About Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word
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Many of you who are visiting this page already know Jesus, and are familiar with the precepts of Christianity. If, however, the language of formal "doctrinal creeds" seems a bit strange or foreign to you, please be reassured - your uncertainty, doubt and skepticism are openly received here at Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word in Florence, South Carolina. As an expression of that welcome, we have outlined below some of the core concepts of our faith, in order to provide you with some simple reference points as you visit among us. We hope these will be 'conversation starters' and that you will halp us move the Christian conversation forwards.
We believe that we don't have all the answers and that disagreement and discussion are healthy. We believe that the faith community is great not because it's like-minded on every issue but because it is rooted in faith in Jesus, who is a lot more interesting than religion has made Him seem.
About One God: We believe in one God who exists as a Trinity. He is infinite, invisible, omnipotent, omniscient, unchanging, sovereign, and holy. He is eternal, without beginning or end. He is the source and sustainer of all that exists. We believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
About Separation of Church and State: We believe that each local church is self-governing, and must be free from interference by any external ecclesiastical or political authority; that every human being is ultimately responsible to God in matters of faith and life; and that each person is free to worship God according to the dictates of his/her conscience. We further believe that governments are established by God; that Christians, as good citizens, should be subject to governing authorities insofar as possible, recognizing our greater allegiance to God and His kingdom in matters wherein human authorities conflict with clear, biblical mandates.
