy Scriptures, are the inerrant Word of God, authoritative, perspicuous (clear, understandable), sufficient, and efficacious (able to save souls). As St. Paul says, 2 Tim. 3:16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

The Bible, or Holy Scriptures, are the inerrant Word of God, authoritative, perspicuous (clear, understandable), sufficient, and efficacious (able to save souls). As St. Paul says, 2 Tim. 3:16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

The Power of God's Word

ELCA: Most teach that social and political activism, not the preaching of God's Word in its purity, is the mission of the church to "save" "humankind."

WELS: Many have noted that the WELS appears more and more to be placing its trust in programs, marketing, and organizational efforts to "grow" the Church, rather than simply concentrating on the preaching of God's Word in its purity.

LC-MS: The efficacy of God's Word remains a minority view in isolated pockets, but modern ideas such as marketing, pop-psychology, entertainment evangelism, and other gimmicks have supplanted God's Word in many congregations as having the greatest power to convert souls.

Old Mo.: God's Word has the power, in and of itself, to create faith and to work regeneration in the hearts of men, regardless of human efforts, as St. Paul says, 1 Cor. 1:21, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

"Cristo Nuestra Justicia": God's Word has the power, in and of itself, to create faith and to work regeneration in the hearts of men, regardless of human efforts, as St. Paul says, 1 Cor. 1:21, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Jesus Christ

ELCA: Many answers to the question, "Who is Jesus?" The Gospel accounts are generally ignored in favor of intellectual exercises aimed at discovering "the historical Jesus." Virtually all professors, leaders, and many pastors teach that He never said nor did most of what is attributed to Him in Scripture. The "historical" Jesus was not the Son of God, second Person of the Trinity, but an enlightened man and teacher of social justice and political liberation. He almost certainly did not physically rise from the dead.

WELS: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, the only Savior. WELS formerly confessed that Jesus is both God and man, but recently has changed its official doctrine to say that He merely became "fully human" -- that is, like us, but not necessarily one of us -- thus moving the WELS into the grave errors of the early church heresies known as Docetism, Arianism, and Monotheletism.

LC-MS: Doctrines concerning Jesus Christ vary from Biblical to skeptical. Most still confess that Jesus is the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, but many no longer teach that He is the only way to heaven, as He says, St. John 14:6, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

Old Mo.: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, the only Savior, true God and true man. He was born of a virgin, suffered and died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day. Those who believe in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life. The four Gospels provide an accurate and trustworthy account of his life, deeds, sayings and miracles; all of God's Word points to Him. And as Scripture says, Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, the only Savior, true God and true man. He was born of a virgin, suffered and died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day. Those who believe in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life. The four Gospels provide an accurate and trustworthy account of his life, deeds, sayings and miracles; all of God's Word points to Him. And as Scripture says, Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Justification

ELCA: In the "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification," the ELCA has joined with the Roman Catholic Church in rejecting the articulum stantis et cadentis ecclesiae (the doctrine upon which the church stands or falls) -- the doctrine of Holy Scripture, Dr. Martin Luther, the Lutheran Confessions and the entire true Lutheran Church. In jointly declaring that a believer must "intrinsically qualify" for salvation through his own good works, the ELCA has ended the Reformation and now submits to the false Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation doctrine of the Council of Trent.

WELS: With their defense of the Kokomo Statements, WELS has also divorced herself from the doctrine of Scripture. WELS falsely teaches that, because the sin of the world has been forgiven through Christ's vicarious satisfaction, therefore also unbelievers receive this forgiveness apart from faith in Christ. In neo-WELS, unrepentant sinners are no longer to be brought to contrition by having the Law preached to them; now it is taught "there is no one to whom you cannot go with the Gospel's good news. You can tell anyone and everyone, 'Your sins are forgiven by Christ's substitutionary death." (A. Panning, Romans, NPH 1999, p. 61.)

LC-MS: The Scriptural doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone is a minority view, whose adherents are rapidly being outnumbered by Pentecostal and Arminian preachers of "decisions for Christ," "lordship salvation," and "blessed to be a blessing."

Old Mo.: The chief benefit of Christ's vicarious obedience is the perfect righteousness obtained by Christ for all mankind, the acquisition of which God accepted as a reconciliation of the world to Himself, imputing to mankind the merit of the Mediator -- general or objective justification --; and inasmuch as faith is the actual acceptance of this imputation announced in the Gospel, or of the righteousness imputed and offered in the Gospel, it is justifying faith, and God in His judgment graciously and for Christ's sake holds and pronounces the believer actually and by personal application fully absolved from all guilt and punishment while in the state of faith -- individual or subjective justification. (A. Graebner.)

