LCMC-NE District is an association of congregations. We have a great respect for the reality that the church is where
the people of God gather together around Word and Sacrament. The local congregation is where the church becomes a concrete
reality for God's people.
At the same time we are joyously aware that each congregation is a part of the greater
body of Christ. The actions of each congregation within our association reflect on our association as a whole. And the actions
of our association reflect on the whole body of Christ. For this reason we have committed ourselves to a common set of ministry
standards.
“Tell
me more about what that means.”
The members of LCMC-NE are committed to the biblical concept of discipleship which helps “seekers”
to become “believers” and equips believers to be “disciples” in both word and deed. We strive
to integrate the content of our faith into all activities of daily living as a witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
To achieve these goals the district will organize and implement educational, outreach, and mission activities for member Congregations.
Jesus is the head of the Church. As such, he receives all the glory and guides all decisions. Unity
among the various expressions of the body of Christ is best achieved through focusing on Jesus Christ, who alone is able to
draw all people to Himself. The Great Commandment, to love the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength,
is the center and purpose of who we are and how we are to live.
Because of Jesus’ Great Commission, the church as an organization exists for the sake of both members and non-members.
Passion for the Lost should impact the congregation’s budget, small groups, worship, Bible studies, and every aspect
of congregational life.
Each member congregation
selects two Voting Representatives to serve the District for a two year term. Voting Representatives select a District Co
Ordinator, a District Communicator, a Treasurer and a Secretary who shall serve the association as facilitators for
District business and activities.
The Congregations of St. Peter's, Grace and Faith Lutheran organized to Charter a District in the North East United States, beginning in the Western
New York area. We are intentionally a non geographical district open to accepting and / or assisting congregations in New
England, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and New York hence
the designation North East.
♦ We are free in Christ.
Lutherans always have celebrated the freedom we have
in Christ. Our freedom is based in the Biblical notion of freedom that Paul set forth in Romans 6. It is a wonderful
paradox that Christians find their freedom by being bound to Christ. As we submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus
Christ we discover the joy of real freedom.
♦ We are accountable to one another.
LCMC is an association of congregations. We have a
great respect for the reality that the church is where the people of God are gathered together around Word and Sacrament.
The local congregation is where the church becomes a concrete reality for God’s people. At the same time
we are joyously aware that each congregation is a part of the greater body of Christ. The actions of each congregation
within our association reflect on our association as a whole. And the actions of our association reflects on the
whole body of Christ. For this reason we have committed ourselves to a common set of ministry standards. Congregations
have significant latitude in ordering and shaping ministry in their local setting, and we intentionally have made
joining and leaving the association simple. We also have a disciplinary process for addressing congregations whose
actions violate our agreed-upon statements of faith and practice.
♦ We are rooted and grounded
in the Scriptures and the
Lutheran Confessions --
Our association is firmly committed
to accepting the normative authority of the Bible. We reject the notion that science, personal experience, tradition,
or other human endeavors have equal footing with the Bible. We are certainly aware that these endeavors contribute to
our conversations and deliberations, but the Bible must be our final authority in matters of faith and practice. We
also believe that the Lutheran Confessions offer us accurate interpretations of the Biblical witness and we commit
ourselves to being guided by them in our life together as an association.
. . . We are working together to
fulfill Christ’s Great Commission
to go and make disciples of all
nations.
LCMC has one primary mission: that of sharing the life-giving
Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are focused on starting congregations in this country, supporting missionaries around
the world, and raising up and training leaders to serve Christ and His church. LCMC is committed to knowing Jesus
and making Jesus known. The association is dedicated to helping member congregations carry out this mission.
