Lutheran Christians and Their Beliefs
A Guide For Membership Classes
Jerry Schmalenberger

Why do Lutherans believe what they do? Lutheran Christians and Their Beliefs is a six-part course first written for a television presentation in Des Moines, Iowa. Lutherans have a rich heritage of contributions to basic beliefs, which the author illustrates very well. It is a composite of the material the author, Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Schmalenberger, used in New Member classes throughout his ministry.

Worded with inclusive language, this resource has an ecumenical view. The elements are consistent with Lutheran theology, and at the same time, it does not put down other denominations. Rather, this book gives positive information and comparison with the brothers and sisters of the Christian family. Lutherans are presented as one of the many legitimate Christian denominations.

This booklet can best be understood by reading with your Bible in hand!

For several years, Jerry L. Schmalenberger preached to nearly 1,000 Lutherans each weekend at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Iowa. He has taught Communication as a part-time instructor at Wittenberg University, Sinclair College, and Urbana College. Some of his other books include Iowa Parables, Letters From the Pulpit, We Have Good News to Share, When Christians Quarrel, Nativity Dialogues, Something Beyond, Resurrection: Checking the Vital Signs, and Why Belong to the Church?

A graduate of Hamma School of Theology, Schmalenberger earned his doctorate in ministry in 1976. He served as a Pastor/Evangelist for the Lutheran Church in America for seven years and was Pastor/Director in 1983 and 1984 of Evangelical Outreach. He was president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California.

Pastor Schmalenberger has conducted “Preaching From Commitment” seminars for the Lutheran Church in American and the American Lutheran Church. For nine years he had his own half-hour weekly television show each Tuesday evening titled “Words of Joy.”