The chief benefit of Christ's vicarious obedience is the perfect righteousness obtained by Christ for all mankind, the acquisition of which God accepted as a reconciliation of the world to Himself, imputing to mankind the merit of the Mediator -- general or objective justification --; and inasmuch as faith is the actual acceptance of this imputation announced in the Gospel, or of the righteousness imputed and offered in the Gospel, it is justifying faith, and God in His judgment graciously and for Christ's sake holds and pronounces the believer actually and by personal application fully absolved from all guilt and punishment while in the state of faith -- individual or subjective justification. (A. Graebner.)

The Church

ELCA: Doctrines vary considerably, but the lowest common denominator appears to be that the church is a vague group which seeks to become one with something called "God."

WELS: While the Church in its truest sense is "invisible" (unseen), being a community of those who have faith in Jesus Christ, the "visible" Church is any gathering of Christians, be it a congregation, a synod, a denomination, a home Bible study group, a cell group, etc.

LC-MS: Doctrines vary, ranging from something akin to the ELCA position to a modified WELS position to one which states that the visible church is the local congregation.

Old Mo.: While the Church in its truest sense is "invisible" (unseen), being a community of those who have faith in Jesus Christ, the divinely-established "visible" Church is the local congregation which gathers around the Word and Sacraments. A denomination, Bible study group, etc. is not a "church," but a human institution.

"Cristo Nuestra Justicia": While the Church in its truest sense is "invisible" (unseen), being a community of those who have faith in Jesus Christ, the divinely-established "visible" Church is the local congregation which gathers around the Word and Sacraments. A denomination, Bible study group, etc. is not a "church," but a human institution.

The Ministry

ELCA: Any form of service of any kind, in the Church or to society, is considered "ministry."

WELS: While most maintain that the Church has the freedom to invent new forms of "ministry" at any time to suit its needs, many others teach the ELCA position that any form of service of any kind, in the Church or to society, is considered "ministry."

LC-MS: While a few still maintain that the pastor of a local congregation is the one, divinely-instituted form of the Christian ministry, almost all now teach the ELCA position that any form of service of any kind, in the Church or to society, is considered "ministry."

Old Mo.: The one, divinely-instituted form of the Christian ministry is the preaching office, that is, the pastor of the local congregation. Other offices in the church (teacher, Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, Synod president, etc.) are auxiliary offices.

The one, divinely-instituted form of the Christian ministry is the preaching office, that is, the pastor of the local congregation. Other offices in the church (teacher, Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, Synod president, etc.) are auxiliary offices.

Church Polity

ELCA: The denominational headquarters in Chicago (with its local branches) is a central office which makes many decisions that affect the local congregation. Property, etc. is usually owned by the denomination, who sets minimum wages in the congregations and supplies all full-time church workers.

WELS: The denominational headquarters in Milwaukee (with its local branches) is a central office which makes many decisions that affect the local congregation. Congregations are expected to take part in all programs which "come down from Synod", which also supplies their pastors and teachers.

LC-MS: Political power is split between the denominational headquarters in St. Louis and the District offices. Convention resolutions are spottily followed and regularly ignored. The real power appears to lie in the many competing lobbying groups with wildly-conflicting doctrinal stands.

Old Mo.: Congregational (not "democracy;" the final authority is the Word of God). The synod is not a "church" nor a "denomination," but a humanly-devised, advisory body, voluntarily composed of congregations in complete doctrinal agreement with each other. Offices such as synod president are part-time, and held by active parish pastors.

Congregational (Not "democracy;" the final authority is the Word of God). The synod is not a "church" nor a "denomination," but a humanly-devised, advisory body, voluntarily composed of congregations in complete doctrinal agreement with each other. Offices such as synod president are part-time, and held by active parish pastors.

Women in Positions of Authority

ELCA: The Bible's prohibition of women in positions of authority is ridiculed and disregarded. The tenets of modern secular feminism are core beliefs of the ELCA, and extend to all facets of the denomination. Women are not only ordained as parish pastors, but also rule as bishops and teach prospective pastors. Any resistance to the paradigms of modern feminism is generally considered to be unacceptable behavior for pastors of the ELCA.

WELS: While the synod has historically taken a "conservative" position regarding the role of women, some synod leaders and many congregations now favor the placing of women in positions of ever greater spiritual authority. Some WELS congregations have women voters, serving on church council or as elders, distributing Holy Communion, even taking leading roles in "contemporary" worship. Some insiders claim that women's ordination is a possibility within a decade or two.

