Q&A for How to Become Lutheran

Most Protestant Christian churches do not require water baptism to become a member. Some, however, will require that you attend an orientation class if this is a conversion from another religious denomination. This is simply to clarify what they believe, teach, and expect from all members of the church. So the answer is no, you do not have to be baptized into the Lutheran church to become a member.

Tell the pastor you would like to be baptized.

If you've ever experienced a service at another Christian church, then it won't be too unfamiliar. Religious services vary widely within the larger Lutheran denominations from a relatively formal Eucharistic (communion-based) model to one resembling other "Mainline" denominations (Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian etc.) to more contemporary services with modern instruments and much singing and standing. These are usually held weekly on Sunday mornings, but there will be exceptions, especially in larger communities.

Of course! Lutherans are permitted to have relationships. It is generally preferred if you wait to have sex until you are married, though, as in most Christian denominations.

Yes, Lutherans do a first communion. Communion is a very important part of worship in the Lutheran Church.

Absolutely, becoming a member of a Lutheran church (and therefore a Lutheran) is like becoming a member of most other Protestant churches, as demonstrated above.

No. Christians do not worship the Virgin Mary, instead Christians respect her for being the "Theotokos," or "God-bearer." The Lutheran love for Mary is the same way we love all of the people in the Bible, we are imperfect people loved by a perfect God. In fact, Mary's not being divine makes the Nativity all that more beautiful and wonderful.