faq's

Printable Version

(For more complete answers to many of these questions go to www.elca.org/co/brief.html)


How did the Lutheran Church begin?
In the 1500's, Martin Luther, a Catholic priest and teacher began a reforming movement which sought to lift up the centrality of grace, faith, and the Scriptures. Those who joined him in this reforming movement called themselves "evangelicals" or "people of the gospel." Their opponents called them "Lutherans". 


What does ELCA mean?
Messiah Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA was birthed in 1988 when three Lutheran denominations – the Lutheran Church of America (LCA), the American Lutheran Church (ALC), and the American Evangelical Lutheran Church (AELC) – merged. Over five million people in nearly 11,000 congregations belong to the ELCA. Other national Lutheran church bodies include the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), the American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC), and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).


What does it mean to be a member of Messiah Lutheran Church?
A 'member' is a person who is a living partner in the mission and ministry of Messiah. What that looks like may be different for different people. All members hold these things in common; they are

These are not rules to be followed in order to gain God's love. Rather, they are the result of being loved by God. They are tools for better enjoying your relationship with Christ.


What about Baptism?
Baptism is God's chosen way of naming and claiming us as members of that special family called the Church. Through Baptism, God promises to be our God and promises that love and forgiveness can be ours. Baptism is done with simple water joined to the powerful promises of Christ.

Baptism at Messiah Lutheran Church is seen as the beginning of a journey that is life-long, a journey of ever growing commitment to Christ's mission, ever growing appreciation for God's great love for us. Baptized Christians worship regularly and strive to deepen their relationship to Christ and to Christ's people. Baptism is for infants, children, and adults. It is usually celebrated as part of our worship gathering.

Monthly meetings are held Sundays, at 8:30 am in Fellowship Room for those interested in finding out more about Baptism. If you are planning to be baptized or have a child baptized, this workshop is for you. Workshops are held the first Sunday of every month, and attendance at a workshop is required before a Baptism can be performed. There is no need to register. Childcare is available. Call the office for more information at 714-528-0920.


What about Communion?
Holy Communion, or the Eucharist, is a regular part of Messiah's worship. In, with, and under the bread and the wine of this meal, Jesus Christ promises to share his very life with us. Holy Communion is a time to remember Christ's great sacrifice for us and to receive anew Christ's great love for us. It is truly 'food for the journey' as we live out our discipleship day after day. 

Holy Communion is the Lord's Supper and all who seek Christ's love and forgiveness are welcome to the table.


What if I'm not Lutheran?
Messiah Lutheran Church is for anyone who wants to be part of a Christ-centered community that celebrates God's amazing grace and wants to grow in their relationship to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Messiah's family is made up of many people from many different religious backgrounds. We are united in one family by our love for Christ and for each other, and because we can identify with the way Messiah expresses and lives out its faith. 

We believe that there are many ways to express and live out the Christian faith. We encourage our sister Christian churches and do not see ourselves in competition with them. We believe that, together with these churches, we form a great symphony that gives glory and honor to our God.