LC-MS: The post-1969 LC-MS allows women to vote, to serve as elders, to lead congregational, district and synodical boards, to teach prospective pastors, etc. -- i.e., women hold all positions of spiritual authority except ordination. While women such as Elise Arndt and Dr. Marva Dawn preach regularly in LC-MS churches, the final victory over Scripture (women's ordination) is likely a decade away.

Old Mo.: Obeyed the clear Word of God which tells us, 1 Tim. 2:12, I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence; 1 Cor. 14:34, Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the Law; etc. Men held all offices of authority in the Church (pastor, voter, etc.).

"Cristo Nuestra Justicia": Obeys the clear Word of God which tells us, 1 Tim. 2:12, I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence; 1 Cor. 14:34, Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the Law; etc. Men hold all offices of authority in the Church (pastor, voter, etc.).

The Charismatic Movement

ELCA: The modern charismatic movement has a friend in this mainline denomination. With no real doctrinal standards, the ELCA is open to all sorts of extra-Biblical movements, including this one. A reaction against the theological liberalism, rampant skepticism and brash unbelief common amongst the ELCA leadership, pastorate and intelligentsia, Pentacostal cells have taken root in many congregations of the denomination.

WELS: While the Synod's official stance takes opposition to extra-Biblical revelation, the basic tenets of Pentacostalism have taken root amongst some WELS leaders and in some congregations: the constant striving for "relevance," "mak[ing] disciples" rather than "teach[ing] all nations," the emphasis of love over truth, life over doctrine, moving "Forward" at the expense of sound theology, etc.

LC-MS: Renewal in Missouri (RIM) is one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the LC-MS, with a long list of influential supporters and sponsors, and has cells in most congregations. In dialogue with the highest offices in the Synod, RIM is advancing its agenda in St. Louis, and influencing many committees and foundations toward ever greater movement in the Pentacostal direction.

Old Mo.: The Holy Ghost works through the Means of Grace -- the Word and the Sacraments. We find God, not in our own emotions, experiences, feelings, and strivings for grace, but where He promises to be: in the objective Word. While God is not limited to these means, he does limit us to them. The Lutheran Confessions state, Therefore we ought and must constantly maintain this point, that God does not wish to deal with us otherwise than through the spoken Word and the Sacraments. It is the devil himself whatsoever is extolled as Spirit without the Word and Sacraments.

"Cristo Nuestra Justicia": The Holy Ghost works through the Means of Grace -- the Word and the Sacraments. We find God, not in our own emotions, experiences, feelings, and strivings for grace, but where He promises to be: in the objective Word. While God is not limited to these means, he does limit us to them. The Lutheran Confessions state, Therefore we ought and must constantly maintain this point, that God does not wish to deal with us otherwise than through the spoken Word and the Sacraments. It is the devil himself whatsoever is extolled as Spirit without the Word and Sacraments.

Creation

ELCA: The Creation accounts in Genesis are universally dismissed as myth by ELCA theologians, most pastors, and a growing proportion of the laity. God did not create man; instead, man evolved from lower forms of life over millions of years. A debate exists in the ELCA between proponents of pure, secular atheistic evolutionary theory and others who allow that something called "God" may have directed this evolutionary process.

WELS: The Synod's position is that God created the heavens and the earth, including man, in six days. Many cooperate with, and support, groups which attempt to prove creation scientifically.

LC-MS: A wide diversity of views, including six-day creation, so-called "theistic evolution" and classical Darwinism. LC-MS high schools and universities are known to be teaching classical Darwinian atheistic evolution.

Old Mo.: God created the heavens and the earth, including man, in six days, ex nihilo (out of nothing). They did not attempt to prove this scientifically, but surrendered their fallible human reason to the plain meaning of the Word of God.

God created the heavens and the earth, including man, in six days, ex nihilo (out of nothing). We do not attempt to prove this scientifically, but surrender our fallible human reason to the plain meaning of the Word of God.

Church Fellowship

ELCA: Leaders, clergy and many of the rank and file take pride in praying and worshipping, not only with Christians who disagree with them doctrinally, but also, with non-Christians such as Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists in joint interfaith services. Communion is open to all.

WELS: Fellowship is expressed with any group or individual which expresses full doctrinal agreement. Most congregations practice "close" communion -- visitors who desire to receive the Sacrament are asked to speak with the pastor or an usher first.

LC-MS: As with other doctrines, there is a wide range of teachings in the LC-MS regarding fellowship. In some districts, leaders and congregations alike boldly worship with non-Christians; in others, close or closed communion is practiced. In a few instances, the doctrinal disagreements in the LC-MS are so great that only members of a particular lobbying group are communed.

