Frequently Asked Questions of Good Shepherd

Grace and Peace to You!

Whether you are new to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) or have been around for many years, we hope that the following will be a blessing for you. Some of the most commonly asked questions are addressed in this section.

You can get answers to questions about church membership in general, pastoral care and membership at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in particular. The questions range from our belief about Jesus to assumptions about Christian discipleship, church membership and other practices at GSLC. Should you have further questions, we encourage you to call the church office (262-547-2420) and speak to the church administrative assistant or to the pastor. You may also email the church, office@goodshp.org or Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld, prviviane@goodshp.org

We pray God's blessings to you and to our church. Sola Dei Gloria! To God alone be the Glory! Amen

Topics:

1. What is a church?
2. What is Good Shepherd Lutheran Church?
3. What is Good Shepherd's Mission Statement?
4. What is Good Shepherd's Vision?
5. What is discipleship?
6. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
7. What do Lutherans believe?
   • Baptism
   • The 10 Commandments
   • The Lord's Prayer
   • The Creed
   • Confession
   • Holy Communion
   • Daily Devotion
   • Authority of Scripture
   • Second Coming of Christ
8. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Where can I learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America? www.elca.org/about.html
9. Is Good Shepherd Lutheran Church like all other ELCA churches?
10. What does it mean to be a member of this church?
11. How does one become a member of Good Shepherd?
12. What specifically is assumed by church membership?
13. I have questions about:
    • Death and the afterlife
    • Cancer
    • Addiction
    • Family Conflict
    • Depression
    • Baptism
    • Holy Communion
    • How to Choose a Church
    • Weddings
    • Funerals
14. What is offered for my spiritual growth?
15. What kinds of prayers and prayer groups are available at Good Shepherd?
16. What else is available for my growth in my personal life and family life?
17. How can I get involved in the mission and ministry of Good Shepherd?
18. What about church offerings?
19. How do I arrange for baptisms or weddings?
20. How does GSLC handle first communion and confirmation of youth?
21. What kind of help does GSLC offer when I have a personal problem?
22. When should I call the pastor?
23. How can GSLC be of service at the time of death or dying?
24. Is it possible to rent the facilities at GSLC?
25. When are GSLC worship services?
26. How do I get to GSLC?

1. What is a church?

The church is the gathering or organization of religious believers to form a faith community, especially for worship of God and service to the world. Understanding that The community is formed by a group of people who understand that rather than Christian faith being an accessory of life it is an inherent way of living one's life. Living out this understanding in daily life causes the people who form the church to serve as God's hands and feet in the world.

2. What is Good Shepherd Lutheran Church?

In early 1965 the Missions Board of the American Lutheran Church planted a faith community in a vacant lot crossed by a lone farm road on the corner of what is now Summit Avenue and University Drive. GSLC has grown to be a church where people who reflect the diversity that God created are invited to be fellow travelers on the road of faith. We tend to be more casual in our dress for worship. We have a history of reaching beyond Lutheran walls by being involved in a pulpit exchange with a non-Lutheran congregation for over thirty-five years. We have a commitment social justice which is expressed in our serving in meal programs/pantries, prison ministry and refugee resettlement. We are strong on lay involvement in ministry with a long standing tradition of lay worship assistants. We also have included those under the age of 18 in lay leadership positions including serving on the Church Council.

GSLC is a part of the 5th largest denomination in America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which number over 5 million members.

3. What is Good Shepherd's Mission Statement?

Because God first loves us...
Called, we worship; Blessed, we share; Sent, we serve.

4. What is Good Shepherd's Vision?

Empowered by God's love, the members of Good Shepherd seek to form a nurturing community of believers were Jesus Christ is made known through the Scriptures, the love of God is made known through the love we share with each other, and we are equipped to be Christ's disciples through intentionally living Christian lives by studying together, worshipping together, doing acts of service and the stewardship of our God-given gifts (talents, time and treasure).

5. What is discipleship?

Discipleship is a lifelong process of learning of God and God's will for our lives through God's Word, the Holy Bible, and living out that Word in our daily lives as guided by our faith relationship with the Holy Spirit. We believe what Rev. Michael Foss of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN says: "Discipleship is about changing and shaping lives by the grace of God."

6. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ means to follow Christ's way. In fact, the earliest disciples were called "people of the Way" before they were called "Christians." Following in the way of Jesus means that one's life purpose is to be in mission. Mission means that we communicate God's Word though evangelizing others so that God's purposes in the world are realized.

