Doctrine and Practice
Doctrine and Practice
The Book of Concord and/or The Lutheran Confessions:
For the sake of clarity, the "Book of Concord" and the "Lutheran Confessions" typically refer to the same thing. The unaltered Book of Concord (first published in 1580 A.D.) is the collection of official writings that were composed by the early Lutheran reformers as they sought to faithfully confess the historic, unchanging truth of God’s Word in the Scriptures for the benefit of the whole Christian Church.
Faithful Lutheran Christians do not consider these writings to share the same honor and holiness that belongs only to the Word of God. The Lutheran Confessions are properly regarded as accurate, faithful, time-tested explanations and applications of the Scriptures. We use them to help teach and observe all that God has commanded, not to replace it.
(And those who have been trained in Lutheran doctrine are encouraged to remember that Martin Luther’s Small Catechism is itself part of the Book of Concord!)
About the ELDoNA:
The Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America is a fellowship that upholds the historic Christian faith according to the Holy Scriptures, and we rely on the Lutheran Confessions as a faithful tool by which we teach and practice God’s Word. Only ordained clergy hold membership in the diocese, and the parishes they serve have full altar and pulpit fellowship between each other through their respective pastors. Specific parishes do not hold membership in the diocese, but are cared for spiritually through the Bishop and member clergy of the diocese.
We are in no way affiliated with the "Evangelical Lutheran Church in America" (“ELCA”).
On Fellowship and Communion:
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Act 2:42) (ESV)
Fellowship properly means agreement in how things are taught and practiced. If there is disagreement on significant matters, then there is no true fellowship.
Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is one of the most important expressions of fellowship in the Church, so we commune only with others who are in fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America.
We gladly welcome everyone to learn more about the fellowship we share, so that they can celebrate the Lord’s Supper with us! (But please remember, doing so requires being devoted to the teachings that we confess in our fellowship.)
The ELDoNA is not in fellowship with the ELCA, ELS, LCMS, or WELS.
On Worship Styles:
“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise…” (Psalm 51:15) (ESV)
As all good things come from God, worship is no different. Our liturgical worship relies on the Words of the Scriptures for its content. Just as God gave us all our abilities, He teaches us His Words and His ways in the Scriptures, and so we also repeat back to Him those holy Words and ideas.
Contemporary, blended, and charismatic worship styles seek to focus on the thoughts and feelings, and preferences, of people. But the thoughts, feelings, and tastes of people are temporary, and not always focused on God’s Word and Truth.
Liturgical music conveys the dignity and historic nature of God’s Word and His Church. Sometimes liturgical words are placed with contemporary or popular music styles, but these styles are used for the purpose of appealing to people’s secular preferences, and the focus on God’s Words and character is then often forgotten.
The liturgies and hymns used during our services come from the newly published The Lutheran Service Book, and much of its content is drawn from The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Worship, which have taught and strengthened the faith of many Christians throughout the world. In joyful praise and historic character, we continue to rely on these valuable resources of Christ’s Church as His Words are placed on our lips, as well as in our hearts and memories!
On Ministry:
The liturgies and hymns used during our services come from the newly published The Lutheran Service Book, and much of its content is drawn from The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Worship, which have taught and strengthened the faith of many Christians throughout the world. In joyful praise and historic character, we continue to rely on these valuable resources of Christ’s Church as His Words are placed on our lips, as well as in our hearts and memories!
On Deacons:
The liturgies and hymns used during our services come from the newly published The Lutheran Service Book, and much of its content is drawn from The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Worship, which have taught and strengthened the faith of many Christians throughout the world. In joyful praise and historic character, we continue to rely on these valuable resources of Christ’s Church as His Words are placed on our lips, as well as in our hearts and memories!