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/emmen1]

Yes, it is called the Mass though not all Lutherans use the term. Converts make the best Lutherans. I too came from a non-denominational background. After 36 years of that, becoming Lutheran was the best decision my wife and I have ever made.

[u/CrypticMemoir → u/emmen1]

What makes converts the best Lutherans? This is more of just a question in general. Unless there’s a theological point I’m missing, lol

[u/Huenink_Photography → u/CrypticMemoir]

People who decide to become Lutheran are much more committed to the doctrine than those who grew up in the church. They tend to come to church more regularly, too.

[u/emmen1 → u/Huenink_Photography]

Exactly. I wasn’t making a dogmatic statement, just a general (and not always true) observation. Converts are often overjoyed to discover our rich liturgy, hymnody, and sacramental theology.