About Us

FAQ

Every other month (six times/year) the church offers a 101 New Member class. This class is led by the Pastors on a Sunday afternoon. The purpose of the class is for the new members to get to know each other and the pastors, and learn about the Vision and Values of the church – and what it means to be a Christian at a Lutheran Church.

There also is a chance for potential members to ask the pastors their favorite question that they have never had a chance to ask. Potential members are also shown opportunities to get involved in the ministries of GSLC.

How Do I Discover My Spiritual Gifts?

The Bible teaches that each believer is given a spiritual gift, given to them by the Holy Spirit to help them build up the body of Christ. Discovering your gifts, your passion and personality type helps one find a good ministry “fit” and a meaningful place of service.

At GSLC membership has its privileges, “we get to serve”!! Our goal is to get the right person, in the right place, for the right reasons. We believe equipping our members to find the right ministry is one of the most important things we can do as a church.

If you are interested in finding where you might best be used at GSLC, we suggest taking a spiritual gifts inventory. This will help you to determine what potential spiritual gifts you might have and can use to help us in our mission to know, grow and show God’s love. When you are done contact one of the pastors, or Lisa Keimach to determine a good ministry fit for you.

Download PDF version link to Spiritual Gift Assesment or go online at: http://archive.elca.org/evangelizingchurch/assessments/spiritgifts.html.

How do I, or a family member, get baptized at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church?

If you would like to schedule a baptism at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, please contact one of the pastors. We will set up one Baptism meeting with you.

Below are some questions we often get asked about baptism:

Are kids welcome in our worship services?

Yes, kids are definitely welcome in our worship services on Sunday mornings. We have Nursery Care available, up to age 4, and Sunday School for Preschool to 6th grade; however, we always encourage families to worship together. Remember, the Christian faith is caught before it is taught, and your children will learn so much from you as you bring them to worship. They’ll “catch” the faith from you!

Why do Christians baptize?

Jesus commands his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19). This is a command from Jesus which he gives as his "last words" before his ascension into heaven.

How did the first Christians baptize in response to this command of Jesus?

The Book of Acts tells nine stories of baptism as practiced by the early Christian church:
2:14-42 3,000 people in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost
8:12-13 Simon and the men and women of Samaria
8:35-40 Ethiopian eunuch
9:1-19 Saul (Paul)
10:44-48 Gentiles in Caesarea
16:11-15 Lydia and her household
16:31-34 Jailer at Philippi and his entire family
18:5-11 Crispus, all his household, many of the Corinthians
19:1-10 Some disciples in Ephesus
22:6-16 Paul's conversion / baptism story retold

So what can I learn about baptism from the Book of Acts?

One very important learning is that the early Christians baptized entire households, women, and Gentiles (people who were often overlooked by the religious leaders of Jesus' day). The Book of Acts (and the entire Bible for that matter) offers no age, gender, or ethnic restrictions for those who are baptized (See Galatians 3:27-28). Baptism is a gift from God offered to all as a "mark" of faith in Jesus Christ.
Is that why Lutherans and many other Christian denominations practice infant baptism?

Yes, and there are other reasons too: Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs" (Matthew 19:14). In the Bible - time and time again - God initiates our relationship with Him. God chooses us first and then waits for our faithful response.

Isn’t faith a pre-requisite for baptism? How can an infant have faith?

In the Book of Acts, adults are baptized after coming to faith. For adults who desire to be baptized in the church today, this still holds true. Come to faith first (repent; turn back to God), then be baptized to mark the conversion and to be cleansed of all sin. An infant certainly cannot deduce that Jesus is Savior and Lord, or believe in him. Yet for infants and children, a public statement of faith is not a requirement for baptism. So instead, parent/s, sponsor/s, and the church speak on behalf of the infant regarding faith. If infant baptism is nothing more than something we (parent/s, sponsor/s, and the church) do one day for the sake of family tradition or because we just think it's the "right thing to do" and then forget about it - it loses significance and is a hollow ceremony. Baptism is not an end to itself. It is a starting point. It is the planting of the seed of faith, which will be nurtured through the proclamation of the Gospel over the days, months, and years to come by parent/s, sponsor/s, and the church.

Is there something the church does to “mark” the event when baptized children do come to faith?