7. What do Lutherans believe?

• Baptism - We believe that through the waters of baptism God comes to us and claims us as God's own children, giving us the gift of new life. We affirm, and practice, the baptism of infants.
• The 10 Commandments - We believe that the 10 Commandments are God's guidelines for our life both in our relationship toward God and our relationship towards others around us. The first 3 Commandments refer to our relationship with God: recognizing that true loyalty belongs to God alone, that one should only use the name of God in a respectful manner, and that we need to keep a day to have the time and opportunity for worship of God. The last 7 Commandments refer to one's relationship with one's neighbor. We are to revere our parents as we do God, not to desire to harm to our neighbor, nor be an accessory to it, nor give opportunity for it; to willingly leave to our neighbor what is his/hers, and promote and protect whatever may be profitable and serviceable to him/her, as we wish he/she would do to us
• The Lord's Prayer - We believe this provides instruction on how we are to pray. We start by acknowledging who God is in our lives, loving parent and holy whose reign we wish to come to us. Here as it exists in heaven. We ask that God will give us what we need daily, food and knowing our sin will forgive us as we come sincerely in confession, saving us from further temptation and evil. We then affirm that this indeed will come for us from a loving God.
• The Creed - We believe the Creed sets forth all that we know about God. One God and one faith, but three persons and therefore three articles of confession. The Creed could be summed up according to Martin Luther, in these few words: "I believe in God the Father, who created me; I believe in God the Son, who redeemed me; I believe in the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies me."
• Confession - We believe that confession consists of two parts: we confess our sins and we receive the absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the duly ordained pastor as from God. We believe that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven. Confession is our acknowledgment to God that we have fallen short of what our heavenly parent would have us be. We tell God (who already knows) what we have done and what we have failed to do. Coming sincerely to God's throne of mercy we are assured that our loving God is waiting to give us God's forgiveness. This practice of confession may be done privately with an ordained minister serving as your confessor or within a corporate rite of confession in the worship service.
• Holy Communion - We believe that in Holy Communion, God comes to us and we are reminded of God's promises of love and forgiveness. It is a meal of renewal. Jesus is truly present in the meal in a way that we can neither fully understand nor explain.
• Daily Devotion - We believe that it is important to provide time each day to focus on God and study God's word. There are many daily devotionals that are available to guide you in a short time of such focus. GSLC provides a daily devotional called Christ in Our Home in the brochure rack in the main hall.
• Authority of Scripture - We believe that the sixty-six (66) books of the Old and New Testaments combined constitute the Holy Bible; no books may be added or deleted. The Holy Bible is inspired of God, and is God's Word to God's world regarding all matters of life, death and relationships. The bible contains all the necessary truth to lead men and women into salvation (Psalm 19:7; John 17:17; Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17).
• Second Coming of Christ - We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ to receive His faithful into heaven and eternal life. The time of His return is unknown, but may be at any moment. This is the glorious hope of all God's children (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; James 5:7-8; Revelation 22:12, 20). Until His return, Christians seek to live His gospel of love in daily life, in word and deed.

8. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Where can I learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?

www.elca.org/about.html

9. Is Good Shepherd Lutheran Church like all other ELCA churches?

GSLC believes that all are welcome in this house of the Lord without regard to those things that the world may think important. All one needs is to believe is that Jesus, our savior, welcomes us to the throne of grace. We are all sinners in need of the Savior. We are the church where everyone can know your name and the pastor will know who you are. We have exceptional music program for a church of our size.

10. What does it mean to be a member of this church?

To be a member of the church is to commit to walking together as one people developing relationships with other Christians in this place to promote Christian fellowship. Though the people, programs, preaching and other aspects of a church may draw people to a church, becoming a member is a significant decision which should be carefully made. We order our lives according to the teachings of the Bible, through faithfully worshiping together and participating in Holy Communion and prayer, continuing education opportunities and other means for spiritual growth. Remember, a church is not a club, but a community of faith in our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

11. How does one become a member of Good Shepherd?

There are a variety of ways to become a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church:

• a person may transfer in from another Lutheran Congregation. To do so, request a letter of transfer from your present congregation and speak to Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld at church or by calling (262)547-2420 or prviviane@goodshp.org
• a person may attend the "new member class" and then seek to be welcomed into membership through Baptism (if not already baptized), Affirmation of Baptism for Membership, or even an official confirmation (if desired). Speak to Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld at church or by calling 262-547-2420 or prviviane@goodshp.org
• a person may speak to Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld and receive private instruction, which involves participation in the new member classes and completing the Covenant of Membership. Those who worship with us on a seasonal basis may become associate members. The classes help one to feel comfortable about Good Shepherd and eliminate any doubt with regard to the serious commitment which is about to be made. These events are held quarterly during the day or evening.

12. What specifically is assumed by church membership?

Certain things are assumed of members when they join the GSLC. There is a commitment to the teachings of the Lutheran Church and to the mission and ministry priorities of GSLC. This enables us to have a common or shared faith and a common or shared profession of faith among all the members. We also join hands in a common mission to make disciples for Christ by our witness to others and trying to meet the needs of a hurting humanity. Specifically, we commit to develop associations and relationships with other Christians, order our lives according to the teachings of the Bible, attend worship faithfully participating in Holy Communion, diligently utilize prayer and continuing education opportunities and other means for spiritual growth and work to set a Christian example at all times. Further, we commit to serve all people, strive for justice, and support the Lord's work at and through our congregation with our prayers, our commitment of our time, our abilities and our monetary gifts.

13. I have questions about:

• Death and the afterlife
• Cancer
• Addiction
• Family Conflict
• Depression
• Baptism
• Holy Communion
• How to Choose a Church
• Weddings
• Funerals

14. What is offered for my spiritual growth?

Your spiritual growth can be enhanced by participating in variety of activities. First, there are Christian education opportunities offered. There is a Wednesday evening Bible Study which tends to focus on in depth study of a book of the Bible. Then there is a Sunday morning topical education time. Another opportunity for spiritual growth can be found in attending the group that meets for prayer on Thursday afternoon.

