Episcopalian to Lutheran

I am a conservative Episcopalian in an ever-liberal leaning church. I recently attended a WELS service and was deeply impressed by the pastor and my familiarity with the service. If I decided to change my affiliation (after 78 years), what would be the necessary steps? What would be the major (intellectual) changes I would have to make? Thank you for your attention and anticipated response.

You will want to talk to the pastor of the WELS church you visited. He will explain the route to membership. A very common route is attending a Bible Information Class. The class will offer an explanation of the Bible’s main teachings. Upon completion of the class, you would be given the opportunity to acknowledge your acceptance of the teachings you have learned via the rite of Confirmation.

I can imagine that the class might challenge your thinking when it comes to subjects like the church and ministry, the Lord’s Supper, and the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture—to name a few.

You might find value in reading A Lutheran Looks at Episcopalians. Among other things, it will explain why the WELS worship service you attended had a ring of familiarity to it.

God’s blessings to you as explore your affiliation with our church body!