The North American Lutheran Church

The NALC is a fast-growing Christian church body in the Lutheran tradition, uniting more than 100,000 Lutherans in more than 300 congregations across North America.  The NALC embodies the theological center of Lutheranism in North America and stands firmly within the global Lutheran mainstream.  

The NALC is a church family committed to the authority of the Bible as the inspired Word of God.  In keeping with the Lutheran Confessions, we believe all doctrines should and must be judged by the teaching of Scripture.

The NALC has embraced four core values which shape our common life: Christ-Centered, Mission-Driven, Traditionally-Grounded, and Congregationally-Focused.  We are a church centered on the unique Gospel of Jesus Christ, animated by missions and evangelism, grounded in the 2,000 year tradition of Christian faith, and organized chiefly to serve our congregations.

The NALC is a renewed Lutheran community moving forward in faith, focused on living out Christ’s Great Commission to go and make disciples in North America and around the globe.  If you are a visitor, we invite you to learn more about our church family.

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NALC News

NALC and ELCA Leaders Meet for the First Time

February 6-7, 2012
Indianapolis, IN

In response to a resolution passed by the 2011 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), seeking conversation with the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), four representatives of each church body met on February 6-7, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN for discussion of areas of disagreement, interest and concern.

The NALC representatives were: The Rev. Dr. David Wendel, Ministry Coordinator and Ecumenical Relations Officer; The Rev. Dr. Michael Tavella, Dean of the Atlantic Mission District; The Rev. James T. Lehmann, Dean of the Great Rivers Mission District; and Mr. Ryan Schwarz, Treasurer.

The ELCA representatives were: The Rev. Donald J. McCoid, Assistant to the Presiding Bishop: Executive for Ecumenical and Inter-religious relations; The Rev. Dr. Marcus Kunz, Assistant to the Bishop and Executive for Theological Discernment; The Rev. Dr. Marcus C. Lohrmann, Bishop of the Northwestern Ohio Synod; and The Rev. Kathryn Tiede, Pastor of Living Waters Lutheran Church and member of the Church Council.

In the 24 hours spent together, the representatives prayed, had Bible study and devotions, and engaged in cordial and candid conversation.

This meeting was not intended to, nor did the participants seek to, resolve issues between the two church bodies. Rather, the participants sought to share and clarify disagreements to improve mutual understanding.

Practical matters related to local mission and ministry were also significant topics of discussion, with hopes of future resolution.

This meeting, which was the first between the two bodies since the formation of the NALC in 2010, constituted an opening of lines of communication between the two churches. The representatives discussed the possibility of future meetings. 

New Mission Planters Conference

May 10-12, 2012
Houston, Texas

Pastors and leaders of mission posts, house churches, mission fellowships, and mission congregations—as well as congregations interested in partnering with mission starts or forming mission branches—are invited to attend this opportunity to learn about and be encouraged in the mission planting process.

Congregational Renewal Conference

November 7-9, 2012
Columbus, OHIO

This gathering of pastors, leaders and members from congregations of all sizes offers general plenary sessions and size-based focus groups. All are called to be inspired, equipped, renewed, and sent forth to be agents of renewal.

Both conferences feature respected speakers, theologians, missiologists,
and a panel of experienced church planters in addition to practical forums / workshops, mission resources, and individual missionconsultations. Come and experience these great conferences. You will be transformed!

For More Informatoin and Registration please contact Rachel Sosebee at 614-777-5709 or rsosebee@thenalc.org.

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Bishop Bradosky joins American religious leaders in defending marriage and religious freedom

“Marriage and Religious Freedom: Fundamental Goods That Stand or Fall Together — An Open Letter from Religious Leaders in the United States to All Americans”

Bishop John Bradosky of the North American Lutheran Church has joined other American Christian leaders and religious leaders from other faith communities in an open letter defending marriage and religious freedom.

“It is sad to admit that our culture has reached a point where such a statement is necessary, and yet it is for just such a time as this that the Lord has called the North American Lutheran Church into being, to be able to make such a stand and offer our support to this important cause,” Bishop Bradosky said. “For all those reasons I am honored to sign this document.”

Continue reading .... 

The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | April 21- 26, 2012

International Mission and Theological Conference with great Lutheran Theologians and church leaders from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Sudan, Cameroon, USA, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Finland, England, Denmark and other nations around the world.

General information or registration.

“Gift of Hope” Project

Congregations and individuals supporting start-up congregations

As a denomination the NALC is continually exploring ways to support mission congregations and engage established congregations in being “Mission-Driven.”

One idea shared with us was to create a “Gift of Hope” list for items costing $20.00 or more. The list would be a way for congregations and individuals wishing to support start-up congregations see what is needed and supply either monetary or physical gifts. One pastor was looking for such a list so he could invite members to buy a “Gift of Hope” instead of more “stuff” for themselves this Christmas.

This is an ongoing project. We plan to share requests and reports on the NALC website so individuals and congregations will have practical ways to support our mission congregations and to see in a tangible way how new congregations are being supported by others.

Contact Rachel Sosebee (614-777-5709; rsosebee@thenalc.org) if you have any questions.

Gift of Hope Project ...

2011 NALC Convocation

Convocation Connection Center

The following resources are available in the Convocation Connection Center

• Order Your 2011 NALC Convocation DVD Set
• Agendas
• In Preparation for the Convocation
• Elections
• Amendments to the Constitution
• Financial Documents
• Ecumenical Relationships

Click on details to visit the Convocation Connection Center: 

2012 Convocations and Conference Dates

• Lutheran CORE Convocation August 14
• Theological Conference August 15 and 16
• NALC Convocation August 16 and 17

2012 Convocations and Conference Location

Host: Calvary Lutheran Church
Location: 7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427

Church Web:   http://www.calvary.org/
Convocation Web:   2012 Convocations and Conference

Social Connect

         

Christ-Centered

We confess the apostolic faith in Jesus Christ according to the Holy Scriptures. We affirm the authority of the Scriptures as the authoritative source and norm, “according to which all doctrines should and must be judged” (Formula of Concord). We accept the ecumenical creeds and the Lutheran Confessions as true witnesses to the Word of God.

Mission-Driven

We believe that the mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel and to make disciples for Christ. We believe that making disciples — in our congregations, in our communities and nations, and around the world — must be a priority of the Church in the present age.

Traditionally-Grounded

We affirm the ecumenical creeds and the faithful witness of the Church across time and space. We endorse the form and practices of the universal Church that are consistent with Scripture, particularly the office of the ministry and the tradition of worship under Word and Sacrament. We seek dialogue and fellowship with other Lutheran churches and with faithful Christians of other confessions.

Congregationally-Focused

We strive to be a church body that is organized to facilitate the ministries of local congregations in a posture of servanthood and a spirit of partnership, through the provision of resources, connections and information.