St. James Lutheran Church is affiliated with The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, a body of Christian believers that numbers some 2.5 million members.  We call ourselves "Lutheran" because we believe, teach, and confess the Bible-based doctrines of Martin Luther, the 16th century pastor, theologian, and reformer of the church.  The teachings of Dr. Luther and his fellow reformers can be summarized in the following three mottoes:

GRACE ALONE ~ FAITH ALONE ~ SCRIPTURE ALONE

GRACE ALONE

God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him, and do not deserve His love.  He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly.

FAITH ALONE

By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them.  Those who hear this good news and believe it have the eternal life that it offers.  God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him.

SCRIPTURE ALONE

The Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His law and His gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ.  It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.

The late Rev. Alvin L. Barry, a past president of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, wrote an extremely helpful set of pamphlets called the What About series.  These two-page documents contain brief presentations of the main doctrines of the Christian faith.  They're ideal for use in homes, churches, Christian schools, Bible studies, and small group devotions.  The entire series of 29 pamphlets is available below.  Follow the links below to view or download the files to your computer.  Please note that you must have the free Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view or print these documents.

Introduction

What About the Gospel?  
What About the Bible?
What About the Small Catechism?
What About the Ten Commandments?
What About the Apostles' Creed?
What About the Lord's Prayer?
What About Holy Baptism?
What About Confession and Absolution?
What About the Sacrament of the Altar?
What About Being a Lutheran?
What About Lutheran Worship?
What About the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod?
What About Telling the Good News?
What About Christian Families?
What About Angels?
What About Death and Dying?
What About Pastors?
What About the New Millennium?
What About Christian Stewardship?
What About Fellowship in the Lord's Supper?
What About the Difference Between the ELCA and the LCMS?
What About the Ordination of Women?
What About Homosexuality?  
What About Abortion?
What About Living Together Without Marriage?
What About Creation and Evolution?
What About the Jehovah's Witnesses?
What About Islam?
What About Mormonism?