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Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod · Mapleton: a neutral profile of what this congregation describes about its beliefs.
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Public details for this congregation.
TraditionLutheran Church-Missouri SynodAbout →
Sourcing statusTradition default
Beliefs on file1047 positions
Statement of faithNot on file
Where they stand
Each position below is labelled by how it was sourced, so you can weigh it for yourself.
VerifiedConfirmed by the church
From their statement of faithEstimated, not verified
Tradition defaultEstimated, not verified
Showing 93 of 1047 positions across 18 topics. Expand any topic to see the rest.
God & the Trinity53 positions
- Analogical LanguageAffirmsTradition defaultHuman language about God is analogical: true but never capturing God univocally as it captures creatures.Estimated, not verified
- Apophatic PriorityAffirmsTradition defaultWhat God is in himself is ultimately beyond human comprehension, so negative ("God is not...") statements are more reliable than positive ones.Estimated, not verified
Christ71 positions
- Assumed Fallen Human NatureStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist assumed a fully fallen human nature (subject to the effects of the Fall) in order to heal it from within.Estimated, not verified
- Assumed Unfallen Human NatureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist assumed an unfallen, sinless human nature, untouched by original sin/corruption.Estimated, not verified
Sin & the fall64 positions
- Adams Sin Brought Physical DeathStrongly affirmsTradition defaultPhysical death entered the human race as a consequence of Adam's sin; humans were not originally subject to death.Estimated, not verified
- All Sin Deserves Death EquallyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery sin, however small, deserves God's condemnation/death: there is no class of sin that does not by nature merit it.Estimated, not verified
Salvation72 positions
- Active Obedience ImputedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's lifelong law-keeping (his "active obedience"), not only his death, is imputed to the believer as their positive righteousness.Estimated, not verified
- Annihilationism Conditional ImmortalityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe finally lost are ultimately destroyed/cease to exist rather than suffering everlasting conscious torment (annihilationism / conditional immortality).Estimated, not verified
The Holy Spirit51 positions
- Assurance Is Normal For BelieversStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSettled assurance of salvation is normal and to be expected for genuine believers in this life.Estimated, not verified
- Blasphemy Against Spirit UnforgivableStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is a specific sin against the Holy Spirit that is unforgivable.Estimated, not verified
The Church62 positions
- Apostolic Succession Required For Valid MinistryStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA minister's ordination is only VALID if conferred by a bishop standing in apostolic succession.Estimated, not verified
- Apostolicity Is Doctrinal Not SuccessionalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultApostolicity consists primarily in fidelity to apostolic DOCTRINE, not in an unbroken chain of ordinations from the apostles.Estimated, not verified
Sacraments & ordinances70 positions
- Age Of Accountability Before BaptismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptism should wait until a person reaches an age of accountability and can repent and believe for themselves.Estimated, not verified
- Anointing Sick Is A SacramentRejectsTradition defaultAnointing of the sick with oil is a sacrament conveying grace, healing, and forgiveness to the seriously ill.Estimated, not verified
Worship & liturgy59 positions
- Altar Call InvitationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA public invitation/altar call inviting people to come forward to receive Christ or rededicate is a fitting close to worship.Estimated, not verified
- Being Slain In The SpiritStrongly rejectsTradition defaultManifestations like being "slain in the Spirit," holy laughter, or falling under God's power are genuine works of the Spirit in worship.Estimated, not verified
- Bowing And ProstrationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBowing, prostration, or full physical reverence before the altar, icons, or sacrament is fitting in worship.Estimated, not verified
- Candles And Lamps In WorshipAffirmsTradition defaultLiturgical candles and lamps are a proper part of the worship setting.Estimated, not verified
- Clergy Wear VestmentsAffirmsTradition defaultClergy should wear distinctive liturgical vestments (alb, chasuble, stole, etc.) when leading worship.Estimated, not verified
- Communion Only SeasonallyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultCommunion seasons (a few solemn observances a year with extensive preparation) are the fitting pattern.Estimated, not verified
- Contemporary Worship Music EmbracedRejectsTradition defaultContemporary worship music (CCM, praise-and-worship bands, modern choruses) is fitting and desirable for the gathered church.Estimated, not verified
- Exclusive A CappellaRejectsTradition defaultSinging in worship should be unaccompanied by musical instruments (a cappella only).Estimated, not verified
- Exclusive PsalmodyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultOnly the inspired Psalms (or canonical biblical songs) may be sung in worship: no uninspired hymns.Estimated, not verified
- Feast Days For Saints And MaryRejectsTradition defaultFeast days honoring the Virgin Mary and the saints are a proper part of the worship calendar.Estimated, not verified
- Feast Days Of Torah ObservedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe biblical feasts of the Hebrew calendar (Passover, Pentecost/Shavuot, Tabernacles) should be observed by Christians in worship.Estimated, not verified
- Fixed Liturgy RequiredStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWorship should follow a fixed, prescribed liturgical order and set texts (a missal, prayer book, or Divine Liturgy).Estimated, not verified
- Free Spontaneous WorshipRejectsTradition defaultWorship should be free and led by the Spirit in the moment rather than bound to a fixed written order.Estimated, not verified
- Iconoclasm No ImagesRejectsTradition defaultNo images or visual representations should be present in the worship space; worship is by word and sacrament alone.Estimated, not verified
