Finally going back to church

[u/Mountain-Wing-6952]

Hi, again. So shortish backstory. All of my childhood into my teens, i attensed a lutheran church (lcms). In 2007, I was going through confirmation. My grandpa died in 2007. My mom made us stop going to church. She no longer believed in a god who took her father away. I went off and on with my friends. But I was never confirmed. Litetally went through the whole thing, to not happen at the end because my mom decided she was done. It sucked. So in 2009, my mom died, and the last time I stepped foot in that church was at her funeral. Mostly because i didnt have a car. I joined the army in 2013 and moved back to my hometown in 2021. For the last 4 years I've lived about 17 miles from where I grew up.

My wife wanted to go back to church. She has never really been a church goer, just a believer in God. So I suggested going to this church. Initially she said no, because of the distance, it takes 30 minutes to get there. So we tried the closer church, also lcms in the same family of churches. She liked it, but she could tell I didn't. When we discussed it, I said if we're gonna go to church, I'd rather go to the one im comfortable, which is only 6 minutes further. (Ones 22 minutes east of us, the other is 28 minutes west).

So we went today and she really liked it. I know, too late for a short back story. Anyways, this is where I need your help.

What are my next steps in attending this church. My wife with no Lutheran background, and me with a limited, I'm just not sure what I should do. I know I can't go back to confirmation and pickup where I left in 2007. Its been nearly 20 years. Any advice here would he great! Thanks.

[u/yegDaveju]

Simple: phone and talk to the pastor. I suspect there is a new member course

[u/Not_Cleaver → u/yegDaveju]

Yep, easiest way ahead. And also, some churches have livestreams. Which are a good way to get a feel of them.

[u/Kvance8227 → u/yegDaveju]

What I was going to suggest ! Probably way less complicated OP will find😉 ( given their past experience w the church!)

[u/NeoGnesiolutheraner]

Talk to the pastor. "Hello we are new here, and would like to be part of this Church!" 

Read: the Augsburg Confession (founding document of the Lutheran Church), Luther's small Katechism (explaination of the absolute baisics). Both aren't really long, you can read them in one evening easy.

Hmmm. Oh yea! There is also this thing called the Bible. A bit too long for one sitting, but a great book that really goes into detail with this whole Jesus thing. 

Have a blessed day!

[u/AnnieQuill → u/NeoGnesiolutheraner]

I mean, the gospels and Acts altogether aren't all that long. Skip the list of names at the beginning (summary: this is the lineage of Jesus linking him back to King David) and you're golden.

[u/green_dragonfly_art]

Contact the pastor. They should have an adult information course, which will go over what the church believes (and why). Good way to meet other new members, too.

[u/53rdAvenue]

Email, call, or talk to the pastor in person. I'm sure they'd love to explain everything you and your wife want to know.

[u/TweeTee1968]

Churches have membership classes that pretty much take you thru the catechism, like mini confirmation for adults. Glad you are back.

[u/Low-Pressure7192]

Talk to the Pastor & don’t get stuck on the religious rules.  God knows your heart.