Old Mo.: Unity of doctrine and confession were the basis of church fellowship, which was expressed toward all who were in complete doctrinal agreement. Practiced "closed communion" -- the Sacrament was offered to those who had been examined and who had confessed agreement with all the doctrines of Holy Scripture as expounded in the Lutheran Confessions.

Unity of doctrine and confession are the basis of church fellowship, which is expressed toward all who are in complete doctrinal agreement. Practice "closed communion" -- the Sacrament is offered to those who have been examined and who have confessed agreement with all the doctrines of Holy Scripture as expounded in the Lutheran Confessions.

Ecumenism

ELCA: Teaches that unity can be reached without doctrinal agreement, through political merger or ecclesiastical alliance. Has declared full communion with several non-Lutheran denominations, including one which subscribes to a non-Trinitarian statement of faith. Is in dialogue toward unity with the Roman Catholic Church (with whom it has already declared agreement on justification by faith plus works, the Roman doctrine which caused the Reformation) and non-Christian faiths.

WELS: Does not officially pursue ecumenical dialogue, but does invite those of other faiths to teach them. The synod officially cooperates with the ELCA and LC-MS in joint church work, and synodical leaders have earned degrees from the Church Growth Movement's Fuller Seminary. Recently, a liberal theologian and a Roman Catholic archbishop were selected by the Synod's leaders to teach their doctrines to WELS Lutherans.

LC-MS: While officially criticizing the ELCA for declaring fellowship with Reformed denominations, the "critical mass" of neo-Missouri is actively working toward the same end. Even some District Presidents are engaged in dialogues with liberal Lutherans and those of other faiths. Ecumenical worship services are often held with non-Lutherans and even non-Christians, sometimes with approval of (and participation by) synodical leaders.

Old Mo.: Doctrinal agreement must be reached before fellowship can be declared. To this end, free conferences were frequently held, serving to achieve doctrinal agreement with others as the basis of full fellowship. Over a period of several years, these conferences led to the formation of the Ev.-Lutheran Synodical Conference, a doctrinal (but not political) union of several synods which were in complete doctrinal agreement.

Doctrinal agreement must be reached before fellowship can be declared. To this end, Holy Cross is taking an active role in free conferences which we hope will lead to doctrinal agreement with other independent Lutheran churches.

Practice

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

The Old Missouri Synod
(up to about 1932)

Cristo Nuestra Justicia

le Versions

ELCA: While her predecessor bodies were committed to the National Council of Churches' Revised Standard Version, the ELCA now uses just about any translation or paraphrase on the market, whether good or bad. Strongly committed to inclusive language, which involves eliminating masculine references to God, etc., according to the dictates of feminist theologians. This constant revisionism is not limited to Bible translations; in 1995 the ELCA rewrote parts of the liturgy which were originally written in 1978, simply to eliminate offensive masculine references to God.

WELS: Strongly committed to the exclusive official use of Zondervan Corporation's New International Version, which features many instances of biased mistranslations designed to support Reformed and Pentecostal doctrinal errors. Like the ELCA, WELS is strongly committed to inclusive language, which involves eliminating masculine references to God, etc., according to the dictates of feminist theologians. In 1993 the synod attempted to neuter Jesus Christ by eliminating references to His gender from their new creed.

LC-MS: While just about any translation can be found in use in modern Missouri, the leadership is committed to the exclusive official use of Zondervan Corporation's New International Version, which features many instances of biased mistranslations designed to support Reformed and Pentecostal doctrinal errors. Some segments of the synod are strong agitators for inclusive language.

Old Mo.: A German-speaking synod, Missouri used Dr. Martin Luther's translation of the Bible. Where she preached in English, Missouri used the Authorized (King James) Version. Together with Luther and the Lutheran Confessions, she consider stability in translation usage to be essential, to facilitate memorization; she chose these translations (which had both withstood the test of time) because of their superior faithfulness to the original tongues.

Cristo Nuestra Justicia: Uses the Version Reina Valera 1909(Actualizada 1979) for all Scripture readings, in her liturgy, in Bible studies, etc., not as a law, but by choice. Together with Luther and the Lutheran Confessions, "Cristo Nuestra Justicia" considers stability in translation usage to be essential, to facilitate memorization; our Congregation chooses the Versión Reina Valera 1909 (actualizada en 1979), (which has withstood the test of time) because of its superior faithfulness to the original tongues.