- Icons VeneratedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIcons of Christ and the saints should be venerated (honored with bows, kisses, candles, incense) in worship.Estimated, not verified
- Images Didactic But Not VeneratedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultReligious art may be used to teach and beautify, but must never receive veneration or devotion.Estimated, not verified
- Instruments PermittedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMusical instruments (organ, piano, guitars, drums, etc.) are a legitimate aid to congregational worship.Estimated, not verified
- Kneeling In WorshipAffirmsTradition defaultKneeling is a fitting and proper posture for prayer and reception in corporate worship.Estimated, not verified
- Lectionary Governs ReadingsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture readings in worship should follow an appointed lectionary cycle rather than the preacher's free choice.Estimated, not verified
- Liturgical Calendar ObservedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church year (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, and saints'/feast days) should structure the worship of the church.Estimated, not verified
- Men Uncovered HeadsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMen should worship with heads uncovered as a matter of reverence and biblical instruction.Estimated, not verified
- Music Should Stir EmotionRejectsTradition defaultWorship music rightly aims to stir strong affections and emotional response in the worshiper.Estimated, not verified
- Normative PrincipleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWorship may include any element not forbidden by Scripture, leaving wide freedom for forms, ceremonies, and innovations.Estimated, not verified
- Only Christological Feasts KeptAffirmsTradition defaultOnly feasts directly commemorating events in Christ's life (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost) are warranted; saints' days are not.Estimated, not verified
- Passing The PeaceAffirmsTradition defaultA formal exchange of the peace (greeting one another with a sign of peace) is a fitting liturgical act.Estimated, not verified
- Preaching Is The CenterStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe preaching/exposition of the Word is the central act and high point of corporate worship.Estimated, not verified
- Preaching Optional Or MinimalStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA sermon is not an essential element of worship and may be brief or omitted.Estimated, not verified
- Psalms Central But Hymns AllowedAffirmsTradition defaultThe Psalms should hold a central, regular place in sung worship, even if uninspired hymns are also permitted.Estimated, not verified
- Pulpit Central ArchitectureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe worship space should be ordered around a central, elevated pulpit as its focus.Estimated, not verified
- Recited Creeds In WorshipStrongly affirmsTradition defaultReciting the historic creeds (Nicene, Apostles') corporately is a proper element of worship.Estimated, not verified
- Regulative PrincipleRejectsTradition defaultCorporate worship may include only those elements positively commanded or warranted by Scripture; whatever is not commanded is forbidden.Estimated, not verified
- Reject Holy Days As UnscripturalStrongly rejectsTradition defaultObserving humanly appointed holy days and seasons (including Christmas and Easter as feasts) is unwarranted by Scripture and ought to be rejected.Estimated, not verified
- Reserved Sacrament FocusRejectsTradition defaultThe reserved consecrated host (tabernacle/aumbry) is a proper focus of devotion in the worship space.Estimated, not verified
- Responsive Congregational DialogueStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWorship should include responsive/dialogical elements where the congregation speaks set responses to the minister.Estimated, not verified
- Sabbath Principle AbolishedAffirmsTradition defaultNo particular day is binding under the new covenant; the Sabbath commandment is fulfilled in Christ and not transferred to any weekly day.Estimated, not verified
- Sacred Liturgical Language PreferredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA fixed sacred or traditional liturgical language (Latin, Church Slavonic, Koine Greek, classical Syriac, Ge'ez) is fitting and preferable for worship.Estimated, not verified
- Second Commandment Forbids ImagesStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe second commandment forbids making any image of God or using images in worship.Estimated, not verified
- Sermon Central And LengthyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA substantial, lengthy sermon (30+ minutes) is a normal and expected feature of worship.Estimated, not verified
- Sermon Should Be ExpositoryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe sermon should be primarily an exposition of a biblical text rather than topical, exhortatory, or homiletic reflection.Estimated, not verified
- Set Written PrayersStrongly affirmsTradition defaultPrepared, written prayers (collects, the prayer book) are a proper and preferred form of corporate prayer.Estimated, not verified
- Seventh Day Sabbath BindingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath remains binding and is the proper day of worship and rest.Estimated, not verified
- Sign Of The CrossAffirmsTradition defaultMaking the sign of the cross is a fitting devotional gesture in worship.Estimated, not verified
- Singing Is Required ElementAffirmsTradition defaultCongregational singing is a divinely required element of corporate worship.Estimated, not verified
- Standing For Prayer And ReadingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultStanding is the fitting posture for prayer and for hearing the Gospel/Scripture read.Estimated, not verified
- Statues And Images ProperStrongly rejectsTradition defaultStatues, crucifixes, and religious images are proper aids to devotion in the place of worship.Estimated, not verified
- Strict Sabbath RestRejectsTradition defaultThe Lord's Day requires strict cessation from labor, commerce, and recreation, set apart wholly for worship and rest.Estimated, not verified
- The Lords Prayer RecitedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Lord's Prayer should be recited corporately as a regular part of worship.Estimated, not verified
- Tithes Offering As Worship ActStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe collection of tithes and offerings is itself an act of worship within the service.Estimated, not verified
