Participation by non-members
What is the WELS doctrine regarding non-WELS members participating in worship services, weddings, Sunday School education or Adult Bible Classes?
If you are looking for a statement in print, I can pass along this paragraph from This We Believe, a statement of faith of our church body.
“We believe that those whose confession of faith reveals that they are united in the doctrines of Scripture will express their fellowship in Christ as occasion permits (Ephesians 4:3). They may express their fellowship by joint worship, by joint proclamation of the gospel, by joining in Holy Communion, by joint prayer, and by joint church work. God directs believers not to practice religious fellowship with those whose confession and actions reveal that they teach, tolerate, support, or defend error (2 John 10, 11). When error appears in the church, Christians will try to preserve their fellowship by patiently admonishing the offenders, in the hope that they will turn from their error (2 Timothy 2:25, 26; Titus 3:10). But the Lord commands believers not to practice church fellowship with people who persist in teaching or adhering to beliefs that are false (Romans 16:17, 18).”
Individuals outside our faith and fellowship are welcome to attend the services and classes you mentioned. They can participate as they wish, with the exception of receiving the Lord’s Supper. The reception of the Lord’s Supper is an expression of unity of faith (1 Corinthians 10:17). Apart from serving in a leadership role in worship, individuals outside our faith and fellowship can be attendants in a church wedding.
I hope this was the information you were seeking.