Yes - Confirmation. As baptized infants grow, faith grows through the hearing of God's Word and participating in important milestones, like receiving their First Bible and First Communion. When they mature spiritually to the point of making a public affirmation of the Christian faith (saying "yes" to God!) - typically after a two-year Confirmation teaching ministry for junior high students - they confirm their faith.

What should I do if I’m an adult and have never been baptized? Is it too late?

Absolutely not. Lutheran Christians baptize infants, children, youth, and adults regardless of age, gender, race or ethnic background. Jesus tells a story (see Luke 15:11-32) of a father whose son runs away from the family home. After a time away, this son realizes how lost he now is without his father, and decides to return home and beg to become a slave in his father's house. But once the father sees his son, he immediately celebrates and welcomes him back into the family with open arms! So it is with our Heavenly Father - God - and his love for all those who have run away from him.

If I was baptized as a child, then left the church, and now have experienced a conversion to faith..

We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Lutherans do not practice rebaptism, but reaffirming their baptism. If you have already been baptized, a second baptism will not change God's love for you. But you can always reaffirm your baptism.

Does baptism serve as an “insurance policy” for salvation?

The Bible does not say that we are saved by baptism. It clearly says that we are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 2:8). The assurance of salvation comes when the promises proclaimed at baptism are claimed and confirmed. Again, Baptism is a great starting point for a life of faith, it is not a finish line or a ticket into heaven.

If I was baptized in another denomination, should I get baptized now as a Lutheran?

No. There is no such thing as a Lutheran baptism, or a Catholic baptism, or a non-denominational baptism, etc. Christian baptism that happens with the words "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" is the same, regardless of where it takes place. Provided you were baptized in the triune name of God, you do not need to be baptized in a Lutheran church to become a part of this Christian community.

Why do some churches “dunk” the people who get baptized, and other churches don’t?

You might be surprised - the answer is a historical and climate-based one, not biblical. When the church originated in the warm climates of the Middle East, immersion baptism was the preferred means. When Christianity expanded into parts of Europe, immersion ("dunking") became a major problem in the winter! Consequently, the practice of "sprinkling" water emerged. Both practices are acceptable for us as Lutheran Christians. Being dunked down in the water and coming up out of the water is a powerful symbol of dying and rising with Jesus.

Who can Baptize?

For the sake or order in the church, ordained pastors who are called to the public ministry of Word and sacraments preside at a baptism. In extraordinary circumstances or in the case of an emergency, any Christian person can baptize someone with any kind of water in any kind of setting "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

What if I want a private baptism?

Baptism is a public event for the whole family of God to celebrate, and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ (the whole church) should be welcome to participate and be present. If, however, getting baptized in a public setting is the only thing keeping you from getting baptized, please call one of the pastors and other arrangements can be made.

Can I take Communion at your church?

Here is what we say: All are welcome! Anyone who names Jesus Christ as Lord and believes that in Holy Communion we receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins and strengthening of faith is invited to commune at our services of worship. If you prefer to receive grape juice instead of the wine, just tell the Pastor or Communion Assistant.

We celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday.

At Northwood we receive communion every week (grape juice only).

Want to Get Married at GSLC?

The first step to getting married at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (or at another location with one of our Pastors officiating) is to speak with a pastor about your desired wedding date. We’ll meet with you to go over all the details. There is no cost to members for use of the Sanctuary. Your only costs are to remunerate the people involved in your wedding: the organist, soloist, video and sound booth personnel. Our Pastors suggest a minimum of three or four pre-marriage counseling meetings, which include planning your wedding ceremony and pastoral pre-marriage counseling. These appointments are set up once the wedding date is set. Each year we do about 12 - 15 weddings for members and non-members alike. Each pastor has their own way of doing pre-marriage counseling. Please call us as early as possible so we can help make your wedding the BEST it can be, 949-552-1918!

What about funerals at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church?

First, if you are grieving the loss of a loved one, we are sorry for your loss and would love to meet with you to offer God’s comfort and help assist you with the preparations for a memorial service or funeral. Please call a pastor early in the process so we can work with you in preparing a service to remember your loved one. There is no cost to members for use of the Sanctuary. Your only costs are to remunerate the people involved in the funeral: the organist, soloist, video and sound booth personnel.

What if I need Pastoral Counseling?

Please contact one of the Pastors. We would be happy to meet with you for Pastoral Counseling and prayer. If your needs are beyond what our training can address, we will refer you to an appropriate professional counselor or mental health practitioner.