High Church Lutheran

The LCMS parish I'm a member of is a large, modern and trendy congregation with a very contemporary culture. Over the past year, I've found my views trending towards the high church side and really desire such things such as Holy Communion every week, etc.

Part of me wants to consider moving to a more high church parish but on the other hand I've been a member at my church for over 10 years and feel that I am just being nitpicky.

I don't know if you have run across other people like me and could provide some guidance.

Thank you for your time.

Regards,

Jesse


Jesse,

This is a common theme across many denominations in our times. It is my personal belief that the so-called "contemporary" style of worship is not truly contemporary or modern. It is 1960s and 70s. The LCMS in particular seems to have a habit of adopting American Protestant style about a generation after the more "hip" and "with it" Baptists and Methodists. I do not know your age but I am guessing that the strongest underlying supporters of your congregation's "style" are middle-aged and grew up in the "hippy" times.

This creates a great vacuum and desire among many people to return to the solid and timeless liturgy of the church, treasured by countless billions of Christians over the last two thousand years. If you decide to transfer membership for a more liturgical church, consider it an opportunity to share your love of the pure confession of Christ and him crucified. Many of the people involved in the "contemporary" movement are pious Christians who firmly believe trendy styles are the "only way to reach out to kids." Sadly, many of these practices teach, or at least imply, non-Lutheran or even anti-Lutheran theology.

It should not be an issue of "style preferences" but a theological one. Let them know that you share the same public confession as your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ but want to receive and confess these things in a way that most clearly and faithfully reflects your faith. Make it clear that you are not trying to be judgmental, "holier than thou", or  "nitpicky" but simply desire to receive your Lord's gifts of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation in Word and Sacrament as often as you can.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Harris