A Letter From The "Becoming Lutheran Research Participants" To Journeying Evangelicals

As many of you know, I have been working on a Major Applied Research Project over the last two years examining the journey of American Evangelicals into Confessional Lutheran thought. After examining over 700 surveys, I decided to construct a letter from all the research participants' suggestions/recommendations to those who are presently going through the journey into Confessional Lutheran thought.  In constructing the letter from the research participants I used actual phrases from the surveys; therefore, think of this letter as their collective voice.  Enjoy.   

Dear Journeying Evangelical Friend: 

As you journey into Confessional Lutheran thought we want to tell you that you are not alone. We have gone through this journey and want to tell you that it is worth it. Indeed, it is difficult and it takes time. If you haven’t already, be prepared to feel ignorant as you struggle to unlearn what you were taught in American Evangelicalism and as you are catechized into Confessional Lutheranism. Hang in there and be patient. If you haven’t found a Confessional Lutheran church and a Lutheran pastor, do this as soon as possible. Don’t try to do it all on your own, there are many Lutherans out there that are ready and able to help you. Study the Word, study the Lutheran Confessions. Read, read, read, and listen. Ask questions. Be bold in your learning. Cling to the Word of God, your solace is there. This journey can seem scary but the Word of God is unchanging, even if your comprehension of it is changing. It’s worth it; the Gospel in its clarity and Jesus taught in simplicity is worth it! Remain steadfast. 

In Christ, 

The Becoming Lutheran Research Participants

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© 2013 Matthew R. Richard All intellectual material in this post, unless otherwise stated, is the property of Matthew R. Richard. Copyright and other intellectual property laws protect these materials.