Mount Calvary was founded in 1959, as a part of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) and is now a proud part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

Within the ELCA, we try to practice generous orthodoxy. This means that for most issues we have a position, but recognize that each person carries their own belief structure. Martin Luther was a reformer, and our church is always reforming. That being said, we do have many beliefs that a vast majority of ELCA Lutherans hold.

Grace

We believe that we are saved by grace, a gift from God, not something that we can earn. That grace is manifest in baptism, in communion, and in a myriad of other ways as God sees fit. Jesus was not content to operate within the religious structures of the time, so we do not assume that God only operates within the walls of our church. This grace frees us from sin so that we may spend our lives serving others, and building a closer relationship to God.

If you would like to learn more, please follow these links to our pages on baptism and communion.

LGBTQ+ Acceptance

Within the ELCA, we fully accept LGBTQ+ individuals. Our church body affirms that no element of the LGBTQ+ identities are sinful. Yes, all of us have sinned before the glory of God, against our neighbor, our God, and ourselves. However, being a part of any of the LGBTQ+ identities is not sinful in itself.

This might seem confusing if you’re used to churches that love to bash LGBTQ+ folks. Within the ELCA, we believe that we should follow the teachings of Jesus, even when they are inconvenient. Loving our neighbor should change us. If our heart is not broken open by our neighbor, we are not acting in love, but self-righteousness, which Jesus condemns.

If you would like more information on this from Pr. Paul’s perspective, please check out some of his videos, which can be found here.

If you would like to read more from the ELCA, here is the social statement on Human Sexuality from the ELCA head office.

Who can be a pastor?

As Lutherans, we believe in the Priesthood of All Believers, which means every person is equal in the eyes of God. There is no distinction between clergy and lay people. We do have pastors that serve our congregations, presiding over baptism, communion, weddings, and funerals, but they are not set apart. Each member, in an emergency, could preside over any of these ministerial acts.

Given this core Lutheran idea, it’s important that the role of pastor is open to everyone so long as they meet the requirements (going through candidacy, seminary, and being ordained by our Bishop). Women can be clergy, LGBTQ+ people can be clergy, anyone from any racial or ethnic background can serve as clergy. If we are going to follow Jesus, than we have to recognize that men and women were considered apostles, and Jesus chose Mary Magdalene to be the first preacher of the good news.

What do we think of the bible?

We believe the bible is incredibly important, but not inerrant. Anyone who reads the two creation stories, two flood narratives, four gospel accounts can clearly see factual differences within the bible. That doesn’t mean the bible isn’t useful, but we do not worship the bible as if it is God. Jesus is Lord, but the scriptures help us better understand how God wants us to act today.

We have monthly bible studies, for more information on this please go to bible studies.

Are my kids welcome?

We would love to have your children join us! Don’t worry if they’re nosy or move around, the Body of Christ is always in motion at Mt. Calvary, and they won’t be the only ones. Follow these links if you’re interested in First Communion or Sunday School!