Lectionary and Church Year

ELCA: Has abandoned both the historic church year and the historic lectionary. Has officially adopted the new church year devised in the 1960s by the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church, has officially adopted the ILCW's revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae, and has approved the use of the CCT's Revised Common Lectionary, a re-re-revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae.

WELS: Has abandoned both the historic church year and the historic lectionary. Has officially adopted the new church year devised in the 1960s by the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church, has officially adopted the ILCW's revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae, and is considering publication of the CCT's Revised Common Lectionary, a re-re-revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae.

LC-MS: Has abandoned both the historic church year and the historic lectionary. Has officially adopted the new church year devised in the 1960s by the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church, has officially adopted the ILCW's revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae, and is considering adoption of the CCT's Revised Common Lectionary, a re-re-revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae.

Old Mo.: Utilized the ancient church year, celebrated the ancient church festivals, and retained the historic lectionary, as she confessed in the Augsburg Confession: "Many traditions are kept on our part, for they lead to good order in the Church, such as the Order of Lessons in the Mass [i.e., the lectionary] and the chief festivals" (AC XXVI).

Nuestra Justicia" Utilizes the ancient church year, celebrates the ancient church festivals, and retains the historic lectionary, as she confesses in the Augsburg Confession: "Many traditions are kept on our part, for they lead to good order in the Church, such as the Order of Lessons in the Mass [i.e., the lectionary] and the chief festivals" (AC XXVI).

Closed Communion

ELCA: The ELCA no longer considers St. Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 11:29 to be the Word of God, nor does she believe doctrinal unity is at all important; therefore, she will commune anyone who approaces her altars, with grape juice, wine, leavened or unleavened bread.

WELS: While many congregations practice open communion, most others practice "close" communion -- visitors who desire to receive the Sacrament are asked to speak with the pastor or an usher first.

LC-MS: Although official synod dogma still pays lip service to closed communion, Missouri's altars are generally open to anyone. Entire districts have formally declared open communion to be their official practice. Occasionally, congregations may be found that practice "close" communion -- visitors who desire to receive the Sacrament are asked to speak with the pastor or an usher first.

Old Mo.: Old Missouri practiced closed communion, communing: 1.) those who had been instructed in the historic, confessional, orthodox Lutheran doctrine, and who had publicly confessed their faith to demonstrate that they were in complete doctrinal unity with them (St. Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 1:10; Heb. 10:23; also F.C. Th.D. XI:§95), and 2.) who had examined themselves and had previously announced and registered their intention to receive the Sacrament with them (1 Cor. 11:27-29; 1 Jn. 1:8-9; also AC XXIV:§§5-7; XXV:§1; Apol. XXIV [XII]:§1).

Nuestra Justicia" practices closed communion, communing: 1.) those who have been instructed in the historic, confessional, orthodox Lutheran doctrine, and who have publicly confessed their faith to demonstrate that they are in complete doctrinal unity with us (St. Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 1:10; Heb. 10:23; also F.C. Th.D. XI:§95), and 2.) who have examined themselves and have previously announced and registered their intention to receive the Sacrament with us (1 Cor. 11:27-29; 1 Jn. 1:8-9; also AC XXIV:§§5-7; XXV:§1; Apol. XXIV [XII]:§1).

The Liturgy (The Divine Service)

ELCA: The ELCA views the liturgy as being man's expression of worship toward something called "God." The so-called "high-church" and "low-church" factions agree that the liturgy should be ever changing in order to stay "relevant." Expends constant effort to expunge it of all types of offensive language. Always in search of ever more esoteric and eclectic material, the ELCA believes the liturgy must conform to the secular culture. In practice, the ELCA generally accepts the Church Growth Movement (CGM) as a good way to rescue it from a declining membership count.

WELS: Believes the that the historic liturgy must be made "relevant" to unbelievers; to do this it has rewritten its liturgies, introducing inclusive language and "dumbing-down" the wording. In many circles the liturgy is considered an obstacle to growth, despite the fact that the onset of their numerical decline coincided with the rise of the CGM in WELS.

LC-MS: Believing that the historic liturgy is an obstacle to numerical growth, Missouri's Council of Presidents is attempting to eliminate the use of the historic liturgy from Missouri congregations through a systematic promotion of the Church Growth Movement (CGM). Widely-scattered pockets within the synod are attempting to preserve a sparse remnant which uses a modified, modernized liturgy.