- Tongues In Corporate WorshipRejectsTradition defaultSpeaking in tongues during the gathered worship service is a legitimate and welcome practice.Estimated, not verified
- Traditional Hymnody ValuedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe historic body of traditional hymns (Wesley, Watts, chorales, etc.) should hold a prominent place in worship.Estimated, not verified
- Vernacular WorshipStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWorship should be conducted in the everyday language of the people.Estimated, not verified
- Weekly CommunionAffirmsTradition defaultThe Lord's Supper should be celebrated every Lord's Day.Estimated, not verified
- Word And Sacrament BalancedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWord and sacrament should be held in equal balance as the twin centers of every service.Estimated, not verified
- Worship Form IndifferentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe outward form and style of worship is largely a matter of indifference (adiaphora) to be decided by culture, pastoral wisdom, or preference.Estimated, not verified
- Worship Governed By TraditionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe received liturgical tradition of the church carries binding authority over the form of worship alongside (or beyond) explicit Scripture.Estimated, not verified
- Worship In Homes Or Small SettingsAffirmsTradition defaultWorship is fittingly conducted in homes or simple gatherings without a dedicated sacred building.Estimated, not verified
- Worship Is EvangelisticStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA primary purpose of the worship service is evangelism and calling outsiders to conversion.Estimated, not verified
- Worship Must Be Reverent SolemnAffirmsTradition defaultWorship ought to be marked above all by reverence, solemnity, and awe before God's transcendence.Estimated, not verified
- Worship Should Be Culturally AccessibleLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultWorship should be deliberately shaped to feel familiar and accessible to outsiders and the unchurched.Estimated, not verified
Last things49 positions
- A Literal Mark Of The Beast Is ComingAffirmsTradition defaultA literal future "mark of the beast" will be imposed as a condition of economic participation.Estimated, not verified
- All Will Finally Be SavedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn the end all rational creatures will be reconciled to God and none will be finally lost (universal reconciliation/apokatastasis).Estimated, not verified
Scripture65 positions
- Authority Creeds SubordinateStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe ecumenical creeds and confessions are authoritative only insofar as they faithfully summarize Scripture.Estimated, not verified
- Authority Holy Tradition OrthodoxStrongly rejectsTradition defaultScripture is rightly read only within Holy Tradition: the Fathers, councils, liturgy, and consensus of the Church.Estimated, not verified
Revelation, creation & science41 positions
- Adam Special Creation From DustStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe first human was specially and directly created by God from the dust, not biologically descended from earlier hominins.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Created BeingsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels and other spiritual beings are part of God's created order, made by God.Estimated, not verified
Life & bioethics61 positions
- Abortion Gravely Wrong In PrincipleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDeliberately ending a pregnancy by killing the unborn is in itself a grave moral wrong.Estimated, not verified
- Abortion Permitted To Save Mothers LifeAffirmsTradition defaultAbortion is morally permissible when continuing the pregnancy would directly threaten the mother's life.Estimated, not verified
Sexuality & marriage53 positions
- Abortifacient Contraception WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultContraceptive methods that may act after fertilization (potential abortifacients) are morally wrong even if other contraception is permitted.Estimated, not verified
- Annulment Recognizes Invalid MarriageRejectsTradition defaultSome unions that appeared to be marriages were never valid marriages, and the church can rightly declare them null (annulment).Estimated, not verified
Society & politics55 positions
- Active Nonviolent Resistance ObligatoryAffirmsTradition defaultChristians should actively resist injustice through nonviolent means (protest, civil disobedience, noncooperation), not merely abstain from violence.Estimated, not verified
- Almsgiving Is A Binding ObligationAffirmsTradition defaultGiving to the poor is a binding moral obligation, not optional charity, and to withhold from the needy is a sin.Estimated, not verified
Angelology Demonology57 positions
- Angelic Fall Caused By PrideStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe angels fell primarily through pride: refusing subjection to God / seeking to exalt themselves.Estimated, not verified
- Angelic Fall Predates Human FallAffirmsTradition defaultThe angelic rebellion occurred before the fall of humanity, and the serpent's temptation issued from an already-fallen angel.Estimated, not verified
Anthropology49 positions
- Body Essential To PersonStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe body is essential to being a complete human person, not an accidental or dispensable container for the soul.Estimated, not verified
- Body GoodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe material human body is intrinsically good as created by God.Estimated, not verified
Covenant Law Israel44 positions
- Abrahamic Covenant Foundational And OngoingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Abrahamic covenant is foundational and its promises remain operative for the people of God today.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Replaces Circumcision Covenant SignStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism is the New Covenant counterpart to circumcision, marking entrance into the covenant community.Estimated, not verified
Mariology Saints71 positions
- All Believers Are SaintsStrongly affirmsTradition default"Saints" in the New Testament sense means all believers, not a special canonized class.Estimated, not verified
- Altar Relics Required Or ProperStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIt is fitting (or required) that altars contain the relics of saints.Estimated, not verified
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