Our Beliefs

Learn more about our beliefs, our values, and our history.

Our distinctives

What is Lutheranism?


  • Biblical

    We hold to the Scriptures as authoritative and true.

  • Confessional

    Lutherans are creedal and confessional. We confess the Book of Concord of 1580 as our standard of doctrine because its teachings are in accord with Scripture.

  • Evangelical

    The good news of Christ Jesus crucified for the forgiveness of sins is at the center of the Lutheran witness.

  • Catholic

    Lutherans are not a sect, but teach according to the universal doctrine of the church.

  • Sacramental

    The Sacraments as the means of grace are at the center of our theology.

Learn More

If you’d like to know more about Lutheran teaching, two of the best places to start are:

  • The Small Catechism - Written by Martin Luther as an aid for parents to teach their children, this small document is timeless and accessible.
  • The Augsburg Confession - The chief confession of our church, written in 1530 as a basic summary and defense of Lutheran teaching.
Small Catechism
Augsburg Confession
Tour a Church

Check out this series of videos created by Matt Whitman, host of The Ten Minute Bible Hour podcast, as he tours an LCMS church and discusses Lutheran beliefs.

See YouTube Playlist
Lutheran FAQ

Have a specific question about Lutheran doctrine or practice? The LCMS website has a thorough section of articles, resources, and answers to questions about our doctrine and practice.

Learn More
Compare Beliefs

See how Lutheran beliefs compare to other Christian traditions in a charitable assessment originally published in The Lutheran Witness.

Lutheranism and Other Denominations
Book of Concord

The full explanation of what Lutherans believe and teach is found in the 1580 Book of Concord. We pledge ourselves to these confessions because they are in accord with the Word of God.

Explore the Book of Concord

Our Denomination

Zion is a member congregation of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS), a confessional Lutheran church body of nearly 6,000 congregations.

Learn More About the LCMS