WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LUTHERAN?

Who are the Lutherans?

Today, there are 66 million Lutherans belonging to 250 different Lutheran denominations around the world. The largest numbers of Lutherans are found in Germany, the place where the Reformation took place during the early part of the 16th century. The largest of the Lutheran denominations is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) ranks as the second largest Lutheran church body in North America and the 8th largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. Others include Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC), The American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC), Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) and the Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC).

What is the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod?

On April 26, 1847, 12 pastors representing 15 congregations signed a constitution that established "The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States." Today, it is called The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Faith Lutheran Church is one of more than 6,000 congregations served by more than 6,400 active clergy.

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 co-eternal, one God.

Being Lutheran, our congregations accept and teach 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 - 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.
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, have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him.
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.

Who is Emmanuel Lutheran Church-Maui?

Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School believes that we have been “blessed to be a blessing” to others (Genesis 12). We believe God’s love is for all peoples and nations, and so we exist to share it and be a blessing to our entire community. Our Mission is to help the people on Maui to Believe in Jesus Christ … and we seek to accomplish this by Loving, Educating, Sharing, and Serving them. The power to accomplish this mission comes only through God’s Word of Truth and the two sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper which Jesus Christ instituted to give His grace, strength, and forgiveness to all.

Communion

We celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion at all services (excluding Children's Sundays and when there is no pastor present) . We profess faith in Christ’s real presence in and through the sacramental elements and we believe in the importance of doctrinal and personal unity among those who commune together. We invite confirmed members of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) as well as members of churches in altar fellowship with the LCMS to join us at the Lord’s Table today. We encourage others who wish to join in our altar fellowship to speak with Pastor Hosch so that you might join us at the altar.

About Baptism

We recognize and accept the validity of baptisms properly administered (using water in any quantity and/or mode and done in the name of the Triune God as instituted by Christ in Matthew 28:19). If you have already received a proper Christian baptism, there is no need for you to be re-baptized. For additional questions, information or to schedule a baptism please contact Pastor Hosch who will be more than happy to discuss further with you.

How to become a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Maui?

Are you new to the Lutheran version of Christianity? If you are, plan on coming to our Membership class offered at various times of the year. Lutheranism 101 explores the basic teachings of Christianity from a Lutheran perspective. This is a no strings attached class – if you go through this and do not want to become a member, that’s okay. Thanks for joining us for the journey.

Transferring from another Lutheran congregation? If you are a member of a Lutheran church, contact your current church to transfer membership. Out-of-town membership transfers may be requested directly by you or by Emmanuel Lutheran Church with your request.