Christ the King Lutheran Church
Values and Guiding Principles
Our mission statement: “The mission of Christ the King Lutheran Church is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead, teach the truth of God’s Word, and to reach out in service to God and the community.”
Acts 2:41-47
“41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
We find these inspired words of Scripture recorded following the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Verse 41 relates the thousands of baptisms that took place on that day after Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost. Verses 42-47 give us a picture of the early Church and its “marks”, or characteristics. Christ the King Lutheran Church endeavors to embody these principles.
1. Baptism (v41):As the Word of God goes forth, people will be baptized becoming children of God through the gift of faith that is imparted through the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). We are Baptized in the Name of the one true God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
2. Continuing Steadfastly in the Apostles’ Doctrine (v42): The doctrine, or teaching, of the Apostles is something that we hold fast to and seek to impart through the ministry of the Church. The doctrine of the Apostles is found in the Bible, the inerrant and inspired Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16). As Lutheran Christians we believe that the Book of Concord accurately reflects the teachings of the Holy Scripture and thus the teaching of the Apostles.
3. Fellowship (v42): As Christians we are members of the Body of Christ and share “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). Opportunities for fellowship and relationship building are important as we encourage each other in times of struggle and rejoice together in times of celebration.
4. Breaking of Bread (v42, 46): In the culture of the early church, joining together in a meal was one of the deepest forms of sharing. While we don’t fully recognize the impact of this in our everyday meals, the Lord Jesus Christ did provide a taste of this close fellowship for us as He instituted the Lord’s Supper. In it we join with Christ and with one another as we share His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26:28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).
5. Prayer (v42): Christians are people of prayer. We pray both corporately in the assembly of the believers and in our own personal prayers to God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We pray rejoicing in and thanking God for our many blessings and offer petitions to God on behalf of our needs and the needs of others.
6. Wonders and Signs (v43): God is the mighty one who can do miraculous things that make Him and His power known (Psalm 77:13-14). While we may not see the same miraculous wonders and signs of the Apostles on a regular basis, God is still actively working to do what we cannot. One thing that we can never do that only God can accomplish is the forgiveness of sins. He did this through the atoning death of His Son, Jesus, on the cross who three days later rose from the dead in victory. We confess that we are sinful people who can only be cleansed of sin by the miraculous work of God (1 John 1:7-9). In this miraculous work of God we rejoice and praise Him for His mercy and grace shown toward us.
7. Generosity and Care (vs44-45): God’s people care for and are generous to one another. Jesus said that we are to love one another as He has loved us and that by this people will know that we are His disciples (John 13:34-35). The Church generously shares the gifts that we have been given with those in need.
8. Gathering Together (v46): Christians gather together on a regular basis (Hebrews 10:25). We gather in the Divine Service to receive the gift of forgiveness from the Lord and to lift up praises and prayers to Him. We also gather for times of fellowship, service to others, and to study God’s Word.
9. Gladness and Praise (vs46-47): In our gatherings we are a people of joy and praise, as joy is one of the fruits of Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The life of the Christian is one of gladness and praise to God as we have the sure hope through faith in Christ (Romans 15:13).
10. Adding to the Church (v47): We are people who have concern for people outside of the fellowship of faith who seek to preach the Gospel to all (Mark 16:15) and witness of Christ to the world (Acts 1:8). In this we believe that it is the Lord, not us, who adds people to the Church. We certainly are servants whom He has called to sow the seed of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:5-7). Through this sowing the Gospel goes forth and the Holy Spirit creates faith (1 Corinthians 12:3) through the proclamation of the Word and faithful administration of the Sacraments.