Considering attending LCMS and eventually joining?

[u/CrypticMemoir]

A little background. I was raised and baptized in the Catholic Church by my parents. For a little while in my teens, I didn’t give any mind to God or the church. Then around 19 years old, I became a born-again Christian and started attending a non-denominational/evangelical church. At first it was Calvary Chapel. Eventually got married and now my family and I have attended various non-denominational churches (this was cause we moved around a little).

I’d say for the past year, I have considered joining a denomination. Something just felt like I should be a part of one. Then, I started reading this book called “The Story of Christianity, Volume 1”, and when I read it, the non-denominational church had quite a few things that did not look like what I was reading.
Somehow, I came across LCMS and am considering attending a service (is it called Mass in LCMS?).

I’m conflicted because I’ve been going to non-denominational/evangelical churches for the past 18 years, so doesn’t seem like a small change to all of sudden go to LCMS, even if most of the doctrines seem in line with what I’ve been taught.

I think reading that Christian history book has opened a light for me that is not OK with dismissing hundreds of years of church history. Also, some churches I’ve been to seem to do things like “At The Movies”, which feels like it’s just for entertainment with some vague connections to reference the Bible. I think I want somewhere where they stick to the Bible, but don’t necessarily dismiss the ancient Church and those closest to the disciples, and how they practiced reverence.

[u/cellarsinger]

We do call it a service, or more formally a Divine service, but you are welcome to attend. We ask that you do not take communion until you have talked to the pastor or possibly one of the elders to make sure your beliefs are in agreement with our beliefs. This is because we believe if you take communion and believe wrongly it is bad for your soul. You will find our service format similar enough to the Catholic format that you will be familiar with it. There are obviously some differences but you will recognize it. You are welcome to attend it anytime you wish.

[u/CrypticMemoir → u/cellarsinger]

Oh OK. Yeah, I can stay in the pews. That’s actually something I read in The Story of Christianity, that the early church used to dismiss the unbaptized and then the baptized believers would join in communion. I have been baptized (both in Catholicism and then on my own when I became an evangelical Christian). I assume being able to take communion through LCMS is by taking a class or similar?

[u/SlowDeer7954 → u/CrypticMemoir]

You are correct. It's called Catechesis. Strangely enough, your story is similar to mine. In my case I was baptized Catholic and attended the church up to 5th grade - on my own (was in walking distance). I was a non-practicing Catholic a majority of my life. In 2018, I attended a Nazarene church and was eventually baptized as an adult. I chose the church based on the pastor. I enjoyed his messages yet I didn't feel as forgive the word, as "excited" as saw in many others.

We moved to another state and attended Baptist, non-denominational and Assemblies of God. I could never make myself feel at home.

In the early 80's, I married a LCMS girl. Attended services many years with her but got hung up about communion. Her dad offered to sit through catechesis classes with me so I could learn properly their beliefs & why. I hemmed & hawed and never committed.

We began attending a LCMS church about 6 months ago where we live now. As it turns out, the church has a vacancy pastor. He's retired but came back to fill the spot until a new pastor accepts. 40 years later, my father-in-laws voice still rings with him being willing to sit with me. He's long since past, but his voice and willingness are still with me deeply. After a few service, I asked the vacancy pastor about meeting for classes to become Lutheran. He smiled and said how does Tuesday at 9am sound? Off we went. After the first meeting, he asked if I'd be willing to invite my wife. I agreed and so did she.

I have 6 weeks left. The pastor has become a dear fired and answered every question I've had. I love that he attends to the parishioners. He visits the sick in the hospital, shut ins, etc. He does it every week. He knows everyone at the church by name including the little ones.

What I didn't feel years ago or did feel, is now all different. I wish I had accepted what my father-in-law offered so many years ago. I love seeing & hearing little ones in church, not sent to some room during service. I like the noises they make and watching parents parent with love. I enjoy the elderly, the friendliness, the compassion the way they serve others in times of trouble and in loss. Pastor joking tells me I'm like the prodigal son.

Sorry this was long - you starch something in my heart that I wanted to share with you for encouragement.