Old Mo.: In the Divine Service (Gottesdienst), God comes to man in the Means of Grace -- the Word purely preached and the Sacraments rightly administered. Rejected liturgical reform and "entertainment evangelism" as being "new methods" which harm, not build, the Church. Followed the historic Lutheran liturgy, which is Christocentric (Christ-centered) rather than anthropocentric (man-centered).

Nuestra Justicia": In the Divine Service (Gottesdienst), God comes to man in the Means of Grace -- the Word purely preached and the Sacraments rightly administered. Rejects liturgical reform and "entertainment evangelism" as being "new methods" which harm, not build, the Church. Follows the historic Lutheran liturgy, which is Christocentric (Christ-centered) rather than anthropocentric (man-centered).

The Church Growth Movement

ELCA: Views the CGM "megachurch model," "metachurch model," "entertainment evangelism," etc. to be acceptable methods to bring numerical growth to this declining mainline denomination.

WELS: While officially claiming that the Church Growth Movement does not exist in WELS, actual practice demonstrates that the CGM "megachurch model," "metachurch model," "entertainment evangelism," etc. are viewed as the "way of the future" which promise to bring numerical growth to this declining mini denomination.

LC-MS: Leadership overwhelmingly views the CGM "megachurch model," "metachurch model," "entertainment evangelism," etc. to be the chosen methods to bring numerical growth to this stagnant denomination. Many of the remaining clergy who reject the CGM are systematically harassed and driven out.

Old Mo.: Taught that the entertainment, marketing and scientific efforts of man cannot build the church; rather, the Holy Ghost "works faith, where and when it pleases God, in them that hear the Gospel" (AC V §§2-3). Spoke out against other Lutheran groups of the day who mimicked the Reformed churches, desperately seeking to gain numbers through an undiscerning use of American Revivalism.

Nuestra Justicia": Teaches that the entertainment, marketing and scientific efforts of man cannot build the church; rather, the Holy Ghost "works faith, where and when it pleases God, in them that hear the Gospel" (AC V §§2-3). Speaks out against other Lutheran groups of today who mimic the Reformed churches, desperately seeking to gain numbers through an undiscerning use of the Church Growth Movement.

The Ecumenical Movement

ELCA: Teaches that unity is established through political assimilation, organizational merger, and doctrinal compromise, without any attempt at establishing unity in doctrine. Has declared full communion with many non-Lutheran (even non-Trinitarian) denominations, and is moving toward reunification with the Roman Catholic Church. Is in unity discussions also with non-Christian religions. Leaders and clergy alike display their unity with the heathen through interfaith ecumenical services.

WELS: While paying lip service to the necessity of doctrinal unity before establishing fellowship, the WELS actively works with the ELCA, the LC-MS and other religions through joint church work. Shows her ecumenical spirit by inviting liberal Lutheran and Roman Catholic leaders to teach them.

LC-MS: While some pay lip service to the necessity of doctrinal unity before establishing fellowship, the LC-MS actively works with the ELCA and other religions through joint church work. Some districts actively engage in ecumenical dialog, negotiations, and joint ecumenical services with liberal Lutherans, other Christian denominations, Jews, Moslems, Buddhists, etc.

Old Mo.: Denounced unionism, the establishment of church fellowship apart from doctrinal unity. Actively sought to establish fellowship with other orthodox Lutherans through free conferences in which Scriptural doctrines were examined and agreed upon.

Nuestra Justicia": Denounces unionism, the establishment of church fellowship apart from doctrinal unity. Actively seeks to establish fellowship with other orthodox Lutherans through free conferences in which Scriptural doctrines are examined and agreed upon.

Practice

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

The Old Missouri Synod
(up to about 1932)

Cristo Nuestra Justicia

Bible Versions

ELCA: While her predecessor bodies were committed to the National Council of Churches' Revised Standard Version, the ELCA now uses just about any translation or paraphrase on the market, whether good or bad. Strongly committed to inclusive language, which involves eliminating masculine references to God, etc., according to the dictates of feminist theologians. This constant revisionism is not limited to Bible translations; in 1995 the ELCA rewrote parts of the liturgy which were originally written in 1978, simply to eliminate offensive masculine references to God.

WELS: Strongly committed to the exclusive official use of Zondervan Corporation's New International Version, which features many instances of biased mistranslations designed to support Reformed and Pentecostal doctrinal errors. Like the ELCA, WELS is strongly committed to inclusive language, which involves eliminating masculine references to God, etc., according to the dictates of feminist theologians. In 1993 the synod attempted to neuter Jesus Christ by eliminating references to His gender from their new creed.

