AboutMartin W. Eldred Expertise I have been a Lutheran Christian for 47 years and a Lutheran pastor for almost 19. I can answer most general questions about Luther, Lutheran History, Lutheran Theology, and a Lutheran approach to Biblical Interpretation. I am ELCA, for those who know what that means, and I tend to be moderate theologically. I hope that I can converse with those that are either more conservative or liberal than I, and especially with those who are really just seeking.
Experience Pastors are "generalists" and generally have a working knowledge on many subjects. We are also used to working with a variety of answers from a variety of people. I teach a great deal, especially in the area ofthe New Testament. I particulalry enjoy the Pauline literature.
Organizations I have been a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, an international gathering of biblical scholars and teachers, since the late 1980s.
Publications I have written a few book reviews for the journal, "Lutheran Quarterly."
Education/Credentials I have a B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University in Religion (Biblical Studies)and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary.
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 Jane:
First of all, thank you for sharing your journey. It sounds as if you are finally at a place of some stability and healing after a long road.
I am an ELCA pastor, but I would think that most LCMS congregations would welcome you and your husband. The past is the past, and God's grace embraces us all. The LCMS is more conservative in many ways than the ELCA, but I don't think that your past marriages would even need to be brought up as you join, nor would it mater if you shared that information sometime. The only reason it should come up is if a couple is coming in for pre-marital counseling, which you are not. I would be shocked if it was even a consideration for your membership.
Yes, you would also be welcome at most ELCA congregations, but it sounds as if you and your husband have found a place where you can fit in, so I would encourage you to press on. As you become more familiar, you may wish to "feel out" the pastor's response to welcoming someone in your situation, but that is totally up to you.
Please know that God welcomes and forgives all sorts of sinners and people who have experienced brokenness in their lives. I know God has welcomed me, and I know the same God welcomes you with the same grace! God understands that we are not perfect, that we make mistakes (big and little) and that we ALL fall short of the Glory of God--that is why God sent Jesus! You love the Lord. I pray that you also know that the Lord loves you.
