General Questions
Q: What does it mean that you’re an ecumenical congregation?
A: Ecumenism refers to initiatives aimed at greater Christian unity. As an ecumenical congregation, the most important thing for us is that people focus on Jesus Christ, not on separate church organizations. While the congregations teaching and preaching ministry reflects a Lutheran understanding of centrals issues, our conversations always mirrors a variety of viewpoints. Our members and friends include Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, Church of Norway members, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists and Pentecostals to mention some. As Christians we see the risen Christ at work in the lives of diverse churches, revealing that the unity of Christ’s church has never been lost. Separation between Christians and churches can be overcome in renewed faith in Christ and this is our response his admonition (John 17; also Philippians 2); to be one in him and love one another as a witness to the world. We believe a faithful response to God’s words is to seek unity, not uniformity.
Q: What is the congregation’s relationship with Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)?
A: The American Lutheran Congregation in Oslo was started as a congregation of the American Lutheran Church, one of the predecessor denominations which came together to form the ELCA in 1988. ELCA is the largest Lutheran Church in the U.S with nearly 10,500 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and nearly five million members. Today the pastor of this congregation is always an ELCA pastor. As such he or she serves as an ongoing connection between the congregation and the ELCA. The congregation at times has also served as an internship site for ELCA Seminarians. The congregation also supports the ELCA’s mission work around the world through outreach contributions. For more information about the ELCA: http://www.elca.org.
For more information about ALC, our faith or if you consider becoming a members, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
Membership Questions
Q: Do I have to become a member to attend worship in ALC?
A: No. Everyone is welcome to attend worship at the ALC. However, only members (Associate or Full members) are able to vote at the Annual meeting or serve on the Church Council. Also becoming a member is a wonderful public statement of one’s support of the mission and ministry of the church.
Q: What characterize the typical ALC member?
A: We are from many nations and denominations united by our faith in Jesus Christ. Our members and friends include Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, Church of Norway members, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists and Pentecostals. Our members and friends are from the U.S.A., Norway, Sweden, Australia, Great Britain, Scotland, Canada, India, Pakistan, Japan, China, Ghana, Iran, Turkey, South Africa, Korea, Hungary, Finland, Tanzania, Brazil, Dominica, Latvia to mention some. Here in Oslo we experience what it is to be one in Christ.
Q: Why should I consider being a member?
A: Every person is welcome to worship and share in the ministry of this congregation. Membership is a commitment you make to the mission and ministry of our church that involves privileges and duties. Members are eligible to serve as elected leaders of the congregation. They have voice and vote in all matters related to the life of the congregation.
Q: How do I become a member?
A: Fill out a visitors card during Sunday Service, attend one of our information meetings for people interested in ALC or contact the Pastor.
Q: What is the difference between an associated member and a full member?
A: ALC has the following type of memberships: Associate members have their primary membership in another church in Norway. As an Associate member, one can participate in all off our Congregation’s activities and voting at the Annual General Meeting. Full members have their church membership in Norway at the ALC and can participate in every aspect of the congregational life of the ALC.
Q: I’m already a member of another Lutheran Church. How do I join?
A: Our church office can request a transfer of your current membership to ALC. Give the office your current church membership when you fill out the Membership Data Sheet, note on the form that you are transferring your membership from another Lutheran Church.
Q: I’m not currently a Lutheran, but I am a baptized and confirmed member of another church. How do I join?
A: This person joins by affirmation of faith.
Q: I am an adult, never been baptized. How do I join?
A: This person joins by the sacrament of Holy Baptism. As an adult, the sacrament is offered freely to anyone who desires this means of grace. Contact the pastor to talk more about Holy Baptism and go to our beliefs and practices page on this site.