Confessional Links - LCMS

A collection of various confessional links encountered around the web. While some other sites have many of these same items, the compiler believes this shortened list is a great starting point particularly for laymen. Send me your recommendations to add.

Web Journals

Crisis In the LCMS A purely Web based resource of almost all pertinent documentation related to current problems occurring in the LCMS. An unmatched "let the chips fall where they may" and "let the plain facts speak for themselves" site.
Consensus A group that e-publishes solid Lutheran material that addresses the difficult issues facing the LCMS today.
Sola Christus A site maintained by an LCMS Layman for LCMS Laity. Dubbed as "an on-line effort dedicated to informing the laity of the [LCMS]", "to extend your knowledge of the historical teachings of the Lutheran Church" . . . and "to keep abreast of the happenings in the Synod that effect the health and practice of your humble parish."
Reclaiming Walther A site that uses the writings of first LCMS President C.F.W. Walther as a firm guideline for their positions taken on current issues in the LCMS.
Luther Quest A discussion group reflecting the historic / conservative / confessional understanding of the LCMS.

Journals

Higher Things A magazine directed towards LCMS youth

Good News is a magazine that clearly states the God-given biblical understanding of Christianity as confessed and proclaimed in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (Website is under construction) info@good-news.net . Published in 9 languages and distributed around the world, this easy-to-read publication is valuable in making doctrine and the truth of God's Living Word come alive and inspire the reader.
Logia A magazine geared towards pastors, which deals with important theological issues facing Confessional Lutherans.
Life of The World A Magazine sponsored by Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, IN
Gottesdienst A magazine aimed at promoting a higher, God-centered, Gospel-oriented liturgical practice.
Semper Reformanda A Journal for Lutheran Reformation – many scholarly articles from a confessional perspective
Motley Magpie A new (2003) publication " dedicated to the promotion of Lutheran ceremonia in the evangelical catholic tradition as confessed in the Book of Concord AD 1580/1584."

Groups

Lutheran Heritage Foundation A group that translates and distributes solid Lutheran material into native languages for the purpose of catechesis around the world
Northern Illinois District Confessional Lutherans Authors of the much maligned document (but not found to be heretical or in error) That They May Be One

Concord An Association of Confessional Lutheran in Texas
Texas Confessional Lutherans
Confessional Lutherans A confessional Lutheran Site out of Missouri. "A Mighty Fortress" plays in the background so it must be good!
Lutherland A Confessional Lutheran’s website
Confessional Lutherans Australia "An Association committed to upholding the confessional basis of the Lutheran Church of Australia (the LCA) and to give due regard to the Theses of Agreement, documents foundational to the formation of the LCA in 1966."
Cranach Institute A research and educational arm of Concordia University Wisconsin devoted to working out the implications of the Lutheran doctrine of vocation and engaging contemporary culture with the truths of the Lutheran Confessions.

Conservative Lutheran Church Bodies

These are some of the 21 (or thereabouts) Lutheran church bodies or organizations in the United States. (No offense to Canada intended)

Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod A predominantly conservative and orthodox Lutheran church body in the United States
Evangelical Lutheran Synod Also known as the "Little Norwegian" synod, this church body formerly was in fellowship with the LCMS under the Synodical Conference prior to when the ELS withdrew for doctrinal reasons in the 1950's or early 60's. They are in fellowship with the WELS
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod This church body formerly was in fellowship with the LCMS under the Synodical Conference prior to when the WELS withdrew for doctrinal reasons in the 1950's or early 60's. They are in fellowship with the ELS.
The Church of the Lutheran Confession - CLC A group of 75 (2001) churches that are " a confessional Lutheran church body which is dedicated to proclaiming the Good News of Christ crucified for sinners."
Lutheran Churches Of The Reformation A group of 16 (2001) churches that are a "federation of autonomous, orthodox Lutheran local congregations that was formed in 1964."
Concordia Lutheran Conference A group of 7 (2001) " not just 'conservative' ...not just 'confessional' ...but ORTHODOX " Lutheran churches.

Music

http://lutheran-hymnal.com/ Lutheran hymnal (TLH) in MIDI format
http://www.jsbach.org/ A Premiere JS Bach site with MIDI & History links to other Bach sites
http://members.aol.com/lutherland/stuff/bach.html Another JS Bach Site
Mr. Pipe Organ An LCMS Pipe organ enthusiast with many liturgical and music related links.

Link Lists

http://members.aol.com/xrysostom/stuff/godtalk.html Godtalk: Lutheran Theology Links from Xrysostom compiled by Pastor Walter P. Snyder – a very comprehensive set of links.
http://cat41.org/services.htm Links from the CAT41 (Confess and Teach for Unity) web page

General

David Jay Weber's Lutheran Theology Web Site - All those confessional documents and other links you have been searching for…
Ask the Pastor Q&A on various topics written by an LCMS pastor Rev. Walter P. Snyder
http://members.aol.com/lutherland/stuff/compare.html A comparison between Lutheranism and other churches.
http://www.lcms.org/cic/denomina.htm Denominational Differences on the LCMS web site
http://www.lcms.org/cic/doctrine.htm Doctrinal Issues on the LCMS web site
Issues, Etc. A radio show that deals with some current LCMS issues

Unusual/Historical

Churches That Are Changing Their Relationship with the LCMS

These are listed here, as there is no other source which documents this emerging "trend" in our beloved Synod. To use a medical analogy--the patient is sick and we see the symptoms in these actions of churches that have very long established relationships with the LCMS. It is hoped that those reading the accounts and the reasoning used by these churches will guide the LCMS towards greater unity of doctrine and practice.

Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church U.A.C. Visalia, California - Established December 24, 2003.
Salem Lutheran Church Malone, Texas - Votes to sever its connection with the LCMS. "The decision came via a nearly unanimous vote during the congregation’s quarterly meeting on July 18, 2004."
Redeemer Lutheran Church St. Claire Shores, Michigan - Votes "to declare its independence from the LCMS" … "on Monday, September 13, 2004."
Pilgrim Lutheran Church Decatur, Illinois - Votes "to withdraw its membership from The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod" on October 19, 2004.

Reference

Evangelical-Lutheran Liturgical Congregations A directory of churches that use a common historic liturgy (a practical display of Christian unity) and practice close communion (a public display of doctrinal unity).
On-Line Book of Concord An on-line version of the Book of Concord (Triglotta)
Luther Academy Providing teaching resources for catechesis

Solid Articles / Papers

The Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod (1932)

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Last revised 1/31/2005 8:04 PM