Lutheran/SBC-Chruch and Ministry
<The Lord's Day Lutheranism/SBC TOC Last-The Eschaton (Last Things)>
Lutheranism
Church and Ministry
· No Church polity has been prescribed in the scriptures whether that of a Hierarchy or a Congregational polity. In fact the scriptures describe the Hierarchical view (Bishops, deacons, and so forth), but do not command it.
· The Christian Church is the assembly of those who have been called, gathered, and enlightened to faith by the Holy Spirit.
· The (visible) Holy Christian Church is made up of believers and hypocrites, faithful and unfaithful.
· Infants, by virtue of the Spirit’s work in their hearts through Holy Baptism are part of God’s people and members of His Church.
· The Pastoral Office is instituted by God so that the benefits of the Cross may be distributed to people. (John 20:19-31).
· This Pastoral Office is limited to men.
· Only certain men are called through the appropriate means to the Office of the Holy Ministry.
· All other offices are subservient to the Pastoral office.
SBC
Church and Ministry
· Only a democratic form of Church polity is acceptable. Such polity is prescribed by God.
· The Church (local congregation) is the voluntary association of believers. Believers are only those who have covenanted with the congregation and submitted to believer's baptism by immersion.
· Infants are not members of the church.
· Only those churches that practice “believer’s immersion baptism” may be considered “The Church”
· Church is to remain separate from the State. (Remember Baptists are separatists)
· Pastoral office is established by God and limited to men (as of the 2000 convention, previously women were permitted to hold such an office)
Certain men are called immediately (as was Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus) to serve as Pastors. (They feel called to serve.)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 908 W. Main Middleville, MI 49333 +269-795-2391+ goodshepherdlcms@gmail.com