ULC upholds the authority of Scripture as God’s Word. God communicates with humanity throughout history—from creation to Abraham and the prophets—and most fully through Christ. The Word continues to speak to us today through Scripture, preaching, prayers, and daily life. Lutheran worship emphasizes God’s communication through sermons, liturgy, and the “priesthood of all believers,” reminding us that God speaks through every faithful action of Christians.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
Salvation comes by God’s grace through faith, not by human works. While God’s law shows us how to live, human sinfulness prevents us from perfectly obeying it. The Gospel is the good news that what we fail to do, God has accomplished in Christ. Through justification by grace through faith, we are reconciled to God, forgiven, and empowered to live in gratitude. God’s love is freely given, and all we need is to trust in His promise.
God has given two sacraments—Baptism and Holy Communion—through which He communicates grace and life.
Baptism: The water and words of Baptism express God’s loving embrace, welcoming us into His body, the Church, and giving new life in Christ.
Holy Communion: In Communion, Christ promises His presence, forgiveness of sins, and spiritual renewal. This sacrament also unites believers in fellowship, sharing God’s grace as a community.
ULC is grounded in the teachings of Martin Luther and the confessional documents of the Lutheran tradition, including the Small and Large Catechisms and the Augsburg Confession. Lutheranism is part of the worldwide Christian community, sharing creeds such as the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. We affirm that Lutheranism is not a separate sect, but one expression of historic, Bible-centered Christianity dating back to Christ.
Living out faith means serving God and others. Christians respond to God’s gifts with gratitude, not to earn salvation, but because we are already saved. The central calling, or vocation, of the Christian life is to serve our neighbors, especially the weak and helpless, as an expression of love for God. Experiencing God’s gifts inspires us to live fully in gratitude, offering our lives as a thank-offering through worship, service, and community engagement.
Our additional key beliefs highlight the timeless truths of God’s Word, the centrality of Jesus Christ, the ongoing voice of God in our lives, and our calling to live faithfully through grace, sacraments, and service to others.
University Lutheran Church is a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), one of the largest Protestant denominations worldwide. Rooted in the teachings of Martin Luther and the 16th-century Reformation, the LCMS emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, the authority of Scripture, and the centrality of Christ in all things. As part of this historic tradition, we are committed to proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing faithful disciples, and serving our community while remaining connected to the global Lutheran family. We warmly welcome all people—students, families, and neighbors alike—to join us in worship, fellowship, and service.