LC-MS: While just about any translation can be found in use in modern Missouri, the leadership is committed to the exclusive official use of Zondervan Corporation's New International Version, which features many instances of biased mistranslations designed to support Reformed and Pentecostal doctrinal errors. Some segments of the synod are strong agitators for inclusive language.

Old Mo.: A German-speaking synod, Missouri used Dr. Martin Luther's translation of the Bible. Where she preached in English, Missouri used the Authorized (King James) Version. Together with Luther and the Lutheran Confessions, she consider stability in translation usage to be essential, to facilitate memorization; she chose these translations (which had both withstood the test of time) because of their superior faithfulness to the original tongues.

Cristo Nuestra Justicia: Uses the Version Reina Valera 1909(Actualizada 1979) for all Scripture readings, in her liturgy, in Bible studies, etc., not as a law, but by choice. Together with Luther and the Lutheran Confessions, "Cristo Nuestra Justicia" considers stability in translation usage to be essential, to facilitate memorization; our Congregation chooses the Versión Reina Valera 1909 (actualizada en 1979), (which has withstood the test of time) because of its superior faithfulness to the original tongues.

Lectionary and Church Year

ELCA: Has abandoned both the historic church year and the historic lectionary. Has officially adopted the new church year devised in the 1960s by the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church, has officially adopted the ILCW's revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae, and has approved the use of the CCT's Revised Common Lectionary, a re-re-revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae.

WELS: Has abandoned both the historic church year and the historic lectionary. Has officially adopted the new church year devised in the 1960s by the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church, has officially adopted the ILCW's revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae, and is considering publication of the CCT's Revised Common Lectionary, a re-re-revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae.

LC-MS: Has abandoned both the historic church year and the historic lectionary. Has officially adopted the new church year devised in the 1960s by the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church, has officially adopted the ILCW's revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae, and is considering adoption of the CCT's Revised Common Lectionary, a re-re-revised form of the Vatican II Roman Catholic Ordo Lectionum Missae.

Old Mo.: Utilized the ancient church year, celebrated the ancient church festivals, and retained the historic lectionary, as she confessed in the Augsburg Confession: "Many traditions are kept on our part, for they lead to good order in the Church, such as the Order of Lessons in the Mass [i.e., the lectionary] and the chief festivals" (AC XXVI).

Nuestra Justicia" Utilizes the ancient church year, celebrates the ancient church festivals, and retains the historic lectionary, as she confesses in the Augsburg Confession: "Many traditions are kept on our part, for they lead to good order in the Church, such as the Order of Lessons in the Mass [i.e., the lectionary] and the chief festivals" (AC XXVI).

Closed Communion

ELCA: The ELCA no longer considers St. Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 11:29 to be the Word of God, nor does she believe doctrinal unity is at all important; therefore, she will commune anyone who approaces her altars, with grape juice, wine, leavened or unleavened bread.

WELS: While many congregations practice open communion, most others practice "close" communion -- visitors who desire to receive the Sacrament are asked to speak with the pastor or an usher first.

LC-MS: Although official synod dogma still pays lip service to closed communion, Missouri's altars are generally open to anyone. Entire districts have formally declared open communion to be their official practice. Occasionally, congregations may be found that practice "close" communion -- visitors who desire to receive the Sacrament are asked to speak with the pastor or an usher first.

Old Mo.: Old Missouri practiced closed communion, communing: 1.) those who had been instructed in the historic, confessional, orthodox Lutheran doctrine, and who had publicly confessed their faith to demonstrate that they were in complete doctrinal unity with them (St. Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 1:10; Heb. 10:23; also F.C. Th.D. XI:§95), and 2.) who had examined themselves and had previously announced and registered their intention to receive the Sacrament with them (1 Cor. 11:27-29; 1 Jn. 1:8-9; also AC XXIV:§§5-7; XXV:§1; Apol. XXIV [XII]:§1).

Nuestra Justicia" practices closed communion, communing: 1.) those who have been instructed in the historic, confessional, orthodox Lutheran doctrine, and who have publicly confessed their faith to demonstrate that they are in complete doctrinal unity with us (St. Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 1:10; Heb. 10:23; also F.C. Th.D. XI:§95), and 2.) who have examined themselves and have previously announced and registered their intention to receive the Sacrament with us (1 Cor. 11:27-29; 1 Jn. 1:8-9; also AC XXIV:§§5-7; XXV:§1; Apol. XXIV [XII]:§1).

