LEARN AND EXPLORE
Our Vision
The points below provide a sketch of who we are and how we worship together as a body – we would love to welcome you to join us and experience for yourself what it means to worship as part of the LCiGB. Please see our Services page to find an LCiGB congregation worshipping in your language.
Who are we?
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We are a very diverse church, worshipping in a variety of languages including English, Polish, Nordic, Mandarin and Cantonese.
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We are a family of congregations.
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We are Christians from all parts of the world, drawn together by our shared faith and common Lutheran heritage.
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We share a belief in the historic creeds of the Christian church: Nicene, Apostles’ and Athanasian
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We believe the confessional documents of the Church are pure expositions of faith, especially: The Augsburg Confession and Luther’s Catechisms
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We believe that the Bible expresses the Word of God, and it is our sole reference point for doctrine and faith.
Photo: LWF/A. Danielsson
What does our heritage look like in practice?
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We share much of our liturgy.
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We sing many of the same hymns in many different languages.
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Music is important to many Lutheran traditions.
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Preaching is a vital part of our services, as we believe the Word of God comes to us through sermons.
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Holy Communion is also highly valued, as Lutherans believe that Christ is really present in bread and wine.
Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
What does the LCiGB do for ministers of the church?
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We offer financial support to Pastors of LCiGB.
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We provide, and are developing further, continuing education for Pastors.
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We provide retreats and meetings for all ministers of the LCiGB, and offer them pastoral support (the Bishop is Pastor to the Pastors).
What does LCiGB do for its member Congregations?
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We support Congregations and their Councils with advice and practical help, including with financial and governance matters
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A new model constitution for congregations is being made available free of charge, compatible with current charity law.
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Members of LCiGB Council are available for advice and consultation in their areas of professional expertise.
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We offer grants to congregations for special projects, thanks particularly to generous funding from the Lutheran Council of Great Britain.
What else does LCiGB do for its congregations?
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We organise events for ministers and congregation members, such as pilgrimages , the Annual Women’s Retreat, and seminars dealing with various issues.
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We organise pastoral cover for congregations during vacancies.
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We have a website that gives information about the church, as well as a frequently updated Facebook page.
What about the wider picture?
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We are members of the Lutheran Council of Great Britain, which provides facilities, financial and administrative support and advice for pastors and congregation members, as well as individual events such Administrators’ Study Days.
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We are members of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), which carries out work that small churches cannot do ourselves: that includes development and mission work through the Department for World Service, publishing books and theological work, representation of Lutheranism on the world stage and so on.
What does the future hold?
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Whatever God wills for us.
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Some reorganization to enable more efficient ministry and better supported congregations. This will be done in consultation with those involved.
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An expanded central administration which will enable congregations to concentrate on their mission by taking on some of the administrative burden.
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More cohesion and joint prayer and study.
What are our visions for the future?
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Developing a focus on justice, service, and diakonia.
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Greater co-operation among Lutherans in this country.
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Renewed focus on common worship and prayer.
Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Us
The Lutheran Church in Great Britain
Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here for you!
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