15. What kinds of prayers and prayer groups are available at Good Shepherd?

In addition to one's private prayer and corporate prayer in worship, there are two organized groups for prayer at Good Shepherd. There is a group that gathers at the church for prayer on Thursday afternoon. This group prays prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings God has provided us and prays prayers of intercession for concerns that have been raised either in the group or from requests that come through the congregation and friends. There is also a group that are on call for prayers when an immediate need is raised outside of worship or the prayer group time.

16. What else is available for my growth in my personal life and family life?

• Bible Study
• Fellowship Groups
• Sunday morning Education classes
• Worship

17. How can I get involved in the mission and ministry of Good Shepherd?

Come worship with us and let us know of what aspect of our ministry touches your heart. One does not need to be a member to be involved.

18. What about church offerings?

The church is different from a social club where dues are required. As a community of faith committed to being followers of Christ and the mission God gave to us we belong completely to God. Everything that we have: our time, talents and treasures, indeed our very lives; are blessings of God. Recognizing that, and in response to the love of God, we gratefully gather for worship, we serve God through serving others and generously give of our time including our intentional, regular financial offerings. We suggest giving according to what we have received. God does not require equal giving but equal sacrifice among the members of God's church (Psalm 116:12, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3). We teach tithing, the giving of 10% of one's income, as suggested in the Bible. This is a goal which one can prayerfully strive to meet or exceed.

19. How do I arrange for baptisms or weddings?

Baptisms and weddings are important passages in a person's life. Neither are to be entered into lightly.

The arrival of a new child is an exciting event in the life of any couple. You have brought a new life to your family through the long process of pregnancy or adoption. Baptism is not a magic potion that will protect your child from all calamity. It is an important step which signifies you are ready to be your child's chief religious teacher and make a commitment to your child's spiritual growth as a disciple of Christ. To arrange for this step in you and your child's faith life contact the church office at 262-547-2420, and complete an Application for Baptism. This form must be submitted 3 weeks prior to the desired date of Baptism. Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld will arrange for a meeting with your family after receipt of the application.

A wedding is the ceremony in which a man and a woman join their lives together as one and publicly commit to enter into a lifelong covenant as husband and wife. As a church, our foremost concern is a Christian marriage and serving those couples who want a Christian marriage ceremony. We are not interested in renting out our building as a marriage chapel. We want your wedding to be as meaningful to you as possible and will attempt to meet your requests as long as they are done in consultation with Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld. Donations for the various services related to a wedding are specified in the Wedding Information and Planning Brochure available from the church office. To arrange for a wedding at GSLC, contact the church office at 262-547-2420 to arrange a meeting with Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld or contact her directly at prviviane@goodshp.org

20. How does GSLC handle first communion and confirmation of youth?

Holy Communion is one of two sacraments in the church. Believing that Holy Communion is a meal that imparts God's grace to the participant, GSLC doesn't want any child to ever feel separated from the grace of God received at the Altar. We offer communion to any child who is able to eat solid food in line with ELCA provisions. GSLC invites families to bring all children to the Communion table. The child, his/her parents, and the pastor access the readiness of the child to receive communion.

Another passage in the life of youth is the move from youth to adulthood in the church, a program we call confirmation. The program leading toward confirmation lasts for 4 years. The first three involves classroom work. The last is a mentoring year during which each youth meets with an approved adult, who is a mature role model for their Christian faith walk, for conversations about a variety of faith issues.

21. What kind of help does GSLC offer when I have a personal problem?

Personal problems are difficult for all of us. When such problems exist, the church is a safe place to turn. Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld undergrad training was in human psychology and she did counseling before going to seminary. She will provide a confidential listening ear for you. Understanding that in order to be more effective as a pastor she has to limit her counseling load, Pastor has a policy of referring persons to another full-time counseling professional for longer term counseling is needed.

22. When should I call the pastor?

Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld is available to minister to you in times when you feel the need to have pastoral guidance. This may include, but is not exclusive to the following: illness, death, family discord, marital discord, premarital counseling, births, joys or concerns of your life or that of your family members, etc. If in doubt, please do not hesitate to call Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld

23. How can GSLC be of service at the time of death or dying?

Call Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld

24. Is it possible to rent the facilities at GSLC?

The GSLC facilities are available for service to members and those in the community. Reservations may be made through Jackie Kitzan, Administrative Secretary, secretary@goodshp.org . Please call the church office 262-547-2420 or e-mail us at office@goodshp.org

Guidelines and fees for use are available by contacting the church office.

25. When are GSLC worship services?

Sunday worship: 9:00 a.m.

26. How do I get to GSLC?

GSLC is located at 601 N. University Drive (at the corner of Summit Avenue) in the city of Waukesha.

For a map to find us:  
(This link takes you to Yahoo Maps. Please close Yahoo Maps when you are through, and you should return to the Good Shepherd website).

See driving directions

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