What We Believe

The Bible

At Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (LCMS), the Bible is the foundation of everything we believe, teach, and confess. We believe the universally accepted books of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired and inerrant Word of God. Because Scripture is God's own Word, it is completely trustworthy and reveals His truth about creation, sin, salvation, and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The Lutheran Confessions

As a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), we believe the Lutheran Confessions faithfully summarize the teachings of Holy Scripture. The Book of Concord does not replace the Bible but confesses the same Christian faith proclaimed by the apostles and confessed by the historic Church.

The Holy Trinity

We worship one God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created the world in perfection, but humanity fell into sin and death. Out of His mercy, the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and rise again for our salvation. Through the Holy Spirit, God creates faith in Christ and gathers His people into His Church through His Word and Sacraments.

Word and Sacraments

Christ builds His Church through the means of grace: His Word, Holy Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.

God's Word

Through Scripture and faithful preaching, God reveals Himself, forgives sins, strengthens faith, and equips His people for Christian living.

Holy Baptism

We believe Baptism is God's gracious work, not ours. Through water and the Word, God forgives sins, grants new life in Christ, and makes us His children. Because salvation is God's gift, we baptize both infants and adults.

The Lord's Supper

We believe Jesus Christ truly gives His body and blood in the Lord's Supper for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. We celebrate Holy Communion every week, trusting Christ's promises and receiving His gifts with joy. Because Scripture calls for faithful and united reception of the Sacrament, we ask first-time visitors to speak with our pastor before communing.

Worship

Our worship is centered on receiving Christ's gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation through His Word and Sacraments.

We celebrate the historic Divine Service using liturgy and hymns that faithfully proclaim Christ crucified and prepare us to receive His gifts in Holy Communion.

Shepherd of the Hills embraces the Church's historic worship because the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains the deepest and most enduring need of every generation.