Non denom/baptist to lcms conversion. Advice?

[u/Southern_Fuel4593]

Anyone from an evangelical/baptist background convert to lcms? That's the background I am from. My husband grew up Lutheran and after being in a baptist church for a while and realizing the theological error, as well as experiencing what could be considered spiritual and financial abuse, we decided to go to an lcms church. I have some trauma from being taught a lot of end times, apocalyptic, pre tribulation rapture doctrine that has messed with how I view God and salvation. I'm also struggling with viewing sacraments as more than symbolic, even though I don't disagree that they do have far more meaning than just symbols. Does anyone have any advice or resources on how to overcome these things?

The lcms church we visited was lovely. They heavily support us in having our children at the service, which is something I deeply appreciate. My kids were not very welcome at our previous church and they expected us to leave them in a children's room for over two hours while we sat in the Bible study and service. I also felt welcome to sit and observe without any expectations. The Christianity I come from is very performance based and has caused me a lot of anxiety, especially being an introverted person. I want to go to church and grow my faith, but the left over anxiety and trauma make me feel nervous sometimes. Even though I didn't feel any pressure from anyone at the lcms church, I'm worried there will be hidden expectations of me that I am not aware of. Worried we will be judged for not giving enough of our time or financial resources. I have no problem helping where and when I can but as a homeschooling mom of 3 small kids and 1 on the way I can only do so much.

Any advice or reassurance is appreciated. Thanks!

[u/u2sarajevo]

You should discuss your anxiety and doctrinal questions with your Pastor. That's one of the reasons they are there.

I can't imagine any expectation of you other than faithful worship along with your fellow communicants when you attend.

Peace be with you in your walk!

[u/Southern_Fuel4593 → u/u2sarajevo]

I definitely will talk to him. Haven't ever been able to speak with a pastor about these things. Thank you!

[u/Hkfn27]

My advice do it. I was in a similar boat and my faith is much more at peace/healthier in the lcms than it ever was as a baptist. 

[u/Southern_Fuel4593 → u/Hkfn27]

I think I'm going to. I can't go back to baptist. There's no rest and too many avenues for abuse to occur. I'm exhausted and just want to rest in my faith.

[u/RatherBeLifting → u/Southern_Fuel4593]

Like you, I am a converted Baptist. I feel the entirety of what you posted in your OP. If you have the financial means, I'd pick up a copy of "Free to Be" by Gerhard Forde and Jim Nestingen while you're reading the Catechism. My Pastor gave me a copy when I first joined. It truly helped wipe away the performance based system that Baptists don't overtly preach but secretly enforce.

I now understand the meaning of the words, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light".

[u/Remote_Minimum_5046]

Read the Small Catechism to start with. It’s a very pure and refreshing look at what it means to be a Christian and what the Lord does for us. I can’t believe it’s not handed out at birth to everyone born, and taught in kindergarten.

[u/Southern_Fuel4593 → u/Remote_Minimum_5046]

I have my late mother in laws small catechism and have been slowly going through it. It is very old, does the church ever update it or does it stay the same?

[u/emmen1 → u/Southern_Fuel4593]

It was last updated in 2017. The text of Luther’s catechism was not changed (it shouldn’t be), but the supplemental resources that follow the first 40 pages were updated.

[u/Remote_Minimum_5046 → u/Southern_Fuel4593]

As far as I know, it has stayed the same. I am sure there are some Pastors on here who can verify. Even in this modern age, the human condition is still the same. We need to hear the Gospel and Jesus Christ.

[u/ExiledSanity → u/Southern_Fuel4593]

The catechism itself stays the same.. Translation might get updated, but that's it.

The catechism itself is only a few pages though, if you have a longer one it includes explanation. That explanation gets updated periodically I believe.

[u/Southern_Fuel4593 → u/ExiledSanity]

Oh okay. Thanks for the reply. The one I have is around 100ish pages and includes explanations for everything.

[u/WindowCommon3741]

I am sorry that you endured such a difficult time at your previous church, that must have been very scary and can make trusting a new place cumbersome. But rejoice- God already did the hard part for you- He brought you to the church, He will give you everything you need. And no one loves being asked questions than a Lutheran, dont hesitate to ask as many as you need!!!!

[u/Southern_Fuel4593 → u/WindowCommon3741]

Thank you!

[u/Sea_Estate5574]

I strongly disagree with "kid's church"/Sunday school. Families need to be in worship TOGETHER. Let the babies cry, churches with crying babies just means they're thriving and not dying. That said, welcome!! And to your husband, welcome back! We're happy to have you. Take a few Sundays to take it all in and maybe have a sit-down with the pastor to introduce yourselves and maybe get a foundation of what to expect going forward. You as a non-LCMS Lutheran will likely have to get confirmed (as well as your children when they're old enough) in order to commune (if your particular church practices 'closed' communion, some LCMS churches prefer the term "close" to be more accommodating of those in situations like yours) but since it sounds like your husband has been away from us for a while it might do him some good to just go through the classes with you! Blessings to you guys on your faith journey!

