ABOUT US

Let Us Introduce Ourselves.  We are dedicated to the pure, Biblical historical Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We are committed to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures.

We are a member of the Conservative Lutheran Association (CLA).  As such we are aligned with a group of conservative evangelical congregations who uphold a common confession of Biblical truth.  As members of the CLA, we are still self-governing and own our own property.

We are a Faithful Church.  We seek to be a true orthodox Lutheran Church, faithful to the historic faith as it has been expressed in the three ecumenical creeds:  the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed.  Through these creeds and the confessions of the Lutheran Church we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and our salvation by grace through faith in Him alone.

We are a Teaching, Reaching, Sharing and Caring Church.  We believe in the "Priesthood of All Believers", and encourage all members in their own ministry to those in need.  We believe in ministering to both the bodily and the spiritual needs of the residents of Tacoma and vicinity.

We Believe in a Living, Vital Membership in the Body of Christ:  The Church.  We each seek not to be just a member of a church, but a disciple, one who is willing to forget himself and work for Christ.  Jesus refers to all true believers as His disciples:  "If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32).  We believe that God wants His people to be involved in studying and applying His word, and to become disciples, serving God and man in a life that is meaningful.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Bible:  The Bible is God's inerrant Word to His people.  The Bible is true in all matters of which it speaks.  It is the final authority and the ultimate truth.

God:  We believe in the Triune God.  He is One God in three distinct Persons:  Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

Creation:  God created everything out of nothing in six days.  He now sustains all creation by His power.

Man:  Adam and Eve, our first parents, are real persons and were created perfect.  They were in fellowship with God but fell into sin by disobedience to God and became separated from God.

Sin:  We inherited the sinful nature of our first parents (Original Sin).  All of mankind ever since are guilty of actual sin.

Jesus:  God sent His Son to be born of a Virgin, to become a Man, to live a sinless life, to offer Himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sin, and to rise from he dead, victorious over sin, death and the devil.

Grace:  We are justified in God's eyes when we, through faith, trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Through Christ we receive God's mercy and grace and have access to the very presence of Christ.

Means of Grace:  God makes us recipients of His Grace through means which He, not we, provide.  These include His Word, whereby we learn of His love; Holy Baptism whereby we are born again (adopted) into His Kingdom; The Lord's Supper whereby we are partakers of Christ's Body and Blood in a mysterious but real way.

Holy Spirit:  Jesus, after His Resurrection from the dead, sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of each believer.  The Holy Spirit gives power for us to change and grow spiritually.  he also gives special gifts and abilities to use to his glory.

Heaven and Hell:  Heaven and the joy of being with Jesus Christ forever is promised by God to everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation.  Hell is the lot of those who refuse to submit to Jesus during this life.

Second Coming:  Jesus is coming again to judge the people of all ages and all nations.  His judgment will be based on what they individually did with Him.  Did they receive him as their Savior or did they ignore and reject Him?

MEMBERSHIP

Baptism:  Infants as well as adults are made a part of Christ's Kingdom through Holy Baptism in which God presents us with the gift of eternal life.  Having received this gift, children, youth and parents are encouraged to study and learn more about God's wonderful plan of salvation.

Confirmation:  Teens and adults study the key portion of Luther's Catechism and see how it is totally based on the clear teachings of the Holy bible.  We cannot read and study all Bible at this time, but only the main teachings.  The catechism presents "the chief parts of Christian doctrine".

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MEMBERS

Worship: All members are expected to be in church on Sunday except during times of sickness and travel.  Worship provides the spiritual food you need to carry you through the week.  The pastor's Class during the week is also of highest priority, to build you up in the Word of God.

Communion:  After Confirmation classes members are invited to participate regularly in this special service which Christ Himself instituted.  He stated clearly that by participating in the reception of the bread and the wine you actually receive His true Body and blood.  this is a mystery but is vital for every Christian if he or she hopes to grow in Christian faith.

Stewardship:  In fellowship we share our lives with one another.  In Stewardship we share our resources and time, talent and treasure to build the Church, not only for our local congregation but for the church throughout the world.

Fellowship:  Many opportunities are available in the life of the congregation to enjoy fellowship with the other members.  Each and every member should be involved in some of the activities of the church to experience the collective growth of the church in the Christian life.

OUR HISTORY

The history of Central Lutheran Church Began when a group of dedicated Lutheran Christians started an English-speaking church by acquiring an old Presbyterian Church in downtown Tacoma in 1925.  The start of this church grew out of the necessity of the second generation Norwegians to make the Gospel of Christ known to their children in the English language.

In 1956, ground breaking for the present new Central Lutheran Church at its new location at 409 Tacoma Avenue, No.  The first service in the new church was held on June 16, 1957.

Image of Original Sanctuary (Side View) - 65k

Image of Original Sanctuary (From Balcony) - 55k

Images of Stained Glass Windows in Current Building - 149k