Our Doctrine

Our Church Body: Established in 1874, Zion Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) located in Worms, Nebraska.
  • Scripture Only: We believe, teach, and confess that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God in its entirety. We also believe, teach, and confess that the Book of Concord, known also as the Lutheran Confession, is a faithful witness to the truths of Holy Scripture.

  • By Grace Alone & Through Faith Alone: While we firmly believe that all people are by nature sinful and deserving of God’s wrath and punishment, at the same time we joyfully confess that the central message of the Bible is free grace and unconditional love in Jesus Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

  • The Means of Grace: We believe that the Triune God uses the means of grace to deliver the life and salvation Jesus has earned by His death and resurrection. The faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word and the sharing of His Sacraments stand at the heart, therefore, of all that we think, believe, say, and do.

  • Worship: We believe in Trinitarian, Christ-centered worship that is biblical, liturgical, and sacramental. In the Divine Service, God serves man with forgiveness of sins for his life and salvation. Gathered by the Holy Spirit, the sinner receives these gifts in faith.

  • Catechesis: Because we believe that Christ calls us to be His lifelong disciples in the waters of baptism, we support Christian education at a variety of levels, including our Sunday School program, our youth program, and various Bible studies. Zion also supports two Lutheran schools: Zion Lutheran School in Worms, Nebraska and Heartland Lutheran High School in Grand Island, Nebraska.

  • Missions: Because Jesus Christ died for all and rose for all, we believe therefore that His salvation is meant for all. Saved by grace alone through faith alone, we rejoice to participate in His work of proclaiming His Gospel both at home and to the ends of the earth.