2940 Link Road, Lynchburg VA

As the sun rose on another day of discovery, my heart was filled with joy as I stepped into Our Savior Lutheran Church, the 67th church on my journey to explore every Christian congregation in my city.

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms, and the experience was nothing short of heartwarming.

Upon entering Our Savior Lutheran Church, I was immediately embraced by a sense of warmth and community. The atmosphere was one of reverence, yet there was a sense of belonging as I prepared to experience a new chapter in my journey. This particular day, I learned about the Missouri Synod Lutheran worship, and the lessons learned left a lasting impression on my heart.

One of the most profound things I learned about the Missouri Synod Lutheran worship was the focus on God’s word. In this tradition, worship is not centered around our emotions or intellect, but rather around God’s presence and his divine actions. God speaks, pours water, and feeds us through his service, and when he declares us righteous, it is so, regardless of how we feel.

The beauty of this belief lies in its simplicity and power: our emotions do not alter the truth of God’s word. We approach God’s service with confidence, knowing that it is not about how we feel, but about what God has promised. And in that security, our emotions naturally find their place, leading to a joyful response of gratitude and worship.

Arriving early, I attending a Bible Study led by Rev. Dr. Gregory Schulz. The focus of the study was on the dangers of false doctrine, universal justification, and the need to repudiate ideologies like woke Marxism.

It was a session that emphasized the importance of sound doctrine and the vigilance required to maintain the purity of the faith.

Although the service was structured and there wasn’t much time for casual conversation, I did have the opportunity to speak with a few kind members of the congregation. A lovely woman named Jen shared her love for the church, emphasizing how much she appreciates their commitment to following the word of God literally, with sound doctrine and teaching. She described her journey from growing up in a Baptist Church to finding her spiritual home within the Lutheran tradition for the past decade.

Another compassionate woman noticed me struggling to follow along with the service and kindly handed me a bulletin, making sure I could participate more fully. These small gestures of kindness highlighted the caring and attentive nature of the congregation, making me feel included.

The worship service itself was a display of tradition and devotion. Rev. Dr. Gregory Schulz delivered a sermon on the story of Cain and Abel, offering an intriguing perspective that was both enlightening and thought-provoking. It was a fresh take on a familiar story, one that deepened my understanding of the complexities within the Old Testament.

The service included an Old Testament reading and hymns chanted responsively by the congregation, a practice that was unique to me and added a layer of worship that I found deeply moving. The prayers spoken during the service were heartfelt and beautifully articulated, reflecting the sincerity of the congregation’s faith.

Before the service, Pastor Yeager kindly informed me about their practice of closed communion, explaining that while I could not participate in communion, I was welcome to come forward for a baptismal blessing. This thoughtful consideration was greatly appreciated, and it further demonstrated the church’s commitment to upholding its doctrinal integrity while still extending grace to visitors.

One of the highlights of my visit was the warmth and friendliness of the church members. Although I wasn’t able to stay for the potluck after the service…something I usually love to participate in, I was deeply touched by the invitation. The sense of community at Our Savior Lutheran Church is strong, and it’s clear that fellowship is an integral part of their worship experience.

I learned that people drive for hours from all over the state to attend this church, as it is the only one of its kind in our city. This fact alone speaks volumes about the impact and significance of this congregation within the wider Christian community.

As I left Our Savior Lutheran Church, my heart was full. This visit was a reminder of the diversity within the Christian faith and the unique ways that different traditions express their love for God.

I encourage everyone to visit Our Savior Lutheran Church and experience the community for themselves.

As for me, I eagerly await the next stop on this incredible journey, trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide me along the way. Each church I visit adds another beautiful moment of my spiritual life, and I am excited to see where He will lead me next.