About Us :: Churches

Lutheran Christians believe that they are a part of a community of faith that began with the gift of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence with his people, on the day of Pentecost. The church, regardless of the external form it takes, is the fellowship of those who have been restored to God by Christ. Indeed, to be called into fellowship with Christ is also to be called into community with other believers.

The church is essential to Christian life and growth. Its members are all sinners in need of God’s grace. It has no claim on human perfection. The church exists solely for the hearing and doing of God’s Word. It can justify its existence only when it proclaims the living Word of Christ, administers the Sacraments and gives itself to the world in deeds of service and love. Most Lutherans recognize a wider fellowship of churches and are eager to work alongside them in ecumenical ministries and projects.

Why a Lutheran church ?

Martin Luther (b. Nov. 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany, d. Feb. 18, 1546 in Eisleben) is known as the Father of Protestantism. He had been a lawyer before becoming an Augustinian monk in 1505, and was ordained a priest in 1507. While continuing his studies in pursuit of a doctor of theology degree, he discovered significant differences between what he read in the Bible and the theology and practices of the church. On Oct. 31, 1517, he posted a challenge on the church door at Wittenberg University to debate 95 theological issues. Luther’s hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God as contained in the Bible.

Lutherans continue to celebrate the Reformation of the Christian Church on Oct. 31 and hold to the basic principles of theology and practice espoused by Luther, such as Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura:

• We are saved by the grace of God alone — not by anything we do;

• Our salvation is through faith alone — we only need to believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, ho died to redeem us;

• The Bible is the only norm of doctrine and life — the only true standard by which teachings and doctrines are to be judged.

Lutherans still consider themselves as a reforming movement within the Church catholic, rather than a separatist movement, and have engaged in ecumenical dialogue with other church bodies for decades.

Supporting Lutheran Churches

First Lutheran Church

2800 McCallie Avenue

Chattanooga, TN37404

(423) 629-5990

www.firstlutheran-chattanooga.org

Pastor: Gilbert Pingel

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

822 Belvoir Avenue

Chattanooga, TN37412

(423) 629-4661

www.gslcflock.org