We believe, teach, and confess that the pastoral ministry is an office mandated by God to publicly administer God’s Word and Sacraments. The ministers do not constitute a special class of people as the priests of the Old Testament did. Since all Christians are royal priests, no one has the right to exalt themselves over others. Therefore, only the call of a congregation can make someone a minister. The minister performs publicly the functions which all Christians possess individually.

We believe, teach, and confess that in the Holy Supper the Lord Jesus Christ, according to His Word, gives us his body and blood for the remission of sins. The material elements, bread and wine, do not become body and blood. But, according to God’s command and promise, in the Holy Supper we receive the true body and blood of Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine. Those who believe, receive Him for the strengthening of their faith. Those who participate without repentance and faith, also receive the true body and blood of Christ, but to their judgment. The Holy Supper is the table of the Lord where we receive comfort. It gives us the forgiveness of sins and strengthens us in the hope of the resurrection.

 Bible References: Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:24; 1 Corinthians 11:24-29.

 Last Things

We believe, teach and confess that God has set a day in which He will judge the world with justice. No one knows when this day will be. On that day, Jesus will return, visibly and gloriously. Heaven and earth will pass away. Everyone will be judged by Jesus. To the unbelievers, Jesus will say: “Depart from me and go to the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his followers.” To the faithful, who will receive a glorious body, He will say: “Come, you blessed of my Father, and enter the joy of your Lord, which has been prepared from the foundation of the world.” Then the new heavens and new earth will be created, and in them righteousness will dwell.