The Liturgy (The Divine Service)

ELCA: The ELCA views the liturgy as being man's expression of worship toward something called "God." The so-called "high-church" and "low-church" factions agree that the liturgy should be ever changing in order to stay "relevant." Expends constant effort to expunge it of all types of offensive language. Always in search of ever more esoteric and eclectic material, the ELCA believes the liturgy must conform to the secular culture. In practice, the ELCA generally accepts the Church Growth Movement (CGM) as a good way to rescue it from a declining membership count.

WELS: Believes the that the historic liturgy must be made "relevant" to unbelievers; to do this it has rewritten its liturgies, introducing inclusive language and "dumbing-down" the wording. In many circles the liturgy is considered an obstacle to growth, despite the fact that the onset of their numerical decline coincided with the rise of the CGM in WELS.

LC-MS: Believing that the historic liturgy is an obstacle to numerical growth, Missouri's Council of Presidents is attempting to eliminate the use of the historic liturgy from Missouri congregations through a systematic promotion of the Church Growth Movement (CGM). Widely-scattered pockets within the synod are attempting to preserve a sparse remnant which uses a modified, modernized liturgy.

Old Mo.: In the Divine Service (Gottesdienst), God comes to man in the Means of Grace -- the Word purely preached and the Sacraments rightly administered. Rejected liturgical reform and "entertainment evangelism" as being "new methods" which harm, not build, the Church. Followed the historic Lutheran liturgy, which is Christocentric (Christ-centered) rather than anthropocentric (man-centered).

Nuestra Justicia": In the Divine Service (Gottesdienst), God comes to man in the Means of Grace -- the Word purely preached and the Sacraments rightly administered. Rejects liturgical reform and "entertainment evangelism" as being "new methods" which harm, not build, the Church. Follows the historic Lutheran liturgy, which is Christocentric (Christ-centered) rather than anthropocentric (man-centered).

The Church Growth Movement

ELCA: Views the CGM "megachurch model," "metachurch model," "entertainment evangelism," etc. to be acceptable methods to bring numerical growth to this declining mainline denomination.

WELS: While officially claiming that the Church Growth Movement does not exist in WELS, actual practice demonstrates that the CGM "megachurch model," "metachurch model," "entertainment evangelism," etc. are viewed as the "way of the future" which promise to bring numerical growth to this declining mini denomination.

LC-MS: Leadership overwhelmingly views the CGM "megachurch model," "metachurch model," "entertainment evangelism," etc. to be the chosen methods to bring numerical growth to this stagnant denomination. Many of the remaining clergy who reject the CGM are systematically harassed and driven out.

Old Mo.: Taught that the entertainment, marketing and scientific efforts of man cannot build the church; rather, the Holy Ghost "works faith, where and when it pleases God, in them that hear the Gospel" (AC V §§2-3). Spoke out against other Lutheran groups of the day who mimicked the Reformed churches, desperately seeking to gain numbers through an undiscerning use of American Revivalism.

Nuestra Justicia": Teaches that the entertainment, marketing and scientific efforts of man cannot build the church; rather, the Holy Ghost "works faith, where and when it pleases God, in them that hear the Gospel" (AC V §§2-3). Speaks out against other Lutheran groups of today who mimic the Reformed churches, desperately seeking to gain numbers through an undiscerning use of the Church Growth Movement.

The Ecumenical Movement

ELCA: Teaches that unity is established through political assimilation, organizational merger, and doctrinal compromise, without any attempt at establishing unity in doctrine. Has declared full communion with many non-Lutheran (even non-Trinitarian) denominations, and is moving toward reunification with the Roman Catholic Church. Is in unity discussions also with non-Christian religions. Leaders and clergy alike display their unity with the heathen through interfaith ecumenical services.

WELS: While paying lip service to the necessity of doctrinal unity before establishing fellowship, the WELS actively works with the ELCA, the LC-MS and other religions through joint church work. Shows her ecumenical spirit by inviting liberal Lutheran and Roman Catholic leaders to teach them.

LC-MS: While some pay lip service to the necessity of doctrinal unity before establishing fellowship, the LC-MS actively works with the ELCA and other religions through joint church work. Some districts actively engage in ecumenical dialog, negotiations, and joint ecumenical services with liberal Lutherans, other Christian denominations, Jews, Moslems, Buddhists, etc.

Old Mo.: Denounced unionism, the establishment of church fellowship apart from doctrinal unity. Actively sought to establish fellowship with other orthodox Lutherans through free conferences in which Scriptural doctrines were examined and agreed upon.

Nuestra Justicia": Denounces unionism, the establishment of church fellowship apart from doctrinal unity. Actively seeks to establish fellowship with other orthodox Lutherans through free conferences in which Scriptural doctrines are examined and agreed upon.