As member congregations of the Lutheran Church―Missouri Synod, Trinity and Saint John's believe, teach, and confess the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. As such, we teach the following:

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GOD

 

We believe, teach, and confess (with the universal Christian Church) that God is Triune: 3 persons that share one essence. In Scripture, the three persons are revealed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Son is eternally begotten from the Father. The Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from both the Father and the Son. Nevertheless, the three persons of the Holy Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God.

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JESUS CHRIST

 

We believe, teach, and confess (with the universal Christian Church) that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, and is true man, born of the Virgin Mary. His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection open the way for the salvation of the world. He now lives and reigns at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. He will return again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, as well as to establish His kingdom upon earth for all eternity.

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SIN​

 

We believe, teach, and confess that mankind was created in a state of innocence and blessedness. However, when Adam and Eve ate from the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, sin was defined as rebellion against God's will and Word. This sin caused suffering, pain, and death to enter the world. Sin is passed down from generation to generation, resulting in a condition called "original sin" that all mankind since Adam has borne.

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SALVATION​

 

We believe, teach, and confess that a person is saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Our works do not contribute to our salvation. We are saved by God's unmerited favor and love alone. Only the one who trusts in Jesus Christ and listens to His Word will be saved from the right punishment for sin and death.

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MEANS OF GRACE

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We believe, teach, and confess that God gives us His salvation and grace through appointed means. These means are the Word of God (whether preached, read, or proclaimed), the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, and the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

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THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM

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We believe, teach, and confess that Baptism is water applied in the name of the Triune God according to Jesus's mandate and promise. It works rebirth and renewal, delivers and applies the forgiveness of sins, joins the one baptized to Christ Jesus, and creates faith, thereby granting eternal life and salvation to all who believe the promises attached to it. Lutherans baptize all individuals who are affected by original sin, including infants.

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THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

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We believe, teach, and confess that the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ are given in, with, and under the bread and wine for Christians to eat and to drink. This follows the institution and words of Jesus Himself. Anyone who does not discern the body and blood of Jesus eats and drinks judgment upon himself. Since the Lord's Supper also confesses a unity of faith among those who partake of the meal together, closed communion is the correct practice and is practiced at both Trinity and Saint John's. Only those who are members of the congregation and are confirmed Lutherans may partake of the meal. All visitors and other guests are invited to speak to the Pastor first.

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THE WORD OF GOD

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We believe, teach, and confess that the Word of God has three modes in which it comes to us. First and foremost is the Incarnate Word of God (Jesus Christ Himself). The Word of God is also proclaimed during public worship services through the sermon, declaration of Absolution, and the readings throughout the service, as well as privately through the mutual consolation of the brethren. Finally, the Word of God is also written in a book that Christians call their sacred Scriptures: the Holy Bible. The Bible is without error since it was inspired by God and is thereby the only rule and norm of faith and life.

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THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

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We believe, teach, and confess that Christ gathers together His followers into a body that He calls His Church. In the Church, Christians receive God's gifts and give their praise and worship back to God. There is no salvation outside of the Christian Church. Membership in the Christian Church is recognized after Baptism and the instruction of adults in the basic tenets of the faith.

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