Expert: Brad Varvil - 4/28/2009

Question
I was raised in a ALC (ELCA) church.  I was baptized and confirmed.  I had an abortion I didn't want at the age of 19, counseled and approved of by a Lutheran Pastor.  My mother took me to see him.  I sat there for 15 minutes saying I didn't want an abortion.  My mother took me and I had one.  Since then, I've been married and divorced three times.  I'm married now (ten years) to a very Godly husband.  We've tried churches in every Christian denomination (searching) going every Sunday, joining some.  We are now at at Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, taking membership classes.  I'm SCARED, because I feel like if they knew I was married four times, they would not want me.  Would anyone want me?  ELCA?  I love the Lord.

Answer
Dear Jane, beloved Child of God,

My heart breaks for what you've been through-- for the poor counsel you received, and the suffering you've had to endure.  Hopefully I can offer you some small solace.

First, I think any Lutheran congregation would be happy to have you-- not becuase of what you've done or not done, but because you are a child of God, seeking communion and fellowship with Christ and His people.  If any group of Christians should understand the inexhaustible riches of grace for repentant people broken by sin and suffering, it ought to be Lutherans.  I hope you will find this at the LCMS parish you've come to.  I work with several LCMS parishes, and every one of them would welcome you with open arms.  I hope you find the same where you are now.  If you don't, feel free to contact me privately, and I'll try to put you in contact with a pastor worth his salt.

Every one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Every one of us is in desperate and total need of forgiveness and grace.  Christ didn't establish His Church so that good people could box themselves into a pretty room, but so that broken people could receive the means of grace... which Christ loved us enough to die and rise again to give us.  Rejoice, dear one-- this gift is for you, too!

Go in peace, and hear the wondrous news of the Gospel:  you are forgiven for Christ's sake.  Welcome home.

Rev. Brad.