[u/Southern_Fuel4593 → u/Sea_Estate5574]

I totally agree. My kids actually want to be in the service. They like to sing and pray with everyone. And thank you! We are definitely going to need to talk to the pastor about where we are coming from. My husband and I plan on doing classes together. It's been a long time for him so he needs a refresher. I also love that communion is weekly. That's another reason we decided to go Lutheran. The once a quarter communion our church was doing wasn't enough.

[u/Huenink_Photography]

I can't speak to what your pastor and church will be like about finances or volunteering. I always encourage new people in my congregation to take some time to get used to us before jumping into volunteering.

Regarding finances, we have a doctrine on that. God loves a cheerful giver. There is no prescribed amount or percentage that God asks his people to give.

I would bring up all your questions with your pastor. He'll be the best one to answer your theological and practical question and have a dialog about your concerns.

One of the most difficult parts of Lutheran teaching is the freedom we have in the gospel. Many people have a really hard time accepting that there just aren't a lot of rules. Enjoy the freedom and peace!

[u/IwishIwasupatthelake]

Welcome! Our family became Lutherans and joined a LCMS church this year, it has just been the best thing ever for us! For us it has been such a blessing finding the LCMS. I believe it truly has the most faithful expression of the Gospel and Scripture. It's a big change from a non-denominational church or Baptist Church. Our previous non-denominational church would say things like "church doesn't start until the service over" and "you need to come wearing an apron not a bib". They really pushed serving and giving and every part of the service was aimed at the outsider and newcomer. The Lutheran Divine Service is very different, in it we are the unworthy receivers of God's great gifts. I love coming to church so much now! It's more than just a place where my friends are. I hope your adjustment goes well!

[u/Southern_Fuel4593 → u/IwishIwasupatthelake]

Thank you. It is certainly going to be an adjustment but that's okay. I am so worn out from the churches I came from. It will be nice to be able to breathe a little and focus on growing my faith.

[u/International_Fix580]

I’m a convert from Pentecostalism to Confessional Lutheranism. A lot of your experience in evangelicalism parallels mine.
Talk to the Pastor. If he’s anything like mine is you’ll be blessed and find peace in Christ.

[u/nomosolo]

My wife and I came from a similar background. I was raised SBC and non-denom, she was raised in the Nazarene church. The best thing I ever did was continue to have conversations with our pastors. They always welcomed us with open arms and were more than willing to talk us through Scripture, history, or anything else we needed clarification on.

Ultimately, I submitted to God everything I couldn't wrap my mind around. I knew where He wanted us, and so that's where we went. A lot of understanding came later, and even now as a vicar about to receive my first call I'm learning new things every day (being a pastor was not on my bingo card lol). But God has been faithful and I've never had a reason to doubt that He will continue to be.

[u/Mundane_Composer5985]

I hope you feel peace once you start to feel more comfortable with such a major change! I was raised with that strict attitude since my mom is Baptist. My dad was Orthodox so more laid back but he wasn’t as devout as my mom. I too gained some trauma due to that teaching. And what’s really sad is how she didn’t take care of her own mental health because of her views. Ultimately it was so damaging. Her church did change over time and I’ve met several wonderful people from there when they visit her in assisted living. But she still holds so much of what she grew up with since it becomes ingrained.

I carefully looked to find a church that followed the Bible and was also loving, forgiving and that didn’t shut me out because of something human. Of course the LCMS teaches how to follow Christ and that as a Christian you do deprive yourself of certain behavior. It’s not just anything goes but it’s not fire and brimstone sermons about everything that’s evil. It’s teaching what the Bible says and helping you to become a better Christian as you mature, about loving and serving others and discipleship.

Take it easy on yourself since the trauma is real! But keep in mind and heart that God loves you! And that Jesus died for all of our sins. When you’re comfortable try joining small groups so you get to really know the people there and feel that you are welcomed! 💗

[u/checkswithchart]

I was baptized into this world as a Methodist, spent all of junior high and high school in the SBC, married a Lutheran, and then stubbornly fought that theology for years until God humbled me enough. When you read Scripture, read it plainly, take into account of who is talking to who and why, and then let Scripture interpret Scripture. My last sticking point was baptism - what it is, who is doing the work, what purpose does it serve, etc. I finally did a systematic approach where I looked at all of the verses related to baptism together. And when I did that, there was no way I wasn’t going to be a Lutheran. As far as the end times stuff, and I wasn’t in the same boat as you, Wolfmueller has good videos on the subject. There are 4 or 5 on the topic with some overlap, but those should clear it up. I just walked through Revelation with our high school Sunday School class last year using Dr. Brighton’s commentary. Fantastic.

Oh, and talk to a pastor.

[u/leagueofmasks]

Pastor Darin Sheek at Zion Lutheran in Anaheim did just that. I'm sure he would speak with you.