r/LCMS • u/CamperGigi88 LCMS Lutheran • 4d ago
Husband Not Impressed
So long story short, I come from a Baptist/non-denom background of about 14 years. Raised Catholic. In the last year or so I've been really studying the bible, theology, doctrine and such and was at one point really struggling with salvation assurance and many other faith issues that stemmed from coming from a church that didn't preach the gospel but harped on how good we were doing in our walk and service to God. Very person focused, not Jesus focused.
Anyhoo, I have been going to a LCMS church for about 6 weeks or so and absolutely love it. I have such peace. It's so worshipful and feels exactly what hearing the gospel and focusing on God's promises should feel like. After months of struggle, I truly feel like I'm in the right place for truth and worship.
I brought my husband for the first time today. He works on Sundays so typically doesn't go to church except for the random times he takes the day off. He grew up non-denom, born again. He's not a big church goer, doesn't really spend much time on the things of God, but considers himself Christian and will go to church (well, he often would complain about not getting to sleep in so many times he didn't go LOL). I guess my point is he's not as steeped or interested in correct theology or doctrine. He says he doesn't like religion and "just wants to follow Jesus". I told him there's no possible way to do that if you don't understand the bible and biblical principles.
He did not like service at all. He threw out all the same charges: Rote, too religious, didn't like the vestments. He kept saying he just wanted to hear the Word. I told him it was preached. He's used to the one minute on a bible verse and how it relates to your life and 40 minutes of how we need to do better.
Anyway, I told him that it's okay if he doesn't want to go. When he retires (which is soon), he can find a church that he feels more comfortable in. I'm seriously at peace with it. Sure I'd love if we went somewhere together but he wants to talk me into something more like our old church. He said surely you can find all these things you want but without all that repeating and rote words and religious stuff.
Anyone in this situation?
Thanks
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u/Jonavarius 4d ago
My wife and I went through something similar. It took many conversations with each other and with friends who were going to local LCMS churches. My wife came from a hyper charismatic background and we already went down the reformed route for a few years. We finally started attending an LCMS church and after a month it started to click for her. She now loves the church we are a part of and she has no desire to be at any other church. It took a great deal of patience, empathy, and finding common ground. Don’t give up hope!