You Might be a Lutheran

Compiled by Kristen Whirrett

Ah, Lutherans. We are blessed with a rich and Biblical heritage. We have a love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and rejoice in the knowledge that He is the only way to Heaven. As Lutherans, we know we are saved by grace, not by works. We believe in grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone. Lutherans. We are a lovable bunch, but we do have our quirks as well. And yes, some of us are hesitant to embrace change!

For this reason, this Lutheran list rings quite true and always makes me smile. It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek but written as only a Lutheran can fully understand and appreciate. These have floated around for years with no known authors. Can you understand and empathize with any of these? What would you add to this list? Have a good Lutheran laugh today…and give thanks for the joy God brings into our lives!

You Might Be a Lutheran if…

…when you were little you actually thought the Reverend’s first name was “Pastor.”

…during the entire service you hold your hymnal open but never look down at it.
…you think Garrison Keillor’s stories are totally factual.
…you have your wedding reception in the fellowship hall and feel guilty about not staying to help clean up.

…in response to someone jumping up and shouting “Praise the Lord!” you politely remind him or her that we don’t do that around here.

…you hear something really funny and smile as loud as you can.

…it takes 10 minutes (or more) to say good-bye.

…you love potlucks.

…you’re watching “Star Wars” in the theatre and when they say, “May the force be with you,” you reply, “and also with you.”

…Bach is your favorite composer just because he was Lutheran, too.

…you actually think the pastor’s jokes are funny.

…you know all the words to the first verse of “Silent Night” in German but can’t speak a word of it.
…you have an uncontrollable urge to sit in the back of any room.
…your mother reminds you often that she wishes you’d studied the organ.
…you think that an ELCA Lutheran bride and an LCMS groom make for a “mixed marriage.”
…you hold your family reunion in the church basement.
…you sing “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” while sitting down.
…all your relatives graduated from a school named Concordia.
…your idea of an affirmation is “This is most certainly true.”

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After graduating from Concordia Seward and serving as a Lutheran teacher for a decade, Kristen is now a stay-at-home Mom. She still teaches music part time at one of the 16 Lutheran schools in Fort Wayne. Kristen writes about living both frugally and joyfully on her website –Joyfully Thriving. When she’s not busy finding good bargains, you might find her reading with her son or baking something chocolate. Kristen’s husband, Andy (another Lutheran school teacher), is living this frugal Lutheran journey with her, as they raise their 9-month old son, Nathan.